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DDiiccttiioonnaarryy
OOff
PPeettrroolleeuumm
EEnnggiinneeeerriinngg
The Author
Parmanand Thakur
Creation Date: 9th, November, 2000.
PPrreeppaarreedd BByy::
PPeettrroolleeuumm EEnnggiinneeeerr::
MMoohhaammmmeedd ZZoouuhhrryy EEll--HHeelluu..
EE--MMaaiill:: ppeetteenngg..mmzzhheelluu@@ggmmaaiill..ccoomm
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11.. AA ))رمز األمبيررمز األمبير((
Ampere, a unit of electrical current equivalent to the steady current produced
by 1 volt applied across a resistance of 1 ohm.
22.. AA--FFRRAAMMEE
TA two-legged (with two legs), metal or wooden support in the form of the
letter "A" for hoisting or exerting a vertical pull with block and tackle or block
and winch line, the block fastened to the 3pex of the A-frame, Such a frame
fixed to move off location before the well is completed. And although the
operators of the drilling vessel know the approximate location of the
temporarily abandoned well, to be able to reenter the hole without diver
assistance, which often is not possible, requires the pinpointing of the location
by electronic means.
33.. AA--hh ))أمبير في الساعةأمبير في الساعة((
TAmpere-hour.T
44.. AA--mmaasstt ))رافعة صاريةرافعة صارية((
TAn A-shaped arrangement of upright poles, usually steel, used for lifting
heavy loads. T
566.. AAAAOODDCC ))الجمعية األمريكية لمتعاقدي حفر األبار البتروليةالجمعية األمريكية لمتعاقدي حفر األبار البترولية((
TAmerican Association of Oil well Drilling Contractors.
77.. AAAAPPGG ))الجمعية األمريكية لجيولوجيين البترولالجمعية األمريكية لجيولوجيين البترول((
TAmerican Association of Petroleum Geologists.T
88.. AAbbaannddoonn ))ئرئرهجر البهجر الب((
TTo cease producing oil or gas from a well when it becomes unprofitable. A
wildcat )بئر إستكشافية غير منتجة( may be abandoned after it has been proven
nonproductive. Usually, before a well is abandoned, some of the casing is
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
22
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
removed and salvaged )مثال، الممتلكاتينقذ( and one or more cement plugs placed
in the borehole to prevent migration of fluids between the various formations.
In many states, abandonment must be approved by an official regulatory
agency before being undertaken. T
99.. AABBAANNDDOONNEEDD OOIILL ))تخلى عنه((نفط المتروك نفط المتروك الالتخلى عنهالمالم((((
TOil permitted to escape from storage tanks or pipeline by an operator. If the
operator makes no effort to recover the oil, the land owner )صاحب األرض( on
whose property the oil has run may trap the oil for his own use. T
1100.. AAbbaannddoonneedd WWeellll ))بئر مهجورةبئر مهجورة((
TConverting a drilled well to a condition that can be left indefinitely
)ألجل غير مسمى( without further attention and which will not damage fresh
water supplies or potential petroleum reservoirs. T
1111.. AAbbdd ))إختصار هجر البئرإختصار هجر البئر((
Or abdn, abbr abandoned; used in drilling reports.
1122.. AAbbnnoorrmmaall pprreessssuurree ))الضغط الشاذالضغط الشاذ((
Pressure exerted by a formation and exceeding or falling below the normal
pressure to be expected at a given depth. Normal pressure increases
approximately (0.465 psi) per foot of depth. Thus, normal pressure at 10,000
ft is 4,650 psi; abnormal pressure is higher than or lower than 4,650 psi.
Formations with abnormally high pressure )ضغط طبقي علي شاذ( must be
controlled to prevent a blowout. (See pressure gradient.).
1133.. AAbbooaarrdd ))ن السفينةن السفينةعلى متعلى مت((
Tadon or in a ship or offshore drilling rig.T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
33
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
1144.. AABBSS ))النفوذية المطلقةالنفوذية المطلقة) () (المديرية األمريكية للسفنالمديرية األمريكية للسفن((
(1) Abbr, the American Bureau )دائرة رسمية أو مديرية( of Shipping; an organization
that sets standards and specifications for ships and ship equipment
manufactured in the U.S.
(2) Absolute permeability )النفوذية المطلقة( , the case with which a fluid flows
through a formation that is 100 percent saturated with that fluid.
1155.. AABBSSOOLLUUTTEE aallccoohhooll )) طلقطلق كحول مصافيصافي((كحول م((((
TOne hundred percent ethyl alcohol.
1166.. AAbbssoolluuttee ppoorroossiittyy ))المسامية المطلقةالمسامية المطلقة((
Of the total bulk volume of a rock sample, the percentage that is composed of
pore spaces or voids )فجوات أو مسامات( . (See porosity.) T
1177.. AAbbssoolluuttee pprreessssuurree ))طلقطلقالضغط المالضغط الم((
The pressure reckoned )يحسب( from absolute zero pressure, or gauge pressure
)الضغط المقاس( plus the pressure of the atmosphere. It is expressed in units of
force per unit of area, as pounds per square inch absolute (psia). T
1188.. AAbbssoolluuttee tteemmppeerraattuurree ssccaallee
A measure of temperature in which zero degrees is absolute zero. The
Rankine absolute temperature scale corresponds to degrees Fahrenheit, in
which water freezes at 491.691 and boils at 671.691. The Kelvin absolute
temperature scale corresponds to degrees centigrade, in which water freezes
at 2731 and boils at 373 T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
44
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
1199.. AAbbssoolluuttee zzeerroo ))الصفر المطلقالصفر المطلق((
A hypothetical temperature )درجة حرارة افتراضية( at which there is a total
absence of heat.
2200.. AAbbssoorrbb ))يمتصيمتص((
To recover liquid hydrocarbons from natural or refinery gas in a gas-
absorption plant. The wet gas enters the absorber )برج اإلمتصاص( at the
bottom and rises to the top, encountering a stream of a absorption oil (a light
oil or similar fraction) traveling downward over bubble-cap trays
)صينية كؤؤس الفقاقيع( . The lighter fraction removes, or absorbs, the heavier liquid
hydrocarbons from the wet gas. T
2211.. AAbbssoorrbbeerr ))برج اإلمتصاصبرج اإلمتصاص((
A vertical, cylindrical vessel that recovers heavier hydrocarbons from a
mixture of predominantly )أساسي( lighter hydrocarbons. (See absorb.)
2222.. AAbbssoorrppttiioonn ggaassoolliinnee ))من الغاز الطبيعي من الغاز الطبيعيالغازولين الممتصالغازولين الممتص ((
The gasoline extracted from natural gas by putting the gas in contact with an
oil in a vessel and subsequently )ومن ثم، فيما بعد( distilling the gasoline from the
heavier oil.
2233.. AABBSSOORRPPTTIIOONN OOIILL ))النفط المستخدم في األمتصاصالنفط المستخدم في األمتصاص((
An oil with a high affinity for light hydrocarbons but containing few if any of
the light compound, composing gasoline or natural gas. The oil used in an
absorption plant (q.v.). T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
55
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
2244.. AABBSSOORRPPTTIIOONN PPLLAANNTT ))وحدة اإلمتصاصوحدة اإلمتصاص((
An oil field facility that removes liquid hydrocarbons from natural gas,
especially casinghead gas )الغاز المفصول عن النفط على السطح( . The gas is run
through oil of a proper character which absorbs the liquid components of the
gas. The liquids are then recovered from the oil by distillation. T
2255.. AAbbssoorrppttiioonn ttoowweerr ))برج اإلمتصاصبرج اإلمتصاص((
T(See absorber.)
2266.. AAbbyyssssaall ))مياه قاع البحرمياه قاع البحر((
Tof or relating to the bottom waters of the ocean.
2277.. AACC ))التيار المترددالتيار المتردد((
Abbr of Alternating Aurrent.
2288.. AACCCCEELLEERRAATTEEDD AAGGIINNGG TTEESSTT
TA procedure whereby an oil product is subjected to intensified but controlled
conditions of heat, pressure, radiation, or other variables to produce, in a
short time, the effects of long-time storage or use under normal conditions. T
2299.. AAcccceelleerraattoorr ))مسرع التصلب لالسمنتمسرع التصلب لالسمنت((
A chemical additive that reduces the setting time of cement. (See cementing
materials.)
3300.. AAcccceelleerraattoorr jjaarr )) عرسع مرسالمطرقة الهيدروليكيةالمطرقة الهيدروليكية) ) مزود طاقةمزود طاقة((م((
(See jar accelerator.) T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
66
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
3311.. AAccccoorrdd IImmpplleemmeennttaattiioonn AAccttss
The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord
Implementation Act, S.C. 1988, c.28 and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore
Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation (Nova Scotia) Act, S.N.S. 1987,
c.3. The federal and provincial "mirror" legislation implements the provisions
of the 1986 Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord and
governs all petroleum activities that take place in the offshore area. T
3322.. AAccccuummuullaattee ))يتراكميتراكم((
To amass )يكدس( or collect. When oil and gas migrate into porous formations,
the quantity collected is called an accumulation. T
3333.. AAccccuummuullaattoorr )) راكمراكم المخزان تجميع السائلخزان تجميع السائل((الم((((
(1). a vessel or tank that receives and temporarily stores a liquid used in a
continuous process in a gas plant.
(2). On a drilling rig, an accumulator stores the nitrogen-pressurized hydraulic
fluid used in closing the blowout preventers. (See blowout presenter control
unit.).
(3). A drip accumulator )خزان السائل المتقطر( collects the liquid hydrocarbons that
condense out of a wet gas traveling through a pipeline.
3344.. AACCCCUUMMUULLAATTOORR SSYYSSTTEEMM ))نظام التجميعنظام التجميع((
A hydraulic system designed to provide power to all closure elements
)عناصر اإلغالق( of the rig's blowout preventer stack )وعة موانع اإلندفاعمجم( .
Hydraulic oil is forced into one or more vessels by a high-pressure, small-
volume pump and Its charge of Inert gas, usually nitrogen. The gas is
compressed and stores potential energy. When the system is actuated, the oil
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
77
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
under high pressure is released and opens or closes the valves on the BOP
stack.
3355.. aacceettiicc aacciidd )) الخليكالخليك((حمض األستيك حمض األستيك((((
An organic acid compound sometimes used to acidize oil wells. It is not as
corrosive as other acids used in well treatments. Its chemical formula is
C2H4O2, or CH3COOH.
3366.. AACCEETTOONNEE ))األسيتوناألسيتون((
A flammable )قابل لالشتعال( , liquid compound used widely in industry as a solvent
for many organic substances.
3377.. AACCEETTYYLLEENNEE ))أستيلينأستيلين((
A colorless )عديم اللون( , highly flammable gas with a sweetish odor
)الرائحة حلوة قلي( ; used with oxygen In oxyacetylene welding )لحام األسيتلين( . It is
produced synthetically by incomplete combustion )إحتراق غير التام( of coal gas
and also by the action of water on calcium carbide (CaC2). Also can be made
from natural gas. T
33399.. aacceettyylleennee wweellddiinngg ))لحام اإلسيتيلينلحام اإلسيتيلين((
A method of joining steel components, in which acetylene gas and oxygen are
mixed in a torch )مشعل، محرق( to attain the high temperatures needed to weld. T
4400.. AAcciidd ))الحمضالحمض((
Any chemical compound, one element of which is hydrogen, that dissociates
)يتفكك( in solution to produce free-hydrogen ions. (See ion.) For example,
hydrochloric acid, HCI, dissociates in water to produce hydrogen ions, H+, and
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
88
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
chloride ions, Cl-. This reaction is expressed chemically as HC@-H + + Cl-(See
dissociation.).T
44422.. AACCIIDD BBOOTTTTLLEE IINNCCLLIINNAATTOORR ))كاشف الميل الزجاجي الحمضيكاشف الميل الزجاجي الحمضي((
A device used in a well to determine the degree of deviation from the vertical
of the well bore. The acid is used to etch a horizontal line on the container,
and from the angle the line makes with the wall of the container, the angle of
the well's course can be arrived at. T
44444.. AAcciidd ffrraaccttuurree ))التشقيق الحمضيالتشقيق الحمضي((
To open cracks in productive hard-limestone formations by using a
combination of oil and acid (or water and acid) under high pressure. (See
formation fracturing) T
4455.. AACCIIDD--RREECCOOVVEERRYY PPLLAANNTT ))وحدة استرجاع األحماضوحدة استرجاع األحماض((
An auxiliary facility at some refineries where sludge acid )وحلمتالحمض ال( is
separated into acid oil, tar, and weak sulfuric acid )حمض الكبريتيك( . The sulfuric
acid is then re-concentrated.
4466.. RReeccoovveerryy ))اإلحتياطياإلحتياطي((
The total volume of hydrocarbons that has been or is anticipated )يتوقع( to be
produced from a well or field. T
4477.. AACCIIDD SSLLUUDDGGEE ))وحلوحلمتمتالحمض الالحمض ال((
The residue left after treating petroleum with sulfuric acid for the removal of
Impurities )الشوائب( . The sludge is a black, viscous substance containing the
spent acid and the impurities which the acid has removed from the oil. T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
99
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
4488.. AACCIIDD TTRREEAATTMMEENNTT
A refining process in which unfinished petroleum products such as gasoline,
kerosene, diesel fuels, and lubricating stocks are treated with sulfuric acid to
improve color, odor, and other properties.
4499.. AAcciiddiittyy ))الحموضةالحموضة((
The relative acid strengths of liquids as measured by pH; a pH value below 7.
(See pH value.) T
5500.. AAcciiddiizzee ))ض البئرمحض البئريمحي((
To treat oil-bearing limestone or other formations, using a chemical reaction
with acid, to increase production. Hydrochloric or other acid is injected into
the formation under pressure. The acid etches the rock, enlarging the pore
spaces and passages )ممرات( through which the reservoir fluids flow. The acid
is then pumped out and the well swabbed )ينظف( and put back into production
)يوضع باإلنتاج مرة أخرى( . Chemical inhibitors combined with the acid prevent
corrosion of the pipe.
5511.. AACCIIDDIIZZIINNGG AA WWEELLLL ))تحميض البئرتحميض البئر((
A technique for increasing the flow of oil from a well by the use of a quantity
of acid pumped downhole and into the rock formation. Hydrochloric acid is
pumped or forced under high pressure into a limestone formation which
dissolves the limestone, enlarging the cavity and increasing the surface area
of the hole opposite the producing formation. The high pressure of the
treatment also forces the acid into cracks and fissures )فجوات( enlarging them
and resulting in an increased flow of oil into the well bore. T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
1010
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
5522.. AACCOOUUSSTTIICC PPLLEENNUUMM ))على المنصة البحريةعلى المنصة البحرية، ، الغرفة المانعة للضجيجالغرفة المانعة للضجيج((
TA sound-proof room; an off Ice or "sanctuary )الحرم أو الملجأ( " aboard an
offshore drilling platform protected from the noise of drilling engines and pipe
handling.T
5533.. aaccoouussttiicc ppoossiittiioonn rreeffeerreennccee ))إشارة موقع جهاز الحفر الصوتيةإشارة موقع جهاز الحفر الصوتية((
A system consisting of: a beacon )منارة( positioned on the seafloor to transmit
an acoustic signal )إشارة صوتية( , a set of three or four hydrophones mounted on
the hull of a floating offshore drilling vessel to receive the signal, and a
position display unit )وحدة عرض الموقع( to track )يتعقب أثر ما( the relative positions
of the rig and the drill site. Monitoring of the display unit ensures accurate
positioning of the rig over the site.
5544.. AACCOOUUSSTTIICC RREEEENNTTRRYY ))المركزة الصوتية للحفارة البحريةالمركزة الصوتية للحفارة البحرية((
A method used In offshore operations, particularly in deep water for
repositioning a drillship or semisubmersible drilling platform over a hole
previously drilled and cased. The technique employs acoustic signals emitted
)ترسل أو تطلق( by equipment on board the ship which are "bounced off
)ثبتت بعيدا( " the submerged wellhead indicating to receivers the location of the
hole. In hostile environments )عدوانيةأوساط ( such as a severe storm or
encroaching ice, a drillship may be forced to move off )يحرك بعيدا( location
before the well is completed. And although the operators of the drilling vessel
know the approximate location of the temporarily abandoned well, to be able
to reenter the hole without diver assistance, which often is not possible,
requires the pinpointing )يحدد بدقة( of the location by electronic means. T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
1111
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
5555.. AAccoouussttiicc ssuurrvveeyy )) الصوتيةالصوتية) ) الطريقةالطريقة((المسح المسح((
A well logging method that measures the time required for sound impulses
)النبضات الصوتية( to travel through a given length of rock to permit estimation of
the rock porosity of a given formation and of the type of fluid contained in the
rock. This process is also called sonic logging.
5566.. AAccrree--ffoooott )) بالقدمبالقدم) ) انانفدفد((أكر أكر((
A unit of volume often used in oil-reservoir analysis, equivalent to the volume
(as of oil or water) necessary to cover 1 acre to a depth of 1 foot.
5577.. AACCRREE--FFOOOOTT OOFF SSAANNDD
A unit of measurement applied to petroleum reserves; an acre of producing
formation one foot thick.
5588.. AAccrree--fftt
Tacre-foot. T
56600.. AAccrroossss ))خاللخالل((
over. The term usually describes conditions of flow on one side of a piece of
equipment as compared with conditions on the opposite side where a fluid is
flowing (e.g., a pressure drop across a separator). T
6611.. AACCSS ))جمعية الكيميائيين األمريكيينجمعية الكيميائيين األمريكيين((
TAmerican Chemical Society.
6622.. AACCTT
Automatic custody transfer, more commonly called LACT, lease automatic
custody transfer.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
1212
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
6633.. SSYYSSTTEEMM
TAutomatic Custody Transfer System (q.v.),
6644.. AAccttiivvaatteedd cchhaarrccooaall )) عالي اإلمتصاص واإلمتزازعالي اإلمتصاص واإلمتزاز) ) منشطمنشط((فحم فحم((
A form of carbon characterized by a high absorptive and adsorptive capacity
for gases, vapors, and colloidal solids.
6655.. AACCTTUUAATTOORR
See Operator.
6666.. AACCVV )) الهوائيالهوائي) ) الوسادةالوسادة((مركبات الدفع مركبات الدفع((
Air cushion vehicle. See Air Cushion Transport
))بواسطة وسادة هوائية(النقل بالدفع الهوائي ( . T
6677.. AADDAA MMUUDD ))إضافات الطفلة للحصول على عينات كور مناسبةإضافات الطفلة للحصول على عينات كور مناسبة((
A material which may be added to drilling mud to condition it in order to
obtain satisfactory core samples.
6688.. AADDAAPPTTEERR ))محول وصل جزئين مختلفتينمحول وصل جزئين مختلفتين((
A device to provide a connection between two dissimilar parts or between
similar parts of different sizes. See Swage. T
6699.. AADDDDIITTIIVVEE ))ضبط الخواص ضبط الخواصإضافاتإضافات ((
TA chemical added to oil, gasoline, or other products to enhance certain
characteristics or to give them other desirable properties. additive a
substance or compound added in small amounts to a larger volume of
another substance to change some characteristic of the latter. In the oil
industry, additives are used in lubricating oil, fuel, drilling mud, and cement
for cementing casing. T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
1313
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
7700.. AADDDDMMVVEE
A chemical added to oil, gasoline, or other products to enhance certain
characteristics or to give them other desirable properties. T
7711.. aaddhheerree ))يلصقيلصق((
To stick or bond to (as paint to a metallic surface).
7722.. aaddiiaabbaattiicc cchhaannggee ))تحول كظومتحول كظوم((
A change in the temperature of a gas, caused specifically by a change in the
pressure of the gas. T
7733.. aaddjjuussttaabbllee cchhookkee )) للتغييرللتغيير((إختناق قابل للتعديل إختناق قابل للتعديل((((
A choke in which a conical needle and seat vary the rate of flow. adsorption
the adhesion of a thin film )فيلم أو غشاء رقيق( of a gas or liquid to the surface of
a solid. Liquid hydrocarbons are recovered from natural gas by passing the
gas through activated charcoal, which extracts the heavier hydrocarbons.
Steam treatment of the charcoal removes the adsorbed hydrocarbons, which
are then collected and recondensed. T
7744.. AADDSSOORRPPTTIIOONN ))اإلمتزازاإلمتزاز((
The attraction exhibited by the surface of a solid for a liquid or a gas when
they are in contact.T
7755.. AADDVVAANNCCEE PPAAYYMMEENNTT AAGGRREEEEMMEENNTT ))اتفاقية الدفع المسبقاتفاقية الدفع المسبق((
A transaction )صفقة( in which one operator advances a sum of money
)مبلغ من المال( or credit to another operator to assist In developing an oil or gas
field. The agreement provides an option to the "lender" to buy a portion or all
of the production resulting from the development work. T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
1414
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
7777.. AAEECC ))وكالة الطاقة الذريةوكالة الطاقة الذرية((
TAtomic Energy Commission.
7788.. aaeerraattiioonn )) لمائع الحفر مثاللمائع الحفر مثال((التهوية التهوية((((
The technique of injecting air or gas into a fluid. For example, air is injected
into drilling fluid to reduce the density of the fluid. T
7799.. AAEERRIIFFYY ))التغويزالتغويز((
To change Into a gaseous form; to infuse with or force air into; gasify.
8800.. aaeerroobbiicc ))هوائيهوائي((
requiring free, atmospheric oxygen for normal activity. T
8811.. AAFFRRAA ))ييم معدل أجرة الشحن المتوسطة لناقالت البترولييم معدل أجرة الشحن المتوسطة لناقالت البترولتقتق((
TAverage freight rate assessment (for tankers). T
8822.. aafftt
toward or near the stern of a ship or offshore drilling rig. T
8833.. AAGGAA ))جمعية الغاز األمريكيةجمعية الغاز األمريكية((
American Gas Association.
8844.. aaggee ))فترة تصلب اإلسمنتفترة تصلب اإلسمنت((
to allow cement to mature, or reach a stage harder than that of immediate
setting. This process is sometimes called curing.
8855.. AAGGEENNCCYY CCOONNTTRRAACCTT
A type of agreement which in many cases has replaced the concession (q.v.)
as the form of petroleum development agreement in the Middle East and with
OPEC countries elsewhere. Under an agency contract, title to oil installations
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
1515
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
and oil produced arc held by the host government, but !he government bears
none of the costs of initial exploration. Also, the foreign company does not
have a long-term, exclusive right to exploit the minerals as is the case under
a concession agreement.
8866.. AAIICChhEE ))المعهد األمريكي للمهندسين الكيميائيينالمعهد األمريكي للمهندسين الكيميائيين((
TAmerican Institute of Chemical Engineers. T
8877.. AAIIMMEE
Tthe American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, New
York City-based parent group of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. The SPE,
headquartered )مركز العمليات( in Dallas, Tex., publishes the Journal of Petroleum
Technology. T
8888.. AAIIMMMMEE
TAmerican Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers. T
889900.. AAiirr
balanced beam-pumping unit (See sucker-rod pumping.)
9911.. AAIIRR--BBAALLAANNCCEEDD BBEEAAMM PPUUMMPPIINNGG UUNNIITT
))وحدة الضخ المعلق ذات التوازن الهوائيوحدة الضخ المعلق ذات التوازن الهوائي((
An oil well pumping jack equipped with a piston and rod that works in an air
chamber to balance the weight of the string of sucker rods. The device is
attached to the well end of the walking beam and, acting as a shock
absorber, does away with )يتخلص من( (eliminate) the need for counterweights
on the rear end of the walking beam.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
1616
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
9922.. AAIIRR BBOOTTTTLLEE
A steel cylinder of oxygen for oxyacetylene welding, an air chamber (q.v.); a
"bottle" or welded steel tank with air under pressure for use in starting certain
types of gas engines on leases or at pumping stations. The compressed air at
a pressure of 200 pounds or so per square inch is piped from the tank to the
engine's cylinderhead. To start the engine a hand-operated, quick-opening
and closing valve is instantly opened admitting the high pressure air into the
firing chamber. This pushes the piston as on a power stroke. After a burst of
air. the valve is shut off until the piston moves back on another compression
stroke. Then the valve is opened for another shot of air. By this time the
engine is rolling so the fuel (gas) valve is opened, fires engine fires and
begins running.
9933.. AAIIRR BBUURRSSTTSS
A geophysical technique used in marine seismic work in which bursts of
compressed air from an air gun towed by the seismographic vessel are used
to produce sound waves. Air bursts do not destroy marine life as did explosive
charges. T
9944.. AAIIRR CCHHAAMMBBEERR
TA small tank or "bottle" connected to a reciprocating pump's discharge
chamber or fine to absorb and dampen the surges in pressure from the
rhythmic pumping action. Air chambers are charged with sufficient air
pressure to provide an air cushion that minimizes the pounding and vibration
associated with the pumping of fluids with plunger pumps. T
9955.. AAIIRR--CCOOOOLLEEDD EENNGGIINNEE
TAn engine in which heat from the combustion chamber and friction is
dissipated to the atmosphere through metal tins integral to the engine's
cylinder head and block assemblies. The heat generated flows though the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
1717
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
engine head and cylinder walls and into the fins by conductance and is given
off by the fins acting as radiators. A small, two-cycle engine without water
jacketing, water pump, or conventional radiator. T
9966.. AAIIRR CCUUSSHHIIOONN TTRRAANNSSPPOORRTT
TA vehicle employing the hover craft principle of down-thrusting air stream
support, developed to transport equipment and supplies in the arctic regions.
The air cushion protects the tundra from being cut by the wheels or treads of
conventional vehicles. T
9977.. AAiirr--ccuutt
Thaving inadvertent mechanical incorporation of air into a fluid system.
9988.. AAIIRR DDRRIILLLLIINNGG
TThe use of air as a drilling fluid. In certain types of formations, air drilling is
considered a better medium than conventional drilling mud. It is more
economical (mud is expensive and the preparation of the slurry and
maintaining its condition is time consuming), drilling rates are higher,
penetration is faster, and bit life is longer. Although air does a good job of
cooling the bit and bringing out the pulverized rock, it has severe limitations.
With air drilling, water in the subsurface formations and downhole gas
pressure cannot be controlled. When drilling in an area where these two types
of intrusions may occur, a mud system must be on standby to avert possible
trouble. air drilling a method of rotary drilling that uses compressed air as its
circulation medium. This method of removing cuttings from the wellbore is as
efficient or more efficient than the traditional methods using water or drilling
mud; in addition, of penetration is increased considerably when air drilling is
used. However, a principal problem in air drilling is the penetration of
formations containing water, since the entry of water into the system reduces
its efficiency. T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
1818
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
9999.. AAiirr ggaapp
Tthe distance from the normal level of the sea surface to the bottom of the hull
or base of an offshore drilling platform. T
110000.. AAIIRR HHOOIISSTT
TA hoist. a mechanism for lifting operated by a compressed air motor; T
110011.. AAIIRR--IINNJJEECCTTIIOONN MMEETTHHOODD
TA type of secondary recovery Ii production by forcing the oil from the
reservoir into the well bore. Cc-,c-3u-,t, of the dangers inherent in the use of
air, this method is not a common practice except in areas where there is
insufficient gas for repressuring. T
110022.. AAIIRR WWRREENNCCHH
TSee Impact Wrench.
110033.. AAIIRREEDD UUPP
TRefers to a condition in a plunger pump when the suction chamber is full of
air or gas blocking the intake of oil into the chamber. Before the pump will
operate efficiently, the air must be bled off and vented to the atmosphere
through a bleeder line or by loosening the suction valve covers to permit the
escape of the air. T
110044.. AALLIIPPHHAATTIICCSS
TOne of the two classes of organic petrochemicals the other is the aromatics
(q.v.), the most important aliphatics are the gases, ethylene. Butylene,
acetylene and propylene. T
110055.. AALLKKYYLLAATTIIOONN
TA refining process that, simply stated, is the reverse of cracking. The
alkylation process starts with small molecules and ends up with larger ones.
To a refining engineer, alkylation is the reaction of butylene or propylene with
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
1919
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
isobutane to form an isoparaffin, alkylate, a superior gasoline blending
component. T
110066.. AALLLL--TTHHRREEAADD NNIIPPPPLLEE
TA short piece of small-diameter pipe with threads over its entire length; a
close nipple. T
110077.. AALLLLOOWWAABBLLEE
TThe amount of oil or gas a well or leasehold is permitted to produce under
proration order of a state regulatory body. Under a lease allowable, the lease
is considered producing unit. In some instances if a lease has eight wells, for
example and one of eight is unable to make its production for some reason
the other seven wells can increase their flow to make up the loss of the ailing
well. allowable the amount of oil or gas produced from a well per unit of time.
In a state using proration, this figure is established monthly by its
conservation agency. T
110088.. AALLLLUUVVIIAALL FFAANN
TPertains to the silt, clay, sand, and other sediment deposited by a stream as it
spreads out on a plain or overflows its banks and then recedes. Also the silt
laid down by a tributary stream as it joins the mainstreamT
110099.. aallpphhaa ppaarrttiiccllee
Tone of the extremely small particles of an atom that is ejected from a
radioactive substance (as radium or uranium) as it 'disintegrates. Alpha
particles have a positive charge. T
1111111.. AALLTTEERRNNAATTEE FFIIEELLDDSS
TFuels-gas, gasoline, heating oil-made from coal, oil shales, or tar sands by
various methods. Alternate fuels may also include steam from geothermal
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
2020
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
wells where super-heated water deep in the earth is used to generate steam
for electric power generation. T
1111133.. AALLUUMMIINNUUMM CCHHLLOORRIIDDEE
TA chemical used as a catalytic agent in oil refining and for the removal of odor
and color from cracked gasoline.
1111155.. aammbbiieenntt tteemmppeerraattuurree
Tthe temperature of the medium by which an object is surrounded.
111166.. AAMMEERRIIPPOOLL
TThe trade name for products made from a type of synthetic rubber.
111177.. AAMMIINNEE
TOrganic bases used in refining operations to absorb acidic gases (H2S, COS,
C02) occurring in process streams. Two common amines are
monoethanolamine (MEA) and diethanolamine (DEA). T
111188.. AAMMIINNEE UUNNIITT
TA natural gas treatment unit for removing contaminants-H-S, COS,
CO@th6'us-o of amines (q.v.). Amine units are often f,,kid-motinter.1 so they
can be moved to the site of new gas production. Gas containing H2S and
other impurities must be cleaned up before it is acceptable to gas
transmission pipelines. T
111199.. AAMMMMOONNIIUUMM SSUULLFFAATTEE
TA salt having commercial value which is obtained in the distillation of shale
oils.
112200.. AAMMOONNDD DDRRIILLLL BBIITT
Drill bit with many small industrial (man-made) diamonds set in the nose or
cutting surface of the bit. Diamonds are many times harder than @ hardest
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
2121
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
steel, so a diamond bit makes possible longer bit runs before round trip is
necessary to change bits. T
1112222.. aammoorrttiizzaattiioonn
T1. The return of a debt, principal, and interest in equal annual installments. 2.
the return of invested principal in a sinking fund. T
1112244.. aammppeerree
Ta unit of electrical current equivalent to the steady current produced by 1 volt
applied across a resistance of 1 ohm. T
112255.. aammppeerree hhoouurr
Ta unit of electricity equal to the amount produced in 1 hour by a flow of 1
ampere. T
1112277.. AAMMYYLL HHYYDDRRIIDDEE
TThis fraction in the distillation of petroleum was used as an anesthetic by
J.Bigelow and B. Richardson in the year 1865. T
1112299.. aannaaeerroobbiicc bbaacctteerriiaa
Tany of several types of bacteria that do not require free oxygen to live or are
not destroyed by its absence. Under certain conditions, anaerobic bacteria can
cause scale to form in water-handling facilities in oil fields. T
1113311.. aanncchhoorr
Tany device that secures or fastens equipment. In downhole equipment, the
term often refers to the tail pipe. In offshore drilling, floating drilling vessels
are sometimes secured over drill sites by large metal anchors like those used
on ships. T
113322.. AANNCCHHOORR BBOOLLTT
TA stud bolt; a large bolt for securing an engine or other item of equipment to
its foundation. T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
2222
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
1113344.. aanncchhoorr bbuuooyy
Ta floating marker used in a spread mooring system to position each anchor of
a semisubmersible rig or drill ship.
1113366.. aanncchhoorr wwaasshh
Tpipe spear a fishing tool attached to washover pipe by means of slips and
released from the pipe once the fish is engaged by the tool. It provides a way
to perform a washover and retrieve a stuck fish off the bottom in one round
trip. T
113377.. AANNEEMMOOMMEETTEERR
TAn instrument for measuring and indicating the force or speed of the wind. T
113388.. aannggllee--aazziimmuutthh iinnddiiccaattoorr
T(See riser-angle indicator.)
113399.. aannggllee ooff ddeefflleeccttiioonn
Tin directional drilling, the angle at which a well is deflected from the vertical
by a whipstock or other deflecting tool. T
114400.. aannggllee ooff ddeevviiaattiioonn
T(See deviation.) T
114411.. aannggllee ooff ddrriifftt
T(See deviation.)
1114433.. TTaannggllee ssuubb
T(See bent sub.)
1114455.. AAnngguullaarr uunnccoonnffoorrmmiittyy
Tan unconformity in which formations on opposite sides are not parallel. T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
2323
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
114466.. aannhhyyddrriittee
Tthe common name for calcium sulfate, CaSO4, sometimes called gypsum or
gyp. Anhydrite formations are sometimes encountered during drilling T
114477.. aannhhyyddrroouuss
Twithout water.
114488.. aanniilliinnee ppooiinntt
Tthe lowest temperature at which the chemical aniline and a solvent (such as
the oil in oil-base muds) will mix completely. Generally, the oil of oil-base
muds should have an aniline point of at least 150 F to obtain maximum
service life from the rubber components in the mud system. T
114499.. aanniioonn
T(See ion.)
115500.. AAnnnnuullaarr BBlloowwoouutt PPrreevveenntteerr )) عامعام، ، شمولشمول((مانع إندفاع حلقي مانع إندفاع حلقي((((
Ta large valve, usually installed above the ram preventers, which forms a seal
in the annular space between the pipe and wellbore or, if no pipe is present,
on the wellbore itself T
115511.. AANNNNUULLAARR SSPPAACCEE ))الفراغ الحلقيالفراغ الحلقي((
TThe space between the well's casing and the wall of the borehole. The ring of
space surrounding the well's casing, defined by wall of the borehole. See
Annulus of a Well. the space surrounding a cylindrical object within a cylinder.
2. the space around a pipe in a wellbore, sometimes termed the annulus, the
outer wall of which may be the wall of either the borehole or the casing. T
1115533.. AAnnnnuulluuss
T(See annular space.) T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
2424
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
115544.. AANNNNUULLUUSS OOFF AA WWEELLLL
TThe space between the surface casing or conductor casing and the producing
or well-bore casing. Annular and annulus are often used interchangeably as
both derive from the Latin stem word annularis which means "relating to or
forming a ring." T
1115566.. aannooddee
Tthe positive element of any electrical device from which electricity flows. T
115577.. AANNOODDEE,, BBUUOOYYAANNTT
TA source of electric current (DC) for protecting offshore plat forms and other
steel structures resting on the sea floor against corrosion. The anode is
anchored to the se t floor a few hundred feet away from the structure but is
held off bottom by is buoyancy. The anode is connected to a source of DC
current on the platform by an insulated cable. The weak current is supplied
by a transformer-rectifier, the negative terminal of which is grounded to the
steel structure. This the completion of the circuit from rectifier to anode to
structure is through the sea water. The weak current moving from anode to
the structure reverses the flow of current associated with the corrosion of
metal. See also Rectifier Bed. T
115588.. aannoommaallyy
Ta deviation from the norm. In geology, the term indicates an abnormality
such as a fault or dome in a sedimentary bed.
115599.. AANNSSII
TAmerican National Standards Institute.
1116611.. TTAANNTTIICCLLIINNAALL FFOOLLDD TT
TA subsurface formation resembling an anticline. T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
2525
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
1116633.. aannttiicclliinnaall ttrraapp
Ta hydrocarbon trap in which petroleum accumulates in the top of an anticline. T
116644.. aannttiicclliinnee
Tan arched, inverted-trough configuration of folded and stratified rocks; the
opposite of a syncline. T
116655.. aannttiiffrreeeezzee
Ta chemical compound that prevents the water in the cooling system of an
engine from freezing; ethylene glycol.
116666.. AANNTTIIKKNNOOCCKK CCOOMMPPOOUUNNDDSS
TCertain chemicals which are added to automotive gasolines to improve their
performance, to reduce 'ping" or knock in high-compression, internal
combustion engines. Tetraethyl lead is one well-known compound. The
addition of small amounts of these chemicals has the effect of slowing down
the explosion or burning of the air-gasoline vapor mixture in the combustion
chamber, thus giving the piston a "push" instead of a sudden explosive blow.
The compounds contribute also to smoother performance, of the engine and
more mile; per gallon of fuel. antiknock compound any substance added to
the fuel of an internal-combustion engine to prevent detonation of the fuel;
specifically, tetraethyl lead. Antiknock compounds effectively raise the octane
rating of a fuel so that the fuel burns properly in the combustion chamber of
the engine. T
116677.. AAOOSSCC
Tthe Association of Oil Well Servicing Contractors, based in Dallas, Tex., which
sets some standards, principles, and policies of oil-well servicing contractors. T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
2626
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
1116699.. TTAAPPII TT
TAmerican Petroleum Institute the oil industry's trade association. The API,
through its research and engineering work, establishes operating and safety
standards for all segments of the petroleum industry; issues specifications for
manufacture of pipe, pressure vessels, and other equipment; and furnishes
statistical and other information to government agencies having to do with
the industry. the American Petroleum Institute. Founded in 1920, this national
oil trade organization' is the leading standardizing organization on oil-filed
drilling and producing equipment. It maintains departments of transportation,
refining, and marketing in Washington, D.C., and a department of production
in Dallas. 2. (slang) indicative of a job being properly or thoroughly (as, "His
work is strictly API"). 3. (slang) when used sarcastically, indicative of
substandard performance that is predictable or usual (as, "It's API for that
engine to be broken down"). 4. degrees API; used to designate API gravity. T
1117711.. TTAAPPII BBIIDD SSHHEEEETTAANNDD WWEELLLL SSPPEECCIIFFIICCAATTIIOONNSS TT
TA form many operators use in soliciting bids on a well to be drifted and
completed. The form is submitted to drilling contractors in the area of the
proposed well. The operator asking for bids fills out the part of the form
giving the name and location of the well, commencement date, depth or
formation to be drilled into, and other information. When a drilling contractor
submits a bid, he lists the rig and equipment to be furnished by him draw
works, slush pumps, derrick or mast size, make. capacity, drill-pipe, tool
joints, etc. The bid sheet brings operator and contractor together. as it were;
then they arrive at rates and other matters.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
2727
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
117722.. AAPPII cceemmeenntt ccllaassss
Ta classification system for oil-well cements, defined in API Specification 10A.
1117744.. TTAAPPII GGRRAAVVIITTYY TT
TGravity (weight per unit of volume) of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons
as measured by a system recommended by the API. API gravity bears a
relationship to true specific gravity but is more convenient to work with than
the decimal fractions which would result if petroleum were expressed in
specific gravity. API gravity the measure of gravity of liquid petroleum
products on the North American continent, derived from specific gravity in
accordance with the following equatio T
1117766.. AAPPPPRRAAIISSAALL DDRRIILLLLIINNGG
TWells drilled in the vicinity of a discovery or wildcat well in order to evaluate
the extent and the importance of the find. T
117777.. AAPPRROONN RRIINNGG
TThe bottom most ring of steel plates in the wall of an upright, cylindrical tank. T
117788.. AAQQUUAAGGEELL
TA specially prepared bentonite (clay) widely used as a conditioning material in
drilling mud. T
117799.. AAQQUUIIFFEERR
TA water-bearing rock strata. In a water-drive field the aquifer is the water
zone of a reservoir, underlying the oil zone. When wells are drilled in the
reservoir, the water pushes the oil toward the wells boreholes. If the wells are
produced at an excessive rate the water may bypass the oil and break into
the well bore, leaving much of the oil behind. See Channeling, also Water
Coning. aquifer 1. a rock that contains water. 2. the part of a water-drive
reservoir that contains the water. T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
2828
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
118800.. AARRBBIITTRRAAGGEE,, PPRROODDUUCCTT ((PPEETTRROOLLEEUUMM))
TThe buying, selling, or trading of petroleum or products in various markets to
make a profit from short-term differences in prices in one market as
compared to those in another. A sophisticated method of trading in world
petroleum markets. T
118811.. aarrcc wweelldd
Tto join metals by utilizing the arc created between the welding rod, which
serves as an electrode, and a metal object. The arc is a discharge of electric
current across an air gap. The high temperature generated by the arc melts
both the electrode and the metal, which fuse. T
1118833.. TTAARRCC WWEELLDDEERR
T(1) An electric welding unit consisting of a gasoline direct connected to a DC
generator. In the field the welding unit is usually skid mounted. (2) A person
who uses such a machine in making electric welds. The term arc welding
derives from the arc of electricity which spans the gap between the tip of the
welding rod (the electrode) and the piece of metal being welded. The flow of
electricity jumping the gap produces the heal to melt the rod onto the moiten
area of the metal. T
118844.. AARREEAALL GGEEOOLLOOGGYY
TThe branch of geology that pertains to the distribution, position, and form of
the areas of the earth's surface occupied by different types of rocks or
geologic formations; also, the making of maps of such areas.
1118866.. aarreennaacceeoouuss
Tpertaining to sand or sandy rocks (as, arenaceous shale). T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
2929
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
118877.. AARREEOOMMEETTEERR
TAn instrument for measuring the specific gravity of liquids; a hydrometer
(q.v.). T
1118899.. aarrggiillllaacceeoouuss
Tpertaining to a nonproductive formation that consists of clay or shale (as,
argillaccous sand).
119900.. AARRGGOONN
TAn inert, colorless. odorless gaseous element sometimes and in some
locations produced with natural gas. T
1119922.. AARROOMMAATTIICCSS
TA group of hydrocarbon fractions that forms the basis of most organic
chemicals so far synthesized. The name aromatics derives from their rather
pleasant odor. The unique ring structure of their carbon atoms makes it
possible to transform aromatics into an almost endless number of chemicals.
Benzene, toluene, and xylene are the principal aromatics and are commonly
referred to as the BTX group (q.v.). T
119933.. AARRTTIIFFIICCIIAALL DDRRIIVVEESS
TMethods of producing oil from a reservoir when natural drives-gas-cap,
solution gas, water drive, etc.-are not present or have been depleted.
Waterflood, repessuring or recycling, and in situ combustion are examples of
artificial drives. T
119944.. aarrttiiffiicciiaall lliifftt
Tany method used to raise oil to the surface through a well, after reservoir
pressure has declined to the point at which the well no longer produces by
means of natural energy. Sucker-rod pumps, hydraulic pumps, submersible
pumps, and gas lift are the most common methods of artificial lift. T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
3030
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
1119966.. aassbbeessttooss ffeelltt ))اد األسبستوس، ، األسبستوساألسبستوساد األسبستوسلبلب((
Ta wrapping material that protects pipeline coatings, consisting of asbestos
saturated with asphalt.
119977.. AASSKK SSYYSSTTEEMM
TAutomatic station-keeping system; the name applied to a sophisticated
drillship positioning technique consisting of subsurface acoustical equipment
linked to shipboard computers that control ship's thrusters. The thrusters fore
and aft reposition the ship, compensating for drift, wind drag, current, and
wave action. See Dynamic Stationing. T
119988.. AASSMMEE
TAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers. the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers, a New York City-based organization whose equipment
standards are sometimes used by the oil industry. Its official publication is
Mechanical Engineering.
119999.. AASSPPHHAALLTT
A solid hydrocarbon found as a natural deposit. Crude of high asphaltic
content when subjected to distillation to remove the lighter fractions such as
naphtha and kerosene leave asphalt as a residue. Asphalt is dark brown or
black in color and at normal temperatures is a solid. See Brea.
220000.. aasspphhaalltt eennaammeell
an asphalt-base enamel applied as a coating to pipe that is to be buried. The
asphalt is combined with finely ground mica, clay, soapstone, or talc and
applied while hot. Combined with a subsequent wrapping of asbestos felt, this
coating protects the buried pipe from corrosion.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
3131
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
220011.. aasspphhaalltt mmaatteerriiaall
one of a group of solid, liquid, or semisolid materials that are predominantly
mixtures of hydrocarbons and their nonmetallic derivatives and are obtained
either from natural bituminous deposits or from the residues of petroleum
refining.
220022.. AASSPPHHAALLTT--BBAASSEE CCRRUUDDEE
Crude oil containing very little paraffin wax and a residue primarily asphaltic.
Sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen are often relatively high. This type crude is
particularly suitable for making high-quality gasoline, lubricating oil, and
asphalt. See Paraffin-base Crude.
220033.. aasspphhaalltt--bbaassee ooiill
(See naphthalene-base oil.)
2220055.. AASSPPHHAALLTTEENNEESS
TAt the very bottom of the crude oil barrel are the asphaltenes, composed of
complex molecules. Asphaltenes are polyaromatic compounds with high
carbon-hydrogen ratios in their molecules from which asphalt is made. T
2220077.. AASSPPHHAALLTTIICC PPEETTRROOLLEEUUMM
TPetroleum which contains sufficient amounts of asphalt in solution to make
recovery commercially practical by merely distilling off the solvent oils. T
2220099.. AASSPPHHAALLTTIICC SSAANNDDSS
TNatural mixtures of asphalts with varying proportions of loose sand. The
quantity of bituminous cementing material extracted from the sand may run
as high as 12 percent. This bitumen is composed of soft asphalt. T
2221111.. AASSSSEE
Tthe American Society of Safety Engineers, which establishes safety practices
for several industries. It maintains national offices in Chicago. T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
3232
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
221122.. AASSSSEEMMBBLLYY
TA term to describe a number of special pieces of equipment fitted together to
perform a particular function; e.g., a drill assembly may include other pieces
of downhole equipment besides the drill bit, such as drill collars. damping
subs, stabilizers, etc. T
2221144.. AASSSSEETT,, WWAASSTTIINNGG
TSee Wasting Asset. T
2221166.. AASSSSIIGGNNEEEE
TA recipient of an interest in property or a contract; in oil and gas usage. the
recipient of an oil or gas lease; a transferee. T
2221188.. AASSSSOOCCIIAATTEEDD GGAASS
TGas that occurs with oil, either as free gas or in solution. Gas occurring alone
in a reservoir is unassociated gas. T
221199.. aasstteerrnn
Tin the rear of, or abaft, the stern of an offshore drilling rig; moving
backwards.
222200.. AASSTTMM
Tthe American Society for Testing and Materials, based in Philadelphia, which
sets guidelines for the use of equipment and materials for oil fields. T
222211.. AASSTTMM DDIISSTTIILLLLAATTIIOONN
TA test of an oil's distillation properties standardized by the American Society
for Testing and Materials. A sample of oil is heated in a flask, the vapors pass
through a tube where they are cooled and condensed, the liquid is collected
in a graduate. When the first drop of "distillate" is obtained the temperature
at which this "initial boiling point" of the oil. The test is continued until all
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
3333
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
distillable fractions over and have been measured and their properties
examined. T
222222.. aatthhwwaarrtt
Treaching from one side to the other side of an offshore drilling rig. T
2222244.. aattmm
Tatmosphere.
2222266.. AATTMMOOSSPPHHEERREE,, OONNEE
TThe pressure of the ambient air at sea level; 14.69 pounds per square inch.
Air at sea level, 29 92 inches of mercury or 33.90 feet T
2222288.. aattmmoosspphheerriicc pprreessssuurree
Tthe pressure exerted over the surface of the earth by the weight of the
atmosphere. At sea level, this pressure is approximately 14.7 psi. T
2223300.. aattmmoosspphheerriicc pprreessssuurree ccuurree
Tthe aging of specimens for test purposes at normal atmospheric pressure for
a designated period of time under specified conditions of temperature and
humidity. T
2223322.. AATTMMOOSSPPHHEERRIICC SSTTIILLLL
TA refining vessel in which crude oil is heated and product is distilled off at the
pressure of one atmosphere.
2223344.. aattoomm
Tthe smallest quantity of an element capable of either entering into a chemical
combination or existing alone. T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
3434
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
223355.. aattoommiicc wweeiigghhtt
Tthe average, relative weight of an element as compared to another element
taken as a standard. Usually carbon, with a weight of 12, is used as the basis.
Every element is assigned an atomic weight. T
2223377.. aattoommiizzee
Tto spray a liquid through a restricted opening, causing it to break into tiny
droplets and mix thoroughly with the surrounding air. T
2223399.. AATTOOMMIIZZEERR,, FFUUEELL OOIILL
TA nozzle or spraying device used to break up fuel oil into a fine spray so the
oil may be brought into more intimate contact with the air in the combustion
chamber. See Ultrasonic Atomizer. T
2224411.. aattttaappuullggiittee
Ta fibrous clay mineral that is a viscosity-building substance, used principally in
saltwater-base drilling muds. T
224422.. AAUUSSTTRRAALLIIAANN OOFFFFSSEETT
TA humorous reference to a well drilled miles away from proven production.
2224444.. AAuutthhiiggeenniicc
TRefers to rocks/minerals which were formed or were generated in place.
2224466.. aauuttoommaattiicc ccoonnttrrooll
TA device that regulates various factors (as flow rate, pressure, or
temperature) of a system without supervision or operation by personnel. (See
instrumentation.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
3535
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
224477.. aauuttoommaattiicc ccoonnttrrooll
A device that regulates various factors (as flow rate, pressure, or
temperature) of a system without supervision or operation by personnel. (See
instrumentation.)
2224499.. aauuttoommaattiicc ccuussttooddyy ttrraannssffeerr
TA system for automatically measuring and sampling oil or products at points
of receipt or delivery. (See lease automatic custody transfer.) A system of oil
handling on a lease; receiving into tankage, measuring, testing, and turning
into a pipeline the crude produced on a lease. Such automatic handling of oil
is usually confined to leases with settled production. T
2225511.. aauuttoommaattiicc ddrriilllleerr
T(See automatic drilling. control unit.)
225522.. aauuttoommaattiicc-- ddrriilllliinngg--ccoonnttrrooll uunniitt
Ta mechanism used to regulate the amount of weight on the bit and not
requiring attendance by personnel. Automatic drillers free the driller from the
sometimes tedious task of manipulating the drawworks brake in order to
maintain correct weight on the bit. T
2225544.. aauuttoommaattiicc ggaauuggee
Tan instrument installed at eye level on the outside of a tank to permit
observation of the depth of the liquid inside. T
2225566.. aauuttoommaattiicc ggaauuggee
Tan instrument installed at eye level on the outside of a tank to permit
observation of the depth of the liquid inside.
2225588.. aauuttoommaattiicc ppuummppiinngg ssttaattiioonn
Tan automatically operated station installed on a pipeline to increase line
pressure when a fluid is being transported. T
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
3636
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
2226600.. aauuttoommaattiicc sshhuuttddoowwnn
Ta system in which certain instruments are used to control or maintain the
operating conditions of a process. If conditions become abnormal, this system
automatically stops the process and notifies the operator of the problem. T
226611.. aauuttoommaattiicc sslliippss
Tan air- or hydraulic-fluid-operated device that fits into the opening in the
rotary table when the drill stem must be suspended in the wellbore (as when
a connection, or trip, is being made). Automatic slips, also called power slips,
eliminate the need for roughnecks to set and take out slips manually. (See
slips.) T
226622.. AAUUTTOOMMAATTIICC TTAANNKK BBAATTTTEERRYY
TA lease tank battery (two or more tanks) equipped with automatic measuring,
switching (full tank to empty and full tank into the pipeline), and recording
devices. See Automatic Custody Transfer. T
2226644.. AAUUTTOOMMAATTIICC WWEELLDDIINNGG MMAACCHHIINNEE
TAfter two joints of pipe are joined by tack welds, automatic wire-welding
machines are used to put on the filler beads.
2226666.. aauuttoommaattiioonn
Tautomatic self-regulating control of equipment, systems, or processes. (See
instrumentation.) T
226677.. aauuxxiilliiaarryy eeqquuiippmmeenntt
Tequipment subsidiary or supplementary to the main equipment used in an
operation.
2226699.. aavvgg
Average.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
3737
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
2227711.. AAXXLLEE GGRREEAASSEE
TA cold-setting grease made of rosin oil, hydrated lime, and petroleum oils.
See Grease. T
227722.. aazzeeoottrrooppee
Ta liquid mixture that exhibits a maximum or minimum boiling point. A mixture
of an azeotrophic liquid and another liquid or liquids boils at a temperature
either higher or lower than that of its components. T
227733.. aazziimmuutthh
Tin directional drilling, the direction of the face of the deviation tool with
respect to magnetic north as recorded bra deviation instrument.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
3838
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
T 227744.. BB
Tbottom of; used in drilling reports.
2227766.. BB..HH..PP..
TBrake horsepower (q.v.). T
2227788.. BB//DD
Tbarrels per day.
227799.. BBAABBBBIITTTT
A soft, silver-colored metal alloy of relatively low melting point used for
engine and pump bearing; an alloy containing tin, copper and antimony.
228800.. BBAACCKK--IINN FFAARRMM--OOUUTT
A farm-out agreement (q.v.) in which a retained nonoperating interest of the
lessor may be converted, at a later date, into a specified individual working
interest (q.v.).
2228822.. BBAACCKK--IINN PPRROOVVIISSIIOONN
A term used to describe a provision in a farm-out agreement whereby the
person granting the farm-out (the farmer) retains an option to exchange a
retained override for a share of the working interest.
228833.. bbaacckk--iinn uunniitt
a portable servicing or workover rig that is self-propelled, using the hoisting
engines for motive power. Because the driver's cab is mounted on the end
opposite the mast support, the unit must be backed up to the wellhead. (See
carrier rig.)
228844.. BBAACCKK OOFFFF
To raise the drill bit off the bottom of the hole; to slack of 1 on a cable or
winch line; to unscrew.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
3939
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
228855.. bbaacckk--ooffff jjooiinntt
a section of pipe with left-hand threads on one end and conventional right-
hand threads on the other. In setting a liner, a back-off joint is attached to it
so that the drill pipe may be disengaged from the liner by conventional right-
hand rotation.
228866.. BBAACCKK--OOFFFF WWHHEEEELL
See Stripper Wheel.
228877.. BBAACCKK PPRREESSSSUURREE
The pressure against the face of the reservoir rock caused by the control
valves at the wellhead, hydrostatic head of the fluid in the hole, Chokes and
piping. Maintenance of backpressure reduces the pressure differential
between the formation and the borehole so that oil moves into the well with a
smaller pressure loss. This results in the expenditure of smaller volumes of
gas from the reservoir, improves the gas-oil ratio, and ensures the recovery
of more oil.
228888.. BBAACCKK--PPRREESSSSUURREE VVAALLVVEE
A check valve (q.v.).
228899.. bbaacckk uupp
to hold one section of an object (as pipe) while another is being screwed into
or out of it. A backup wrench is any wrench used to hold a pipe or bolt to
prevent its turning while another length of pipe or a nut is being tightened or
loosened.
229900.. BBAACCKK--UUPP MMAANN
The person who holds (with a wrench) one length of pipe while another
length is being screwed into or out of it.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
4040
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
229911.. BBAACCKKFFIILLLL
To replace the earth dug from a ditch or trench; also, the earth removed from
an excavation.
229922.. BBAACCKKHHOOEE
A self-propelled ditching machine with a hydraulically operated arm equipped
with a toothed shovel that scoops earth as the shovel is pulled back toward
the machine.
2229944.. BBAACCKKSSIIDDEE PPUUMMPPIINNGG
See Pumping, Backside.
2229966.. bbaacckkuupp ttoonnggss
the tongs used to back up the drill pipe as it is being made up or taken out of
the drill stem. (See make up and tongs.)
2229988.. BBAACCKKWWAASSHHIINNGG
Reversing the fluid flow through a filter to clean out sediment that has
clogged the filter or reduced its efficiency. Back washing is done on closed
system filters and on open-bed, gravity filters.
229999.. bbaacctteerriiaa
a large, widely distributed group of typically one-celled microorganisms. (See
anaerobic bacteria and sulfate reducing bacteria.)
3330011.. bbaacctteerriicciiddee
anything that destroys bacteria.
3330033.. BBAADD OOIILL
Cut oil (q.v.).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
4141
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
3330055.. bbaaffffllee ppllaattee
a partial restriction, generally a plate, placed to change the direction, guide
the flow, or promote mixing within a tank or vessel.
330066.. BBAAFFFFLLEESS
Plates or obstructions built into a tank or other vessel that change the
direction of the flow of fluids or gases.
330077.. BBAAIILL
To evacuate the liquid contents of a drill hole with the use of a long.
cylindrical bucket (bailer).
330088.. BBAAIILL DDOOWWNN
To reduce the level of liquid in a well bore by bailing.
3331100.. bbaaiilleedd--uupp bbiitt
(See ball up.)
331111.. bbaaiilleerr
a long cylindrical container, fitted with a valve at its lower end, used to
remove water, sand, mud, or oil from a well. bailing
331122.. BBAAIILLEERR DDAARRTT
The protruding "tongue" of the valve on the bottom of a bailer. When the dart
reaches the bottom of the hole. it is thrust upward opening the valve to admit
the mud-water Slurry.
331133.. bbaaiilliinngg lliinnee
the cable attached to the bailer, passed over a sheave at the top of the
derrick, and spooled on the reel.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
4242
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
3331155.. bbaaiillss..
to recover bottomhole fluids, samples, or drill cuttings by lowering a
cylindrical vessel called a bailer to the bottom of a well, filling it, and
retrieving it.
331166.. BBAAIITT BBOOXX
A pipeliner's lunch pail.
331177.. BBAALLLL AANNDD SSEEAATT
A type of valve used in a plunger pump.
331188.. bbaallll ccoocckk
a device for regulating the level of fluid in a tank, consisting of a valve
connected with a hollow floating ball, which by rising or falling shuts or opens
the valve.
331199.. bbaallll jjooiinntt
(See flex joint.) ball sealers balls made of nylon, hard rubber, or both, and
used to shut off perforations through which excessive fluid is lost.
332200.. bbaallll uupp
to collect a mass of sticky consolidated material, usually drill cuttings, on drill
pipe, drill collars, tool joints, etc. A bit with such material attached to it is
termed a bailed-up bit. The condition frequently is a result of inadequate
pump pressure or insufficient drilling fluid.
332211.. bbaallllaasstt
weight added to make a mobile offshore drilling rig more seaworthy, increase
its draft, or sink it to the seafloor. Ballast is usually seawater, but sometimes
concrete or iron is used additionally to lower the rig's center of gravity
permanently.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
4343
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
332222.. bbaallllaasstt ttaannkkss
vessels that contain ballast water.
332233.. bbaallllaasstteedd CCoonnddiittiioonn
the condition of a floating offshore drilling rig when ballast has been added
332244.. BBAALLLLIINNGG OOFF TTHHEE BBIITT
The fouling of a rotary drilling bit in sticky, gumbo-like shale which causes a
serious drag on the bit and loss of circulation.
332255.. bbaalllliinngg uupp
the failure of an anchor to hold in a soft bottom, instead pulling out with a
large ball of mud on it.
332266.. BBAALLLL VVAALLVVEE
A type of quick opening valve with a spherical core, a ball with a full-bore
port, that fits and turns in a mating cavity in the valve body. Drilling engine to
the crank and pitman assembly that actuates the working beam. Used in
former years in drilling with cable tools. Old pumping wells still use a band
wheel.
3332288.. BBAARREEFFOOOOTT CCHHAARRTTEERR
A contract or charter agreement between the owner of a drilling rig, semi-
submersible, or drillship and a second party in which the owner rents or
leases his equipment (usually short-term) barefoot, i.e., without the owner or
his representative taking any part in the operation or maintenance of the
equipment. The lessee agrees to man or stiff the equipment and operate it
without assistance from or responsibility by the owner. Also bareboat charter
for boats or ships.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
4444
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
332299.. BBAARREEFFOOOOTT CCOOMMPPLLEETTIIOONN
Wells completed in firm sandstone or limestone that show no indication of
caving or disintegrating may be finished "barefoot," i.e., without casing
through the producing interval.
3333311.. bbaarrggee
any one of many types of flat-decked, shallow-draft vessels usually towed by
a boat. In cargo service, barges are used widely to transport crude oil and
refined products on rivers and other inland waters. A complete drilling rig may
be assembled on a barge, which usually is submersible; that is, it has a
submersible hull or base that is flooded with water at the drilling site. Drilling
equipment, crew quarters, etc., are mounted on a superstructure above the
water level.
333322.. BBAARRGGEE,, RREEEELL
See Reel Barge.
333333.. bbaarriittee
barium sulfate, BaSO4,,; a mineral used to increase the weight of drilling
mud. Its specific gravity is 4.2 (i.e., it is 4.2 times heavier than water). (See
mud.)
3333355.. bbaarriiuumm ssuullffaattee
1. a chemical combination of barium, sulfur, and oxygen; barite.
2. a tenacious scale that is very difficult to remove.
333366.. BBAARRKKEERR
A whistle-like device attached to the exhaust pipe of a one cylindered oil field
engine so that the lease pumper can tell from a whether or not the engine is
running. The noise the device makes resembles the back of a hoarse fox.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
4545
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
333377.. BBAARROOIIDD
A specially processed barite (barium sulfate) to which Aquagel has been
added, used as a conditioning material in drilling mud in order to obtain
satisfactory cores and formation samples.
333388.. bbaarrrreell
(bbl) a measure of volume for petroleum products. One barrel (1 bbl) is the
equivalent of 42 U.S. gal or 158.97 liters. One cubic meter (1 m') equals
6.2897 bbl.
333399.. bbaarrrreell ccoommpprreessssoorr
a special type of centrifugal compressor with a barrel-shaped housing.
3334411.. bbaarrrreell--mmiillee
a unit of measure for pipeline shipment of oil that signifies 1 bbl moved 1
mile.
334422.. BBAARRRREELLHHOOUUSSEE
A building on the refinecy grounds where barrels are filled with various grades
of lubricating and other oils, sealed, and made ready for shipment oil house.
See Drum.
334433.. bbaarrrreellss ppeerr ddaayy
(BPD, bpd, BID, b/d) a measure of the rate of flow of a well;. the total
amount of oil produced or processed per day.
3334455.. bbaassaalltt
an igneous rock that is dense, fine-grained, and dark gray or black.
334466.. bbaassee
a substance capable of combining with charged hydrogen atoms (ions) to
form a salt. A typical base is sodium hydroxide (caustic), with the chemical
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
4646
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
symbol NAOH. For example, sodium hydroxide combines with hydrochloric
acid to form sodium chloride (a salt) and water; this reaction is written
chemically as NAOH + HCI NACI + H2O4.
334477.. bbaasseemmeenntt rroocckk
either igneous or metamorphic rock, usually not containing petroleum.
Ordinarily it lies below sedimentary rock. When it is encountered in drilling,
the well usually is abandoned.
3334499.. BBAASSIICC SSEEDDIIMMEENNTT
Impurities and foreign matter contained in a tank of crude oil, e.g., water
sand, oil-water emulsions. When produced, crude oil may contain one, or
more of these impurities. In the lease tank the impurities settle to the bottom
of the tank, with the relatively clean oil on top. After repeated filling and-
emptying of the tank, the sediment builds up to the pipeline connection and
must be removed. This is done by unbolting the plate from the clean out box
on the back of the tank and shoveling out the heavy, accumulated sediment.
3335511.. bbaassiicc sseeddiimmeenntt aanndd wwaatteerr ((BBSS&&WW))
she water and other extraneous material present in crude oil. Usually, the
BS&W con. tent must be quite low before a pipeline will accept the oil for
delivery to a refinery. The amount acceptable depends on a number of factors
but usually runs from less than 5 percent to a small fraction of 1 percent.
335522.. BBAASSIINN
A synclinal structure in the subsurface, once the bed of a prehistoric sea.
Basins. composed of sedimentary rock, are regarded as good prospects for oil
exploration.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
4747
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
3335544.. bbaasskkeett ssuubb
a fishing accessory run above a bit or mill to recover small pieces of metal or
junk in a well.
3335566.. BBAASSTTAARRDD
(1) Any nonstandard piece of equipment. (2) A kind of file. (3) A word used in
grudging admiration, or as a term of opprobrium.
335577.. BBAATTCCHH
A measured amount of oil or refined product in a pipeline or a tank. a
shipment of oil or product by pipeline.
335588.. BBAATTCCHH IINNTTEERRFFAACCEE
See Interface.
3336600.. bbaattcchh ttrreeaattiinngg
the process by which a single quantity of crude oil emulsion is broken into oil
and water. The emulsion is gathered and stored in a tank or container prior to
treating. Compare with flow-line treating.
336611.. bbaattcchhiinngg sspphheerree
a large rubber ball placed in a pipeline to separate batches.
336622.. BBAATTHHOOLLIITTHH
A great mass of intruded igneous of metamorphosed rock found at or near
the surface of the earth. The presence of a batholith, often referred to as a
shield, usually precludes drilling for oil or gas as there are no sedimentary
formations above it. The largest batholith in the U.S. is in Idaho, underlying
nearly two-thirds of the state.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
4848
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
336633.. BBAATTTTEERRYY
Two or more lease or stock tanks connected together to receive oil production
from a well or a producing lease; a tank battery. The lease tank batter y is
the starting point for crude oil on its way to the refinery-via gathering line,
pump station, and trunk line to the refinery tank farm. It is at the tank battery
where the pipeline gauger measures and tests the oil, and after making out a
run ticket (q.v.) opens the tank valve, turning the oil into the pipeline system.
A battery is two or more units of equipment linked together in the
performance of a function, e.g., separator battery; heater battery; filter
batters., and tank battery.
3336655.. BBAATTTTEERRYY,, TTRRIICCKKLLEE--CCHHAARRGGEEDD
See Trickle-charged Battery.
336666.. BBaauummee ggrraavviittyy
specific gravity as measured by the Baum6 scale. Two arbitrary scales are
employed one for liquids lighter than water and the other for liquids heavier
than water. This scale also is used to describe the density of acid solutions.
336677.. BBAAUUMMEE,, AANNTTOOIINNEE
The French chemist who devised a simple method to measure the relative
weights of liquids using the hydrometer (q.v.).
3336699.. bbbbll
barrel.
337700.. bbbbll//dd
barrels per day.
3337722.. BBCCDD
Barrels per calendar day. See Stream Day.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
4949
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
337733.. BBccff
billion cubic feet of gas.
3337755.. BBccff ((BBiilllliioonn CCuubbiicc FFeeeett))
A volume measurement of natural gas measured in billions of cubic feet.
3337777.. BBccff//dd
billion cubic feet of gas per day.
3337799.. BBDDCC
bottom dead center.
3338811.. BBEEAADD
A course of molten metal laid down by a welder (electric or oxyacetylene) in
joining two pieces of metal. See Pipeline Welding.
338822.. BBEEAAKKEERR SSAAMMPPLLEERR
A metal or glass container with a small opening fitted with a stopper that is
lowered into a tank of oil to obtain a sample of oil.
338833.. bbeeaamm
the extreme width of the hull of a ship or mobile offshore drilling rig.
338844.. bbeeaamm ccoouunntteerrbbaallaannccee
the weights installed on the end of the walking beam, which is opposite from
the end over the well. The counterbalance offsets, or balances, the weight of
sucker rods and other downhole equipment installed in the well. (See sucker-
rod pumping.)
338855.. bbeeaamm--ppuummppiinngg uunniitt
a machine designed specifically for sucker-rod pumping, using a horizontal
member (walking beam) that is worked up and down by a rotating crank to
produce reciprocating motion. bean (See choke.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
5050
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
338866.. BBEEAAMM WWEELLLL
A well whose fluid is being lifted by rods and pump actuated by a walking
beam (q.v.).
3338888.. BBEEAANN
A choke used to regulate the flow of fluid from a well.
338899.. BBEEAANN JJOOIINNTT
In early pipeline parlance, the joint of line pipe laid just before the break for
lunch. When the bean joint was bucked in (q.v.) the pipe liners grabbed lunch
buckets from the gang truck and found a comfortable place to cat.
339900.. BBEEAARRIINNGG,, BBAALLLL
A type of revolving bearing. The other type is the roller bearing (q v.),
339911.. BBEEAARRIINNGG,, IINNSSEERRTT
Thin, bimetal, half-round bearings that fit in the journal box around a shaft to
provide a smooth, hard surface. One-half of the insert (in cross section, a
semicircle) fits into the journal box, the other half into the journal box cap.
Insert bearings era designated bimetal because although the bearing surface
is made of babbitt (q.v.) it is backed with a layer of bronze, brass, or steel.
There are also trimetal insert bearings. They are made with steel backing, a
"soft" alloy middle layer, and a babbitt outer layer. Babbitt metal, an alloy of
tin, copper, and antimony. was invented by Isaac Babbitt in 1862.
339922.. BBEEAARRIINNGG,, OOUUTTBBOOAARRDD
A shaft-supporting bearing outside the body or frame of a pump's gear box or
engine's crankcase; a bearing on a pump's pinion shaft outside the gear box;
a line-shaft bearing.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
5151
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
339933.. BBEEAARRIINNGG,, RROOLLLLEERR
A type of cylindrical. Revolting bearing. The other type is the ball bearing
(q.v.).
3339955.. BBEEAARRIINNGG,, SSAADDDDLLEE
See Saddle Bearing.
339966.. BBEEAARRIINNGG,, SSTTIIRRRRUUPP
A bearing and its frame in the shape of a saddle stirrup; e.g. the bearing
connecting the pitman and the walking beam on an early-day cable tool
drilling or pumping well.
339977.. BBEEAARRIINNGG,, TTHHRRUUSSTT
A bearing to support the endwise or downward thrust or weight of a
machinery part against another. Thrust bearings can be constructed of ball
bearings or cylindrical roller bearings held in a circular frame or housing that
fits over a shaft
339988.. bbeedd
a specific layer of earth or rock in contrast to other layers of different material
lying above, below, or adjacent to it.
339999.. bbeeddddiinngg ppllaannee
the surface that separates each successive layer of a stratified rock from its
preceding layer.
440000.. BBEEHHIINNDD TTHHEE PPIIPPEE
Refers to oil and gas reservoirs penetrated or passed through by wells but
never tapped or produced. Behind the pipe refers usually to tight formations
of low permeability which, although recognized, were passed through
because they were uneconomical to produce at the time. Today, however,
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
5252
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
with the growing scarcity of oil and high prices, many of these passed-
through formations are getting a second look by producers.
440011.. BBEELLLL AANNDD SSPPIIGGOOTT JJOOIINNTT
A threaded pipe joint; the spigot or male end is threaded and screwed into
the bell or female coupling. The female end of a coupling has threads on the
inside circumference.
440022.. BBEELLLL HHOOLLEE
An excavation dug beneath a pipeline to provide room for the use of tools by
workers; a hole larger in diameter at the bottom than at the top.
440033.. BBEELLLL--HHOOLLEE WWEELLDDEERR
A welder who can do oxyacetylene or electric welding in a bell hole. This
requires a great deal of skill as the molten metal from the welding rod is
being laid on upside down and tends to tall away from the weld; a skilled
welder.
440044.. BBEELLLL NNIIPPPPLLEE
A large swage nipple for attaching casinghead fittings to the well's casing
above the ground or at the surface. The bell nipple is threaded on the casing
end and has a plain or weld end to take the casinghead valves.
4440066.. bbeelllloowwss mmeetteerr
(See orifice meter.)
4440088.. bbeelltt
a flexible band or cord connecting and passing about each of two or more
pulleys to transmit power or impart motion.
440099.. bbeelltt gguuaarrdd
a protective grill or cover for a belt and pulleys.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
5353
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
4441111.. BBEELLTT HHAALLLL
A wooden shed built to protect the wide belt that runs from the engine to the
band wheel on a cable tool rig or an old beam pumping well. The belt hall
extends from the engine house to the derrick.
441122.. BBEENNCCHH--SSCCAA--LLEETTEESSTT
Testing of methods or materials on so small a scale that it can be carried out
on a laboratory table or specially constructed bench.
4441144.. bbeenntt ssuubb
a short cylindrical device installed in the drill stem between the bottommost
drill collar and a downhole mud motor. The purpose of the bent sub is to
deflect the mud motor off vertical to drill a directional hole.
441155.. bbeennttoonniittee
a colloidal clay, composed of montmorillonite, which swells when wet.
Because of its gel-forming properties, ben-tonite is a major component of
drilling muds. (See gel and mud.)
441166.. BBEENNZZIINNEE
An old term for light petroleum distillates in the gasoline and naphtha range.
4441188.. BBEENNZZOOLL
The general term which refers to commercial benzene which may contain
other aromatic hydrocarbons.
441199.. bbeettaa ppaarrttiiccllee
one of the extremely small particles, sometimes called rays, emitted from the
nucleus of a radioactive substance such as radium or uranium as it
disintegrates. Beta particles have a negative charge.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
5454
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
442200.. BBEEVVEELLIINNGG MMAACCHHIINNEE
An oxyacetylene pipe-cutting machine. A device that holds an acetylene
cutting torch so that the ends of joints of pipe may be trimmed off It an angle
to the pipe's long axis. Line pipe is beveled in preparation for welding joints
together
442211.. BBFFPPHH
barrels of fluid per hour; used in drilling reports.
442222.. BBHHPP
bottomhole pressure.
4442244.. BBHHTT
bottomhole temperature.
4442266.. BBIIGG IINNCCHH PPIIPPEELLIINNEE
A 24-inch pipeline from Longview, Texas, to Norris City, Illinois, built during
World War 11 to meet the problem caused by tanker losses at sea as a result
of submarine attacks. Later during the war the pipeline was extended to
Pennsylvania. Following the war the line was sold to a private company and
converted to a gas line.
4442288.. BBIIGG SSPPRROOCCKKEETT,, OONN TTHHEE
Said of a person who is moving in influential circles or has suddenly gone
from a small job to one of considerably larger responsibility; a big operator.
often used pejoratively.
442299.. BBIIJJRRTTOONN,, WWIILLLLIIAAMM MM..
The petroleum chemist who developed the first profitable means of cracking
low-value middle distillates into lighter fractions (gasolines) by the use of heat
and pressure.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
5555
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
443300.. BBIIOOCCHHEEMMIICCAALL CCOONNVVEERRSSIIOONN
The use of bacteria to separate kerogen from oil shale. Certain bacteria Will
biodegrade the minerals in oil shale, releasing the kerogen from the shale in
liquid or semiliquid form. (From studies made by Dr. Ten Fu Yen and Dr. Milo
D. Appleman. University of Southern California, Professors of Bacteriology.)
443311.. bbiioohheerrmm
a reef or mound built by small organisms such as coral or oysters. Buried
bioherms, formed in the geologic past, sometimes yield petroleum.
4443333.. BBIIOOMMAASSSS
Wood and other plant materials used to make methanol as a supplement to
petroleum.
443344.. BBIIRRDD CCAAGGEE
(1) To flatten and spread the strands of a cable or wire rope. (2) The sharted
or mesh-enclosed cage used to hoist workmen from crew boats to offshore
platforms.
443355.. BBIIRRDD DDOOGG
To pay close attention to a job or to follow a person closely with the intent to
learn or to help; to follow up on a job until finished.
443366.. bbiirrddccaaggee
to flatten and spread the strands of a wire rope. a wire rope in such a
condition.
4443388.. bbiitt
the cutting or boring element used in drilling oil and gas wells. Most bits used
in rotary drilling are roller-cone bits. The bit consists of the cutting element
and the circulating element. The circulating element permits the passage of
drilling fluid and utilizes the hydraulic force of the fluid stream to improve
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
5656
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
drilling rates. In rotary drilling, several drill collars are joined to the bottom
end of the drill-pipe column. The bit is attached to the end of the drill collar.
4444400.. bbiitt bbrreeaakkeerr
a device used in rotary drilling to unscrew, or break out, the bit from the drill
stem. It is usually placed in the rotary table.
4444422.. bbiitt ccoonnee
(See roller-cone bit.)
444433.. bbiitt ddrreesssseerr
1. a member of a cable-tool drilling crew who repairs bits. 2. a machine used
to repair, sharpen, and gauge bits.
444444.. bbiitt ggaauuggee
a circular ring used to determine whether a bit is of the correct outside
diameter. Often bit gauges are used to determine if the bit has been worn
down to a diameter smaller than specifications allow; such a bit is termed
undergauge.
444455.. bbiitt rreeccoorrdd
a report on each bit used in an operation, listing its type, the amount of
footage it drilled, and the nature of the formation penetrated.
444466.. BBIITT,, IINNSSEERRTT
A bit with super-hard metal lugs or cutting points inserted in the bit's cutting
cones; a rock bit with cutting elements added that are harder art more
durable than the teeth of a mill-tooth bit (q.v.).
444477.. BBiittuummeenn
Petroleum in semi-solid or solid forms.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
5757
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
444488.. BBIITTUUMMEENN,, OOIILL SSAANNDDSS
A heavy petroleum-like substance found in certain consolidated sand
formations at the surface of the earth or at relatively shallow depths where it
can be surface mined after the removal of a few feet of overburden. The
extraction process is complicated, but basically it involves the heating of the
oil sands to separate the oil. The oil is floated off and undergoes treatment
before it is piped to a refinery.
444499.. bbiittuummeennss
mixtures of hydrocarbons.
445500.. BBIITTUUMMIINNOOUUSS SSAANNDD
Tar sand; a mixture of asphalt and loose sand which, when processed, may
yield as much as 12 percent asphalt.
4445522.. bbiittuummiinnoouuss sshhaallee
(See oil shale.)
4445544.. bbll
black; used in drilling reports.
4445566.. BBllaacckk MMaaggiicc
a proprietary name for a basic concentrate of oil-base mud.
4445588.. BBLLAACCKK OOIILLSS
(1) A term denoting residual oil used in ships' boilers or in large heating or
generating plants bunkers.
(2) Black-colored oil used or lubricating heavy, slow-moving machinery where
the use of higher-grade lubes would be impractical.
445599.. bbllaannkk ccaassiinngg
a casing without perforations
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
5858
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
446600.. bbllaannkk ffllaannggee
a solid disk used to dead-end, or close off, a companion flange.
446611.. bbllaannkk lliinneerr
a liner with no perforations. blank off to close off (as with a blank flange or
bull plug).
446622.. bbllaannkk ppiippee
a pipe, usually casing, with no perforations.
446633.. bblldd
bailed; used in drilling reports.
4446655.. bblleeeedd ))تنفيستنفيس((
to drain off liquid or gas, generally slowly through a valve called a bleeder. To
bleed down, or bleed off, means to slowly release pressure from a well or
from pressurized equipment.
4446677.. BBLLEEEEDD LLIINNEE
A line on the wellhead or blowout preventer stack through which gas pressure
can be bled to prevent a threatened blowout.
446688.. BBLLEEEEDDEERR VVAALLVVEE
A small valve on a pipeline, or tank from which samples are drawn or to vent
air or oil; sample valve.
4447700.. BBLLEEEEDDIINNGG
The tendency of a liquid component to separate from a lubricant, as oil from
a grease; to seep out.
447711.. BBLLEEEEDDIINNGG CCOORREE
A core sample of rock highly saturated and of such good permeability that oil
drips from the pore..
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
5959
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
4447733.. BBLLEENNDDIINNGG..
The process of mixing two or more oils having different properties to obtain a
lubricating oil of intermediate or desired properties. Certain classes of tube
oils are blended to a specified viscosity. Other products, notably gasolines,
are also blended to obtain desired properties.
447744.. bblliinndd
to close a line to prevent flow.
447755.. bblliinndd ddrriilllliinngg
a drilling operation in which the drilling fluid is not returned to the surface.
Sometimes blind-drilling techniques are resorted to when lost circulation
occurs.
4447777.. BBLLIINNDD FFLLAANNGGEE
A companion flange with a disc bolted to one end to seal off a section of pipe.
447788.. bblliinndd rraamm
an integral part of a blowout preventer, serving as the closing element. Its
ends do not fit around the drill pipe but seal against each other and shut off
the space below completely. (See ram.)
447799.. BBLLMM
Bureau of Land Management.
4448811.. BBLLOOCCKK
(1) A pulley or sheave in a rigid frame.
(2) To prevent the flow of liquid or gas in a line.
(3) A chock.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
6060
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
448822.. BBLLOOCCKK AANNDD BBLLEEEEDD VVAALLVVEE
A heavy-duty mainline valve made to hold " bubbletight" against high
pressure. The valve is made with a small bleeder line and valve which are
tapped into the block valve's bonnet. When the block valve is closed, its
effectiveness may be checked by opening the bleeder valve for evidence of
any leakage from the upstream or high-pressure side.
448833.. BBLLOOCCKK AANNDD TTAACCKKLLEE
An arrangement of ropes and blocks (pulleys) used to hoist or pull.
448844.. BBLLOOCCKK GGRREEAASSEE
A grease of high melting point that can be handled in block or stick form.
Block grease is used on large, slow-moving machinery, on axles and crude
bearings. In contact with a hot journal bearing, the grease melts slowly
lubricating the bearing.
448855.. BBLLOOCCKK LLEEAASSEE
A lease executed by owners of separate tracts or, sometimes, separate leases
executed by owners of individual tracts which provide that drilling of one or
more test wells within the combined area or block will satisfy the conditions of
the lease as to each of the tracts in the block.
4448877.. BBLLOOCCKK TTRREEEE
A type of well-completion Christmas tree in which a number of control and
production valves are made as a unit in one block of steel. Valve pockets for
the special valve assembly are bored in the steel forging which mites the
valve assembly a strong, rigid unit integral to the forging, Block trees are
often used on multiwell offshore platforms to conserve space.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
6161
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
448888.. BBLLOOCCKK VVAALLVVEE
A large, heavy-duly valve on a crude oil or products trunk line placed on each
side of a pipeline river crossing to isolate possible crossing.
448899.. BBLLOOCCKKIINNGG
Pumping measured amounts of crude oil or product through a pipeline in
batches or blocks. For example when moving different grades or types of
crude, e.g., sweet or sour, the two are not mixed but are blocked through the
line, one behind the other. And when each arrives at destination, it is
switched into separate tankage. In a packed or full line pumping under high
pressure, very little mixing of the two types of crude occurs at the interface,
the point in the line where the two are in contact.
449900.. bbllooooeeyy lliinnee
the discharge pipe from a well being drilled by air drilling, which conducts the
air or gas used for circulation away from the rig to reduce the danger of fire
and to transport the cuttings a suitable distance from the well.
4449922.. BBLLOOOOIIEE PPIIPPEE
A horizontal vent pipe extending from the wellhead a couple of feet from the
rig floor to a burn pit. The blooie pipe, named for the noise, makes, vents the
returns during air or gas drilling, In air drilling no mud is used, the pulverized
rock from the action of the bit is brought up from the bottom of the hole by
compressed air and blown through the blooie pipe into the burn pit. Should
gas or oil be encountered, it too is vented to the burn pit. Should the well
need to be controlled because of oil or gas in quantity and under high
pressure, the well must be mudded up. Drilling mud is pumped into the hole
and circulated as in conventional rotary drilling.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
6262
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
4449944.. BBLLOOOOMM
The irridescent cast of color in lubricating oil.
449955.. bbllooww ccaassee
a pumping device capable of transferring liquid; used to transfer crude oil and
water mixtures if pump agitation would create unwanted emulsions.
449966.. bbllooww oouutt
1. to suddenly expel oil-well fluids from the borehole with great velocity. 2. to
expel a portion of water and steam from a boiler to limit its concentration of
minerals.
449977.. BBLLOOWWBBYY
The escape of combustion or unburned fuel past the engine's piston and
piston rings into the crankcase. Blowby occurs during the power stroke but
unburned fuel can also escape during the compression stroke on spark-
ignition engines.
4449999.. bblloowwddoowwnn
the emptying or depressurizing of a material from a vessel. 2. the material
thus discarded.
550000.. BBLLOOWWDDOOWWNN SSTTAACCKK
A vent or stack into which the contents of a processing unit are emptied when
an emergency arises. Steam is injected into the stack to prevent ignition of
volatile material o a water quench is sometimes used.
5550022.. BBLLOOWWIINNGG TTHHEE DDRRIIPP
To open the valve on a drip (q.v.) to drain off the "drip gasoline" and to allow
the natural gas to "blow" fort moment to clear the line and drip of all liquid.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
6363
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
550033.. bblloowwooffff ccoocckk
a device which permits or arrests a flow of liquid from a receptacle or through
a pipe, faucet, tap, or stop valve.
5550055.. BBLLOOWWOOUUTT
Out of control gas and/or oil pressure erupting from a well being drilled; a
dangerous, uncontrolled eruption of gas and oil from a well; a wild well.
5550077.. bblloowwoouutt pprreevveenntteerr
(BOP) equipment installed at the wellhead at surface level on land rigs and on
the seafloor of floating offshore rigs to prevent the escape of pressure either
in the annular space between the casing and drill pipe or in an open hole
during drilling and completion operations. (See annular blowout proventer
and ram blowout preventer.)
550088.. bblloowwoouutt pprreevveenntteerr ccoonnttrrooll ((BBOOPP)) ppaanneell
a set of controls, usually located near the driller's position on the rig floor,
that is manipulated to open and close the blowout preventers.
5551100.. bblloowwoouutt pprreevveenntteerr ccoonnttrrooll uunniitt
a device that stores hydraulic fluid under pressure in special containers and
provides a method to open and close the blowout preventers quickly and
reliably. Usually compressed air and hydraulic pressure provide the opening
and closing force in the unit.
5551122.. BBLLOOWWOOUUTT PPRREEVVEENNTTEERR,, SSPPHHEERRIICCAALL
See Spherical Blowout Preventer.
551133.. BBLLOOWWPPIIPPEE ((WWEELLDDIINNQQAANNDD CCUUTTTTIINNGG))
See Welding Torch.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
6464
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
551144.. BBLLPPDD
barrels of liquid per day, usually used in reference to total production of oil
and water from a well.
5551166.. BBLLUUEESSKKYYLLAAWW
A statute which regulates the issuance and sale of securities. The term usually
is restricted to state statutes. The corresponding federal statutes and
regulations are the Federal Securities Act and the Securities and Exchange
(SEC) regulations. States differ in subjecting the sale of property interests in
oil and gas to Blue Sky regulations.
551177.. BBNNOOCC
British National oil Corporation (q.v.).
551188.. BBOO
barrels of oil; used in drilling reports.
551199.. BBooaarrdd
The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board.
552200.. BBOOBBTTAAIILL
A short-bodied truck.
552211.. BBOOBBTTAAIILL PPLLAANNTT
A gas plant which extracts liquid hydrocarbons from natural gas but does not
break down the liquid product into its separate components. The liquid
instead is pump ?d to a fractionator plant where it is separated into various
components or fractions in fractionator towers.
552222.. BBOODDYY
Colloquial term for the viscosity of oil.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
6565
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
552233.. BBOOGGIIEESS
Colloquial term for small transport dollies. A low, sturdy frame or small
platform with multiple wheels (4 to 8) for moving heavy objects short
distances.
5552255.. BBOOIILL OOFFFF
The vaporization or gasification of liquefied natural gas (LNG) or other gases
liquefied by applying high pressure and severe cooling. Boiloff occurs when
the holding vessel's insulation fails to maintain the low temperature required
to keep the gas in liquid form. Boiloff is a problem for shippers of LNG in the
specially built ocean carriers.
552266.. bbooiill wweeeevviill
(slang) an inexperienced rig or oil-filed worker, sometimes shortened to
"weevil."
552277.. bbooiill--wweeeevviill ccoorrnneerr
(slang, obsolete) the work station of an inexerienced rotary helper, on the
opposite side of the rotary from the pipe rocker.
5552299.. bbooiill--wweeeevviill hhaannggeerr
a tubing hanger.
553300.. bbooiilleerr
a closed pressure vessel that has a furnace equipped to burn coal, oil, or gas
and is used to generate steam from water.
5553322.. BBOOIILLEERR HHOOUUSSEE
(1) A lightly constructed building to house steam boilers. (2) To make a report
without doing the work; to fake a report.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
6666
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
553333.. bbooiilliinngg ppooiinntt
the temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid becomes equal to the
pressure exerted on the liquid by the surrounding atmosphere. The boiling
point of water is 212 F or 100 C at atmospheric pressure (14.7 psig).
5553355.. BBOOIILLIINNGG PPOOIINNTT,, IINNIITTIIAALL
The temperature at which a product being distilled comes to a boiling point;
the beginning of the distillation of a particular product; the temperature at
which this occurs.
5553377.. BBOOLLLLWWEEEEVVIILL
An inexperienced worker or "green hand" on a drilling crew.
553388.. BBOOLLSSTTEERR
A support on a truck bed used for hauling pipe. The heavy wooden or metal]
beam rests on a pin that allows the forward end of the load to pivot as truck
turns a corner.
553399.. bboommbb
a thick-walled container, usually steel, used to hold samples of oil or gas
under pressure. (See bottomhole pressure.)
554400.. bboommbb
a thick-walled container, usually steel, used to hold samples of oil or gas
under pressure. (See bottomhole pressure.)
554411.. BBOONNNNEETT
The upper part of a gate valve that encloses the packing gland and supports
the valve stem.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
6767
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
554422.. BBOONNUUSS
Usually, the bonus is the money paid by the lessee for the execution of an oil
and gas lease by the landowner. Another form is called an oil or royalty
bonus. This may be in the form of an overriding royalty reserved to the
landowner in addition to the usual one-eighth royalty.
554433.. BBOONNUUSS BBIIDDDDIINNGG
Competitive bidding for oil and gas leases in which the lease providing for a
fixed royally is offered to the prospective lessee offering to pay the largest
bonus to the lessor. See Royalty Bidding.
554444.. BBOOOOKK VVAALLUUEE
The worth of an oil company,, properties and all facilities, less depreciation
554455.. bboooomm
a movable arm of tubular or bar steel, used on some types of cranes or
derricks to support the hoisting lines that carry the load.
5554477.. bboooomm ddoogg
a ratchet device on a crane that prevents the boom of the crane from being
lowered but still permits it to be raised. It is also called a boom ratchet.
5554499.. bboooomm rraattcchheett
(See boom dog.)
555500.. bboooomm SSttoopp
the steel projections on a crane that the boom strikes if raised too high or
lowered too far.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
6868
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
555511.. BBOOOOMMCCAATTSS
Caterpillar tractors equipped with side booms and winches used in pipeline
construction to lift joints of pipe and to lower sections of the line into the
ditch.
555522.. bboooommeerr
1. (slang) an oil-field worker who moves from one center of activity to
another; a floater or transient. 2. A device used to tighten chains on a load of
pipe or other equipment on a truck to make it secure.
555533.. BBOOOOSSTTEERR SSTTAATTIIOONN
A pipeline pumping station usually on a main fine or trunk fine an
intermediate station; a field station that pumps into a tank farm or main
station.
5555555.. bboooott
a tubular device placed vertically inside or outside a larger vessel, through
which well fluids are conducted before entering the larger vessel. Also called a
flume or conductor pipe, it helps to separate gas from wet oil.
555566.. bboooott bbaasskkeett
(See junk sub.) boot sub (See Junk sub.)
555577.. BBOOPP
blowout preventer.
5555599.. BBOOPP SSTTAACCKK
Blowout preventer stack (q.v.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
6969
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
5556611.. BBOOPP//BBOOPP SSttaacckk
Blowout preventers/blowout preventer stack - an assembly of heavy-duty
valves attached to the wellhead to control well pressure and prevent a
blowout.
556622.. BBOOPPDD
barrels of oil per day.
556633.. bboorree
the diameter of the cylinder of an engine.
556644.. BBOORREE AANNDD SSTTRROOKKEE
See Pump Specifications.
556655.. BBOORREEHHOOLLEE
The hole in the earth made by the drill; the uncased drill hole from the
surface to the bottom of the we If.
5556677.. BBOORRIINNGG MMAACCHHIINNEE
A power-driven, large-diameter auger used to bore under roads, railroads,
and canals for the purpose of installing casing or steel conduits to hold a
pipeline.
556688.. bboottttllee tteesstt
a test in which varying amounts of a chemical are added to bottled samples
of an emulsion to determine how much of the chemical is needed to break
the emulsion into oil and water.
5557700.. bboottttlleedd ggaass
liquefied petroleum gas placed in small containers for sale to domestic
customers.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
7070
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
557711.. bboottttlleenneecckk
an area of reduced diameter in pipe, brought about by excessive longitudinal
strain or by a combination of longitudinal strain and the swagging action of a
body. A bottleneck may result if the downward motion of the drill pipe is
stopped with the slips instead of the brake.
5557733.. BBOOTTTTLLEENNEECCKKIINNGG
The deformation of the ends of the casing or tubing in the hanger resulting
from excessive weight of the string of pipe and the squeezing action of the
slips.
557744.. bboottttoomm ddeeaadd cceenntteerr
(BDC) the position of the piston at the lowest point possible in the cylinder of
an engine. It is often marked on the engine flywheel.
557755.. BBOOTTTTOOMM FFRRAACCTTIIOONN
The last cut; the "bottom of the barrel" in petroleum distillation.
557766.. bboottttoomm hhoolldd--ddoowwnn
a mechanism for anchoring a bottom-hole pump in the well.
557777.. bboottttoomm--hhoollee
pertaining to the lowest or deepest part of a well.
557788.. BBOOTTTTOOMM--HHOOLLEE AASSSSEEMMBBLLYY ((BBHHAA))
A drilling string comprised of a drillbit and several drill collars is a simple
bottom-hole assembly. Such an assembly may also include a bottom-hole
reamer above the bit or above the first drill collar. When in addition to drill
collars and reamers there are two or three stabilizers, in the string, it is
referred to as packed-hole assembly (q.v.). The main purpose of a hole
assembly is to keep the bit drilling as straight down as possible.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
7171
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
557799.. bboottttoomm--hhoollee cchhookkee
a device with a restricted opening placed in the lower end of the tubing to
control the rate of flow. (See choke.)
5558811.. bboottttoomm--hhoollee ccoonnttrraacctt
a contract providing for the payment of money or other considerations upon
the completion of a well to a specified depth.
558822.. BBOOTTTTOOMM--HHOOLLEE HHEEAATTEERR
Equipment used in the bottom of the well bore to increase bottom-hole
temperature in an effort to increase the recovery of low gravity or heavy oil.
558833.. BBOOTTTTOOMM--HHOOLLEE LLEETTTTEERR
An agreement by which an operator, planning to drill a well on his own land,
secures the promise from another to contribute to the cost of the well. In
contrast to a dry-hole letter, the former requires payment upon completion of
the well whether it produces or not. A bottom-hole letter is often used by the
operator as security for obtaining a loan to finance the drilling of the well.
558844.. bboottttoomm--hhoollee ppaacckkeerr
a device that blocks passage through the annular space between two strings
of pipe and is installed near the bottom of the hole. (See packer.)
5558866.. bboottttoomm--hhoollee pplluugg
a bridge plug or cement plug placed near the bottom of the hole to shut off a
depleted, water-producing, or unproductive zone.
558877.. BBOOTTTTOOMM--HHOOLLEE PPRREESSSSUURREE
The reservoir or formation pressure at the bottom of the hole. If measured
under flowing conditions, readings are usually taken at different rates of I low
in order to arrive at a maximum productivity rate. A decline in pressure
indicates the amount of depletion from the reservoir.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
7272
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
558888.. BBOOTTTTOOMM--HHOOLLEE PPUUMMPP
A pump located in the bottom of the well and not operated by sucker rods
and surface power units. Bottom-hole pumps are compact, high-volume units
driven by an electric motor or hydraulically operated.
558899.. bboottttoomm--hhoollee sseeppaarraattoorr
a device used to separate oil and gas at the bottom of wells to increase the
volumetric efficiency of the pumping equipment.
5559911.. bboottttoomm--llooaaddiinngg pprreessssuurree
the pressure exerted on the bottom hull of a column-stabilized,
semisubmersible drilling rig when the rig is submerged.
559922.. BBOOTTTTOOMM OOUUTT
To reach total depth, to drill to a specified depth.
559933.. bboottttoomm wwaatteerr
water found below oil and gas in a producing formation.
559944.. bboottttoommss
1. the liquids and residue that collect in the bottom of a vessel (such as tank
bottoms) or that remain in the bottom of a storage tank after a period of
service. 2. the residual fractions remaining at the bottom of a fractionating
tower after lighter components have been distilled off as vapors.
559955.. bboottttoommss--uupp
a complete trip from the bottom of the wellbore to the top.
559966.. BBoouurrddoonn ttuubbee
a flattened metal tube bent in a curve, which tends to straighten under
pressure. By the movements of an indicator over a circular scale, a Bourdon
tube indicates the pressure applied to it.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
7373
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
559977.. BBOOUURROOOONN TTUUBBEE
A small, crescent-shaped tube closed at one end, connected to,] source of
gas pressure at the other, used in pressure recording devices or in pilot
operated control mechanisms. With increases in gas pressure the Bourdon.
don tube flexes (attempts to straighten) and this movement through roper
linkage, actuates recording instruments.
559988.. bbooww lliinneess
n pl the lines running from the bow of a mobile offshore drilling rig, especially
the forward mooring lines.
5660000.. BBOOWWLL
A device that fits in the rotary table and holds the wedges or slips that
support a string of tubing or casing.
660011.. BBOOWWLLIINNEE
A knot used to form a loop in a rope which will neither slip nor jan.
660022.. bboowwlliinnee kknnoott
a knot primarily used in lifting heavy equipment with the catline, since it can
be readily tied and untied, regardless of the weight of the load on it.
6660044.. bbooxx
(See tool joint.)
6660066.. bbooxx aanndd ppiinn
(See tool Joint.)
660077.. BBOOXX AANNDD PPIINN JJOOIINNTT
A type Of screw coupling used to connect sucker rods and drill pipe. The box
is a thick-walled collar with threads on the inside the pin is threaded on the
outer circumference and is screwed into the box.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
7474
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
660088.. BBOOYYLLEE''SS LLAAWW
"The volume of any weight of gas is inversely proportional to the absolute
pressure, provided the temperature remains constant,"
6661100.. bbppdd
barrels per day.
661111.. BBPPHH
barrels per hour; used in drilling reports.
661122.. bbrraacckkiisshh wwaatteerr
water that contains relatively low concentrations of any soluble salts. Brackish
water is saltier than fresh water but not as salty as salt water.
6661144.. bbrraaddeennhheeaadd
(obsolete) casinghead.
661155.. bbrraaddeennhheeaadd ffllaannggee
a flanged connection at the top of the oil-well casing.
661166.. BBRRAADDEENNHHEEAADD GGAASS
Casinghead gas. Bradenhead was an early-day name for the wellhead or
casinghead.
661177.. bbrraaddeennhheeaadd ssqquueeeezziinngg
the process by which hydraulic pressure is applied to a well to force fluid or
cement outside the wellbore. (See squeeze.) The bradenhead, or casinghead,
is closed to shut off the annulus when making a bradenhead squeeze.
Although this term is still used, the term "bradenhead" is obsolete.
6661199.. bbrraakkee bbaanndd
a part of the brake mechanism, consisting of a flexible steel band lined with
asbestos or a similar material, that grips a drum when tightened. On a drilling
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
7575
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
rig, the brake band acts on the flanges of the drum on the drawworks to
control the lowering of the travelt'ng block and its load of drill pipe, casting,
or tubing.
662200.. bbrraakkee ffllaannggee
the surface on a winch, drum, or reel where the brake is applied to control
the movement of the unit.
662211.. BBRRAAKKEE HHOORRSSEEPPOOWWEERR ((SS..HH..PP..))
The power developed by an engine as measured at the drive shaft; the actual
or delivered horsepower as contrasted to "indicated horsepower" (q.v.).
6662233.. bbrraakkee rriiddeerr
(slang) a driller who is said to rely too heavily on the drawworks brake.
6662255.. bbrraanncchh lliinnee
a line, usually a pipe, joined to and diverging from another line.
662266.. bbrraassss rruunnnniinngg nniippppllee
a device used in the flow cross of the Christmas tree as a thread protector
while the rods are being run. Because it is brass, it prevents friction sparks.
662277.. BBRRAASSSSPPOOUUNNDDEERR
A telegrapher, especially one who uses a telegraph key (q.v.). See
Telegrapher's Bug. Until the 1940s or so, much of the communication from oil
patch to division and head offices was by telegraph. (The editor was once an
oilfield telegrapher.)
662288.. BBRREEAA
A viscous, asphaltic material formed at oil see pages when the fighter
fractions of the oil have evaporated, leaving the black, tar-like substand.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
7676
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
6663300.. bbrreeaaddtthh
the greatest overall dimension measured perpendicular to the longitudinal
centerline of the hull of a mobile offshore drilling rig.
663311.. bbrreeaakk
to begin or start (as to break circulation or break tour).
663322.. BBRREEAAKK CCIIRRCCUULLAATTIIOONN
To resume the movement of drilling fluid down the drill pipes through the ..
eyes" of the bit, and upward through the annulus to the surface
663333.. BBRREEAAKK OOUUTT
(1) To isolate pertinent figures from a mass of data; to retrieve relevant
information from a comprehensive report. (2) To loosen a threaded pipe joint.
663344.. BBRREEAAKK--OOUUTT TTAANNKKAAGGEE
Tankage at a take-off point or delivery point on a large crude oil or products
pipeline.
663355.. bbrreeaakk ttoouurr
to begin operating 24 hours a day. Moving the rig and rigging up are usually
carried on during daylight. When the rig is ready for operation on a new
location, crews break tour and start operating 24 hours a day.
663366.. bbrreeaakkddoowwnn
a failure of equipment. pertaining to the amount of pressure needed at the
wellhead to rupture the formation in a fracture treatment or squeeze job (as
formation breakdown pressure).
6663388.. BBRREEAAKKIINNGG DDOOWWNN TTHHEE PPII11PPEE
Unscrewing stands of drillpipe in one-joint lengths usually in preparation for
stacking and moving to another well location.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
7777
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
6664400.. bbrreeaakkiinngg ssttrreennggtthh
the load under which a chain breaks.
664411.. bbrreeaakkoouutt bblloocckk
a heavy plate that fits in the rotary table and holds the drill bit while it is
being unscrewed from the drill collar. (See bit breaker.)
664422.. bbrreeaakkoouutt ccaatthheeaadd
(See cathead.)
664433.. bbrreeaakkoouutt ttoonnggss
(See tongs and break out.)
664444.. bbrreeaatthhee
to move with a slight, regular rhythm. Breathing occurs in tanks of vessels
when vapors are expelled and air is taken in. For example, a tank of crude oil
expands because of the rise in temperature during the day and contracts as it
cools at night, expelling vapors as it expands and taking in air as it contracts.
Tubing breathes when it moves up and down in sequence with a sucker-rod
pump.
6664466.. BBRREEAATTHHIINNGG
The movement of oil vapors and air in and out of a storage tank owing to the
alternate heating by day and cooling by night of the vapors above the oil in
the tank.
6664488.. bbrriiddggee
1. an obstruction in the borehole, usually caused by the caving in of the wall
of the borehole or by the intrusion of a large boulder. 2. a tool placed in the
hole to retain cement or other material that may later be removed, drilled out,
or left permanently.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
7878
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
664499.. BBRRIIDDGGEE OOVVEERR
The collapse of the walls of the borehole around the drill column.
665500.. bbrriiddggee pplluugg
a downhole tool, composed primarily of slips, a plug mandrel, and a rubber
sealing element, that is run and set in casing to isolate a lower zone while
testing an upper section.
665511.. bbrriiddggiinngg mmaatteerriiaall
the fibrous, flaky, or granular material added to a cement slurry or drilling
fluid to aid in scaling formations in which lost circulation has occurred. (See
lost-circulation material.)
665522.. bbrriiddllee
a cable on a pumping unit, looped over the horse head and connected to the
carrier bar to support the polished-rod clamp. (See sucker-rod pumping.)
6665544.. BBRRIIGGHHTT SSPPOOTTSS
White areas on seismographic recording strips which may signal to the
geologist or trained observer the presence of hydrocarbons.
665555.. BBRRIIGGHHTT SSTTOOCCKKSS
High-viscosity. fully refined, and dewaxed lubricating oils; used for blending
with lower viscosity oils. The name originated from the clear, bright
appearance of the dewaxed tubes.
665566.. bbrriinnee
water that has a large quantity of salt, especially sodium chloride, dissolved in
it; salt water.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
7979
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
665577.. BBRRIINNGG BBOOTTTTOOMMSS UUPP
To wash rock cuttings from the bottom of the hole to the surface by
maintaining circulation after halting the drilling operation. This allows time for
closer inspection of the cuttings and for a decision as to how to proceed when
encountering a certain formation.
665588.. bbrriinngg iinn aa wweellll
to complete a well and put it in producing status.
665599.. BBRRIISSTTLLEE PPIIGG
A type of pipeline pig or scraper made of tough plastic covered with flame-
hardened steel bristles. Bristle or foam pigs are easy to run, do not get hung
up in the fine, and are easy to "catch." They are usually run in newly
constructed lines to remove rust and mill scale (q.v.).
666600.. BBRRIITTIISSHH NNAATTIIOONNAALL OOIILL CCOORRPPOORRAATTIIOONN
The United Kingdom government agency that "participates" in drilling and
production activities in the British sectors of the North Sea with U.S. oil
companies and others; the "corporation" through which Britain assumes
ownership of he U.K.'s share of the North Sea oil.
6666622.. BBrriittiisshh tthheerrmmaall uunniitt
(Btu) a measure of heat energy equivalent to the amount of heat needed to
raise the temperature of 1 lb of water 1 F.
666633.. bbrrkknn
broken; used in drilling reports.
666644.. BBRROOKKEEOOUUTT
To be promoted; "He broke out as a driller at Midland"; to begin a new job
after being promoted.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
8080
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
6666666.. BBRROONNCC
A new driller promoted from helper; a new tool pusher up from driller; any
newly promoted oil field worker whose performance is still untried.
666677.. BBrroowwnniiaann mmoovveemmeenntt
the random movement exhibited by microscopic particles when suspended in
liquids or gases, caused by the impact of molecules of fluid surrounding the
particle.
666688.. BBRRUUCCKKEERR SSUURRVVIIVVAALL CCAAPPSSUULLEE
A patented, sef-contained survival vessel that can be lowered from an
offshore drilling platform or semisubmersible in the event of a fire or other
emergency. The vessel, of spheroid shape, is self-propelled and is equipped
with first-aid and life-support systems. Some models can accommodate 2,3
persons, See Whitaker System.
666699.. BBSS&&WW
Short for basic sediment and water often found in crude oil.
667700.. BBSS&&WW mmoonniittoorr
a device used in LACT systems to measure and record automatically the
amount of water and other contaminants in oil being transferred to a pipeline
and to divert contaminated oil to treatment facilities.
667711.. BBssccff//dd
billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.
6667733.. BBSSDD
Barrels per stream day. See Stream Day.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
8181
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
667744.. BBTTUU
British thermal unit; the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water
one degree Fahrenheit.
6667766.. BBTTXX
Benzene-toluene-xylene; basic aromatics used in the manufacture of paints,
synthetic ruber, agricultural chemicals, and chemical intermediates. The
initials are used by refinery men in designating a unit of the refinery.
667777.. bbuubbbbllee ccaapp
a metal cap that has openings allowing vapor bubbles in a gas-processing
tower to contact cool liquids, causing some of the vapor to condense to liquid.
667788.. bbuubbbbllee--ccaapp ttrraayy
a perforated steel tray on which bubble caps are mounted. Bubble caps and
trays are arranged in bubble towers, cylindrical vessels set vertically in rows.
667799.. BBUUBBBBLLEE--CCAAPPTTRRAAYYSS
Shelves or horizontal baffles inside a fractionating tower or column that are
perforated to allow the fluid charge to run down to the bottom of the column
and the vapors to rise through the trays to the top where they are drawn off.
The perforations in the trays are made with small umbrella-like caps called
bubble caps whose purpose is to force the rising vapors to bubble through the
several inches of liquid standing on each tray before the vapors move upward
to the next tray. The hot vapors bubbling through the liquid keep the liquid
charge heated.
668800.. BBUUBBBBLLEE PPOOIINNTT
The pressure at which gas, held in solution in crude oil, breaks out of solution
as free gas saturation pressure.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
8282
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
668811.. BBUUBBBBLLEE PPOOIINNTT PPUUMMPP
A type of downhole oil pump very sensitive to gas. When the saturation
pressure is reached, gas is released which gas-locks the pump until pressure
is again built up by the oil I lowing into the well bore. This type of pump
regulates, in effect, oil production from a reservoir with a gas drive. -
668822.. bbuubbbbllee ttoowweerr
a vertical, cylindrical vessel in which bubble caps and bubble-cap trays are
arranged.
6668844.. bbuubbbbllee ttrraayy
(See bubble-cap tray.) buck up to tighten up a screwed connection.
6668866.. BBUUCCKK UUPP
To tighten pipe joints with a wrench.
668877.. bbuugg bblloowweerr
(slang) a large fan installed on a drilling rig to blow insects away from the
work area; any type of fan.
668888.. BBUUGG BBLLOOWWEERRSS
Large fans used on or near the floor of the drilling rig to keep mosquitoes and
other flying insects off the rig crew.
6669900.. bbuuiilldduupp tteesstt
a test in which a well is shut in for a prescribed period of time and a bottom-
hole pressure bomb run in the well to record increases or decreases in
pressure. From this data and from knowledge of pressures in a nearby well,
the effective drainage radius or the presence of permeability barriers or other
production deterrents surrounding the wellbore can be estimated.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
8383
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
6669922.. BBUULLKK PPLLAANNTT
A distribution point for petroleum products. A bulk plant usually has tank
carunloading facilitiese and warehousing for products sold in packages or in
barrels.
669933.. bbuullkkhheeaadd
an interior wall that subdivides a mobile offshore drilling rig into
compartments.
669944.. bbuullkkhheeaadd ddeecckk
the highest deck to which watertight bulkheads extend on a ship or mobile
offshore drilling rig.
6669966.. BBUULLLL GGAANNGG
Common laborers who do the ditching and other heavy work on a pipeline
construction job.
6669988.. bbuullll ggeeaarr
the large, circular gear in a mud pump that is driven by the prime mover and
in turn drives the connecting rods.
6770000.. bbuullll pplluugg
a threaded nipple with a rounded, closed end, used to stop up a hole or close
off the end of a line.
770022.. BBUULLLLDDOOGGGGEEDD
Said of a fishing toot lowered into the well bore that has latched onto lost
pipe or another object being fished out and won't unlatch or cannot be
disengaged. owing to a malfunction of the tool.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
8484
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
770033.. bbuullllddoozzeerr
a powerful tractor having a vertical blade at the front end for moving rocks,
earth, and so on.
770055.. bbuulllleett ppeerrffoorraattoorr
a tubular device that, when lowered to a selected depth within a well, fires
bullets through the casing to provide holes through which the well fluids may
enter.
770066.. BBUULLLLEETT TTAANNKKSS
Colloquial term for horizontal pressure tanks made in the shape of a very fat
bullet. Bullet tanks ire for storing gasoline or butane under pressure. Other
liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) with higher vapor pressure (q.v.) are stored
In Hortonsphores or spheroids that can withstand higher pressures per square
inch.
770088.. bbuulllleettss
n pl the devices loaded into perforating guns to penetrate into casing and
cement and some distance into the formation when the guns are fired. (See
gun-perforate.)
771100.. BBUULLLLWWAAGGOONN
A casing wagon (q.v.).
771122.. BBUULLLLWWHHEEEELL
On a cable-tool rig, the large wheels and axle located on one side of the
derrick floor used to hold the drilling line. See Calf Wheel.
771133.. bbuummpp aa wweellll
to have too long a sucker-rod string on a pumping unit, so that the pump hits
bottom on the downstroke.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
8585
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
771144.. bbuummpp ooffff aa wweellll
to disconnect a pull-rod line from a central power unit.
771155.. bbuummppeedd
aoj in cementing operations, pertaining to a cement plug which comes to rest
on the float collar. A cementing operator might say, "I have a bumped plug, "
when the plug strikes the float collar.
771166.. bbuummppeerr jjaarr
(See jar.) bumper sub a device similar to ajar, but used in the normal drilling
stem to compensate for vertical movement of the stem, especially in offshore
drilling. It also provides jarring action, but to a lesser extent than a jar.
771177.. BBUUMMPPEERR SSUUBB
A slip joint that is part of the string of drillpipe used in drilling from a drillship
to absorb the vertical motion of the ship caused by wave action. The slip joint
is inserted above the heavy drill collars in order to maintain the weight of the
collars on the drill bit as the drillpipe above the slip joint up and down with
the motion of the ship.
771199.. BBUUMMPPEERR SSUUBB ((FFIISSHHIINNGG))
A hydraulically actuated tool installed in the fishing string above the fishing
tool to produce a jarring action. When the fishing tool has a firm hold on the
lost drillpipe or tubing, which may also be stuck fast in the hole. the bumper
sub imparts a jarring action to help free the "fish."
772200.. BBUUMMPP OOFFFF AA WWEELLLL
To disconnect a rod-line well from a central power unit.
772211.. BBUUNNKKEERR ""CC"" FFUUEELL OOIILL
A heavy, residual fuel oil used in ships' boilers and large heating and
generating plants.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
8686
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
772233.. bbuunnkkeerr ooiill
(See residuals.)
772244.. BBUUNNKKEERRIINNGG
To supply fuel to vessels for use in the ships 'boilers; the loading of bunker
fuel on board ship for use by the ship's boilers.
772266.. BBUUNNKKHHOOUUSSEE
Crew quarters. usually a portable building used on remote well location to
house the drilling crew and for supplies; quarters for Single 011 field workers
in the days when transportation to a nearby town was unavailable.
772288.. bbuuooyyaannccyy
the apparent loss of weight of an object immersed in a fluid. If the object is
floating, the immersed portion displaces a volume of fluid the weight of which
is equal to the weight of the object.
773300.. BBUURRNN PPIITT
An excavation in which waste oil and other material are burned
773322.. bbuurrnn sshhooee
a type of rotary shoe designed to mill away metal tubular goods (such as
casing, drill pipe, and so on) causing stuck pipe; used in fishing operations.
773344.. BBUURRNNEERR
A device for the efficient combustion of a mixture of fuel and air. See
Ultrasonic Atomizer.
773366.. bbuurrnniinngg ppooiinntt
the lowest temperature at which an oil or fuel will burn when an open flame
is held near its surface.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
8787
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
773388.. bbuusshhiinngg
1. a pipe fitting of which the external thread is larger than its internal thread
to allow two pipes of different sizes to be connected together. 2. a removable
lining or sleeve inserted or screwed into an opening to limit its size, resist
wear or corrosion, or serve as a guide.
773399.. bbuuttaannee
a paraffin hydrocarbon, C4H10, that is a gas in atmospheric conditions but is
easily liquefied under pressure; a constituent of LPG.
774411.. BBUUTTTT--WWEELLDDEEDD PPIIPPEE
Pipe made from a rectangular sheet of steel which is formed on mandrels.
The two edges of the sheet are butted together and welded automatically.
774422.. BBUUTTTTEERRFFLLYY VVAALLVVEE
A type of quick-opening valve whose orifice is opened and closed by a disk
that pivots on a shaft in the throat of the valve.
button bit
a drilling bit with tungsten carbide inserts that resemble buttons. (See roller-
cone bit.)
774444.. BBUUYY--RRAACCKK CCRRUUDDEE OOIILL
In foreign countries, buy-back oil is the host government's share of
"participation crude" it permits the company holding the concession (the
producer) to buy back. This occurs when the host government has no market
for its share of oil received under the joint-interest or participation
agreement.
774455.. BBWW
barrels of water; used in drilling reports.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
8888
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
774466.. BBWWPPDD
barrels of water per day.
774477.. BBWWPPHH
barrels of water per hour; used in drilling reports.
774499.. bbyyppaassss
a pipe connection around a valve or other control mechanism, installed to
permit passage of fluid through the line while adjustments or repairs are
being made on the control.
775500.. BBYYPPAASSSS VVAALLVVEE
A valve by which the flow of liquid or gas in a system may be shunted pasta
part of the system through which it normally flows; a valve that controls an
alternate route for liquid or gas.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
8989
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
775511.. CC
degrees centigrade or Celsius. (See cement Ceisius.1 scale.)
775533.. CC..II.. PPLLUUGG
A cast-iron plug; a flat plug used to close the end of a pipe or a valve.
775544.. CC0022--SSHHIIEELLDDEEDD WWEELLDDIINNGG
See Welding, C02-Shielded.
775555.. ccaabbllee
a rope of wire, hemp, or other strong fibers.
775566.. ccaabbllee ttooooll ddrriilllliinngg
a drilling method in which the hole is drilled by dropping a sharply pointed bit
on the bottom of the hole. The bit is attached to a cable and the cable is
picked up and dropped, picked up and dropped, over and over, as the hole is
drilled.
775577.. CCAABBLLEE TTOOOOLLSS
The equipment necessary for cable tool drilling of a well. A heavy metal bar,
sharpened to a chisel-like point on the lower end is attached to a drilling rope
or wire line (cable) which is fastened to a walking beam above the rig floor
that provides an up and down motion to the line and the metal drilling tools.
The drilling tool, called a bit, comes in a variety of cutting-edge
configurations.
775588.. CCAABBLLEE,, DDRRIILLLLIINNGG
A heavy cable, 1 to 2 inches in diameter, made of strands of steel wire.
775599.. ccaakkee tthhiicckknneessss
the thickness of the filter cake.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
9090
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
776600.. CCAALLCCIINNIINNGG ((OOFF CCOOKKEE))
Calcining is the heating of a substance to drive off moisture and other
gaseous impurities or to make it more friable or crushable. Petroleum coke is
calcined, crushed, and heated to drive off any remaining liquid hydrocarbons
and water.
776622.. ccaallcciiuumm ccaarrbboonnaattee
a chemical combination of calcium, carbon, and oxygen, the main constituent
of limestone. It forms a tenacious scale in water-handling facilities and is a
cause of water hardness. Chemical symbol is CaCOB2 B.
776633.. ccaallcciiuumm cchhlloorriiddee
a moisture-absorbing chemical, or desiccant, used as an accelerator in
cements and as a drying agent. Its symbol is CaCl2.
776644.. ccaallcciiuumm ssuullffaattee
a chemical combination of calcium, sulfur, and oxygen. It sometimes
contaminates drilling fluids but may be added to provide certain properties.
Like calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate (CaSO4) forms a hard-to-remove scale
in some water-handling facilities. (See anhydrite and gypsum.)
776655.. ccaallcciiuumm--ttrreeaatteedd mmuudd
a freshwater drilling mud using calcium oxide (lime) or calcium sulfate (gyp)
to retard the hydrating qualities of shale and clay formations, thus facilitating
drilling. Calcium-treated muds resist salt and anhydrite contamination, but
may require further treatment to prevent gelation (solidification) under the
high temperatures of deep wells.
776666.. CCAALLFF WWHHEEEELL
The spool or winch located across the derrick floor from the bull wheels (q.v.)
on a (able tool rig. The casing is usually run with the use of the calf wheels
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
9191
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
which are powered by the band wheel (q.v.). A line from the call wheels runs
to the crown block and down to the rig floor.
776677.. ccaalliibbrraattiioonn ttaannkk
(See proven tank.)
776688.. CCAALLIIPPEERR LLOOGG
A tool for checking casing downhole for any bending or flattening or other
deformation prior to running and setting a packer or other casing hardware.
See Drift Mandrel.
776699.. ccaalloorriiee ((CCaalloorryy))
the amount of heat energy necessary to raise the temperature of 1 g of water
1 C. It is the metric equivalent of the British thermal unit.
777700.. CCaamm
an eccentrically shaped disk that varies in distance from its center to various
points on its circumference and that is mounted on a camshaft and serves to
open the engine valves.
777711.. CCAAMMPP,, CCOOMMPPAANNYY
A small community of oil field workers; a settlement of oil company
employees living on a lease in company housing. In the early days, oil
companies furnished housing, lights, gas, and water free or at a nominal
charge to employees working on the lease and at nearby company
installations pumping stations, gasoline plants, tank farms, loading racks, etc.
Camps were known by company lease or simply the lease name, e.g. Gulf
Wolf Camp, Carter Camp, and Tom Butler.
777722.. CCAANNNNIINNGG LLIINNEE
A facility at refinery where cans are filled with lubricating oil, and put in cases.
Modern canning lines are fully automated.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
9292
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
777733.. ccaanntteedd lleegg
pertaining to an independent leg jackup rig designed so that the legs may be
slanted outward to increase support against lateral stresses when the unit is
on the seafloor.
777744.. ccaannvvaass ppaacckkeerr
(obsolete) a device for sealing the annular space between the top of a liner
and the existing casing string.
777766.. CCAAOODDCC
the Canadian Association of Oil-Well Drilling Contractors, the Canadian
counterpart of the IADC.
777777.. ccaapp aa wweellll
to control a blowout by placing a very strong valve on the wellhead.
777788.. ccaapp rroocckk
1. impermeable rock overlying an oil or gas reservoir that tends to prevent
migration of fluids from the reservoir. 2. the porous and permeable strata
overlying salt domes that may serve as the reservoir rock.
777799.. ccaappaacciittaannccee pprroobbee
a device used in most net-oil computers that senses the different dielectric
constants of oil and water in an water-in-oil emulsion.
778811.. ccaappaacciittoorr
an electrical device that, when wired in- the line of an electrical circuit, stores
a charge of electricity and returns the charge to the line when certain
electrical conditions occur. It also is called a condenser.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
9393
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
778822.. CCAAPPBBEEAADD
The final bead or course of metal laid on a pipeline weld. The cap bead goes
on top of the hot passes or filler beads to finish the weld.
778833.. CCAAPPIILLLLAARRYY AATTTTRRAACCTTIIOONN
The attraction of the surface of a liquid to the surface of a solid. Capillary
attraction or capillarity adversely affects the recovery of crude oil from a
porous formation because a portion of the oil clings to the surface of each
pore in the rock. Flooding the formation with certain chemicals the capillary
attraction, the surface tension, permitting the oil to drain out of the pores of
the rock. See Tertiary Recovery.
778844.. CCaappiillllaarryy PPrreessssuurree
A type of pressure data used to determine water saturation in a reservoir.
778855.. CCAAPPIITTAALL AASSSSEETTSS
Assets acquired for investment and not for sale and requiring no personal
services or management duties. In Federal income tax law, oil and gas leases
are, ordinarily, property used in the taxpayers' trade or business and are not
capital assets. Royalty, if held for investment, is usually considered a capital
asset.
778866.. CCAAPPIITTAALL EEXXPPEENNDDIITTUURREESS
Nondeductible expenditures which must be recovered through depletion or
depreciation. In the oil industry, these items illustrate expenditures that must
be capitalized geophysical and geologic costs. Well equipment and lease
bonuses paid by lessee.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
9494
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
778877.. CCAAPPIITTAALL--GGAAPP DDIILLEEMMMMAA
The growing disproportion of capital investment to oil reserves discovered;
the increasing need for investment capital coupled with diminishing results in
terms of oil and gas discovered spending more to find less oil.
778888.. CCAAPPIITTAALL--IINNTTEENNSSIIVVEE IINNDDUUSSTTRRYY
Said of the oil industry because of the great amounts of investment capital
required to search for and establish petroleum reserves.
778899.. CCAAPPIITTAALL SSTTRRIINNGG
Another name for the production string (q.v.).
779900.. CCAAPPPPIINNGG
Closing in a well to prevent the escape of gas or oil.
779911.. CCAAPPSSCCRREEWW
A bolt made with an integral, hexagonal head; cap screws are commonly used
to fasten water jackets and other auxiliary pieces to an engine or pump, and
have slightly pointed ends. below the threads, to aid in getting the "screw"
into the tapped hole and started straight.
779922.. CCAAPPTTUURREEDD BBOOLLTT
A bolt held in place by a fixed nut or threaded piece. The bolt can be
tightened or loosened but cannot be removed completely because of a
shoulder at the end of the bolt. Captured bolts are in reality a part of an
adjustable piece and are so made to preclude the chance of being removed
and dropped or because of limited space and accessibility in an item of
equipment.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
9595
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
779933.. CCAARRBBOONN BBLLAACCKK
A fine, bulky carbon obtained as soot by burning natural gas in large
horizontal "ovens" with insufficient air. carbon black very fine particles of
almost pure amorphous carbon, usually produced from gaseous or liquid
hydrocarbons by thermal decomposition or by controlled combustion with a
restricted air supply.
779955.. CCAARRBBOONN PPLLAANNTT
A plant for the production of carbon black by burning natural gas in the
absence of sufficient air. Carbon plants are located close to a source of gas
and in more or less isolated sections of the country because of the heavy
emission of smoke.
779966.. ccaarrbboonnaattee rreeeeff
(See reef.)
779977.. CCaarrbboonnaattee rroocckk
a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate (limestone) or
calcium magnesium carbonate (dolomite), sometimes makes up petroleum
reservoirs.
779999.. ccaarrbbooxxyymmeetthhyyll cceelllluulloossee
(CMC) a non. fermenting cellulose product used in drilling fluids to combat
contamination from anhydrite (gyp) and to lower the water loss of the mud.
88880011.. CCAARRRRIIEEDD IINNTTEERREESSTT
A fractional interest in an oil or gas property, most often a lease, the holder of
which has no obligation for operating costs. These are paid by the owner or
owners of the remaining fraction who reimburse themselves out of profits
from production. The person paying the costs is the carrying party; the other
person is the carried party.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
9696
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
88880033.. CCAARRRRIIEEDD WWOORRKKIINNGG IINNTTEERREESSTT
A fractional interest in an oil and gas property conveyed or assigned to
another party by the operator or owner of the working interest. In its simplest
form a carried working interest is exempt from all costs of development and
operation of the property. However, the carried interest may specify "to
casing point,' "to setting of tanks," or "through well completion." If the
arrangement specifies through well completion, then the carried Interest may
assume the equivalent fractional interest of operating costs upon completion
of the well. There are many different types of carried interests, the details
varyinq considerably from arrangement to arrangement. One authority has
observed, "The numerous forms this interest is given from time to lime make
it apparent the term carried interest dose not define any specific form of
agreement but serves only serves only as a guide in preparing and
interpreting instruments."
880044.. ccaarrrriieerr rriigg
a self-propelled, wheeled unit used to service oil and gas wells. Modern
production rigs are usually carrier units, having the mast, hoist, engines, and
other auxiliaries needed to service or work over a well mounted on a chassis
powered by the engines used for hoisting. (See back-in unit . 1 and drive-in
unit.)
880055.. CCAARRVVEEDD--OOUUTT IINNTTEERREESSTT
An interest; an oil payment or overridinq royalty (q.v.) conveyed to another
party by the owner of a larger interest, i.e., a working interest. The owner of
the working interest in a producing property may grant an oil payment to a
bank to pay off a loan. For other considerations, the owner of the larger
interest may convey an overriding royalty. one-sixteenth. for example, which
he has "sliced off" or carved out of his interest.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
9797
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
880066.. CCaasseedd
pertaining to a wellbore in which casing is run and cemented.
880077.. CCaasseedd hhoollee
a wellbore in which casing has been run.
880088.. CCAASSHHEEOONNUUSS
See Bonus.
88881100.. CCaassiinngg
Steel pipe set in a well to prevent the hole from sloughing or caving and to
enable formations to be isolated (there may be several strings of casing in a
well, one inside the other).
88881122.. ccaassiinngg aaddaapptteerr
a swage nipple, usually beveled, installed on the top of a string of pipe that
does not extend to the surface. It prevents a smaller string of pipe or tools
from hanging up on the top of the column when run in the well.
88881144.. ccaassiinngg--bbuurrsstt pprreessssuurree
the amount of pressure that causes the wall of the casing to fail. This
pressure is critically important when a gas kick is being circulated out,
because gas on the way to the surface expands, exerting more pressure than
it did at the bottom of the well.
881155.. ccaassiinngg cceennttrraalliizzeerr
a device secured around the casing at various intervals to center it in the hole
and provide a uniform cement sheath around the pipe.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
9898
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
881166.. ccaassiinngg ccoouupplliinngg
a tubular section of pipe that is threaded inside and used to connect two
joints of casing.
881177.. ccaassiinngg ccuutttteerr
a heavy cylindrical body fitted with a set of knives, used to free a section of
casing in the well. The cutter is run on a string of tubing or drill pipe, and the
knives are rotated against the inner walls of the pipe to free the casing.
881188.. ccaassiinngg ddeessiiggnn cchhaarrtt
a list of the various grades and weights of pipe available for the casing string,
which includes pertinent safety factors such as stress effects to permit
selection of the most economical and safest casing for a specific job. casing
elevator (See elevator.)
881199.. ccaassiinngg ffllooaatt ccoollllaarr
(See float collar.)
88882211.. ccaassiinngg ppaacckk
a method of cementing casing in a well so that the casing may, if necessary,
be retrieved with minimum difficulty. A special mud, usually an oil mud, is
placed in the well ahead of the cement after the casing has been set. The
mud used is non-solidifying, so that it does not bind or stick to the casing in
the hole in the area above the cement. Since the mud does not gel, even over
long periods of time, the casing can be cut above the cemented section and
retrieved. Casing packs are used in wells of doubtful or limited production to
permit reuse of valuable lengths of casing.
882222.. CCAASSIINNGG PPAACCKKEERR,, EEXXTTEERRNNAALL
See External Casing Packer.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
9999
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
88882244.. CCAASSIINNGG PPOOIINNTT
A term that designates a time when a decision must be made whether casing
is to be run and set or the well abandoned and plugged in a joint operating
agreement, casing point refers to the time when a well has been drilled to
objective depth, tests made, and the operator notifies the drilling parties of
his recommendation with a respect to setting casing a production string, and
completing the well. On a marginal well, decision to set pipe is often difficult.
To case a well often costs as much as drilling. On a very good well there is no
hesitation the operators and glad to run casing and complete the well. casing
point the depth in a well at which casing is set, generally the depth at which
the casing shoe rests.
88882266.. CCAASSIINNGG PPRREESSSSUURREE
Pressure between the casing and the well's tubing. casing pressure the
pressure built up in a well between the casing and tubing or casing and drill
pipe.
88882288.. ccaassiinngg pprrootteeccttoorrss
short, threaded nipples screwed into the open end of the coupling and over
the threaded end to protect the threads from dirt accumulation damage. Also
called thread protectors, they are made of steel or plastic.
88883300.. ccaassiinngg sshhooee
a short, heavy, hollow, cylindrical steel section with a rounded bottom that is
placed on the end of the casing string to serve as a reinforcing shoe and to
aid in cutting off minor projections from the borehole wall as the casing is
being lowered. Also called a guide shoe.
883311.. ccaassiinngg sslliippss
(See slips.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
100100
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
883322.. ccaassiinngg ssppeeaarr
a fishing tool designed to grab casing from the inside so that when the spear
is retrieved, the attached casing comes with it.
883333.. ccaassiinngg ssppiiddeerr
(See spider.)
88883355.. ccaassiinngg ssttrriinngg
Casing is manufactured in lengths of about 30 ft, each length or joint being
joined to another as casing is run in a well. The entire length of all the joints
of casing is called the casing string. (See combination string.)
88883377.. ccaassiinngg sswwaaggee
a solid, cylindrical body,pointed at the bottom and equipped with a tool joint
at the top for connection with a jar, used to make an opening in a collapsed
casing and drive it back to its original shape.
883388.. ccaassiinngg ttoonnggss
(See tongs.)
883399.. CCAASSIINNGG WWAAGGOONN
A small, low cart for moving casing from the pipe rack to the derrick floor.
Two wagons are used. The forward wagon holds the pipe in a V-shaped
cradle the rear wagon is in reality a lever on wheels which raises the end of
the casing so it is free to be pulled.
88884411.. CCAASSIINNGG,, SSHHAALLLLOOWW--WWEELLLL
Small-diameter casing of lighter weight than conventional casing used in deep
wells. The lighter-weight casing is less costly, easier to handle. and adequate
for certain kinds of shallow, low-pressure wells.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
101101
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
884422.. CCAASSIINNGG,, SSPPIIRRAALLLLEEDD--WWAALLLL
Well casing made with spiral grooves on the outer circumference of the pipe.
The purpose of the patented axial grooves is to aid in running casing or a
liner (q.v.) in deviated or crooked holes. The pipe with its grooves, like screw
threads, is said to be less susceptible to wall or differential sticking (q.v.).
884433.. CCAASSIINNGGHHEEAADD
The top of the casing set in a well; the part of the casing that protrudes
above the surface and to which the control valves and flow pipes are
attached. casinghead a heavy, flanged steel fitting that connects to the first
string of casing and provides a housing for the slips and packing assemblies
by which intermediate strings of casing are suspended and the annulus sealed
off. It is also called a spool.
884444.. CCAASSIINNGGHHEEAADD GGAASS ))الغاز المفصول عن النفط في على السطحالغاز المفصول عن النفط في على السطح((
Gas produced with oil from an oil well as distinguished from gas from a gas
well. The casinghead gas is taken off at the top of the well or at the
separator.
88884466.. CCAASSIINNGGHHEEAADD GGAASSOOLLIINNEE
Liquid hydrocarbons separated from casinghead gas by the reduction of
pressure at the wellhead or by a separator or absorption plant. Casinghead,
gasoline or natural gasoline is a highly volatile, water white liquid. casinghead
gasoline liquid hydrocarbons that are extracted from casinghead gas.
884477.. ccaatt
a tractor designed to move easily over rough terrain, used often to clear areas
in earth-moving operations and in skidding rigs.It is a shortened form of
Caterpillar, a trade name.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
102102
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
88884499.. CCAATT LLIINNEE
A hoisting or pulling rope operated from a cat head (q.v.). On a drilling rig,
the rope used by the driller to exert a pull on pipe tongs in tightening (making
up) or loosening (breaking out) joints of pipe.
88885511.. CCAATT SSHHAAFFTT
The shaft on the draw works on which the cat heads are mounted. One cat
head is a drum, and by using a large rope wrapped around it a few turns the
drilling crew can do such jobs as make-up and break-out and light hoisting,
The other end of the cat shaft has a manual or air-actuated quick-release
friction clutch and drum to which the tong jerk fine or spinning chain is
attached.
885522.. CCAATT WWOORRKKSS
A part of the rig's draw works; the gear and chain linkage that powers the cat
heads. The cat works are used by the driller to make up and break out tool
joint connections; spin in the easing and apply torque to the pipe tongs. See
Cat Shaft.
885533.. CCAATTAALLYYSSIISS
The increase or speeding up of a chemical reaction caused by a substance
that remains chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction. Any reaction
brought about by a separate agent.
885544.. CCAATTAALLYYSSTT
A substance which hastens or retards a chemical reaction without undergoing
a chemical change itself during the process. catalyst a substance that alters,
accelerates, or instigates chemical reactions without itself being affected.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
103103
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
885555.. ccaattaallyyttiicc ccrraacckkiinngg
the breaking down of large, complex hydrocarbon molecules by applying heat,
pressure, and a chemical (the catalyst) to speed the process.
88885577.. ccaattcchh ssaammpplleess
to obtain cuttings made by the bit as formations are penetrated for study by
geologists. 'Re samples are obtained from drilling fluid as it emerges from the
wellbore or, in cable-tool drilling, from the bailer. Cuttings are carefully
washed until they are free of foreign matter, dried, and labeled to indicate the
depth at which they were obtained.
885588.. CCAATTCCRRAACCKKEERR
A large refinery vessel for processing reduced crude oil, naphthas, or other
intermediates in the presence of a catalyst. See Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit.
885599.. CCAATTEENNAARRYY
The sag or curve of a cable or chain stretched between two supports.
886600.. ccaatteennaarryy CCuurrvvee
the shape assumed by a perfectly flexible line hanging under its own weight.
886611.. CCAATTHHEEAADD
A spool-shaped hub on a winch shaft around which a rope is wound for
pulling and hoisting; a power take-off spool used by the driller as he operates
the cat line(q.v.).
886622.. ccaatthhooddee ))الكاثودالكاثود((
the negative element of any electrical device as opposed to the anode.
Electricity enters a circuit at the cathode.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
104104
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
88886644.. CCAATTHHOODDIICC PPRROOTTEECCTTIIOONN ))الحماية الكاثوديةالحماية الكاثودية((
An anticorrosion technique for metal installations-pipelines, tanks, buildings in
which weak electric currents are set up to offset the current associated with
metal corrosion. Carbon or nonferrous anodes (q.v.) buried near the pipeline
are connected to the pipe. Current flowing from the corroding anode to the
metal installation control the corrosion of the installation.
886655.. ccaattiioonn ))الكاتيونالكاتيون((
(See ion.)
88886677.. ccaattlliinnee
a hoisting or pulling line powered by the cathead, used to lift heavy
equipment on the rig.
886688.. CCAATTTTLLEE GGUUAARRDD
A ground-level, trestle-like crossing placed at an opening in a pasture fence to
prevent cattle from getting out while permitting vehicles to cross over the
metal or wooden open framework.
886699.. CCAATTWWAALLKK
raised, narrow walkway between tanks or other installations. catwalk the
ramp at the side of the drilling rig where pipe is laid out to be lifted to the
derrick floor by the catline; any elevated walkway.
887700.. ccaauussttiicc ssooddaa ))الصودا الكاويةالصودا الكاوية((
sodium hydroxide, used td maintain an alkaline pH in drilling mud and in
petroleum fractions. Its symbol is NaOH.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
105105
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
887711.. ccaavveerrnnoouuss ffoorrmmaattiioonn ))الصخور المتكهفةالصخور المتكهفة((
a rock formation that contains large, open spaces, usually resulting from
dissolving by formation waters that may still be present. (See tug.)
887722.. CCAAVVEEYY FFOORRMMAATTIIOONN
A formation that trends to cave or slough into the well's borch,71,?. In the
parlance of cable-tool drillers, "the hole doesn't stand up."
887733.. ccaavviinngg
collapse of the walls of the wellbore, also called sloughing.
887744.. CCAAVVIITTAATTIIOONN
The creation of a partial vacuum or a cavity by a high-speed blade or boat
propeller moving in or through a liquid. Cavitation is also by a suction pump
drawing in liquid whore there is an insufficient station or hydrostatic head to
keep the line supplied.
887755.. cccc
cubic centimeter.
887766.. CCDD
Contract depth the depth of a well called for or specified in contract.
887777.. CCEELLLLAARR
An excavation dug at the drill site before erecting the derrick to provide
working space for the casinghead equipment beneath the derrick floor.
Blowout preventer valves (BOP stack) are also located beneath the derrick
floor in the cellar. cellar a pit in the ground dug to provide additional height
between the rig floor and the wellhead to accommodate installation of
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
106106
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
blowout preventers, rathole, mousehole, etc. It also collects drainage water
and other fluids for subsequent disposal.
887788.. CCEELLLLAARR DDEECCKK
Lower deck on a large, double-decked, semisubmersible drilling platform.
cellar deck the lower deck of a double-decked semisubmersible drilling rig.
(See main deck or Texas deck.)
88888800.. CCEELLLLAARR,, WWEELLLLHHEEAADD
See Wellhead Cellar.
888811.. cceemmeenntt
a powder consisting of alumina, silica, lime, and other substances which
hardens when mixed with water. Extensively used in the oil industry to bond
casing to the walls of the wellbore.
888822.. cceemmeenntt 9944 llbb ((11 ccuu fftt))
bentonite 100 lb ilmenite 100 lb barite 100 lb
888833.. cceemmeenntt aaddddiittiivvee
a material added to cement during cementing of a well to change its
properties. Chemical accelerators, chemical retarders, and weight-reduction
materials are common additives. (See cementing materials.)
888844.. cceemmeenntt bboonndd
the adherence of casing to cement and cement to formation. When casing is
run in a well, it is set, or bonded, to the formation by means of cement.
888855.. cceemmeenntt bboonndd ssuurrvveeyy
an acoustic survey or sonic-logging method that records the quality or
hardness of the cement in the annulus used to bond the casing and the
formation. Casing well-bonded to the formation transmits an acoustic signal
quickly; poorly bonded casing transmits a signal slowly.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
107107
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
88888877.. cceemmeenntt ccaassiinngg
to fill the annulus between the casing and hole with cement to support the
casing and to prevent migration of fluids between permeable zones.
888888.. cceemmeenntt cchhaannnneelliinngg
during a cementing operation, the rising of cement between the casing and
the borehole wall when the slurry fails to rise uniformly throughout the
annulus.
888899.. cceemmeenntt dduummpp bbaaiilleerr
a cylindrical container with a valve, used to release small batches of cement
in a remedial cementing operation.
889900.. cceemmeenntt pplluugg
a portion of cement placed at some point in the wellbore to seal it. (See
cementing.)
889911.. cceemmeenntt rreettaaiinneerr
a tool set temporarily in the casing or well to prevent the passage of cement,
thereby forcing it to follow another designated path. It is used in squeeze
Cementing and other remedial cementing jobs.
889922.. cceemmeenntt ssyysstteemm
a particular slurry containing cement and water with or without additives.
889933.. CCEEMMEENNTTAATTIIOONN
The filling in of the pore spaces of reservoir rock by the natural concretion of
limestone.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
108108
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
889944.. cceemmeennttiinngg
the application of a liquid slurry of cement and water to various points inside
or outside the casing. (See primary cementing, secondary Cementing, and
squeeze cementing.)
889955.. cceemmeennttiinngg bbaarrggee
a barge containing the cementing pumps and other equipment needed for oil-
well cementing in water operations.
889966.. cceemmeennttiinngg bbaasskkeett
a collapsible or folding metal cone that fits against the walls of the wellbore to
prevent the passage of cement, sometimes called a metal-petal basket.
889977.. cceemmeennttiinngg hheeaadd
an accessory attached to the top of the casing to facilitate cementing of the
casing. It has passages for cement slurry and retainer chambers for
cementing wiper plugs.
889988.. cceemmeennttiinngg mmaatteerriiaallss
a slurry of Portland cement and water and sometimes one or more additives.
They affect either the density of the mixture or its setting time. The Portland
cement used may be high early strength, common (or standard), or slow
setting. Additives include accelerators (such as calcium chloride), retarders
(such as gypsum), weighting materials (such as barium sulfate), lightweight
additives (such as bentonite), and a variety of lost-circulation materials (such
as mica flakes).
889999.. cceemmeennttiinngg ppuummpp
a high-pressure pump used to force cement down the casing and into the
annular space between the casing and the wall of the borehole.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
109109
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
990000.. cceemmeennttiinngg ttiimmee
the total elapsed time needed to complete a cementing operation.
990011.. cceenntteerr ooff bbuuooyyaannccyy
the center of gravity of the fluid displaced by a floating body (such as a ship
or mobile offshore drilling rig).
990022.. cceenntteerr ooff fflloottaattiioonn
the geometric center of the water plane at which a mobile offshore drilling rig
floats and about which a rig rotates when acted upon by an external force
without a change in displacement. center of gravity the point at which an
object can be supported so that it balances and on which all gravitational
forces on the body and the weight of the body are concentrated; the center
of mass.
990033.. cceenntteerr ooff pprreessssuurree
the point on which all wind-pressure forces are concentrated.
9990055.. cceenntteerrlliinnee
the middle line of the hull of a mobile offshore drilling rig from stem to stern
as shown in a waterline view.
990066.. cceennttiiggrraaddee ((CCeellssiiuuss)) ssccaallee
the metric system of temperature measurement used universally by scientists.
In the centigrade scale, O' represents the freezing point of water and 100' its
boiling point at 760-mm barometric pressure. Degrees centigrade are
converted to degrees Fahrenheit by the following equation 'F = 9/5 ('C) + 32.
990077.. cceennttiippooiissee ((ccpp))
one-hundredth of a poise.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
110110
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
990088.. cceennttrraall ooiill--ttrreeaattiinngg ssttaattiioonn
a processing network used to treat emulsion produced from several leases,
thus eliminating the need for individual treating facilities at each lease site.
990099.. CCEENNTTRRAALL PPOOWWEERR
A well-pumping installation consisting of an engine powering a large
diameter, horizontal band wheel with shackle-rod lines attached to its
circumference. The band wheel is an excentric and as it revolves on a vertical
axle a reciprocating motion is imparted to the shackle rods. A central power
may pump from 10 to 25 wells on a lease.
991100.. cceennttrraalliizzeerr
(See casing centralizer.)
991111.. CCEENNTTRRAALLIIZZEERRSS,, CCEEMMEENNTTIINNGG
Cyclindrical, cage-like devices fitted to a wells casing as it is run to keep the
pipe centered in the borehole. Cementing centralizers are made with two
bands that fit the pipe tightly with spring steel ribs that arch out to press
against the wall of the borehole. By keeping the pipe centered. a more
uniform cementing job is assured. Centralizers are especially useful in deep or
deviated holes.
991122.. cceennttrriiffuuggaall ccoommpprreessssoorr
a compressor in which the flow of gas to be compressed is moved away from
the center rapidly, usually by a series of blades, or turbines. It is a
continuous-flow compressor with a low pressure ratio, often used to transmit
gas through a pipeline. Gas passing through the compressor contacts a
rotating impeller, from which it is discharged into a diffuser, where its velocity
is slowed and its kinetic energy changed to static pressure. Centrifugal
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
111111
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
compressors are nonpositive-displacement machines, often arranged in series
on a line to achieve multistage compression.
991133.. CCEENNTTRRIIFFUUGGAALL PPUUMMPP
A pump made with blades or impellers in a close-fitting case. The liquid is
pushed forward by the impellers as they rotate at high speed. Centrifugal
pumps, because of their high speed. are able to handle large volumes of
liquid.
991144.. cceennttrriiffuuggee
a machine that uses centrifugal force to separate substances of varying
densities; also called the shake-out or grind-out machine. A centrifuge is
capable of spinning substances at high speeds to obtain high centrifugal
forces.
991155.. cceennttrriiffuuggee tteesstt
a test to determine the amount of BS&W in samples of oil or emulsion. The
samples are placed in tubes and spun in a centrifuge, which breaks out the
BS&W.
9991177.. CCEENNTTRRIIFFUUGGEE,, DDEECCAANNTTIINNGG
A large centrifuge machine for separating or removing pulverized rock and
fines from drilling mud returning from downhole. A decanting centrifuge
located between the rig and mud pits removes the fine particles of rock from
the mud by centrifugal action and discharges the clean mud to the working
pits.
991188.. CCeerrttiiffiiccaattee ooff FFiittnneessss
A certificate issued by a certifying authority stating that a design, plan or
facility complies with the relevant regulations or requirements, is fit for
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
112112
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
purpose, and can be operated safely and without posing a threat to the
environment.
991199.. CCeerrttiiffyyiinngg AAuutthhoorriittiieess
Organizations designated under the Nova Scotia Offshore Certificate of
Fitness Regulations to conduct examinations of designs, plans and facilities
and to issue Certificates of Fitness.
992200.. CCEESSSSAATTIIOONN OOFF PPRROODDUUCCTTIIOONN
The termination of production from a well. It may be owing to mechanical
breakdown, reworking operations, governmental orders, or depletion of oil or
gas. Temporary cessation usually does not affect the lease, but a permanent
shutdown terminates the ordinary oil and gas lease.
992211.. CCEETTAANNEE NNUUMMBBEERR
A measure of the ignition quality of diesel fuel. The cetane number of diesel
fuel corresponds to the percent of cetane (C,6 H34) in a mixture of cetane
and alpha-methyl naphthalene. When this mixture has the same ignition
characteristic in a test engine as the diesel fuel, the diesel fuel has a cetane
number equal to the percent of cetane in the mixture. Regular diesel is 40 -45
cetane; premium is 45-50. cetane number a measure of the ignition quality of
fuel oil. The higher the cetane number, the more easily the fuel is ignited.
992222.. CCEETTAANNEE NNUUMMBBEERR
A measure of the ignition quality of diesel fuel. The cetane number of diesel
fuel corresponds to the percent of cetane (C,6 H34) in a mixture of cetane
and alpha-methyl naphthalene. When this mixture has the same ignition
characteristic in a test engine as the diesel fuel, the diesel fuel has a cetane
number equal to the percent of cetane in the mixture. Regular diesel is 40 -45
cetane; premium is 45-50. Cetane number a measure of the ignition quality of
fuel oil. The higher the cetane number, the more easily the fuel is ignited.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
113113
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
992233.. CCFFGG
cubic feet of gas; used in drilling reports.
992244.. CCFFMM
Cubic feet per minute.
992255.. cchhaaiinn
in offshore drilling, a heavy line constructed of iron bars looped together and
used for a mooring line.
992266.. cchhaaiinn ddrriivvee
a drive system using a chain and chain gears to transmit power. Power
transmissions use a roller chain, in which each link is made of side bars,
transverse pins, and rollers on the pins. A double roller chain is made of two
connected rows of links, a triple roller chain of three, and so forth.
992277.. cchhaaiinn ttoonnggss
a tool, consisting of a handle and a releasable chain, used for turning pipe or
fittings of a diameter larger than that which a pipe wrench would fit. The
chain is tightened around the pipe or fitting, which is then turned by means of
the handle.
992288.. CCHHAAIINN WWHHEEEELLSS
Some gate valves are operated from a distance either for safety or
convenience. Such valves have a gate wheel made to accept a chain in the
wheel's outer circumference. The chain is reeved or passed over a drum or
windlass which the operator turns to open or close the valve from a distance.
992299.. cchhaannggee hhoouussee
a doghouse in which a drilling rig crew changes clothes.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
114114
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
993300.. cchhaannggee rraammss
to take rams out of a blowout preventer and replace them with rams of a
different size. When the size of a drill pipe is changed, the size of the rams
must be changed to ensure that they seal the pipe when closed.
993311.. cchhaannggee rraammss
to take rams out of a blowout preventer and replace them with rams of a
different size. When the size of a drill pipe is changed, the size of the rams
must be changed to ensure that they seal the pipe when closed.
993322.. cchhaannnneelliinngg
1. the bypassing of oil in a water-drive field due to erratic or uncontrolled
water encroachment. The natural tendency toward channeling is aggravated
by excessive production rates, which encourage premature water
encroachment. 2. cement channeling.
993333.. CCHHAARRCCOOAALLTTEESSTT
A test to determine the gasoline content of natural gas.
993344.. CCHHAARRGGIINNGG SSTTOOCCKK
Oil that is to be "charged" or treated in a particular refinery unit.
993355.. cchhaassee ppiippee
to rapidly lower the drill stem a few feet into the hole and then suddenly stop
it with the drawworks brake. A surge of pressure in the mud in the drilling
stem and annular space results, and may help to flush out debris accumulated
in or on the pipe. However, the pressure surge may break down a formation,
causing lost circulation, or damage the bit if it is near the bottom.
993366.. cchhaassee tthhrreeaaddss
to clean and deburr the threads of a pipe so that it will make up properly.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
115115
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
9993388.. CCHHAATTTTEERR
A noisy indication that a mechanical part is behaving erratically and de.
structively. In the case of a spring-loaded relief valve, chatter is caused by the
valve disk opening and closing rapidly and repetitively, striking against the
seat sharply many times a second. Chatter in a bearing is caused by an
improperly fitted bearing or from excessive wear that permits lateral motion.
As the shaft rotates at high speed, the journal (q.v.) strikes the bearing
surface repetitively and rapidly.
993399.. CCHHEEAATTEERR
A length of pipe used to increase the leverage of a wrench; anything used to
lengthen a handle to increase the applied leverage.
994400.. CCHHEECCKK VVAALLVVEE
A valve with a free-swinging tongue or clapper that permits fluid in a pipeline
to flow in one direction only; back-pressure valve. check valve a valve that
permits flow in one direction only.
994411.. CCHHEECCKK VVAALLVVEE,, TTIILLTTIINNGG DDIISSCC
A type of check valve, usually for large-diameter pipelines, with the disc
mounted on trunnions instead of a hinge as in more conventional check
valves. One advantage of the tilting disc is its quiet operation, the absence of
"slam" as in other types of check valves.
9994433.. CCHHEECCKKEERR BB00AARRDD LLEEAASSIINNGG
The acquisition of mineral rights (oil and gas) in a checkerboard pattern. A
company may be forced to lease land over a wide area before it has
completed geological and geophysical studies. Leases then may be taken on
one-quarter section (160 acres) in each section of land.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
116116
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
994444.. CCHHEEEESSEE BBOOXX
An early-day, square, box-like refining vessel; a still to heat crude oil for
distilling the products in those days-kerosene, gas oil, and lubricating oil.
994455.. CChheemmeelleeccttrriicc ttrreeaatteerr
a brand name for an electrostatic' treater.
994466.. cchheemmiiccaall ccuuttooffff
a method of severing steel pipe in a well by applying high-pressure jets of
very corrosive substance against the wall of the pipe. The resulting cut is very
smooth.
994477.. CCHHEEMMIICCAALL FFEEEEDDEERR PPUUMMPP
A small-volume pump used on oil leases to inject chemicals into flow lines.
The pump may be located at the wellhead and be actuated by the motion of
the pumping jack. The chemical is used to break down water/oil emulsions
that may be contained in the crude oil stream.
994488.. CCHHEEMMIICCAALL IINNJJEECCTTIIOONN PPUUMMPP
A small-volume, high-pressure pump for injecting chemicals into producing
wells or pipelines. Chemicals are injected into oil streams to reduce any
emulsified oil to free oil and water. When the droplets of water are freed of
their film of oil, the water will drop out, settle out of the oil stream, and can
be drawn off.
994499.. cchheemmiiccaall ppuummpp
an injection pump used to introduce a chemical into a fluid stream or
receptacle.
995500.. cchheemmiiccaall ttrreeaattmmeenntt
any of many processes in the oil industry that involve the use of a chemical to
effect an operation. Some chemical treatments are acidizing, crude-oil
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
117117
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
demulsification, corrosion inhibition, paraffin removal, scale removal, drilling-
fluid control, refinery and plant processes, cleaning and purging operations,
water-flood injection, and water purification.
995511.. cchheerrtt
a quartzitic rock with hardness equal to or harder than flint.
995522.. cchheerrtt ccllaauussee
a provision in a drilling contract that stipulates that, when chart is
encountered in drilling a well, footage rates are no longer applicable and
daywork rates become effective. Chert is very hard and difficult to drill.
995533.. CCHHIILLLLEERRSS
Refinery apparatus in which the temperature of paraffin distillates is lowered
preparatory to filtering out the solid wax.
995544.. cchhkk
choke; used in drilling reports.
995555.. cchhlloorriinnee ssuurrvveeyy
a special type of radioactivity-logging survey used inside casing to measure
the relative amount of chlorine in the formation outside the casing. Rocks
with low chlorine content are likely to contain gas or oil; rocks with high
chlorine indications usually contain salt water only.
995566.. cchhrroommaattooggrraapphhyy
a method of separating a solution of closely related compounds by allowing it
to seep through an adsorbent so that each compound becomes adsorbed in a
separate layer.
995577.. CChhlloorriittee
A commonly occurring clay mineral.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
118118
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
995588.. CCHHOOCCKK
A wedge or block to prevent a vehicle or other movable object from shifting
position; a chunk.
995599.. cchhookkee
an orifice installed in a line to restrict the flow and control the rate of
production. Surface chokes are part of the Christmas tree and contain a choke
nipple, or bean, with a small-diameter bore that serves to restrict the flow.
Chokes are also used to control the rate of flow of the drilling mud out of the
hole when the well is closed in with the blowout preventer and a kick is being
circulated out of the hole. (See adjustable choke, bottomhole choke, and
positive choke.)
996600.. cchhookkee lliinnee
an extension of pipe from the blowout-preventer assembly, used to direct well
fluids from the annulus to the choke manifold.
996611.. cchhookkee mmaanniiffoolldd
the arrangement of piping and chokes through which drilling mud is circulated
when the blowout preventers are closed to control the pressures encountered
during a kick.
996622.. CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASS TTRREEEE
An assembly of valves mounted on the casinghead through which a well is
produced. The Christmas tree also contains valves for testing the well and for
shutting it In if necessary. Christmas tree -the control valves, pressure
gauges, and chokes assembled at the top of a well to control the flow of oil
and gas after the well has been drilled and completed.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
119119
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
996633.. CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASS TTRREEEE ((MMAARRIINNEE))
A subsea production system similar to a conventional land tree except it is
assembled complete for remote installation on the sea floor with or without
diver assistance. The marine tree is installed from the drilling platform it Is
lowered into position on guide cables anchored to foundation legs implanted
in the ocean floor. The tree is then latched mechanically or hydraulically to
the casing-head by remote control.
996644.. cchhrroommaattooggrraapphhyy
a method of separating a solution of closely related compounds by allowing it
to seep through an adsorbent so that each compound becomes adsorbed in a
separate layer.
996655.. CCHHUURRNN DDRRIILLLLIINNGG
Another name for cable tool drilling because of the up and down, churning
motion of the drill bit.
996666.. CCIIDD
Cubic inch displacement; the volume "swept out" or evacuated by the pistons
of an engine in one working stroke; used to describe the size (and by
implication, the power) of an automobile engine.
996677.. cciirrcc
circulated; used in drilling reports
996688.. CCIIRRCCLLEE JJAACCKK
(CABLE-TOOL RIG)A device used on the floor of a cable-tool rig to make up
and break out (tighten and loosen) joints of drilling tools, casing or tubing; a
jacking device operated on a toothed or notched metal, circular track placed
around the pipe joint protruding from the borehole, above the floor. The jack
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
120120
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
is operated manually with a handle, and is connected to a wrench which
tightens the pipe joint as the jack is advanced, notch by notch.
9997700.. CCIIRRCCUULLAATTEE
To pump drilling fluid into the borehole through the drill-pipe and back up the
annulus between the pipe and the wall of the hole to cease drilling but to
maintain circulation for any reason. When closer inspection of the formation
rock just encountered is desired, drilling is halted as circulation is continued to
"bring bottoms up" (q.v.). circulate -to pass from one point throughout a
system and back to the starting point. Drilling fluid circulates from the suction
pit through the drill pipe to the bottom of the well and returns through the
annulus.
997711.. cciirrccuullaattiinngg hheeaadd
an accessory attached to the top of the drill pipe or tubing to form a
connection with the mud system to permit circulation of the drilling mud. In
some cases, it is also a rotating head.
997722.. cciirrccuullaattiinngg pprreessssuurree
the pressure generated by the mud pumps and exerted on the drill stem.
997733.. CCIIRRCCUULLAATTIIOONN
The round trip made by drilling mud; down through the drill-pipe and up on
the outside of the drillpipe, between the pipe and the walls of the borehole. If
circulation is "lost," the flow out of the well is less than the flow into the well;
the mud may be escaping into some porous formation or a cavity downhole.
See Lose Returns.
997744.. CCIITTYY GGAATTEE
The measuring point at which a gas distributing utility receives gas from a gas
transmission company.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
121121
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
997755.. CCLLAADDDDIINNGG
Coating of one material with another; to cover one metal with another by
bonding the two. In the oil patch cladding or "trimming" steel pipe and valves
with corrosion-resistant metal alloy is necessary when H2S (hydrogen sulfide)
and other corrosive gases must be handled. Cladding of pipe, valves, and
fittings is les.3 costly than making them of expensive, anticorrosion alloys.
See Sour Service Trim.
997766.. ccllaammpp
a mechanical device used to hold an object in place. For example, a leak-
repair clamp, or saddle clamp, holds a piece of metal with the same curvature
as the pipe over a hole in a line, effecting a temporary seal. A wireline clamp
holds the end of a wire rope against the main rope, while a polished-rod
clamp attaches the top of the polished rod to the bridle of a pumping unit.
997777.. CCLLAAMMPPSS,, PPIIPPEELLIINNEE LLIINNEE--UUPP
See Line-up Clamps.
997788.. CCLLAAMMPPSS,, RRIIVVEERR
See River Clamps.
997799.. CCLLAAMMSSHHEELLLL BBUUCCKKEETT
A hinged, jaw-like digging implement suspended at the end of a cable running
down from the boom of an excavating machine. A drag-line bucket.
998800.. CCLLAAPPPPEERR
The internal moving part, the "tongue" of a check valve that permits a liquid
or gas to I low in one direction only in a pipeline. Like a trap door, the cheek-
valve clapper works on a hinge attached to the body of the valve. When at
rest the clapper is a few degrees off the vertical or, as in certain valves,
completely horizontal.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
122122
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
998811.. ccllaassttiicc rroocckkss
pl sedimentary rocks composed of fragments of preexisting rocks. Sandstone
is a clastic rock.
998822.. CCLLAAUUSS PPRROOCCEESSSS
A process for the conversion of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to plain sulfur
developed in 1885 by the German chemist Claus.
998833.. CCLLAAYY
The filtering medium, especially Fuller's earth, used in refining; a substance
which tends to adsorb the coloring materials present in oil which passes
through it. clay- a fine, crystalline material of hydrous silicates, resulting
primarily from the decomposition of feldspathic rocks.
998844.. CCLLAAYY PPEERRCCOOLLAATTEERR
Refinery filtering equipment employing a type of clay to remove impurities or
to change the color of lubricating oils.
9998866.. CCLLEEAANN CCAARRGGOO
Refined products-distillates, kerosene, gasoline, jet fuel-carried by tankers,
barges, and tank cars all refined products except bunker fuels and residuals
(q.v.).
998877.. CCLLEEAANN CCIIRRCCUULLAATTIIOONN
The circulation of drilling mud free of rock cuttings from the bottom of the
borehole. This condition may be caused by a worn bit; circulating to clean the
hole or by a broken or parted drill-string.
998888.. LLEEAANN OOIILL
Crude oil containing less than one percent sediment and water (BS&W)
pipeline oil oil clean enough to be accepted by a pipeline for transmission.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
123123
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
998899.. cclleeaann oouutt
to remove sand, scale, and other deposits from the producing section of the
well to restore or increase production.
999900.. CCLLEEAANN--OOUUTT BBOOXX
A square or rectangular opening on the side of a tank or other vessel through
which the sediment that has accumulated can be removed. The opening is
closed with a sheet of metal (a door) bolted in place.
999911.. CCLLEEAANN--UUPP TTRRIIPP
Running the drillpipe into the hole for circulation of mud only; to clean the
borehole of cuttings.
999922.. cclleeaannoouutt ddoooorr
an opening made to permit removal of sediments from the bottom of a tank.
Usually a plate near ground level is removed from the side of the tank to
make the door.
999933.. cclleeaannoouutt ttoooollss
pi the tools or instruments such as bailers and swabs used to clean out an oil
well.
999944.. cclleeaarr
to remove brush, trees, rocks, and other obstructions from an area.
999955.. cclleeaarraannccee vvoolluummee
the amount of space between the traveling and standing valves in a sucker-
rod pump when the pump is at the bottom of its stroke.
999966.. CCLLEEVVIISS
A U-shaped metal link or shackle with the ends of the U drilled to hold a pin
or bolt; used as a connecting link for a chain or cable.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
124124
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
9999988.. cclliinnggaaggee
the amount of oil that adheres to the wall of a measuring or prover tank after
draining.
999999.. CClliinnttoonn ffllaakkee
a finely shredded cellophane used as a lost-circulation material for cement.
11000000.. cclloossee iinn
1. to temporarily shut in a well that is capable of producing oil or gas. 2. to
close the blowout preventers on a well to control a kick.
111000022.. cclloossee nniippppllee
a very short piece of pipe threaded its entire length.
11000033.. cclloosseedd cciirrccuuiitt
1. a life-support system in which the gas is recycled continually while the
carbon dioxide is removed and oxygen added periodically. 2. a television
installation in which the signal is transmitted by wire to a limited number of
receivers.
11000044.. cclloosseedd--iinn pprreessssuurree
(See formation pressure.)
11000055.. cclloosseedd ssyysstteemm
a water-handling system that air is not allowed to enter to prevent corrosion
or scale (such as a saltwater-disposal system).
11000066.. CCLLOOSSEEDDIINN
Refers to a well, capable of producing, that is shut in (q.v.).
11000077.. cclloossiinngg rraattiioo
the ratio between the pressure in the hole and the operating-piston pressure
needed to close the rams of a blowout preventer.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
125125
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11000088.. cclloossuurree
the vertical distance between the top of an anticline, or dome, and the
bottom, an indication of the amount of producing formation that may be
expected.
11000099.. CCLLOOUUDD PPOOIINNTT
The temperature at which paraffin wax begins to crystallize or separate from
the solution, imparting a cloudy appearance to the oil as it is chilled under
prescribed conditions.
11001100.. cclluuttcchh
a device that allows power to be engaged to and disengaged from a member
being driven by a prime mover. to engage or disengage a clutch.
11001111.. ccmm
centimeter.
11001122.. ccmm22
square centimeter.
11001133.. CCmm33
cubic centimeter
11001144.. CCMMCC
carboxymethyl cellulose.
11001155.. CCNNSSOOPPBB
The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board.
11001166.. CCOO22 IINNJJEECCTTIIOONN
A secondary recovery technique in which carbon dioxide is injected into
service wells in a field as part of a miscible recovery program. C02 is used in
conjunction with water-flooding.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
126126
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11001177.. ccooaagguullaattiioonn
(See flocculation.)
11001188.. CCOOAALL GGAASSIIFFIICCAATTIIOONN
A process for producing "natural gas" from coal. Coal is heated and brought in
contact with steam. Hydrogen atoms in the vapor combine with coal's carbon
atoms to produce a hydrocarbon product similar natural gas.
11001199.. CCOOAALL OOIILL
Kerosene made from distilling crude oil in early-day pot stills; illuminating and
heating o'J'6btdined from the destructive distillation of bituminous coal.
11002200.. CCOOAALL--SSEEAAMM GGAASS
Methane found in certain coal fields in higher concentrations than is common.
In some coal operations in areas where the beds are tilted up 30 to 45' from
horizontal, holes are drilled along the seams to permit the methane to escape
and be brought to the surface. In other till-bed tiers. the coal is burned in situ
and the resulting gases are collected and piped away 91
11002211.. CCOOAALLGGAASS
Also referred to as town gas. An artificial gas produced by pyrolysis (heating
in the absence of air) of coal. Coal gas has a BTU content of 450 per cubic
foot; natural gas, on average, has 1,030 BTU per cubic foot, more than twice
the thermal value.
11002222.. CCOOAATTIINNGG && WWRRAAPPPPIINNGG..
A field operation in preparing a pipeline to be put in the ditch Covered in). 'th
a tar-like substance and then spiral-wrapped with chemically impregnated
paper. Machines that ride the pipe coat and wrap in one continuous
operation. Coating and wrapping protects the pipeline from corrosion. For
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
127127
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
large pipeline construction jobs the pipe may be coated and wrapped the mill
or in yards set up at central points along the right of way.
11002233.. CCOOGGEENNEERRAATTIIOONN PPLLAANNTT
A coal or gas-fired plant generates both process (commercial) steam and
electricity for in-plant use or for sale.
11002244.. ccoohheessiioonn
the attractive force between the same kinds of molecules (i.e., the force that
holds the molecules of a substance together).
11002255.. ccooiill
an accessory of tubing or pipe for installation in condensers or heat
exchangers. In more complex installations, a tube bundle is used instead of a
coil.
11002266.. CCOOIILL CCAARR ((OORR TTRRUUCCKK))
A tank car or transport truck equipped with heating coils in order to handle
viscous liquids that will not flow at ordinary temperatures
111002288.. CCOOKKEE DDRRUUMMSS
Large vertical, cylindrical vessels which receive their charge of residue at very
high temperature (10002F.). Any cracked lighter products rise to the top of
the drum and are drawn off. The remaining heavier product remains and,
because it is still very hot, cracks or is converted to petroleum coke. a solid
coal-like substance . In a large refinery that makes a lot of coke, the drums
are in batteries of tour to eight drums.
11002299.. CCOOKKEE,, NNEEEEDDLLEE
A form of petroleum coke that gets its name from its microscopic elongated
crystalline structure-Needle coke is of a higher quality than the more ordinary
sponge coke (q.v.). The manufacture of needle coke requires special feeds to
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
128128
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
the coker and more severe operating conditions. Severe conditions in refining
parlance usually means higher temperatures and pressures in a process
11003300.. CCOOKKEE,, PPEETTRROOLLEEUUMM
Solid or fixed-carbon that remains in refining processes after distillation of all
volatile hydrocarbons; the hard, black substance remaining after oils and tars
have been driven off by distillation.
11003311.. CCOOKKEE,, SSPPOONNGGEE
Petroleum coke that looks like a sponge. hence the name. Sponge coke is
used for electrodes and anodes. The weak physical structure of sponge coke
makes it until, for use in blast furnaces and foundry work. See Needle Coke.
11003322.. CCOOKKIINNGG
(1) The process of distilling a petroleum. product to dry residue. With the
carbon or coke is formed and settles to the bottom of the still. (2) The
undesirable building up of carbon deposits on refinery vessels.
11003333.. CCOOLLDD PPIINNCCHH
To flatten the end of a pipe with a hydraulically powered set of pinchers.
Pinching the pipe end is done to make a quick, temporary closure in the event
a loaded pipeline is accidentally ruptured.
11003344.. CCOOLLLLAARR
A coupling for two lengths of pipe; a pipe fitting with threads on the inside for
joining two pieces of threaded pipe of the same size.
11003355.. CCOOLLLLAARR CCLLAAMMPP
A device fitted with rubber gaskets bolted around a leaking pipe collar. The
clamp is effective in stopping small leaks but is used only as a temporary
measure until permanent repairs can be made.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
129129
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11003366.. ccoollllaarr llooccaattoorr
a logging device for depth-correlation purposes, operated mechanically or
magnetically to produce a log showing the location of each casing collar or
coupling in a well. It provides an accurate way to measure depth in a well.
11003377.. CCOOLLLLAARR PPOOUUNNDDEERR OORR PPEECCKKEERR
A pipeline worker who beats time with a hammer on the coupling into which a
joint of pipe is being screwed by a tong gang. The purpose is twofold. to keep
the tong men pulling in unison and to warm up the collar so that a tighter
screw joint can be made.
11003388.. CCOOLLLLEETT CCOONNNNEECCTTOORR
A component of a subsea drilling system; a mechanically or hydraulically
operated latching collar connecting the marine riser (q.v.) to the blowout
preventer stack.
11003399.. ccoolllliissiioonn bbuullkkhheeaadd
the foremost bulkhead that extends from the bottom to the freeboard deck of
a drill ship. It keeps the main hull watertight if a collision occurs.
11004400.. ccoollllooiidd
a liquid mixture or suspension in which the particles of suspended liquid or
solid are very fine but not molecular in size.
11004411.. ccoollllooiiddaall
pertaining to a colloid; involving particles so minute they are not visible
through optical microscopes. Bentonite is an example of a colloidal clay.
11004422.. ccoolluummnn--ssttaabbiilliizzeedd,, sseemmiissuubbmmeerrssiibbllee ddrriilllliinngg rriigg
a semisubmersible drilling rig that has a large lower hull, boxlike or tubular in
shape, with several watertight columns extending to an upper deck on which
the drilling machinery is located. Such a rig can drill with the lower hull
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
130130
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
resting on bottom or submerged below the water and floating. Usually the
distance between the lower hull and upper deck is Fixed.
11004433.. ccoommbbiinnaattiioonn ddrriivvee
the natural energy that forces fluids from a reservoir and into a wellbore,
provided by a gas cap above and the water below the oil in the reservoir.
(See reservoir-drive mechanism, gas-cap drive, and water drive.)
11004444.. ccoommbbiinnaattiioonn rriigg
a light rig that has the essential elements of both rotary and cabletool drilling.
It is sometimes used for reconditioning wells.
11004455.. ccoommbbiinnaattiioonn ssttrriinngg
a casing string that has joints of various collapse resistance, internal yield
strength, and tensile strength, designed for various depths in a specific well
to best withstand the conditions of that well. In deep wells, high tensile
strength is required in the top casing joints to carry the load, whereas high
collapse resistance and internal yield strength are needed for the bottom
joints. In the middle of the casing, average qualities are usually sufficient.
The most suitable combination of types and weights of pipe helps to insure
efficient production at a minimum cost.
11004466.. ccoommbbiinnaattiioonn ttrraapp
a subsurface hydrocarbon trap that has the features of both a structural trap
and a stratigraphic trap.
11004477.. CCOOMMEE--AALLOOII
A lever and lengths of chain with hooks attached to the ends of the chains;
used for tightening or pulling a chain. The hooks are alternately moved
forward on the chain being tightened.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
131131
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11004488.. ccoommee--aalloonngg
a manually operated device used to tighten guy wires or move heavy loads.
11004499.. ccoommee iinn
to produce; to become profitable.
11005500.. ccoommee oouutt ooff tthhee hhoollee
to pull the drill stem out of the wellbore. This withdrawal is necessary to
change the bit, change from a core barrel to the bit, run electric logs, prepare
for a drill-stem test, run casing, and so on.
11005511.. ccoommee ttoo sseeee yyoouu
(slang) to blow out; to kick. A well will "come to see you" if it blows out.
111005533.. ccoommmmeerrcciiaall pprroodduuccttiioonn
oil and gas production of sufficient quantity to justify keeping a well in
production.
11005544.. ccoommmmeerrcciiaall qquuaannttiittyy
an amount of oil and gas large enough to justify the expense of producing it.
11005555.. CCOOMMMMEERRCCIIAALL WWEELLLL
A well of sufficient net production that it could be expected to pay out in a
reasonable time and yield a profit for the operator. A shallow, 50-barrel-a.
day well in a readily accessible location on shore could be a commercial well
whereas such a well in the North Sea or in the Arctic Islands would not be
considered commercial.
111005577.. CCoommmmiinngglleedd PPrroodduuccttiioonn
Production of petroleum from more than one pool through a common
wellbore or flowline without separate measurement of the petroleum.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
132132
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11005588.. CCOOMMMMIINNGGLLIINNGG
(1)The intentional mixing of petroleum products having similar specifications.
In some instances products of like specifications are commingled in a product
pipeline for efficient and convenient handling. (2) Producing two pay zones in
the same wellbore. Very often the two or more pay zones have different
royalty interests, When this is true the zones, produced separately. each
through its own tubing and into separate tank age on the lease. In effect the
single well with two pay zones is treated as two separate wells. See Dual
Completion. commingling the mixing together of crude oil products with
similar properties, usually for convenient transportation in a pipeline. common
carrier any cargo transportation system available for public use. Nearly all
pipelines are common carriers.
111006600.. CCOOMMMMOONN CCAARRRRIIEERR
A person or company having state or Federal authority to perform public
transportation for hire; an Organization engaged in the movement of
petroleum products-oil, gas, refined products-as a public utility and common
carrier.
11006611.. ccoommmmoonn cceemmeenntt
a regular Portland cement classified either as API Class A or ASTM Type 1
cement.
111006633.. ccoommmmoonn rraaiill
a fuel-injection system on a diesel engine in which one line, or rail, holds fuel
at a certain pressure, and feed lines run from it to each fuel injector.
11006644.. CCOOMMMMUUNNIITTYY LLEEAASSEE
A single lease covering two or more separately owned parcels of land. A
community lease may result from the execution of a single lease by the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
133133
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
owners of separate tracts or by the execution of separate but identical leases
by the owners of separate tracts when each lease purports the entire
consolidated acreage. Usually the result of the execution of community lease
is the apportionment of royalties in proportion to the, interests owned in the
entre leased acreage.
11006655.. ccoommmmuuttaattoorr
a ring consisting of a number of insulated-copper segments located on the
rotating shaft of a generator or motor and used to reverse the direction of an
electric current.
11006666.. ccoommpp
completed or completion; used in drilling reports.
11006677.. CCOOMMPPAANNIIOONN FFLLAANNGGEE
A two-part connector or coupling one part convex, the other concave. The
two halves are held together by nuts and bolts. This type flange or "union" is
used on small-diameter piping.
111006699.. ccoommppaannyy mmaann
an employee of the operator of a well, usually a drilling engineer employed by
the oil company engaged in the drilling.
11007700.. ccoommppaarrttmmeenntt
a subdivision of space on a floating offshore drilling rig.
111007722.. CCOOMMPPLLEETTEE AA WWEELLLL
To finish a well so that it is ready to produce oil or gas. After reaching total
depth (TD) casing is run and cemented casing is perforated opposite the
producing zone, tubing is run, and contact and flow valves are installed at the
wellhead. Well completions vary according to the kind of well, depth, and the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
134134
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
formation from which it is to produce. complete a well to finish work on a well
and put it on productive status. (See well completion.)
11007733.. CCoommpplleettiioonn
The activities necessary to prepare a well for the production of oil or gas.
11007744.. ccoommpplleettiioonn fflluuiidd
a special drilling mud used when a well is being completed. It is selected not
only for its ability to control formation pressure, but also for its properties that
minimize formation damage.
11007755.. ccoommppoossiittee ssaammppllee
a sample of a substance that is a mixture or solution of several other
substances. In a crude oil storage tank, a composite sample is taken at the
top and bottom and in the middle.
11007766.. ccoommppoossiittee ssttrreeaamm
a flow of oil and gas in one stream; two or more different liquid hydrocarbons
in one stream.
11007777.. ccoommppoouunndd
the mechanism used to transmit power from the engines to the pump,
drawworks, and other machinery on a drilling rig. It is composed of clutches,
chains and sprockets, belts and pulleys, and a number of shafts, both driven
and driving. to connect two or more power-producing devices such as engines
to run one piece of driven equipment such as the drawworks.
11007788.. CCOOMMPPRREESSSSIIOONN CCUUPP
A grease cup a container for grease made either with a screw cap or spring-
loaded cap for forcing the grease onto a shaft bearing.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
135135
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11007799.. ccoommpprreessssiioonn iiggnniittiioonn
(Cl) an ignition method used in diesel engines by which the air in the cylinder
is compressed to such a degree by the piston that ignition occurs upon the
injection of fuel. About a I-Ib rise in pressure causes a 2 F increase in
temperature.
11008800.. CCOOMMPPRREESSSSIIOONN--IIGGNNIITTIIOONN EENNGGIINNEE
A diesel engine (q.v.) a four-cycle engine whose fuel charge is ignited by the
heat of compression as the engine's piston comes up on the compression
stroke. See Hot-plug Engine.
11008811.. CCOOMMPPRREESSSSIIOONN RRAATTIIOO
The ratio of the volume of an engine's cylinder at the beginning of the
compression stroke to the volume at the end or the top of the stroke. High
compression engines are generally more efficient in fuel utilization than those
with lower compression ratios. A cylinder of 10 cubic inch volume at the
beginning of the compression stroke and one cubic inch at the top of the
stroke indicates a 101 compression ratio. compression ratio the ratio of the
volume of an engine cylinder before compression to its post-compression
volume. For example, if a cylinder volume of 1 0 in.' is compressed into 1 in.',
the compression ratio is 101.
11008822.. ccoommpprreessssiivvee ssttrreennggtthh
the degree of resistance of a material to a force acting along one of its axes
in a manner tending to collapse it; usually expressed in pounds of force per
square inch (psi) of surface affected.
11008833.. ccoommpprreessssoorr
a device that raises the pressure of a compressible fluid such as air or gas.
Compressors create a pressure differential to move or compress a vapor or a
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
136136
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
gas, consuming power in the process. They may be positive-displacement
compressors-having a check valve to separate high-pressure discharge from
the low-pressure suction-or nonpositive-displacement. (See centrifugal
compressor and reciprocating compressor.)
111008855.. CCOOMMPPRREESSSSOORR PPLLAANNTT
A pipeline installation to pump natural gas under pressure from one location
to another through a pipeline. On large interstate gas transmission lines
repressuring stations are located every 100 miles, more or less. depending on
terrain and other factors, to boost the gas along to its destination. The gas
stream arrives at a compressor station at a few hundred pounds per square
inch and is discharged from the station's multistage compressors at 1,000 to
1,500 pounds pressure to begin the next leg of its journey to the consumers'
gas stoves and furnaces.
11008866.. CCOOMMPPRREESSSSOORR,, AAXXIIAALL
A gas compressor that takes in gas at the inlet and moves ',he charge axially
over the compressor's long axis to the discharge port. This is accomplished by
the action of a central impeller shaft studded with hundreds of short, fixed
blades. The impeller and its paddle-like blades rotate at speeds of 3- 6,000
rpm. Large compressors move up to 300,000 cubic feet per minute.
1111008888.. CCOOMMPPRREESSSSOORR,, SSKKIIDD--MMOOUUNNTTEEDD
A "portable" gas compressor and engine module for use in repressuring (q.v.)
or to inject gas into a high-pressure gas trunk line.
11008899.. ccoommppuutteerr
a machine capable of processing information or providing data by
automatically following preprogrammed directions
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
137137
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11009900.. ccoommppuutteerr ccoonnttrrooll
a system in which the end devices in the field (switches, valves, gauges,
alarms, etc.) are controlled by a program placed in a computer.
11009911.. TTccoommppuutteerr pprrooggrraamm TT
a set of data fed into a computer to be evaluated or to solve a problem.
11009922.. ccoonncceessssiioonn
a tract of land granted by a government to an individual or company for
exploration and exploitation to recover minerals.
11009933.. CCOONNDDEEMMNNAATTIIOONN
The taking of land by purchase, at fair market value, for public use and
benefit by state or federal government, as well as by certain other agencies
and utility companies having power of eminent domain (q.v.).
11009944.. CCoonnddeennssaattee
The liquid resulting when a vapour is subjected to cooling or application of
pressure. Also, liquid hydrocarbons condensed from gas and oil wells.
11009955.. ccoonnddeennssaattee rreesseerrvvooiirr
a reservoir in ' which both condensate and gas exist in one homogeneous
phase. When fluid is drawn from such a reservoir and the pressure decreases
below the critical level, a liquid phase (condensate) appears.
11009966.. CCOONNDDEENNSSAATTEE WWAATTEERR
Water vapor in solution with natural gas in the formation. When the gas is
produced the water vapor condenses into liquid as both pressure and
temperature are reduced. See Retrograde Gas Condensate.
11009977.. CCOONNDDEENNSSAATTEE,, LLEEAASSEE
See Lease Condensate.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
138138
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11009988.. CCOONNDDEENNSSAATTEE,, RREETTRROOGGRRAADDEE GGAASS
See Retrograde Gas Condensate.
11009999.. ccoonnddeennssaattiioonn
the process by which vapors are converted into liquids, chiefly accomplished
by cooling the vapors. Compare retrograde condensation.
11110000.. CCOONNDDEENNSSEERR
A water-cooled heat exchanger used for cooling and liquefying vapors.
11110011.. ccoonnddiittiioonn
to treat drilling mud with additives to give it certain properties. Sometimes the
term applies to water used in boilers, drilling operations, and so on. To
condition and circulate mud is to ensure that additives are distributed evenly
throughout a system by circulating the mud while it is being conditioned.
11110022.. ccoonndduuccttiivviittyy
1. the ability to transmit or convey (as heat or electricity). 2. an electrical-
logging measurement obtained from an induction survey, in which eddy
currents produced by an alternating magnetic field induce in a receiver coil a
voltage proportionate to the ability of the formation to conduct electricity.
11110033.. CCOONNDDUUCCTTOORR CCAASSIINNGG
A well's surface pipe used to seal off near-surface water, prevent the caving
or sloughing of the walls of the hole, and as a conductor of the drilling mud
through loose, unconsolidated shallow layers of sand, clays, and shales. See
Casing.
11110044.. ccoonndduuccttoorr ppiippee
a short string of large-diameter casing used offshore and in marshy locations
to keep the top of the wellbore open and to provide a means of conveying the
upflowing drilling fluid from the wellbore to the mud pit.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
139139
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11110055.. ccoonnee
a conical device on which cutting teeth are formed or mounted in a roller-
cone bat (See big.)
11110066.. ccoonnee bbiitt
a roller bit in which the cutters are conical. (See big.)
11110077.. ccoonnee--rrooooff ttaannkk
a tank with a fixed conical roof.
11110088.. CCOONNEERROOOOFF
A type of tank roof built in the form of a flat, inverted cone; an old-style roof
for large crude storage tanks, but still employed on banks storing less volatile
products. See Floating Roof.
11110099.. CCOONNFFIIRRMMAATTIIOONN WWEELLLL
A well drilled to "prove" the formation or producing zone encountered by an
exploratory or wildcat well. See Step-out Well.
11111100.. ccoonnffoorrmmaabbllee
layered in parallel and unbroken rows of rock, indicating no disturbance
occurred during deposition of the rock. Compare unconformity
11111111.. ccoonnggll
conglomerate; used in drilling reports.
11111122.. CCOONNGGLLOOMMEERRAATTEE
A type of sedimentary rock compounded of pebbles and rock fragments of
various sizes held together by a cementing material, the same type,- material
that holds sandstone together. Conglomerates are a common form of
reservoir rock.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
140140
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11111133.. CCOONNIICCAALL--TTOOWWEERR PPLLAATTFFOORRMM
A type of offshore drilling platform made of reinforced concrete for use in
Arctic waters where pack ice prevents the use of conventional platform
construction. The structure is a truncated cone supporting a platform from
which the wells are drilled.
11111144.. ccoonniinngg
the encroachment of reservoir water into the oil column and well because of
uncontrolled production.
11111155.. ccoonnnnaattee wwaatteerr
the original water retained in the pore space, or interstices, of a formation
from the time the formation was created. Compare interstitial water.
11111166.. ccoonnnneeccttiinngg rroodd
1. a forged-metal shaft that joins the piston of an engine to the crankshaft. 2.
the metal shaft that is joined to the bull gear and crosshead of a mud pump.
11111177.. ccoonnnneeccttiioonn
1. a place in electrical circuits where wires join together. 2. a section of pipe
or fitting used to join pipe to pipe or pipe to a vessel.
11111188.. CCOONNNNEECCTTIIOONN FFOORREEMMAAIIMM
The supervisor, the boss of a pipeline connection gang (q.v.).
11111199.. CCOONNNNEECCTTIIOONN GGAANNGG
A pipeline crew that lays field gathering lines, connects stock tanks to
gathering lines, and repairs pipelines and field pumping units in their district.
Connection gangs also install manifolds and do pipe work in and around
pumping stations. A typical gang of 8 or 10 men has a welder and a helper, a
gang-truck driver and swamper (helper), 3 or 4 pipeliners, and a connection
foreman.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
141141
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11112200.. ccoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn
preservation; economy; avoidance of waste. It is especially important in the
petroleum industry, since oil and gas are irreplaceable. Many conservation
practices, such as the trapping of condensable vapors, are used in the
industry.
11112211.. ccoonnssiisstteennccyy
the cohesion of the individual particles of a given material; i.e., its ability to
deform or its resistance to flow.
11112222.. ccoonnssoollee
(See driller's console.)
11112233.. CCOONNSSOORRTTIIUUMM
An international business association organized to pursue a common
objective, e.g., to explore, drill, and produce oil.
11112244.. CCOONNSSUUMMEERR GGAASS
Gas sold by an interstate gas pipeline company to a utility company for resale
to consumers.
11112255.. ccoonnttaaccttoorr
a vessel or piece of equipment in which two or more substances are brought
together.
11112266.. ccoonnttaammiinnaanntt
a material, usually a mud component, that becomes mixed with cement slurry
during displacement and affects it adversely.
11112277.. ccoonnttiinneennttaall mmaarrggiinn
a zone that separates emergent continents from the deep sea
bottom.continental shelf a zone adjacent to a continent that extends from the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
142142
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
low waterline to the point at which the seafloor slopes off steeply to 600 feet
deep or more.
11112288.. CCOONNTTIINNEENNTTAALL SSHHEELLFF
See Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
11112299.. ccoonnttiinnuuoouuss--ffllooww ggaass lliifftt
(See gas lift.)
11113300.. ccoonnttiinnuuoouuss pphhaassee
the liquid in which solids are suspended or droplets of another liquid are
dispersed; sometimes called the external phase. In a water-in-oil emulsion, oil
is the continuous phase. (See internal phase.)
11113311.. CCOONNTTOOUURR LLIINNEE
A line (as on a map) connecting points on a land surface that have the same
elevation above or below sea level.
11113322.. CCOONNTTOOUURR MMAAPP
A map showing land surface elevations by the use of contour lines (q.v.), by
geologists and geophysicists to depict subsurface conditions or formations.
See lsopachous Map. contour map a map that has lines marked to indicate
points or areas that are the same elevation above or below sea level, often
used by geologists to depict subsurface features.
11113333.. ccoonnttrraacctt
an agreement, usually written,listing the terms under which services are to be
performed. A drilling contract covers such factors as the cost of drilling the
well (whether by foot or by day), the distribution of expenses between
operator and contractor, and type of equipment to be used.
11113344.. ccoonnttrraacctt ddeepptthh
the depth of the wellbore at which the drilling contract is fulfilled.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
143143
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11113355.. ccoonnttrrooll bbooaarrdd
a panel on which are grouped-various control devices such as switches and
levers along with indicating instruments.
11113366.. ccoonnttrrooll ppoodd
(See hydraulic control pod.)
11113377.. CCOONNTTRROOLL VVAALLVVEE,, EELLEECCTTRRIICCAALLLLYY OOPPEERRAATTEEDD
A small-diameter valve used in process piping that is opened or closed by a
quick-acting solenoid.
11113388.. CCOONNTTRROOLLPPAANNEELL
An assembly of indicators and recording instruments-pressure gauges,
warning lamps, and other digital or audio signals-for monitoring and
controlling a system or process.
11113399.. ccoonnvveennttiioonnaall ccoommpplleettiioonn
a method for completing a well in which tubing is set inside 4 1/2-inch or
larger casing. Compare miniaturized completion.
11114400.. CCoonnvveennttiioonnaall CCrruuddee OOiill
Petroleum found in liquid form, flowing naturally or capable of being pumped
without further processing or dilution.
11114411.. ccoonnvveennttiioonnaall ggaass--lliifftt mmaannddrreell
(See gas-lift mandrel.)
11114422.. ccoooolliinngg ttoowweerr
A structure in which air contact is used to cool a stream of water that has
been heated by circulating through a system. The air flows counter- or cross-
currently to the water.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
144144
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11114433.. CCOOOOLLIINNGG TTOOWWEERR
A large louvered structure (usually made of wood) over which water flows to
cool and aerate it. Although most cooling towers are square or rectangular in
shape, some are cylindrical, open at the bottom and top, which produces
strong air currents through the center of the structure for more rapid cooling.
11114444.. ccoorrddaaggee
all of the rope on a ship or offshore drilling rig.
11114455.. CCOORRDDRROOAADD
A passable road made through a swampy, boggy area by laying logs or heavy
timbers side by side to make a bumpy but firm surf ace; a log road.
11114466.. CCoorree
A cylindrical sample taken from a formation for geological analysis. Usually a
conventional core barrel is substituted for the bit and procures a sample as it
penetrates the formation.
11114477.. ccoorree aannaallyyssiiss
laboratory analysis of a core sample to determine porosity, permeability,
lithology, fluid content, angle of dip, geological age, and probable productivity
of the formation.
11114488.. ccoorree bbaarrrreell
a tubular device from 25 to 60 feet long run at the bottom of the drill pipe in
place of a bit to cut a core sample.
11114499.. CCOORREE BBIITT
A special drill bit for cutting and removing a plug-shaped rock sample from
the bottom of the well bore. (See illustration, p. 47)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
145145
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11115500.. CCOORREE BBOOAATT
A seagoing vessel for drilling core holes in offshore areas.
11115511.. ccoorree ccaattcchheerr
the part of the core barrel that holds the formation sample.
11115522.. ccoorree ccuutttteerrhheeaadd
the cutting element of the core-barrel assembly. In design it corresponds to
one of the three main types of bit.
11115533.. ccoorree ddrriillll
to drill shallow, small-diameter wells to obtain geological information, usually
in the bottom of an existing wellbore. A continuous sample of the formation is
provided from the top to the final depth. See also sidewall coring.
11115544.. CCOORREE RREECCOORRDD
A record showing the depth, character, and fluid content of cores taken from
a well.
11115555.. CCOORREE SSAAMMPPLLEE
A solid column of rock, usually from two to four Inches in diameter, taken
from the bottom of a well bore as a sample of an underground formation.
Cores are also taken in geological studies of an area to determine its oil and
gas prospects. (See illustration, p. 47)
11115566.. ccoorrrreellaattee
to relate subsurface information obtained from one well to that of others so
that the formations may be charted and their depths and thicknesses noted.
Correlations are made by comparing electrical well logs, radioactivity logs,
and cores from different wells.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
146146
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11115577.. CCOORRRREELLAATTIIVVEE RRIIGGHHTTSS,, DDOOCCTTRRIINNEE OOFF
The inherent right of an owner of oil or gas in a field to his share of the
reservoir energy" and his right to be protected from wasteful practices by
others in the field.
11115588.. CCOORRRROOSSIIOONN
The eating away of metal by chemical action or an electrochemical action.
The rusting and pling of pipelines, steel tanks, and other metal structures is
caused by a complex electrochemical action. See Anode.
11115599.. ccoorrrroossiioonn ccoonnttrrooll
the measures used to prevent or reduce the effects of corrosion. These
practices can range from simply painting material, to isolate it from moisture
and chemicals and to insulate it from galvanic currents, to cathodic
protection, in which a galvanic or impressed direct electric current renders a
pipeline cathodic, thus causing it to be a negative element in the circuit. The
use of chemical inhibitors and closed systems are other examples of corrosion
control.
11116600.. ccoorrrroossiioonn ccoouuppoonn
a metal strip inserted into a system to monitor corrosion rate and to indicate
corrosion-inhibitor effectiveness.
11116611.. CCOOSSTT CCRRUUDDEE OOIILL
Crude oil produced from an operator's own wells oil produced at "cost" on a
lease or concession acreage as compared to purchased crude. Also, in
another context, that portion of oil produced which is applied to paying off
the cost of the well, to the recovery of the costs of drilling, completing, and
equipping the production. In some production-sharing contracts particularly
with governments foreign as well as our own, on offshore wells, 40 percent of
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
147147
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
the oil produced is cost oil; the remaining 60 percent is "Profit oil" and is
divided, according to royalty interests. As the costs are paid off the percent of
cost oil is reduced and the percentage of profit oil increases accordingly.
11116622.. ccoouunntteerrbbaallaannccee wweeiigghhtt
a weight applied to compensate for existing weight or force. On pumping
units in oil production, counterweights are used to offset the weight of the
column or sucker rods and oil on the upstroke of the pum and the weight of
the prods on the downstroke.
11116633.. ccoouupplliinngg
1. in piping, a metal collar with internal threads used to join two sections of
threaded pipe. 2. in power transmission, a connection extending longitudinally
between a driving shaft and a driven shaft. Most such couplings are flexible
and compensate for minor misalignment of the two shafts.
11116644.. CCOOUUPPLLIINNGG PPOOLLEE
The connecting member between the front and rear axles of a wagon or four-
wheel trailer. To lengthen the frame of the vehicle, a pin in the pole can be
removed and the rear-axle yoke (which is fastened to the pole by the pin)
moved back to another hole. On pipe-carrying oil field trailers, the coupling
pole is a telescoping length of steel tubing. The trailer can be made as long as
necessary for the load.
11116655.. ccoouuppoonn
(See corrosion coupon.)
11116666.. ccpp
centipoise
11116677.. CCPPCC
abbr computerized production control. (see computer control)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
148148
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11116688.. CCRRAACCKK AA VVAALLVVEE
To open a valve so slightly as to permit a small amount of fluid or gas to
escape.
11116699.. CCRRAACCKKIINNGG
The refining process of braking down the larger, heavier. And more complex
hydrocarbon molecules into simpler and lighter molecules. Cracking is
accomplished by the application of heat and pressure, and in certain
advanced techniques, by the use of a catalytic agent. Cracking is an effective
process for increasing the yield of gasoline from crude oil.
11117700.. CCRRAACCKKIINNGG AA VVAALLVVEE
Opening a valve very slightly.
11117711.. ccrraannee
n.. a machine for raising, lowering, and revolving heavy pieces of equipment,
especially on offshore rigs and platforms.
11117722.. CCRRAANNEE BBAARRGGEE
A derrick barge (q.v.).
11117733.. CCRRAANNKK
An arm attached at right angles to the end of a shaft or axle for transmitting
power to or from a connecting rod or pitman (q.v.).
11117744.. ccrraannkkccaassee
the housing that encloses the crankshaft of an engine.
11117755.. ccrraannkksshhaafftt
a rotating shaft to which connecting rods are attached.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
149149
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11117766.. CCRRAATTEERR
A bowl-shaped depression around a blowout well caused by the caving in and
collapse of the surrounding earth structure. (2) To tail or fall apart
(colloquial).
11117777.. ccrrdd
cored; used in drilling reports.
11117788.. ccrreeww cchhiieeff
the driller or head well puller in charge on a well-servicing rig employed to
pull sucker rods or tubing.
11117799.. ccrrgg
coring; used in drilling reports.
11118800.. ccrriittiiccaall ppooiinntt
the point at which, in terms of temperature and pressure, a fluid cannot be
distinguished as being either a gas or a liquid; the point at which the physical
properties of a liquid and a gas are identical.
11118811.. ccrriittiiccaall pprreessssuurree
the pressure needed to condense a vapor at its critical temperature.
11118822.. ccrriittiiccaall ssppeeeedd
the speed reached by an engine or rotating system that corresponds to a
resonance frequency of the engine or system. Often, in combination with
power impulses, critical speed can cause damaging shock waves.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
150150
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11118833.. ccrriittiiccaall tteemmppeerraattuurree
the highest temperature at which a fluid can exist as a liquid or vapor. Above
this temperature the fluid is a gas and, regardless of the amount of pressure
applied, cannot be liquefied.
11118844.. ccrrooookkeedd hhoollee
a wellbore that has deviated from the vertical. It usually occurs where there is
a section of alternating hard and soft strata steeply inclined from the
horizontal.
11118855.. ccrrooookkeedd--hhoollee ccoouunnttrryy
a geographical area in which the subsurface formations are so arranged that
it is difficult to drill a hole straight through them. (See crooked hole.)
11118866.. ccrroossss tthhrreeaadd
to screw together two threaded pieces without the threads of the pieces
having been aligned properly.
11118877.. ccrroosssshheeaadd
the block in a mud pump that is guided to move in a straight line and serves
as a connection between the pony rod and connecting rod.
11118888.. CCRROOSSSSOOVVEERR
A stile; a step-and-platform unit to provide access to a work platform or an
elevated crossing. See Stile.
11118899.. ccrroossssoovveerr jjooiinntt
a length of casing with one thread on the field end and a different thread in
the coupling, used to make a changeover from one thread to another in a
string of casing.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
151151
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11119900.. ccrrooww''ss nneesstt
an elevated walkway where employees work (as the top of a derrick or
refinery tower).
11119911.. CCRROOWWBBAANN CCOONNNNEECCTTIIOONN
A humorous reference to an assembly of pipe fittings so far out of alignment
that a crowbar is required to force them to fit.
11119922.. ccrroowwnn
1. the top of a piston. 2. the crown block or top of a derrick or mast.
11119933.. CCRROOWWNN BBLLOOCCKK
A stationary pulley system located at the top of the derrick used for raising
and lowering the string of drilling tools; the sheaves and supporting members
to which the lines of the traveling block (q.v.) and hook are attached.
11119944.. CCrroowwnn--OO--MMaattiicc
a brand name for a special air-relay valve mounted near the crown that, when
struck by the traveling block, conveys air pressure to the air brakes of the
drawworks to prevent the traveling block from striking the crown.
11119955.. CCRROOWWNN PPLLAATTFFOORRMM
A platform at the very top of the derrick that permits access to the sheaves of
the crown block and provides a safe area for work involving the gin pole
(q.v.).
11119966.. ccrruuddee ooiill
unrefined liquid petroleum. It ranges in gravity from 9' to 55' API and in color
from yellow to black, and it may have a paraffin, asphalt, or mixed base. If a
crude oil, or crude, contains a sizable amount of sulfur or sulfur compounds, it
is called a sour crude; if it has little or no sulfur, it is a sweet crude. In
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
152152
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
addition, crude oils may be referred to as heavy or light according to API
gravity, the lighter oils having the higher gravities.
11119977.. CCRRUUDDEE OOIILL,, BBUUYY--BBAACCKK
See Buy-back Crude Oil.
11119988.. CCRRUUDDEE OOIILL,, RREEDDUUCCEEDD
See Reduced Crude Oil.
11119999.. CCRRUUDDEE OOIILL,, VVOOLLAATTIILLEESS--LLAADDEENN
A crude oil stream carrying condensate, natural gasoline, and butane.
Sometimes it is convenient and economical to move certain natural gas liquids
to refineries by injecting them into crude oil pipelines to be pumped with the
crude,
11220000.. CCRRUUDDEE SSTTIILLLL
A primary refinery unit., a large vessel in which crude oil is heated and
various components are taken off by distillation.
11220011.. CCRRUUMMBB BBOOSSSS
A person responsible for cleaning and keeping an oil field bunkhouse supplied
with towels, bed linen, and soap, a construction camp housekeeper.
11220022.. CCRRUUMMBB OOUUTT
To shovel out the loose earth in the bottom of a ditch; also to square up the
floor and side of the ditch in preparation for laying of pipe.
11220033.. ccrryyooggeenniiccss
the study of the effects of very low temperatures.
11220044.. ccuu
cubic.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
153153
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11220055.. CCUUBBEESS
Short for cubic inch displacement; CID (q.v.),
11220066.. ccuubbiicc cceennttiimmeetteerr
(cm3) a metric measure of volume; one one-hundredth of a cubic meter. It is
approximately equal to 0.061 in.3'
11220077.. CCuubbiicc FFoooott
A unit of measurement for volume. It represents a volume one foot long, by
one foot wide, by one foot deep. Natural gas is measured in cubic feet, but
the measurements are usually expressed in terms of Bcf, Tcf, Mcf, or Quads.
11220088.. ccuubbiicc mmeetteerr
(M3) a metric measure of volume, equal to approximately 1.31 yd'.
11220099.. CCUULLTTIIVVAATTOORR WWRREENNCCHH
Any square-jawed, adjustable wrench that is of poor quality or worn out. See
Knuckle Buster.
11221100.. CCUUPP
Disc with edges turned at right angles to the body used on plungers in certain
kinds of pumps discs of durable plastic or other tough. pliable material used
on pipeline pigs or scrapers to sweep the line.
11221111.. CCUUPPGGRREEAASSEE
Originally, a grease used in compression cups (q.v.) but today the term refers
to grease having a calcium fatty-acid soap base. See Grease.
11221122.. ccuurree
to age cement under specified conditions of temperature and pressure.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
154154
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11221133.. ccuusshhiioonn ))الوسادة المائيةالوسادة المائية((
a column of water or drilling fluid placed inside drill pipe or tubing to prevent
it from being crushed by the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in the annulus
of the wellbore. Usually the pipe or tubing is full of fluid, but in certain
operations it is necessary to run the pipe or tubing nearly empty to maintain
less pressure inside the pipe than in the annulus. In such cases, a cushion
may be needed to prevent collapse of the pipe.
11221144.. ccuutt
a petroleum fraction. cut oil an oil that contains water, usually in the form of
an emulsion; also called wet oil.
11221155.. CCUUTT OOIILL
Crude oil partially emulsified with water; oil and water mixed in such a way as
to produce an emulsion in which minute droplets of water are encased in a
film of oil. In such case the water, although heavier, cannot separate and
settle to the bottom of a tank until the mixture is heated or treated with a
chemical. See Roll a Tank.
111221177.. CCUUTT PPOOIINNTTSS
The temperatures at which various distilling products are separated out of the
charge stock. One cut point is the temperature at which the product begins to
boil or vaporize, the initial boiling point The other cut point is the temperature
at which the product is completely vaporized; this is the end point.
11221188.. CCUUTTTTIINNGG OOIILLSS
Special oils used to lubricate and cool metal-cutting tools.
11221199.. CCUUTTTTIINNGG TTOORRCCHH
A piece of oxyacetylene welding and cutting equipment; a hand-held burner
to which the oxygen and acetylene hoses are attached. The gases when
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
155155
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
ignited by the welder's lighter produce a small, intense flame that "cuts"
metal by melting it. See Welding Torch.
11222200.. CCUUTTTTIINNGGSS
Chips and small fragments of rock as the result of drilling that are brought to
the surface by the flow of the drilling mud as it is circulated. Cuttings are
important to the geologist who examines them for information concerning the
type of rock being drifted.(See Sample.)
11222211.. ccyycclliicc sstteeaamm iinnjjeeccttiioonn
a method of producing heavy viscous hydrocarbons. Steam is injected in
preset cycles into the reservoir, where it heats the hydrocarbons, making
them less viscous and able to flow into the wellbore.
11222222.. CCYYCCLLIINNGG ((OOFF GGAASS))
Return to a gas reservoir of gas remaining after extraction of liquid
hydrocarbons for the purpose of maintaining pressure in the reservoir, and
thus increasing the ultimate recovery of liquids from the reservoir.
11222233.. CCYYCCLLIINNGG PPLLAANNTT
An oil field installation that processes natural gas from a field, strips out the
gas liquids, and returns the dry gas to the producing formation to maintain
reservoir pressure.
11222244.. ccyycclloonniittee
a powerful, high-explosive material (cyclo-trimethylene-trinitramine) used as
the main charge in jet perforating guns; also called RDX. (See jet-perforate.)
11222255.. ccyylliinnddeerr
the unit of an internal-combustion engine in which combustion and
compression take place.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
156156
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11222266.. ccyylliinnddeerr lliinneerr
a removable, replaceable sleeve that fits into a cylinder. When the sliding of
the piston and rings wears out the liner, it can be replaced without the block
having to be replaced.
11222277.. CCYYLLIINNDDEERR SSTTOOCCKK
A class of highly viscous oils so called because originally their main use was in
preparation of products to be used for steam cylinder lubrication.
11222288.. CCYYLLIINNDDEERR,,OOIILL
Oils used to lubricate the cylinders ad valves of steam engines.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
157157
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11222299.. DD && PP PPLLAATTFFOORRMM
A drilling and production platform. Such an offshore platform is a large
structure with room to drill and complete a number of wells; as many as 60
have been drilled from a large platform by the use of directional drilling
techniques. When many wells are producing from a single platform, the oil
can be treated (put through oil-water separators), measured and pumped
ashore, as though the platform were simply a land lease. The production from
single-well platforms is usually piped, along with other wells on the offshore
lease, to a production platform for treatment and pumping ashore. See
Directional Drilling.
11223300.. DD&&AA
dry and abandoned; used in drilling reports.
11223311.. DDAARRCCYY''SS LLAAWW
During experimental studies on the flow of water through consolidated sand
filter beds, Henry D'Arcy, in 1856, formulated a law which boars his name.
D'Arcy's Law states that the velocity of a homogenous fluid in a porous
medium is proportional to the pressure gradient and inversely proportional to
the fluid's viscosity. This law has been extended to describe, with certain
limitations, the movement of other fluids including miscible fluids in
consolidated rocks and other porous substances.
111223333.. DDaaiillyy ddrriilllliinngg rreeppoorrtt
a record made each day of the operations on a working drilling rig. (See
driller's report.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
158158
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11223344.. DDAAMMPPIINNGG SSUUBB
Essentially, a downhole "shock absorber" for a string of drilling tools; a 6 to 8-
foot-long device, a part of the drill assembly, that acts to dampen bit vibration
and impact loads during drill operations. Damping subs are of the same
diameter as the drill pipe into which they are screwed to form a part of the
drill string.
11223355.. ddaarrccyy
a unit of measure of permeability. A porous medium has a permeability of 1
darcy when a pressure of 1 atmosphere on a sample 1 cm long and 1 cm' in
cross-section will force a liquid of 1-cp viscosity through the sample at the
rate of 1 cm' per second. The permeability of reservoir rocks is usually so low
that it is measured in millidarcy units.
11223366.. ddaayy ttoouurr
(pronounced "day tower") a period of 8 to 12 daylight hours worked by a
drilling or workover crew when equipment is being run around the clock.
11223377.. DDAAYY--WWOORRKK BBAASSIISS
Refers to a drilling contract in which the work of drilling and completing a well
is paid for by the days required for the job instead of by the feet drilled. See
also Turnkey Contract.
11223388.. ddaayywwoorrkk rraatteess
the basis for payment on drilling contracts when footage rates are suspended
(as when the drilling rig is used in taking extra cores, logging, or other
activities that delay actual drilling). The compensation for use of the rig at
daywork rates is usually included in the drilling contract.
11223399.. DDCC
direct current. drill collar; used in drilling reports.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
159159
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11224400.. DDCC--DDCC RRIIGG
See Drill Rig, Electric.
11224411.. DDEEAADD LLIINNEE
The anchored end of the drilling line that comes down from the crown block
through a fixed sheave at ground level, called a dead-!line anchor, and onto a
storage drum. When stringing up the drilling line, the big traveling block is set
on the rig floor and the free end of the line is threaded over the crown block
and through the traveling block a sufficient number of times to lift the
anticipated load with a good margin of safety. The free end is then attached
to the draw works drum which is rotated until one layer of the line is spooled
on. The traveling block is then hoisted into the derrick. The other end of the
threaded or reeved line is the dead line or, one might say, the anchored fine.
See Fast Line.
11224422.. DDEEAADD OOIILL
Crude oil containing no dissolved gas when it is produced.
11224433.. DDEEAADD WWEELLLL
A well that will not flow, and in order to produce must be put on the pump.
11224444.. ddeeaaddlliinnee
the drilling line from the crown-block sheave to the anchor, so called because
it does not move. Compare fast line.
11224455.. ddeeaaddlliinnee ttiiee--ddoowwnn aanncchhoorr
a device to which the deadline is attached, securely fastened to the mast or
derrick substructure.
11224466.. ddeeaaddmmaann
a buried anchor to which guy wires are tied to steady the derrick, mast,
stacks, and so on.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
160160
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11224477.. DDEEAADDMMAANN CCOONNTTRROOLL
A device for shutting down an operation should the attendant become
incapacitated. The attendant using such a device must consciously exert
pressure on a hold-down handle or lever to work the job. When pressure is
relaxed owing to some emergency, the operation will automatically come to a
halt.
11224488.. ddeeaaddwweeiigghhtt ttoonn
(dwt) a unit of capacity of tank ships equal to the difference in tons between
the ship's displacement when unloaded and when loaded.
11224499.. ddeeaaddwwoooodd
in an oil storage tank, the ladders, braces, piping, and other internal fixtures
that reduce the oil capacity of a tank. Their total volume is deducted from the
tank volume when it is being strapped or calibrated.
11225500.. DDEECCAANNTTIINNGG CCEENNTTRRIIFFUUGGEE
See Centrifuge, Decanting.
11225511.. ddeecckk
(nautical) floor.
11225522.. DDEECCKKBBLLOOCCKK
A pulley or sheave mounted in a steel frame which is securely fixed to the
metal deck of a ship or barge. Deck blocks which lie horizontal to the vessel's
deck are for horizontal pulls with hawser or cable.
11225533.. ddeeccoonnttaammiinnaannttss
materials added to cements or cement slurries to counteract the effects of
contamination.
11225544.. ddeeeepp ddrriilllliinngg
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
161161
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
any drilling project that is deeper than average for a given area or period in
time.
11225555.. DDEEEEPP RRIIGG
A specially designed drifting derrick built to withstand the extreme hook loads
of ultra-deep (20,000 to 30,000-foot) wells. Deep rigs, in addition to extra-
strong structural members, have massive substructures 25 to 35 feet high to
accommodate the large and tall blowout preventer stacks flanged to the
wellhead. Hook loads on deep rigs often exceed 800 tons. 1,600,000 pounds.
11225566.. ddeeeepp--wweellll ppuummpp
a production pump designed for service in a deep well.
11225577.. ddeeeeppeenn
to increase the depth of a well. Deepening is generally a workover operation
carried out to produce from a deeper formation or to control excessive gas
found in the upper levels of a reservoir.
11225588.. ddeeeeppwwaatteerr ddrriilllliinngg
offshore drilling operations in relatively deep oceans or seas. It presents a
number of special problems related to water depth.
11225599.. DDEEFFIICCIIEENNCCYY GGAASS
The difference between a quantity of gas a purchaser is obligated by contract
either to take or pay for if not taken and the amount actually taken.
11226600.. ddeefflleeccttiioonn
a change in the angle of a wellbore. In directional drilling, it is measured in
degrees from the vertical.
11226611.. ddeeffllooccccuuttaattiioonn
the dispersion of solids that have stuck together in drilling fluid, usually by
means of chemical thinners. (See flocculation.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
162162
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11226622.. ddeeffooaammeerr
any chemical that prevents or lessens frothing or foaming in another agent.
11226633.. ddeeggaasssseerr
the equipment used to remove unwanted gas from a liquid, especially from
drilling fluid.
11226644.. DDEEGGAASSSSIINNGG DDRRIILLLLIINNGG MMUUDD
An important part of well drilling operations is keep the drilling mud free of
entrained gas, buobles that enter the mud as it circulates downhole through
gaseous formations. One of the three functions of mud is to provide sufficient
hydrostatic head to control a kick when high-pressure oil or gas is
encountered. When mud of a certain density is circulated, it can become
infused with gas to an extent that although the volume of mud may increase
the density is severely reduced. To guard against this dangerous situation
occurring, the mud is degassed at the surface. Several kinds of equipment get
the gas out, but all have one aim in commo to make it possible for the gas
bubbles to free themselves. One method flows the mud over wide sheets so
the slurry is no more than one-eighth to three eighths thick so the bubbles
may come to the surface and escape. Another method sprays the mud
against a baffle in a spray tank which squeezes out the gas. A third method
directs the mud through a vacuum tank where, under reduced atmospheric
pressure, the bubbles of gas expand and break out of the slurry.
11226655.. ddeeggrreeee--ddaayy
a unit of temperature and time, computed per day, equivalent to the
difference between a 65 F base and a daily mean temperature (when the
latter is less than 65 F). The total of degree-days for a given period of time
can be used to estimate energy requirements such as the amount of fuel oil
needed to heat a building.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
163163
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11226666.. ddeeggrreeeess AAPPII
(.API) a unit of measurement of the American Petroleum Institute that
indicates the weight, or gravity, of oil. (See API gravity.)
111226688.. ddeehhyyddrraattee
to remove water from a substance. Dehydration of crude oil is normally
accomplished by emulsion treating with emulsion breakers. The water vapor
in natural gas must be removed to meet pipeline requirements; a typical
maximum allowable water-vapor content is 7 LB per Mk.
11226699.. DDEEHHYYDDRRAATTOORR,, NNAATTUURRAALL GGAASS
A tank or tower through which gas is run to remove entrained water. A
common method of gas dehydration is through ,he use of various glycols -
diethylene, triethylene, and tetraethylene. Dehydration is accomplished by
contact of the wet gas with pure or "lean" glycol solution. Gas is led In to the
bottom of a trayed or packed column in the presence of the glycol solution.
As the gas percolates upward through the solution, the lean glycol absorbs
the entrained water, and dry gas is taken off at the top of the lower. Gas
must be extremely dry to meet pipeline specifications; it may not contain
more than 7 pounds of water per million standard cubic feet.
11227700.. ddeellaayy rreennttaall
a payment, usually made annually in lieu of drilling to keep a lease valid.
11227711.. DDeelliinneeaattiioonn WWeellll
Well drilled after a discovery well to determine the areal extent of a reservoir.
11227722.. DDEELLIINNEEAATTIIOONN WWEELLLLSS
Wells drilled outward from a successful wildcat well to determine the extent of
the oil find, the boundaries of the productive formation. See Development
Wells.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
164164
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11227733.. ddeelliivveerryymmaann
a shipper's representative who takes delivery of oil from a pipeline company
at a terminal or junction.
11227744.. ddeemmeetthhaanniizzeerr
(See rich-oil demethanizer.)
11227755.. DDEEMMUULLSSIIFFIIEERR
A chemical used to "break dowi" crude oil/water emulsions. The chemical
reduces the surface tension of the film of oil surrounding the droplets of
water. Thus freed, the water settles to the bottom of the tank.
11227766.. ddeemmuullssiittyy
to resolve an emulsion, especially of water and oil, into its components. (See
emulsion treating.)
11227777.. DDEEMMUURRRRAAGGEE
The charge incurred by the shipper for detaining a vessel, freight car, or
truck. High loading rates for oil tankers are of utmost importance in order to
speed turnaround and minimize demurrage charges.
11227788.. DDeennssiilloogg
(See density log.)
11227799.. ddeennssiittyy
the weight of a substance per unit of volume. For instance, the density of a
drilling mud may be 10 ppg, 74.8 lb/ftl, or 1.2 kg/liter. Specific gravity or API
gravity is also a measure of density.
11228800.. ddeennssiittyy lloogg
a special radioactivity log for open-hole surveying that responds to variations
in the specific gravity of formations. It is a contact log (i.e., held against the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
165165
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
wall of the hole). It emits neutrons and then measures the secondary gamma
radiation that is scattered back to the detector in the instrument. The density
log is an excellent porosity-measuring device, especially for shaly sands.
Some trade names for it are Gamma-Gamma Density Log, Formation Density
Log, and Densilog.
11228811.. DDEENNSSMMOORREE,, AAMMOOSS
The man who first devised a method of shipping crude oil by rail. In 1865 he
mounted two "iron banded" wooden tanks on a railway flatcar. The tanks or
tubs holds total of 90 barrels. Densmore's innovation was the forerunner of
the "unit train" for hauling oil and products, and the latest development, Tank
Train (q.v.).
11228822.. ddeepplleettee
to exhaust a supply. An oil and gas reservoir is depleted when most or all
recoverable hydrocarbons have been produced.
11228833.. DDEEPPLLEETTIIOONN AALLLLOOWWAANNCCEE
See Percentage Depletion.
11228844.. DDEEPPOOSSIITT
An accumulation of oil or gas capable of being produced commercially.
11228855.. ddeeppoossiittiioonnaall eennvviirroonnmmeenntt
the conditions under which a series of rock strata were laid down.
Depositional environments are divided into five groups marine (ocean-borne),
aeolian (wind-borne), alluvial (river-borne), deltaic (borne by a river at its
delta), and interdeltaic (between river deltas).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
166166
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11228866.. DDeeppoossiittiioonnaall FFaacciieess
A three dimensional body of rock that is differentiated from others by its
unique physical attributes such as rock type(s), fossils, bedding structures,
position in the rock layers, the manner in which it was deposited and the like.
111228888.. ddeepprreecciiaattiioonn
decrease in value of property (as a rig) due to normal wear or the passing of
time. By including a charge for depreciation, a contractor can accumulate
funds to replace a rig when it is worn out.
11228899.. DDEEPPRROOPPAANNIIZZEERR
A unit of a processing plant where propane, a liquid hydrocarbon, is from
natural gas.
11229900.. ddeepptthh
1. the distance to which a well is drilled, stipulated in a drilling contract as
contract depth. Total depth is the depth after drilling is finished. 2. on
offshore drilling rigs, the distance from the baseline of a rig or ship to the
uppermost continuous deck.
11229911.. ddeepptthh iinn
the depth of the wellbore when a new bit is run in. (See depth out.)
11229922.. ddeepptthh oouutt
the depth of the wellbore when a bit is pulled out of the hole. (See depth In.)
11229933.. ddeepptthhoommeetteerr
a device used to measure the depth of a well or depth at a specific point in a
well (as to the top of a 1'ner or to a fish) by counting the turns of a calibrated
wheel rolling on a wireline as it is lowered into or pulled out of a well.
11229944.. ddeerrrriicckk
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
167167
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
a large load-bearing structure, usually of bolted construction. In drilling, the
standard derrick has four legs standing at the corners of the substructure and
reaching to the crown block. The substructure is an assembly of heavy beams
used to elevate the derrick and provide space to install blowout preventers,
casingheads, etc. Because the standard derrick must be assembled piece by
piece, it has largely been replaced by the mart, which can be lowered and
raised without disassembly.
11229955.. DDEERRRRIICCKK BBAARRGGEE
A type of work boat on which a large crane is mounted for use offshore or
other over-water work. The larger derrick or crane barges are self propelled
and are, in effect, a boat or ship with full-revolving crane, a helicopter pad,
and tools and equipment for various tender work. A crane
11229966.. DDEERRRRIICCKK FFLLOOOORR
The platform (usually 10 feet or more above the ground) of a derrick on
which drilling oprations are carried o rig floor.
11229977.. DDEERRRRIICCKK,, PPUUMMPPIINNGG
In the early days, before the widespread use of portable units for pulling and
reconditioning a well, the original derrick, used for drilling, was often replaced
by a smaller, shorter derrick called a pumping derrick or pumping rig. Well
workovers could be done with these rigs; the well also could be pumped by
pumping jack or by a walking beam.
11229988.. DDEERRRRIICCKKMMAANN
A member of the drilling crew who works up in derrick on the tubing board,
racking tubing or drillpipe as it is pulled from the well and unscrewed by other
crow members on the derrick floor.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
168168
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11229999.. ddeessaalltt
to remove dissolved salt from crude oil. Sometimes fresh water is injected
into the crude stream to dissolve salt for removal by electrostatic treaters.
11330000.. DDEESSAALLTTIINNGG PPLLAANNTT
An installation that removes salt water and crystalline salt from crude oil
streams. Some plants use electrostatic precipitation; others employ chemical
processes to remove the salt.
11330011.. ddeessaannddeerr
a centrifugal device used to remove fine particles of sand from drilling fluid to
prevent abrasion of the pumps. A desander usually operates on the principle
of a fast-moving stream of fluid being put into a whirling motion inside a
cone-shaped vessel.
11330022.. ddeessiiccccaanntt
a substance able to remove water from another substance with which it is in
contact. It may be liquid (as triethylene glycol) or solid (as silica gel).
11330033.. DDEESSIICCCCAANNTT DDRRYYIINNGG
The use of a drying agent to remove moisture from a stream of air or gas. in
certain product pipelines great effort is made to remove all water vapor
before putting the line in service. To accomplish this, desiccant-dried air or an
inert gas is pumped through the line to absorb the moisture that may be
Present even in the ambient air in the line.
11330044.. ddeessiiggnn ffaaccttoorr
the ratio of the ultimate load a vessel or structure will sustain to the safe
permissible load placed on it. Such safety factors are incorporated into the
design of casing, for example, to allow for unusual burst, tension, or collapse
stresses.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
169169
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11330055.. ddeessiiggnn wwaatteerr ddeepptthh
1. the vertical distance from the ocean bottom to the nominal water level plus
the height of astronomical and storm tides. 2. the deepest water in which an
offshore drilling rig can operate.
11330066.. ddeessiilltteerr
a centrifugal device, similar to a desander, used to remove very fine particles,
or silt, from drilling fluid to keep the amount of solids in the fluid to the lowest
possible level. The lower the solids content of the mud is, the faster the rate
of penetration.
11330077.. DDEESSIILLTTEERR -- DDEESSAANNDDEERR
A filtering device on a drifting well's mud system that removes harmful
abrasive material from the mud stream.
11330088.. DDeesskk aanndd DDeerrrriicckk CClluubb
an association of women employed in the petroleum and allied industries. As
of January 1979, there are 103 clubs throughout the United States and
Canada. The principal function of the group is that of providing informational
and educational programs for the enlightenment of its members about the
industry they serve. Membership ranges from secretaries through managers
and directors of companies.
11330099.. ddeessuullffuurriizzee
to remove sulfur or sulfur compounds from oil or gas.
11331100.. DDEETTEERRGGEENNTT OOIILLSS
lubricating oils containing additives that retard the formation of gums,
varnishes, and other harmful engine deposits. The detergents act to keep all
products of oxidation and other foreign matter in suspension which permits it
to be removed by the engine's filtering system.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
170170
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11331111.. ddeettoonnaattiioonn
1. an explosion. 2. the knock or ping produced when fuel of too low an
octane rating is used in the engine. Compare preignition.
11331122.. DDEETTRRIIUUSS
Fragments of disintegrated rock; an accumulation of material as the result of
the wearing away or erosion of rock. See Talus.
11331133.. DDEETTRROOIITT IIRROONN
A humorous reference to a large, old car or truck.
11331144.. DDEEVVEELLOOPPMMEENNTT
The drilling and bringing into production of wells in addition to the discovery
well on a lease. The drilling of development wells may be required by the
express or implied covenants of a lease.
11331155.. DDEEVVEELLOOPPMMEENNTT CCLLAAUUSSEE
The drilling and delay-rental clause of a lease also, express clauses specifying
the number of development wells to be drilled.
11331166.. ddeevveellooppmmeenntt wweellll
1. a well drilled in proven territory in a field to complete a pattern of
production. 2. an exploitation well.
11331177.. DDEEVVEELLOOPPMMEENNTT WWEELLLLSS
Wells drilled in an area already proved to be productive.
11331188.. DDEEVVIIAATTEEDD HHOOLLEE
A well bore which is off the vertical either by design or accident. All wells are
off the vertical, some considerably farther off than others. In drilling a
15,000-foot hole, for example, through many types of hard and soft lions, it is
not unusual to have such a deviation that the actual bottom of the hole is
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
171171
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
2,000 feet or so away from the well location, and on someone else's lease.
This can be litigious business if the other lease owner gets picky about it.
Deviated or crooked holes as they are commonly referred to are more
expensive to drill than a straight hole for several reasons. For example, to
reach a particular formation at 10,000 feet, a crooked hole, on a severe Angle
from the vertical, may have to be dug several hundred to 1,000 feet farther.
In addition to more drilling time it would also mean 1,000 feet more casing
and an equal amount of tubing to complete the well. Every effort is made to
drill a straight hole. But there are times when drilling at an angle from the
vertical serves a useful purpose. And the technique for digging such a hole is
quite advanced. See Slant-hole Technique.
11331199.. ddeevviiaattiioonn
the inclination of the wellbore from the vertical. The angle of deviation, angle
of drift, or drift angle is the angle in degrees that shows the variation from
the vertical as revealed by a deviation survey.
11332200.. ddeevviiaattiioonn ssuurrvveeyy
an operation made to determine the angle from which a bit has deviated from
the vertical during drilling. There are two basic deviation survey, or drift
survey, instruments one reveals the angle of deviation only; the other
indicates both the angle and direction of deviation.
11332211.. DDEEWW PPOOIINNTT
The temperature at which water vapor condensed Out of at 14.7psia. (pound
per square inch absolute) or at sea level.
11332222.. ddeeww--ppooiinntt rreeccoorrddeerr
a device used by gas transmission companies to determine and record
continuously the dew point of the gas.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
172172
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11332233.. DDFF
derrick floor; used in drilling reports.
11332244.. ddiiaaggeenneessiiss
the chemical and physical changes that sediments undergo (after deposition,
compaction, cementation, recrystallization, and sometimes replacement) that
result in lithification.
11332255.. ddiiaammeetteerr
the distance across a circle measured through its center. In the measurement
of pipe diameters, the inside diameter is that of the interior circle and the
outside diameter that of the exterior circle.
11332266.. ddiiaammoonndd bbiitt
a drilling bit that has a steel body surfaced with industrial diamonds. The
rotation of the extremely hard diamonds cuts the surface of the rock.
11332277.. ddiiaattoommaacceeoouuss eeaarrtthh
an earthy deposit made up of the siliceous cell walls of one-celled marine
algae called diatoms, used as an admixture for cement to produce a low-
density slurry.
11332288.. DDIIEE
A replaceable, hardened steel piece; an insert for a wrench or set of tongs
that bites into the pipe as the toot is closed on the pipe; a tong key. Also, in
the plural, dies are cutters for making threads on a bolt or pipe.
11332299.. ddiiee ccoollllaarr
a collar or coupling of tool steel, threaded internally, that is used to retrieve
pipe from the well on fishing jobs; the female counterpart of a taper tap. The
die collar is made up on the drill pipe and lowered into the hole until it
contacts the lost pipe. Rotation of the die collar on top of the pipe cuts
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
173173
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
threads on the outside of the pipe, providing for a firm attachment. The pipe
is then retrieved from the hole.
11333300.. ddiieelleeccttrriicc
a substance that is an insulator, or nonconductor, of electricity.
111333322.. ddiieelleeccttrriicc ccoonnssttaanntt
the values of dielectricity assigned to substances. A substance that is a good
insulator has a high dielectric constant, while a poor insulator has a low one.
The dielectric constant of oil is lower than that for water, and upon this
principle a net-oil computer operates.
11333333.. ddiieesseell--eelleeccttrriicc ppoowweerr
the power supplied to a drilling rig by diesel engines driving electric
generators, used widely offshore and gaining popularity onshore.
11333344.. ddiieesseell eennggiinnee
a high-compression, internal-combustion engine used extensively for
powering drilling rigs. In a diesel engine air is drawn into the cylinders and
compressed to very high pressures; ignition occurs as fuel is injected into the
compressed and heated air. Combustion takes place within the cylinder above
the piston, and expansion of the combustion products imparts power to the
piston.
11333355.. DDIIEESSEELL FFUUEELL
A fuel made of the light gas-oil range of refinery products. Diesel fuel and
furnace oil are virtually the same product. Self-ignition is an important
property of diesel fuel, as the diesel engine has no spark plugs; the fuel is
ignited by the heat of compression within the engine's cylinders. See Diesel
Engine; also Cetane Number.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
174174
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11333366.. DDIIEESSEELL,, RRUUDDOOLLPPHH
The German mechanical engineer who invented the internal combustion
engine that bears his name.
11333377.. DDIIEESSEELLIINNGG
The tendency of some gasoline engines to continue running after the ignition
has been shut off. This is often caused by improper fuel or carbon deposits in
the combustion chamber hot enough to ignite the gasoline sucked into the
engine as it makes a few revolutions after being turned off.
11333388.. ddiiffffeerreennttiiaall
the difference in quantity or degree between two measurements or units. For
example, the pressure differential across a choke is the variation between the
pressure on one side and that on the other. (See differential pressure.)
11333399.. ddiiffffeerreennttiiaall ffiillll--uupp ccoollllaarr
a device used in setting casing. It is run near the bottom of the casing to
automatically admit drilling fluids into the casing as needed so it sinks rather
than floats in the well.
11334400.. ddiiffffeerreennttiiaall ffiillll--uupp sshhooee
a device similar to a differential fill-up collar, except it is run on the bottom of
the casing and is incorporated into the guide shoe.
11334411.. ddiiffffeerreennttiiaall pprreessssuurree
the difference between two fluid pressures; for example, the difference
between the pressure in a reservoir and in a wellbore drilled in the reservoir,
or between atmospheric pressure at sea level and at 10,000 ft. (See
differential pressure.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
175175
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11334422.. ddiiffffeerreennttiiaall--pprreessssuurree ggaauuggee
a pressure-measuring device actuated by two or more pressure-sensitive
elements that act in opposition to produce an indication of the difference
between two pressure sources.
11334433.. ddiiffffeerreennttiiaall--pprreessssuurree ssttiicckkiinngg
a condition in which the drill stem becomes stuck against the wall of the
wellbore because part of the drill stem (usually the drill collars) has become
embedded in the filter cake. Necessary conditions for differential pressure
sticking, or wall sticking, are a permeable formation and a pressure
differential across a nearly impermeable filter cake and drill stem.
11334444.. DDIIGGGGEERR
One who digs or drills a well; a driller.
11334455.. DDIIGGGGIINNGG TTOOOOLLSS
Hand tools used in digging a ditch, i.e., shovels, picks, mattocks, spades.
11334466.. DDIILLLLPPIIPPEE
Heavy, thick-walled steel ripe used in rotary drilling to turn the drill bit and to
provide a conduit for the drilling mud. Joints of drillpipe are about 30 feet
long.
11334477.. ddiipp
(See formation dip.)
11334488.. ddiipp lloogg
a survey of a wellbore with a dip meter, made to determine the direction-and
angle of dip of certain formations exposed to the wellbore.
11334499.. ddiippmmeetteerr ssuurrvveeyy
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
176176
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
an oil-well-surveying method that determines the direction and angle of
formation dip in relation to the borehole. It records data that permit
computation of both the amount and direction of formation dip relative to the
axis of the hole. It also provides information about the geologic structure of
the formation.
11335500.. DDIIRRCCTTIIOONNAALL DDRRIILLLLIINNGG
The technique of drilling at an angle from the vertical by deflecting the drill 1
wells are drilled for a number of reasons to develop an offshore lease from
one drilling platform; to reach a pay zone beneath land where drilling cannot
be done, e.g. , beneath a railroad, cemetery, a lake; and to reach the
production zone of a burning well to flood the formation. See Killer Well.
11335511.. ddiirreecctt ccoonnnneeccttiioonn
a straightforward connection that makes the speeds of a prime mover and a
driven machine identical.
11335522.. ddiirreeccttiioonnaall ddrriilllliinngg
intentional deviation of a wellbore from the vertical. Although wellbores are
normally drilled vertically, it is sometimes necessary or advantageous to drill
at an angle from the vertical. Controlled directional drilling makes it possible
to reach subsurface areas laterally remote from the point where the bit enters
the earth. It involves the use of turbodrills, DynaDrills, whipstocks, or other
deflecting tools.
11335533.. ddiirreeccttiioonnaall hhoollee
a wellbore intentionally drilled at an angle from the vertical. (See directional
drilling.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
177177
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11335544.. ddiirreeccttiioonnaall ooppeerraattoorr
a practical or trained technician who supervises rig operations relating to
directional drilling, usually employed by a company specializing in this service.
11335555.. ddiirreeccttiioonnaall ssuurrvveeyy
a logging method that records hole drift, or deviation from the vertical, and
direction of the drift. A single shot directional survey instrument makes a
single photograph of a compass reading of the drift direction and the number
of degrees the hole is off vertical. A multi shot survey instrument obtains
numerous readings in the hole as the device is pulled out of the well. (See
directional drilling.)
11335566.. DDIIRRTTYY CCAARRGGOO
Bunker fuel and other block residual oils.
11335577.. ddiissccoonnffoorrmmiittyy
an unconformity in which formations on opposite sides of it are parallel.
11335588.. ddiissccoonnttiinnuuoouuss pphhaassee
(See continuous phase and internal phase)
11335599.. DDIISSCCOOVVEERRYY WWEELLLL
An exploratory well that encounters a new and previously untapped
petroleum deposit a successful wildcat well. A discovery well may also open a
new horizon in an established field.
11336600.. DDIISSCCOOVVEERRYY WWEELLLL AALLLLOOWWAABBLLEE
An allowable above that of wells in a settled field. Some states allow the
operators of a discovery well to produce at the maximum efficiency rate
(MER) until the costs of the well have been recovered in oil or gas.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
178178
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11336611.. ddiissppaattcchheerr
an employee responsible for scheduling movement of oil through pipelines.
11336622.. ddiissppeerrssiioonn
a suspension of extremely fine particles in a liquid (such as colloids in a
colloidal solution).
11336633.. ddiissppllaacceemmeenntt
the weight of fluid (as water) displaced by a freely floating body such as an
offshore drilling rig, exactly equal to the weight of the body.
11336644.. ddiissppllaacceemmeenntt fflluuiidd
in oil-well cementing, the fluid, usually drilling mud or salt water, that is
pumped into the well behind the cement to force the cement out of the
casing and into the annulus.
11336655.. ddiissppllaacceemmeenntt mmeetteerr
a meter in which a piston is actuated by the pressure of a measured volume
of liquid and the volume swept by the piston is equal to the volume of the
liquid recorded.
11336666.. ddiissppllaacceemmeenntt pplluunnggeerr
a device used to pump liquids, usually at high pressures, with an action
similar to that of a piston but one-sided.
11336677.. ddiissppllaacceemmeenntt rraattee
a measurement of the speed with which a volume of cement slurry or mud is
pumped down the hole.
11336688.. ddiissppoossaall wweellll
a well into which salt water is pumped, usually part of a salwater-disposal
system.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
179179
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11336699.. ddiissssoocciiaattiioonn
the splitting up of a compound of two or more simple molecules, atoms, or
ions. For example, hydrochloric acid dissociates into hydrogen and chlorine
molecules, or ions, in water.
111337711.. DDIISSSSOOLLVVEEDD GGAASS
Gas contained in solution with the crude oil in the reservoir. See Solution Gas.
11337722.. DDIISSSSOOLLVVEEDD--GGAASS DDRRIIVVEE
The force of expanding gas dissolved in the crude oil in the formation that
drives the oil to the well bore and up to the surface through the production
11337733.. DDIISSTTIILLLLAATTEE
quid hydrocarbons, usually water-white or pale straw color, and of high API
gravity (above 60') recovered from wet gas by a separator that condenses the
liquid out of the gas stream. See Condensate. (Distillate is an older term for
the liquid today, it is called condensate or natural gasoline.)
11337744.. DDIISSTTIILLLLAATTEE FFUUEELL OOIILLSS
A term denoting products of refinery distillation sometimes referred to middle
distillates, i.e.. kerosene, diesel fuel, home heating oil,
11337755.. ddiissttiillllaattiioonn
the process of driving off gas or vapor from liquids or solids, usually by
heating, and condensing the vapor back to liquid to purify, fractionate, or
form new products. (See distillate.)
11337766.. DDIISSTTIILLLLAATTIIOONN SSYYSSTTEEMM
A small, temporary "refinery" (200 to 1,000 b/d) set up at a remote drifting
site to make diesel fuel and low-grade gasoline from available crude oil for
the drilling engines and auxiliary equipment.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
180180
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11337777.. ddiissttrriibbuuttiioonn
the apportioning of daily production rates to wells on a lease. Because there
are many wells on a lease, such production is apportioned on the basis of
periodic tests rather than on the individual receiving and gauging of oil at
each well.
11337788.. ddiittcchh
a trench or channel made in the earth,usually to bury pipeline, cable, etc. On
a drilling rig, the mud-flow channel from the conductor-pipe outlet is often
called a ditch. (See mud-return line.)
11337799.. DDIITTCCHHIINNGG MMAACCHHIINNEE
See Trencher.
11338800.. ddiivveerrtteerr
a system used to control well blowouts encountered at relatively shallow
depths and to protect floating rigs during blowouts by directing the flow away
from the rig.
11338811.. DDIIVVEERRTTEERR SSYYSSTTEEMM
An assembly of nipples and air-actuated valves welded to a well's surface or
conductor casing for venting a gas kick (q.v.) encountered in relatively
shallow offshore wells. In shallow wells there is often insufficient overburden
pressure around the base of the conductor casing to prevent the gas from a
substantial kick from blowing out around the casing. When a kick occurs, the
blowout preventer is closed and the valves of the diverter system open to
vent the gas harmlessly to the atmosphere.
11338822.. DDIIVVEESSTTIITTUURREE
Specifically as it relates to the industry, to break up, to fragment an
integrated oil company into individual, separate companies, each to be
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
181181
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
permitted to operate only within a single phase of the oil business
exploration. production, transportation, refining or marketing.
11338833.. DDIIVVIISSIIOONN OORRDDEERR
A contract of sale to the buyer of crude oil or gas directing the buyer to pay
for the product in the proportions set forth in the contract. Certain amounts of
payment go to the operator of the producing property, the royalty owners,
and others having an interest in the production. The purchaser prepares the
division order after determining the basis of ownership and then requires that
the several owners of the oil being purchased execute the division order
before payment for the oil commences.
11338844.. ddkk
dark; used in drilling reports.
11338855.. ddllee nniippppllee
a device similar to a die collar but with external threads.
11338866.. DDMMWWDD
or MWD Downhole measurement while drilling (q.v.).
11338877.. DDOOCCTTOORR SSWWEEEETT
A term used to describe certain petroleum products that have been treated to
remove sulfur compounds and mercaptans that are the sources of unpleasant
odors. A product that has been so treated is said to be "sweet to the doctor
test."
11338888.. DDOOCCTTOORR TTEESSTT
A qualitative method of testing light fuel oils for the presence of sulfur
compounds and mercaptans, substances that are potentially corrosive and
impart an objectionable odor to the fuel when burned.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
182182
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11338899.. DDOOGG FFTT
To do less than one's share of work; to hang back to drag one's feet.
11339900.. DDOOGG HHOOUUSSEE
table, one-room shelter (usually made of fight tank iron) at a well site for the
convenience and protection of the drilling crew, geologist, and others. The
doghouse serves lunchroom, change house, dormitory, and storage room for
small supplies and ,records.
11339911.. DDOOGG RROOBBBBEERR
A loyal aid or underling who does disagreeable or slightly unorthodox
(shady)jobs for his boss; a master of the "midnight requisition"
11339922.. ddoogghhoouussee
1. a small enclosure on the rig floor used as an office for the driller or as a
storehouse for small objects.
2. any small building used as an office or for storage.
11339933.. DDOOGGLLEEGG
A deviation in the direction of a ditch or the bore hole of a well; a sharp bend
in a joint of pipe. See Key Seat.
11339944.. ddooll
dolomite; used in drilling reports.
11339955.. ddoollllyy
(See pipe dolly.)
11339966.. ddoolloo
dolomite; used in drilling reports.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
183183
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11339977.. ddoolloommiittee
a type of sedimentary rock similar to limestone but rich in magnesium
carbonate, sometimes a reservoir rock for petroleum.
11339988.. ddoommee
a geologic structure resembling an inverted bowl; a short anticline plunging
on all sides. (See salt dome.)
11339999.. ddoommee--rrooooff ttaannkk
a storage tank with a dome-shaped roof affixed to the shell.
11440000.. DDOOOODDLLEE BBUUGG
A witching device; a twig or branch of a small tree (poach is favored by some
witchers) which when held by an "expert" practitioner as he walks over a plot
of land is supposed to bend down locating a favorable place to drill a well; a
popular term for any of the various geophysical prospecting equipment.
11440011.. ddooooddlleebbuugg
(slang) 1. the seismograph used in prospecting for potential oil-bearing
geological structures. 2. any of the various devices used in searching for
petroleum deposits.
11440022.. DDOOOORR MMAATTSS
Colloquial term used in the early days to describe small tracts, 1120 of an
acre, just large enough to accommodate an oil derrick. The concept of
pooling (q.v.) had not yet been accepted.
11440033.. ddoooorr sshheeeett
a plate at the base of a tank shell or wall that is removed to allow the tank
tone cleaned.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
184184
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11440044.. ddooppee
a lubricant for the threads of oil-field tubular goods.
11440055.. DDOOPPEE CCHHOOPPPPEERR
A machine for removing tar and asphalt coatings from line pipe. The pipe is
placed in the chopper where guillotine-like blades cut through the dope but
do not damage the pipe. The chunks of coating fall onto a conveyor belt and
are carried away from the job.
11440066.. DDOOPPEE GGAANNGG
Workers who clean and apply a coat of enamel primer to a pipeline in
preparation for coating with a tar-based anticorrosion material and wrapping
with tough paper bandage. On large pipeline projects, a machine rides the
pipe, cleaning it with rotating metal brushes and then on a pimer. A second
machine, also riding the pipe, coats and wraps the line in one operation.
11440077.. ddoouubbllee
a length of drill pipe, casing, or tubing, consisting of two joints screwed
together. Compare thribble and fourble.
11440088.. DDOOUUBBLLEE--AACCTTIINNGG PPUUMMPP
A reciprocating pump (plunger pump) with two sets of suction and discharge
valves permitting it to pump fluid during the forward and backward
movement of each plunger. (Single-action pumps discharge on the for. ward
stroke and draw in fluid on the return stroke.)
11440099.. ddoouubbllee bbooaarrdd
the derrickman's working platform, or monkeyboard, when located at a height
in the derrick or mast equal to two lengths of pipe joined together. (See
thribble board and fourble board.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
185185
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11441100.. ddoouubbllee--ddrruumm hhooiisstt
a device, consisting of two reels on which wire rope is wound, that provides
two hoisting drums in the assembly. The main drum is used for pulling tubing
or drill pipe; the second drum is used for swabbing. (See hoist.) a pipe
incorporating twice as many safety design factors as normally used.
11441111.. DDOOUUBBLLEESS
Drillpipe and tubing pulled from the well two joints at a time. The two joints
make a stand (q.v.)of pipe that is set back and racked in the derrick. Three.
joint stands are called "thribbles," fours are "fourbles."
11441122.. TTDDOOUUBBLLIINNGG YYAARRDD TT
An area convenient to a large pipeline construction project where line pipe is
welded together in two-joint lengths preparatory to being transported to the
job and strung along the right of way.
111441144.. ddoouugghhnnuutt
a ring of wedges or a threaded, tapered ring that supports a string of pipe.
11441155.. DDOOWWNN IINN TTHHEE BBIIGG HHOOLLEE
A slang expression meaning to shift down into the lowest low gear.
11441166.. DDOOWWNNCCOOMMEERR
A pipe in which the flow of liquid or gas is downward.
11441177.. ddoowwnnhhoollee
pertaining to the wellbore.
11441188.. DDOOWWNNHHOOLLEE MMEEAASSUURREEMMEENNTT WWHHIILLEE DDRRIILLLLIINNGG
A dowhole "real time" data gathering and transmitting system that sends
information from the drill bit to the surface by one of several means. The data
transmitted by some form of telemetry-hardwire or electronics or hydraulic
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
186186
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
impulse-includes drilling angle and rate, temperature, type formation, and
condition of the bit. The MWD system is the most advanced yet developed to
keep the driller and geologist informed on conditions several thousand feet
downhole.
11441199.. ddoowwnnhhoollee mmuudd mmoottoorr
a turbodrill or DynaDrill.
11442200.. DDOOWWNNSSTTRREEAAMM
Refers to facilities or operations performed after those at the point of
reference. For example, refining is downstream from production operations,
marketing is downstream from refining.
111442222.. ddoowwnnttiimmee
the period during which an item of equipment cannot be operated because of
ongoing repair or maintenance.
11442233.. DDOOWWSSIINNGG RROODDSS
See Doodle Bug.
11442244.. DDOOZZEERR
Bulldozer, a crawler-type tractor equipped with a hydraulically operated blade
for excavating and grading.
11442255.. DDPP
drill pipe; used in drilling reports.
11442266.. ddrraafftt
the vertical distance between the bottom of a vessel floating in water and the
waterline.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
187187
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11442277.. ddrraafftt mmaarrkkss
pl numbers placed on the sides or ends of a floating offshore drilling rig to
indicate its draft.
11442288.. ddrraagg bbiitt
(See bat and fishtail bit.)
11442299.. DDRRAAGG LLIINNEE
A type of large excavating machine made with a long boom over which a line
runs down to a clamshell bucket. The bucket at the end of the fine is swung
into position and is then dragged into the material to be moved or dug out.
11443300.. DDRRAAGG UUPP
To draw the wages one has coming and quit the job an expression used in
the oil fields by pipeline construction workers and temporary or day la. borers.
11443311.. DDRRAAIINNAAGGEE
Migration of oil or gas in a reservoir owing to a pressure reduction caused by
production from wells drilled into the reservoir. Local drainage is the
movement of oil and gas toward the well bore of a producing well.
11443322.. ddrraaiinnaaggee rraaddiiuuss
the area of a reservoir in which a single well serves as a point for drainage of
reservoir fluids.
11443333.. DDRRAAIINNAAGGEE TTRRAACCTT
A lease or tract of land, usually offshore, immediately adjacent to a tract with
proven production; an offshore Federal lease contiguous to producing
property whose subsurface geologic structure. is a continuation of the
producing acreage and therefore more or less valuable as a source of
additional oil or gas,
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
181888
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11443344.. DDRRAAIINNAAGGEE UUNNIITT
The maximum area in an oil pool or field that may be drained efficiently by
one well so as to produce the maximum amount of recoverable oil or gas in
such an area.
11443355.. DDRRAAKKEE CCOOLL.. EEDDWWIINN LL..
The man who drilled the country's first oil well near Titusville, Pennsylvania, in
1859 to a depth of 69 1/2 feet using crude cable-tool equipment.
11443366.. DDrraakkee wweellll
the first U.S. well drilled in search of oil. Some 69 feet deep, it was drilled
near Titusville, Pa., and completed in 1859.
11443377.. DDRRAAWW WWOORRKKSS
The collective name for the hoisting drum, cable, shaft, clutches. power take
off, brakes and other machinery used on a drilling rig. Draw works are located
on one side of the derrick floor, and serve as a power-control center for the
hoisting gear and rotary elements of the drill column.
11443388.. ddrraawwddoowwnn
1. the difference between static and flowing bottomhole pressures. 2. the
distance between the static level and the pumping level of the fluid in the
annulus of a pumping well.
11443399.. DDRRAAWWIINNGG TTII IIEE FFIIRREESS
Shutting dowry a refinery unit in preparation for a turnaround (q.v.).
drawworks
the hoisting mechanism on a drilling rig. It is essentially a large winch that
spools off or takes in the drilling line and thus raises or lowers the drill stem
and bit.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
189189
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11444400.. DDRREERRRRIICCKK FFLLOOOORR
Derrick floor; the area where the driller and his crew work.
11444411.. ddrreessss
to sharpen or repair items of equipment (as drilling bits and tool joints).
11444422.. DDRREESSSS--UUPP CCRREEWW
A right-of-way gang that cleans up after the construction crews have
completed their work. The dress-up crew smooths the land, plants trees,
grass, and builds fences and gates.
11444433.. DDRREESSSSEERR SSLLEEEEVVEE
A slip-type collar that connects two lengths of plain-end (threadless) pipe.
This type sleeve connection is used on small-diameter, low-pressure fines.
11444444.. ddrriifftt
to move slowly out of alignment, off center, or out of register. 2. to gauge or
measure pipe by means of a mandrel passed through it to ensure the passage
of tools, pumps, etc.
11444455.. ddrriifftt aannggllee
(See deviation.)
11444466.. ddrriifftt iinnddiiccaattoorr
a device dropped or run down the drill stem on a wireline to just above the bit
to measure the inclination of the well off vertical at that point. It does not
measure the direction of inclination.
11444477.. DDRRIIFFTT MMAANNDDRREELL
A device used to check the size of casing and tubing before it is run. The drift
mandrel (jack rabbit) is put through each joint of casing and tubing to make
certain the inside diameters are sizes specified for the particular job.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
190190
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11444488.. ddrriifftt ssuurrvveeyy
(See deviation survey.)
111445500.. DDRRIIFFTTIINNGG TTHHEE PPIIPPEE
Testing casing or tubing for roundness; making certain there are no kinks,
bends, or flat places in the pipe by use of a drift mandrel (q.v.) or jack rabbit.
Pipe must be of proper diameter throughout to be able to run downhole tools
such as packers, plugs, etc.
11445511.. ddrriigg
drilling, used in drilling reports.
11445522.. ddrriillll
to bore a hole in the earth, usually to find and remove subsurface formation
fluids such as oil and gas.
11445533.. ddrriillll aahheeaadd
to continue drilling operations.
11445544.. ddrriillll aarroouunndd
1. to deflect the wellbore away from an obstruction in the hole. 2. (slang) to
get the better of someone (as, "He drilled around me and got the promotion.
11445555.. ddrriillll bbiitt
(See bit.)
11445566.. DDRRIILLLL BBIITT RROOTTAARRYY
The tool attached to the lower end of the drilipipe; a heavy steel "head" c
quipped with various types of cutting or grinding teeth, some are fixed, some
turn on bearings. A hole in the bottom of the drill permits the flow of drilling
mud being pumped down through the drillpipe to wash the cuttings to the
surface and also cool and lubricate the bit.connector between drillpipe and
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
191191
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
bit. Originally, the drill collar was a means of attaching the drill bit to the
drillpipe and to strengthen the lower end of the drill column which is subject
to extreme compression. torsion, and bending stresses. Now the drill collar is
used to concentrate a heavy mass of metal near the lower end of the drill
column.
111445588.. DDRRIILLLL BBIITT,, DDIIAAMMOONNDD
See Diamond Drill Bit.
111446600.. DDRRIILLLL BBIITT,, DDRRAAGG
A type of old-style drilling tool in which the cutting tooth or teeth were the
shape of a fish tail. Drilling was accomplished by the tearing and gouging
action of the bit, and was efficient in soft formations the forerunner of the
modern, three-cone roller bit.
11446611.. DDRRIILLLL BBIITT,, FFIISSHH--TTAAIILL
A drag bit. See Drill Bit, Drag.
11446622.. DDRRIILLLL BBIITT,, MMIILLLL--TTOOOOTTHH
A bit with cutting teeth integral to the metal of the cones of the bit; a non
insert bit. Mill-tooth bits a re used in relatively soft formations found at
shallow pepths.
111446644.. ddrriillll ccoollllaarr
a heavy, thick-walled tube, usually steel, used between the drill pipe and the
bit in the drill stem to weight the bit in order to improve its performance.
11446655.. DDRRIILLLL CCOOLLLLAARR,, SSQQUUAARREE
A type of drill collar whose cross section is square instead of circular as in a
more conventional collar. Square drill collars are used to prevent or minimize
the chances of becoming hung up or stuck in a dogleg downhole. The square
corners on the collar, which is located just above the drill bit in the string, act
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
192192
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
as a reamer and to tend to keep the hole passable for the drillpipe,Drill collars
were once a few feet long and weighed 400 or 500 pounds. Today, because
of increased bit pressure and rapid rotation, collars are made up in 1,000-foot
lengths and weigh 50-100 tons.
11446666.. DDrriillll CCoorreess,, CCoorreess
A cylindrical sample of rock obtained by drilling with a hollow donut-shaped
bit and pipe.
11446677.. ddrriillll iinn
to penetrate the productive formation after the casing is set and cemented on
top of the pay zone.
11446688.. ddrriillll oouutt
to remove with the bit the residual cement that normally remains in the lower
section of casing and the wellbore after the casing has been cemented.
11446699.. ddrriillll ppiippee
the heavy seamless tubing used to rotate the bit and circulate the drilling
fluid. joints of pipe 30 ft long are coupled together by means of tool joints.
11447700.. DDRRIILLLL RRIIGG,, DDCC--DDCC
See Drilling Rig, Electric.
11447711.. ddrriillll sshhiipp
a ship constructed to permit a well to be drilled from it at an offshore
location. While not as stable as other floating structures (as a
semisubmersible), drill ships, or ship shape, are capable of drilling exploratory
wells in relatively deep waters. They may have a ship hull, a catamaran hull,
or a trimaran hull.
11447722.. ddrriillll ssiittee
the location of a drilling rig.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
193193
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
111447744.. ddrriillll sstteemm
the entire length of tubular pipes, composed of the kelly, the drill pipe, and
drill collars, that make up the drilling assembly from the surface to the bottom
of the hole.
11447755.. DDrriillll SSttrriinngg
A string of individual joints of drill pipe that extend from the bit to the kelly
pipe. The drill string carries the mud down to, and rotates, the drill bit.
11447766.. ddrriillll ttoo ggrraanniittee
to drill a hole until basement rock is encountered, usually in a wildcat well. If
no hydrocarbon-bearing formations are found above the basement, the well is
assumed to be dry.
11447777.. ddrriillll uunnddeerr pprreessssuurree
to carry on drilling operations while maintaining a seal (usually with a rotating
head) to prevent the well fluids from blowing out. Drilling under pressure is
advantageous in that the rate of penetration is relatively fast; however, the
technique requires extreme caution.
11447788.. DDRRIILLLL,, RROOTTAARRYY--PPEERRCCUUSSSSIIOONN
A drill bit that rotates in a conventional manner but at the same time acts as
a high-frequency pneumatic hammer. producing both a boring and a
fracturing action simultaneously. The hammer-like mechanism is located just
above the bit and is actuated by air, liquid, or high-frequency
11447799.. ddrriillll--ppiippee ccuutttteerr
a tool to cut drill pipe stuck in the hole. Tools that cut the pipe either
internally or externally, permitting some of it to be withdrawn, are available.
let cutoff or chemical cutoff also is used to free stuck pipe.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
194194
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11448800.. ddrriillll--ppiippee ffllooaatt
a valve installed in the drill stem that allows mud to be pumped down the drill
stem but prevents flow back up the drill stem; a check valve.
11448811.. ddrriillll--ppiippee pprreessssuurree
the amount of pressure exerted inside the drill pipe as a result of circulating
pressure, the entry of formation pressure into the well, or both.
11448822.. ddrriillll--ppiippee pprreessssuurree ggaauuggee
an indicator that is mounted on the mud-circulating system to measure the
amount of pressure in the drill stem.
11448833.. ddrriillll--ppiippee pprrootteeccttoorr
an antifriction device of rubber or steel attached to each joint of drill pipe to
minimize wear.
11448844.. ddrriillll--ppiippee ssaaffeettyy vvaallvvee
a special valve used to close off the drill pipe to prevent flow and having
threads to match the drill pipe in use.
11448855.. ddrriillll--sstteemm tteesstt
(See formation testing.)
11448866.. ddrriillllaabbllee
pertaining to packers and other tools left in the wellbore to be broken up later
by the drill bit. Drillable equipment is made of cast iron, aluminum, plastic, or
other soft brittle material.
11448877.. DDRRIILLLLEEDD SSOOLLIIDDSS
Rock particles broken and pulverized by the bit and picked up by the drilling
mud as it circulates. If the minute rock particles do not drop out in the mud
pits or are not removed by surface equipment, they add to the mud's density.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
195195
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
This condition can cause serious drilling and circulation problems. See Drilling
Mud Density.
11448888.. ddrriilllleerr
the employee directly in charge of a drilling or workover rig and crew. His
main duty is operation of the drilling and hoisting equipment, but he is also
responsible for the downhole condition of the well, operation of downhole
tools, and pipe measurements.
11448899.. ddrriilllleerr''ss BBOOPP ccoonnttrrooll ppaanneell
a series of controls on the rig floor that the driller manipulates to open and
close the blowout preventers.
11449900.. ddrriilllleerr''ss ccoonnssoollee
a metal cabinet on the rig floor containing the controls that the driller
manipulates to operate various functions of the drilling rig.
111449922.. ddrriilllleerr''ss lloogg
a record that describes each formation encountered and lists the drilling time
relative, to depth, usually in 5- to 10-ft intervals.
11449933.. ddrriilllleerr''ss ppaanneell
(See driller's console.)
11449944.. ddrriilllleerr''ss ppoossiittiioonn
the area immediately surrounding the driller's console.
11449955.. ddrriilllleerr''ss rreeppoorrtt
a record kept on the rig for each tour to show the footage drilled, drilling fluid
tests, bit record, and other noteworthy occurrences.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
196196
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11449966.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG AANNDD BBEELLLLIINNGG TTOOOOLL
A long, large-diameter. cylindrical drill with articulating cutting blades folded
into the body of the drill for digging holes for piling-in off shore installations
drilling, producing or production platforms The tool, two to four feet in
diameter, is so constructed that when it reaches the required depth of a few
hundred feet the hinged cutting blades are extended to cut out a bell-shaped
cavity at the bottom of the borehole. Piles then can be inserted and
cemented. This operation is "drilling in" the piling instead of the more
common method of driving the piling.
11449977.. ddrriilllliinngg bbaarrggee
(See barge.)
11449988.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG BBLLOOCCKK
An area composed of separate contiguous leaseholds rage enough to drill an
exploratory well. Before drilling such a well, particularly a deep well, the
operator will usually try to acquire a sizeable block of leases surrounding the
site of the proposed exploratory well.
11449999.. ddrriilllliinngg bbrreeaakk
a sudden increase in the rate of penetration by the drill bit. It sometimes
indicates that the bit has penetrated a high-pressure zone and thus warns of
the pos. sibility of a blowout.
11550000.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG CCOONNTTRRAACCTT
An agreement setting forth the items of major concern to both the operator
and drilling contractor in the drilling of a designated well at a given location
and at a specified time. One standard drilling contract form is the American
Petroleum Institute's (API); another is the American Association of Oil well
Drilling Contractors'(AAODC). See API Bid Sheet and Well Specifications
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
197197
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11550011.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG CCOONNTTRRAACCTTOORR
A person or company whose business is drilling wells. Wells are drilled on a
per foot basis, others are contracted on a day rate. See Turnkey Contract
11550022.. ddrriilllliinngg ccoonnttrrooll
a device that controls the rate of penetration on a bit by maintaining a
constant weight of a predetermined magnitude on the bit. It is also called an
automatic driller or automatic drilling control unit.
11550033.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG CCOOSSTTSS,, IINNTTAANNGGIIBBLLEE
See Intangible Drilling Costs.
11550044.. ddrriilllliinngg ccrreeww
a driller, a derrickman, and two or more helpers who operate a drilling or
workover rig for one tour each day.
11550055.. ddrriilllliinngg eennggiinnee
an internal-combustion engine used to power a drilling rig. From two to six
engines are used on a rotary rig, fueled by diesel fuel, gasoline, or gas.
11550066.. ddrriilllliinngg eennggiinneeeerr
an engineer who specializes in the technical aspects of drilling.
11550077.. DDrriilllliinngg FFlluuiidd
Fluids continuously circulated down the wellbore, to cool and lubricate the
drill bit, lubricate the drill pipe, carry rock cuttings to the surface and control
down hole pressure.
11550088.. ddrriilllliinngg fflluuiidd aannaallyyssiiss
(See mud analysis.)
11550099.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG FFLLUUIIDD SSPPEECCIIAALLIISSTT
A mud engineer (q.v.).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
198198
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
111551111.. ddrriilllliinngg ffoorreemmaann
the supervisor of drilling or workover operations on a rig; also the tool pusher
or rig superintendent.
11551122.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG FFUUNNDD
A general term Cescribing a variety of organizations established to attract
venture capital to oil and gas exploration and development. Usually the fund
is established as a joint venture or limited partnership with minimum
investments of $5-$10,000. Such funds attract "high-bracket" persons who
will receive certain tax benefits.
11551133.. ddrriilllliinngg hheeaadd
a special rotating head that has a gear and pinion drive arrangement to allow
turning of the kelly simultaneously with scaling the kelly against well pressure.
11551144.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG HHEEAADD,, RROOTTAATTIINNGG
A heavy casing boiled to the top of the blowout present the casing through
which air or gas drilling is done. The kelly joint fits in the rotating element of
the drilling head. Compressed air, as the drilling fluid, enters the drillstring
through a flexible hose attached to the kelly. As the bit pulverizes the rock,
the chips are brought back up the annulus by the force of the high pressure
air and are vented through the blooie pipe to the burn pit.
11551155.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG IISSLLAANNDD
A man-made island constructed in water 10 to 50 feet deep by dredging up
the lake or bay bottom to make a foundation from which to drill wells. This
procedure is used for development drilling, rarely in wildcatting.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
199199
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11551166.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG JJAARRSS
A jointed section in a string of cable tools made with slack or play between
the joints. It the bit becomes lodged in the hole, the sudden jar or impact
developed by taking up of the slack in the jars aids in freeing the bit.
11551177.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG JJAARRSS,, HHYYDDRRAAUULLIICC
A toot used in the drillstring for imparting an upward or downward jar or jolt
to the drillpipe should it get stuck in ,he hole while drilling or making a trip.
The jars jolting action is initiated either by the weight or tension of the
drillstring which the driller can apply.
11551188.. ddrriilllliinngg lliinnee
a wire rope used to support the drilling tools.
11551199.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG LLOOGG
See Driller's Log.
11552200.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG MMAASSTT
A type of derrick consisting of two parallel legs, in contrast to the
conventional four-legged derrick in the form of a pyramid. The mast is held
upright by guy wires. This type mast is generally used on shallow wells or for
reconditioning work. An advanced type of deep-drilling rig employs a mast
like derrick of two principal members with a base as an integral part of the
mast.
111552222.. DDrriilllliinngg MMuudd
A common term for drilling fluids.
11552233.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG MMUUDD DDEENNSSIITTYY
The weight of drilling mud expressed in pounds per U.S. gallon or in pounds
per cubic foot. Density of mud is important because it determines the
hydrostatic pressure the mud will exert at any particular depth in the well. In
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
200200
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
the industry, mud weight is synonymous with mud density. To "heavy up on
the mud" is to increase its density.
11552244.. ddrriilllliinngg ppaatttteerrnn
(See well spacing.)
11552255.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG PPEERRMMIITT
In states that regulate well spacing, a drilling permit is the authorization to
drill at a specified location; a well permit.
111552277.. ddrriilllliinngg ppllaattffoorrmm
(See platform.)
11552288.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG PPLLAATTFFOORRMM,, MMAATT--SSUUPPPPOORRTTEEDD
See Mat-supported Drilling Platform.
11552299.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG PPLLAATTFFOORRMM,, MMOONNOOPPOODD
See Monopod Drilling Platform.
11553300.. ddrriilllliinngg rraattee
the speed with which the bit drills the formation; the rate of Penetration.
11553311.. ddrriilllliinngg rreeccoorrddeerr
an instrument that records hook load, penetration rate, rotary speed and
torque, pump rate and pressure, mud flow, and so forth, during drilling.
11553322.. ddrriilllliinngg rriigg
(See rig.)
11553333.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG RRIIGG,, EELLEECCTTRRIICC
A drilling rig that receives its power from a system comprised of diesel
engine-DC generator-DC motor. A typical engine-generator-motor rig-up
would include fore such sets two for the mud pumps, one for the draw works
and rotary table and one somewhat smaller set for lighting and auxiliary
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
201201
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
loads. Another type of electric rig uses the same power-flow system but the
generators are AC, whose current is converted to DC current to drive DC
motors for variable-speed drilling operations.
11553344.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG RRIIGG,, MMEECCHHAANNIICCAALL
The most common type of drilling rig is the mechanical compound rig.
Mechanical rigs use diesel engines coupled directly to the equipment or
through compound shafts to drive the rotary, draw works, and mud pumps.
Separate engine-AC generator sets Provide lighting and power for auxiliary
functions. See Drilling Rig, Electric.
11553355.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG RRIIGG,, SSPPLLIITT--LLEEVVEELL
A land rig design in which the diesel engines, gear compound, and draw
works are at or near ground level, 12 to 15 feet below and behind the rig
floor. On the rig floor are the cat works and the rotary table as on a
conventional rig. The power from the high-speed (1,800 rpm) diesel engines
is transmitted through clutches and compound to the rotary table through a
torque tube, rising at about a 45' angle to the gear and chain drive on the rig
floor.
11553366.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG SSPPOOOOLL
(1)The part of the draw works that holds the drilling fine; the drum of drilling
cable on which is spooled wire that is threaded over the crown block sheaves
and attached to the traveling block. (2) A flanged connector and installed
within the blowout preventer stack to which the mud access lines and choke
and kill lines are attached.
11553377.. ddrriilllliinngg tteemmppllaattee
(See temporary guide base.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
202202
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11553388.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG TTEENNDDEERR
A barge-like vessel that acts as a supply ship for a small, offshore drilling
platform. The tender carries pipe, mud, cement, spare parts, and in some
instances provides crow quarters.
11553399.. ddrriilllliinngg uunniitt
the acreage allocated to a well when a regulatory agency grants a well
permit.
11554400.. DDRRIILLLLIINNGG,, IINNFFIILLLL
See Infill Drilling.
11554411.. DDRRIILLLLSSHHIIPP
A self-propelled vessel, a ship equipped with a derrick amidships for drilling
wells in deep water. A drillship is self-contained, carrying all of the supplies
and equipment needed to drill and complete a well.
11554422.. DDRRIILLLLSSTTEEMM
The drillpipe. In rotary drifting, the bit is attached to the drillstem or drift
column which rotates to "dig" the hole.
11554433.. DDRRIILLLLSSTTEEMM TTEESSTT
A method of obtaining a sample of fluid from a formation using a "formation-
tester tool" attached to the drillstem. The tool consists of a packer (q.v.) to
isolate the section to be tested and a chamber to collect a sample of fluid. If
the formation pressure is sufficient, fluid flows into the tester up the drillpipe
to the surface.
11554444.. DDRRIILLLLWWEELLLL
(DRILLSHIP) See Moonpool.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
203203
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11554455.. DDRRIIPP
A small in-line tank or condensing chamber in a pipeline to collect the liquids
that condense out of the gas stream. Drips are installed in low places in the
line and must be "blown" or emptied periodically.
11554466.. ddrriipp aaccccuummuullaattoorr
(See accumulator.)
11554477.. DDRRIIPP GGAASSOOLLIINNEE
Natural gasoline recovered at the surface of a well as the result of the
separation of certain of the liquid hydrocarbons dissolved in the gas in the
formation; gasoline recovered from a drip (q.v.) in a field gas line; casinghead
gasoline.
11554488.. DDRRIIPP OOIILLEERR
See Wick Oiler.
11554499.. DDRRIIVVEE
The energy or force present in an oil reservoir which causes the fluid to move
toward the wells borehole and up to the surface when the reservoir is
penetrated by the drill. A reservoir is very much like a pressure vessel; when
a well is drilled into the reservoir it is as if a valve were opened to vent the
pressure. There are several kinds of reservoir drives gas cap, solution gas,
water, and artificial drives (q.v.).
11555500.. ddrriivvee bbuusshhiinngg
a special device to fit the rotary bushing and transmit torque to the kelly and
simultaneously to permit vertical movement of the kelly to make hole. The
drive bushing may be square or hexagonal to fit the rotary opening or have
pins for transmitting torque. Also called the kelly bushing.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
204204
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11555511.. DDRRIIVVEE PPIIPPEE
A metal casing driven into the borehole of a well to prevent caving of the
walls and to shut off surface water. The drive pipe, first used in an oil well by
Colonel Drake, was the forerunner of the modern 'conductor or surface pipe.
See Casing.
11555522.. DDRRIIVVEE TTHHEE HHOOOOPPSS
To tighten the staves of a wooden stock tank by driving the metal bands or
hoops down evenly around the circumference of the tank. Early-day lease
tanks were made of redwood in the shape of a truncated cone (nearly
cylindrical). Metal bands like those on a wooden barrel held the staves
together, Once a year or so, the hoops had to be driven to tighten the seams
between the staves to prevent leaks. Today wooden tanks are used on leases
to handle salt water and other corrosive liquids. Their staves are held
together with steel rods equipped with turnbuckles for keeping the tank
watertight.
11555533.. ddrriivvee--iinn uunniitt
a type of portable servicing or workover rig that is self-propelled, using power
from the hoisting engines. Ale driver's cab and steering wheel are mounted
on the same end as the mast support; thus the unit can be driven straight
ahead to reach the wellhead. (See carrier rig.)
11555544.. DDRROOWWNNIINNGG
A colloquial term for the encroachment of water at the well bore into a
formation that once produced oil but now produces more and more water.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
205205
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11555555.. ddrruumm
1. a cylindrical steel container of 50 to 55 U.S. gal (200 liters) used to ship
refined products. 2. a cylinder around which wire rope is wound before being
attached to the drawworks.
11555566.. ddrryy ddrriilllliinngg
a drilling operation in which no fluid is circulated back up to the surface (often
resulting in lost circulation). However, the fluid is usually circulated into the
well to cool the bit. (See blind drilling.)
11555577.. ddrryy ggaass
a natural gas comprised primarily of light hydrocarbon vapors. Such vapors
tend not to liquefy under the temperatures and pressures usually encountered
in the reservoir or at the wellhead. 2. gas from which water has been
removed.
11555588.. ddrryy hhoollee
any well that does not produce oil or gas in commercial quantities. A dry hole
may flow water, gas, or even oil, but not enough to justify production.
11555599.. ddrryy ooiill
an oil that has been treated so that only small quantities of water and other
extraneous materials remain in it.
11556600.. ddrryy ssttrriinngg
the drill pipe from which drilling mud has been emptied as it is pulled out of
the wellbore.
11556611.. ddrryy wweellll
(See dry hole.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
206206
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
111556633.. ddrryy--bbeedd ddeehhyyddrraattoorr
a collection of devices for removing water from gas in which two or more
beds of desiccant are used. The wet gas is sent through one bed for drying
while the other is prepared for later use.
11556644.. DDRRYY--HHOOLLEE MMOONNEEYY
Money paid by one or more interested parties (those owning land or a lease
nearby) to an operator who drills a well that is a dry hole. The well whether
successful or dry serves to "prove their land," providing useful information.
Before the well is drilled, the operator solicits dry hole "contributions" and in
return for financial assistance agrees to furnish certain information to the
contributors.
11556655.. DDRRYY--HHOOLLEE PPLLUUGG
A plug inserted in a well that is dry to seal off the formations that were
penetrated by the borehole. This treatment prevents salt water, often
encountered in "dry holes," from contaminating other formations. See
Plugging a Well.
11556666.. DDRRYYTTRREEEE
A Christmas tree installed on land or above water as distinguished from a
"wet tree," one installed on the sea bed or under water.
11556677.. DDSSTT
Drill Stem Test. A downhole test of the productive capacity of a well through
drill pipe up to the surface to obtain samples of gases and fluids and
determine their rate of sustained flow.
11556688.. DDUUAALL CCOOMMPPLLEETTIIOONN
The completion of a well In two separate producing formations, each at
different depths. Wells sometimes are completed in three or even four
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
207207
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
separate formations with four strings of tubing inserted in the casing. This is
accomplished with packers (q.v.) that seal off all formations except the one to
be produced by a particular string of tubing.
111557700.. DDUUAALL DDIISSCCOOVVEERRYY
A well drilled into two commercial pay zones, two separate producing
formations, each at a different depth.
11557711.. DDUUAALL--FFUUEELL EENNGGIINNEESS
Engines equipped to run on liquid as well as gaseous fuel. Stationary engines
in the field have modifications made to their carburetors that permit them to
operate either on gasoline or natural gas. In some installations, when the
gasoline supply is used up, the engine is switched to natural gas
automatically.
11557722.. DDUUBBAAII SSTTOORRAAGGEE TTAANNKKSS
A specially designed. underwater storage tank the shape of an inverted
funnel, built by Chicago Bridge & iron for Dubai Petroleum Company. The
tanks have no bottoms and rest on the sea floor supported on their rims. Oil
from fields on shore is pumped into the top of the tanks under pressure
forcing the sea water out the bottom. The offshore tanks which are more
than 100 feet tall also serve as single-point moorings for tankers taking on
crude.
11557733.. DDUUBBBBSS,, CCAARRBBOONN PPEETTRROOLLEEUUMM
Mr. Dubbs, a petroleum chemist developed a cracking process that found
wide acceptance in the 1920s, and was almost as popular as the Burton still
which was developed for Standard Oil Company of Indiana.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
208208
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11557744.. DDUUCCKK''SS NNEESSTT
Colloquial term for a standby drilling mud tank or pit used to hold extra mud,
or as an overflow in the event of a gas "kick" (q.v.).
11557755.. DDUULLLLSS
Drill bits badly worn or have lost Inserts or have broken teeth.
11557766.. DDUUMMPP
Any small pumping device used on construction jobs or other temporary
operations.
11557777.. dduummpp bbaaiilleerr
a bailing device with a release valve, usually of the disk or flapper type, used
to place or spot material (as cement slurry) at the bottom of the well.
11557788.. DDUUMMPP FFLLOOOODDIINNGG
An unusual secondary recovery technique that uses water from a shallow
water bed above the producing pay to I food the oil-producing interval. The
water from the aquifer (q.v.) enters the injection string by its own pressure.
The weight of the hydrostatic column (water column) produces the necessary
force for it to penetrate the oil formation, pushing the oil ahead of it to the
producing wells in the field.
11557799.. DDUUMMPP GGAASS
Gas delivered under a dump gets contract, i.e., a gas purchase and delivery
contract that does not call for the delivery of a specified amount of gas but
which does call for delivery of surplus gas after meeting the terms of a firm
gas contract.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
209209
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11558800.. dduummpp mmeetteerr
a liquid-measuring device consisting of a small tank with narrowed sections at
top and bottom that automatically fills and empties itself and records the
number of dumps.
11558811.. dduummpp ttaannkk
a calibrated metering tank designed to automatically release an accurate
volume of liquid; also called a measuring tank.
11558822.. dduummpp vvaallvvee
the discharge valve through which oil and water are discharged from
separators, treaters, and so on. It is usually a motor valve, but may be a
liquid-level controller as well.
11558833.. DDUUMMPPBBOOXX
A heavy wooden or metal box where the contents of a cable-tool well's bailer
are emptied. The end of the bailer is lowered into the box which pushes the
dart upwards, unseating the ball valve and permitting the water, mud, and
rock cuttings to empty into the box and slush-pit launder (q.v.).
11558844.. dduupplleexx ppuummpp
a reciprocating pump having two pistons or plungers, used extensively as a
mud pump on drilling rigs.
11558855.. DDUUSSTTEERR
A dry hole; a well that encounters neither gas nor liquid at total depth.
11558866.. dduuttcchhmmaann
1. the portion of a stud or screw that remains in place after the head has
inadvertently been twisted off. 2. a tool-joint pin broken off in the drill-pipe
box or drill collar box.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
210210
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11558877.. ddwwtt
deadweight ton.
11558888.. DDyynnaa--DDrriillll
a downhole motor driven by drilling fluid that imparts rotary motion to a
drilling bit connected to the tool, thus eliminating the need to turn the entire
drill stem to make hole. The Dyna-Drill, a trade name, is used in straight and
directional drilling.
11558899.. DDyynnaafflleexx ttooooll
the trade name for a directional drilling tool that deflects the drilling assembly
off vertical without having to be pulled from the hole. The device that causes
the tool to be deflected can be caught and retrieved with a wireline.
11559900.. ddyynnaammiicc ppoossiittiioonniinngg
a method by which a floating offshore drilling rig is maintained in position
over an offshore well location. Generally, several motors called thrusters are
located on the hull(s) of the structure and are actuated by a sensing system.
A computer to which the system feeds signals then directs the thrusters to
maintain the rig on location.
11559911.. DDYYNNAAMMIICC SSTTAATTIIOONNIINNGG
A method of keeping a drill ship or semisubmersible drilling platform on
target, over the hole dying drilling operations where the water is too deep for
the use of anchors. This is accomplished by the use of thrusters (q.v.)
activated by underwater sensing devices that signal when the vessel has
moved a few degrees off its drilling station.
11559922.. ddyynnaammoommeetteerr
1. a device used to measure the brake horsepower of a prime mover. 2. As
applied to a sucker-rod pumping, the dynamometer indicates a variation in
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
211211
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
load on the polished rod as the rod string reciprocates. A continuous record of
the result of forces acting along the axis of the polished rod is provided on a
dynamometer card, from which an analysis is made of the performance of the
well-pumping equipment.
11559933.. EE..PP.. LLUUBBRRIICCAANNTTSS
Extreme pressure lubricating oils and greases which contain substances added
to prevent metal to metal contact in highly loaded gears and turntables.
11559944.. EE99MM33
Billion cubic metres.
11559955.. EEAARRNNEESSTT MMOONNEEYY
A sum of money paid to bind a financial transaction prior to the signing of a
contract; hand money.
11559966.. EEaasseemmeenntt
a right that one individual or company has on anther's land. In the petroleum
industry, it usually refers to the permission given by a landowner for a
pipeline or access road to be laid across his property.
11559977.. EEAASSYY DDIIGGGGIINNGG
A soft job; an assignment of work that can be handled without much exertion.
11559988.. EEccoollooggyy
the study of living things and their relation to their environment.
11559999.. EECCOONNOOMMIICC DDEEPPLLEETTIIOONN
The reduction in the value of a wasting asset (q.v.) by removing or producing
the minerals.
11660000.. EEddggee wweellll
a well on the outer fringes of a productive subsurface formation.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
212212
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11660011.. EEddggeewwaatteerr
the water that touches the edge of the oil in the lower horizon of a formation.
111660033.. EEffffeeccttiivvee ppeerrmmeeaabbiilliittyy
the permeability of a rock to a fluid when the saturation of the fluid is less
than 100 percent.
11660044.. EEffffeeccttiivvee ppoorroossiittyy
the percentage of the bulk volume of a rock sample that is composed of
interconnected pore spaces that allow the passage of fluids through the
sample. (See porosity.)
11660055.. EEFFFFLLUUEENNTT
The discharge or outflow from a manufacturing or processing plant; out fall;
drainage.
11660066.. EELLAASSTTOOMMEERR
Any of various elastic materials or substances resembling rubber. The
petrochemical industry has produced many types of elastomers that are used
for gasket material, guides, swab cups, valve seats, machinery vibration-
absorber mounts, etc. Elastomers are highly resistant to chemical
decomposition (hydrolysis) in the presence of hydrocarbons which make them
desirable for use in the petroleum industry, much more so than natural
rubber.
11660077.. EEllbbooww
a fitting that allows two pipes to be joined together at an angle of less than
180', usually 90' or 45'.
11660088.. EElleecc.. lloogg
electric log; used in drilling reports. (See electric well log.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
213213
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11660099.. EELLEECCTTRRIICC ((WWEELLLL)) LLOOGG
An electrical survey of a well's borehole before it is cased, which reflects the
degree of resistance of the rock strata to electric current. From the results of
the survey, geologists are able to determine the nature of the rock penetrated
by the drill and some indication of its permeability.
11661100.. EElleeccttrriicc ddeehhyyddrraattiioonn
(See emulsion breaker.)
11661111.. EElleeccttrriicc ddrriivvee
(See electric rig.)
11661122.. EElleeccttrriicc rriigg
a drilling rig on which the energy from the power source is distributed to the
various rig components through electrical conductors as opposed to
distribution by mechanical transmission. Such a rig has an electric drive.
Electric survey (ES) (See electric well log.)
11661133.. EELLEECCTTRRIICC TTRRAACCIINNGG
See Heat Tracing.
11661144.. EElleeccttrriicc wweellll lloogg
a record of certain electrical characteristics of formations traversed by the
borehole, made to identify the formations, determine the nature and amount
of fluids they contain, and estimate their depth. It is also called an electric log
or electric survey.
11661155.. EELLEECCTTRRIICC WWEELLLL LLOOGGGGIINNGG
The procedure of lowering electrical instruments into the well bore to lest the
density and other characteristics of rock formations penetrated.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
214214
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11661166.. EElleeccttrroocchheemmiiccaall ttrreeaatteerr
(See electrostatic treater.)
11661177.. EElleeccttrroollyyssiiss
the decomposition of a chemical compound, brought about by the passage of
an electrical current through the compound or through the solution containing
the compound. Corroding action of stray currents is caused by electrolysis.
(See corrosion.)
11661188.. EElleeccttrroollyyttee
a chemical that, when dissolved in water, dissociates into positive and
negative ions, thus increasing its electrical conductivity. (See dissociation.)
11661199.. EElleeccttrroommoottiivvee ffoorrccee ((eemmff))
1. the force that drives electrons and thus produces an electric current. 2. the
voltage or electric pressure that causes an electric current to flow along a
conductor.
11662200.. EElleeccttrroommoottiivvee sseerriieess
a list of elements arranged in order of activity (tendency to lose electrons).
The following metals are so arranged magnesium, beryllium, aluminum, zinc,
chromium, iron, cadmium, nickel, tin, copper, silver, and gold. If two metals
widely separated in the list (e.g., magnesium and iron) are placed in an
electrolyte and connected by a metallic conductor, an electromotive force is
produced. (See corrosion.)
11662211.. EElleeccttrroossttaattiicc ttrreeaatteerr
a vessel that receives emulsion flows and resolves the emulsion to oil, water,
and usually gas, by using heat, chemicals, and a high-voltage electric field.
This field, produced by grids placed perpendicular to the flow of fluids in the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
215215
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
treater, aids in breaking the emulsion. (See emulsion treating.) The
electrostatic treater is also called the Chemelectric or electrochemical treater.
11662222.. EElleemmeenntt
one of more than 100 simple substances that consist of atoms of only one
kind and that either singly or in combination make up all matter. For example,
the simplest element is hydrogen, and one of the most abundant elements is
carbon. Some elements such as radium and uranium are radioactive.
11662233.. EElleevv..
elevation; used in drilling reports.
11662244.. EElleevvaatteedd ttaannkk
a vessel above a datum line (usually ground level).
11662255.. EElleevvaattoorr bbaallllss
the linkage between the elevator and traveling block.
11662266.. EElleevvaattoorr lliinnkkss
a device that connects the tubing elevators and traveling block.
11662277.. EElleevvaattoorrss
a set of clamps that grip a stand, or column, of casing, tubing, drill pipe, or
sucker rods, so that the stand can be raised or lowered into the hole.
11662288.. EELLKK HHIILLLLSS
Located in the lower end of the San Joaquin Valley of California, Elk Hills is a
major part of the U.S. Naval Petroleum Reserves, and is classed as one of the
world's giant petroleum fields. Teapot Dome in Wyoming and the North Slope
in Alaska are two other large Naval Petroleum; Reserves. Elk Hills was set
aside as a U.S. oil reserve in 1909 by President Taft upon recommendation of
the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
216216
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11662299.. EElllliippttiiccaall ttaannkk
a tank that has an elliptical cross section.
11663300.. EEMMBBAAYYMMEENNTT
A large identation of a coastline; a bay. An embayed coastline.
11663311.. EEmmff
electromotive force.
11663322.. EEMMIINNEENNTT DDOOMMAAIINN
The right of a government body or public utility (common carrier) to take
private property for public use by condemnation proceedings (q.v.)
11663333.. EEmmuullssiiffiieedd wwaatteerr
water so thoroughly combined with oil that special treating methods must be
applied to separate it from the oil. Compare free water.
11663344.. EEmmuullssiioonn
a mixture in which one liquid, termed the dispersed phase, is uniformly
distributed (usually as minute globules) in another liquid, called the
continuous phase or dispersion medium. In an oil-water emulsion, the oil is
the dispersed phase and the water the dispersion medium; in a water-oil
emulsion, the reverse holds. A typical product of oil wells, water-oil emulsion
also is used as a drilling fluid.
111663366.. EEmmuullssiioonn bbrreeaakkeerr
a system, device, or process used for breaking down an emulsion and
rendering it into two or more easily separated compounds (as water and oil).
Emulsion breakers may be (1) devices to heat the emulsion, thus achieving
separation by lowering the viscosity of the emulsion and allowing the water to
settle out; (2) chemical compounds, which destroy weaken the film around
each globule of water, thus uniting all the drops; (3) mechanical devices such
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
217217
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
as settling tanks and wash tanks; or (4) electrostatic treaters, which use an
electric field to cause coalescence of the water globules. This is also called
electric dehydration.
11663377.. EEmmuullssiioonn tteesstt
a procedure carried out to determine the proportions of sediment and
dispersed compounds in an emulsion. Such tests may range from elaborate
distillation conducted in laboratories to simple and expedient practices used in
the field.
11663388.. EEMMUULLSSIIOONN TTRREEAATTEERR
A tall cylindrical vessel, a type of oil heater for "breaking down" oil-water
emulsions with heat and the addition of certain chemicals, Emulsion treaters
have a gas-fired furnace at the bottom of the vessel to heat 'he stream of oil
piped through from the well to the stock tanks; a heater-treater.
11663399.. EEmmuullssiioonn ttrreeaattiinngg
the process of breaking down emulsions to separate oil from water or other
contaminants. Treating plants may use a single process or a combination of
processes to effect demulsification, depending upon what emulsion is being
treated.
111664411.. EEMMUULLSSIIOONN,, CCRRUUDDEE OOIILL--WWAATTEERR
Very small droplets of water suspended in a volume of crude oil, each droplet
surrounded or encased in a film of oil. The water. although heavier than oil,
cannot settle to the bottom of the tank until, through the application of heat
or mixing with a chemical, the surface tension of the film of oil is reduced
sufficiently to free the water droplets. When this occurs the small droplets join
others to form larger ones which have enough mass or weight to settle to the
bottom.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
218218
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11664422.. EEnnccrrooaacchhmmeenntt
(See water encroachment.)
11664433.. EENNDD PPOOIINNTT
The point indicating the end of an operation or the point at which a certain
definite change is observed. In the analysis of liquids such as gasoline, the
end point is the temperature at which the liquid ceases to distill over. End
points are of value in predicting certain performance characteristics of
gasoline.
11664444.. EENNDD PPRROODDUUCCTTSS
Material, substances, goods for consumer use finished products.
11664455.. EENNDD UUSSEE
Ultimate use; consumption of a product by a commercial or industrial
customer.
11664466.. EENNDD--OO
The command given by one worker to another or to a group to lift together
and move an object forward; a signal to "put out" in a big lift.
11664477.. EENNDDOOTTHHEERRMMIICC
Refers to a process or chemical reaction that requires the addition of heat to
keep it going. Exothermic is the reverse a process or reaction that once begun
gives off beat.
11664488.. EENNEERRGGYY SSOOUURRCCEESS
Petroleum, coal, hydropower, nuclear, geothermal (q.v.), synthetic fuels
(q.v.), tides, solar, wind.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
219219
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11664499.. EENNEERRGGYY VVAALLUUEE OOFF PPEETTRROOLLEEUUMM && PPRROODDUUCCTTSS
Million BTU per barrel crude oil, 5.6 distillate fuel oil, 5.8; residual fuel oil, 6.3;
gasoline, 5.3; kerosene, 5.7 petroleum coke, 6.0; and asphalt, 6.6. BTU per
cubic foot dry natural gas, 1,031 wet gas, 1, 110.
11665500.. EENNGGIINNEE HHOOUUSSEE
On a cable- tool rig the engine house held the steam-powered drilling engine,
Attached to the engine house was the belt hall which housed the wide, fabric
belt which transmitted power from the engine to the band wheel.
11665511.. EENNGGIINNEE,, HHOOTT--PPLLUUGG
See Hot-plug Engine.
11665522.. EEnngglleerr ddiissttiillllaattiioonn
a test that determines the volatility of a gasoline by measuring the
percentage of the gasoline that can be distilled at various temperatures.
11665533.. EENNHHAANNCCEEDD OOIILL RREECCOOVVEERRYY
Sophisticated recovery methods for crude oil which go beyond the more
conventional secondary recovery techniques of pressure maintenance and
water-flooding. Enhanced recovery methods now being used include micellar
surfactant (q.v.), steam drive, polymer, miscible hydrocarbon, C02, and steam
soak. EOR methods are not restricted to secondary or oven tertiary projects.
Some fields require the application of one of the above methods even for
initial recovery of crude oil.
11665544.. EEnnhhaanncceedd rreeccoovveerryy
a method or methods applied to depleted reservoirs to make them productive
once again. After an oil well has reached depletion, a certain amount of oil
remains in the reservoir, which enhanced recovery is targeted to produce.
(See secondary recovery and tertiary recovery.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
220220
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11665555.. EENNRRIICCHHEEDD--GGAASS IINNJJEECCTTIIOONN
A secondary recovery method involving the injection of gas rich in
intermediate hydrocarbons or enriched by addition of propane, butane, or
pentane on the surface or in the well bore as the gas is injected.
11665566.. EEnntthhaallppyy
the heat content of fuel. A thermodynamic property, it is the sum of the
internal energy of a body and the product of its pressure multiplied by its
volume (i.e., H = U + pV).
11665577.. EENNTTIITTLLEEMMEENNTTSS PPRROOGGRRAAMM
A program instituted in 1974 by the federal government to equalize the
access to domestic crude by all U.S. refiners-crude oil which was price
controlled substantially below world price. The reasoning was that
disproportionate access to inexpensive domestic crude would cave an unfair,
advantage to some refiners, those with a large supply of price oil. The
program's aim was to make available Controlled to each refiner the same
fraction of low-priced oil. Refiners With more price controlled oil than a
calculated national average were required to buy entitlements. Refiners with a
lower than average amount of price controlled oil could sell entitlement. The
buying and selling of entitlement was between traditional slippers and
purchasers. For example, if Gulf oil were the traditional supplier of crude oil to
Bradford Refining Co., and Gulf had available a larger percent of Price-
controlled oil than the national average and Bradford had Tees than the
average, Bradford could se11 its entitlement for crude-cost equalization to
Gulf and Gulf would be required to buy them. In effect, Gulf, the traditional
supplier, would pay to Bradford Refining a certain amount of money for each
barrel of uncontrolled crude oil it had to buy in the world market
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
221221
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11665588.. EENNTTRRAAIINNEEDD OOIILL
Oil occurring as part of the gas steam, but as a relatively small percentage of
total flow. Special separators are used to remove the liquid from the gas
stream.
11665599.. EEnnttrrooppyy
a measure of the amount of energy used internally in a system and
unavailable to do mechanical work. The complex concept of entropy carries
implications of the randomness of any system, mechanical, chemical, or
physical.
11666600.. EENNTTRRYY PPOOSSIITTIIOONN
A starting job with a company usually sought by young man or man and
woman just out of school who wishes to get into the business at whatever
level with the expectation of president in due time.
11666611.. EEnnvviirroonnmmeennttss ooff ddeeppoossiittiioonn
(See depositional environment.)
11666622.. EEOORR
Enhanced oil recovery (q.v.).
11666633.. EEPPAA
Environmental Protection Agency.
11666644.. EEQQUUIITTYY CCRRUUDDEE
In cases where a concession is owned jointly by a host government and an oil
company, the crude produced which belongs to ,lie oil company is known as
equity crude, as opposed to buy-back (participation) crude. The cost of equity
crude is calculated according to the price. See Buyback Crude Oil.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
222222
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11666655.. EErroossiioonn
the process by which material (as rock or soil) is worn away or removed (as
by wind or water).
11666666.. EErroossiioonn ddrriilllliinngg
the high-velocity ejection of a stream of drilling fluid from the nozzles of a jet
bit to remove rock encountered during drilling. Sometimes sand or steel shot
is added to the drilling fluid to increase its erosive capabilities.
11666677.. EESS
electric survey. (See electric well log.)
11666688.. EESSCCAAPPEE BBOOOOMMSS
Devices used on offshore drilling or production platforms for emergency
escape of personnel in the event of a fire or explosion. They consist of
counterweighted arms supporting a buoyant hold. When the arms are
snapped loose from the platform, they fall outward, the head descending to
the water. The workers then slide down a lifeline to the floating head.
Escarpment a cliff or relatively steep slope that separates level or gently
sloping areas of land.
11666699.. EESSCCRROOWW MMOONNEEYY
See Suspense Money.
11667700.. EEsstt..
estimated; used in drilling reports.
11667711.. EEtt..aallss..
And others; unnamed participants or interest holders in a deal or a contract;
et al. made plural and used colloquially by oil men.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
223223
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11667722.. EEtthhaannee
a light hydrocarbon, C2H6, found in natural gas. It is a gas at atmospheric
conditions. A simple hydrocarbon associated with petroleum. Ethane is a gas
at ordinary atmospheric conditions.
11667733.. EETTHHAANNOOLL
Alcohol; one component oil gasohol (q.v.).
11667744.. EEtthhyylleennee ggllyyccooll
a colorless liquid used as antifreeze and as a dehydration medium in
removing water from gas. (See glycol dehydrator.)
11667755.. EEvvaappoorraattee
a sedimentary rock (as gypsum or salt) that originates from the evaporation
of seawater in enclosed basins.
11667766.. EEvvaappoorraattiioonn lloossss
a loss to the atmosphere of petroleum fractions through evaporation, usually
while the fractions are in storage or in process. (See vaporization.)
11667777.. EEVVAAPPOORRAATTIIOONN PPIITT
An excavation dug to contain oil field salt water or brine which is disposed of
by evaporation, Great amounts of salt water are produced with crude oil in
some oil fields, particularly older ones.
11667788.. EEvveenn kkeeeell
on a ship or floating offshore drilling rig, the balance when the plane of
flotation is parallel to the design waterline; that is, when there is no heel to
either side.
11667799.. EEvveenniinngg ttoouurr
(See tour.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
224224
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11668800.. EExxcceellssiioorr
a fibrous material used as a filtering element in the hay section of heaters or
heater-treaters.
11668811.. EExxcchhaannggeerr
a piping arrangement that permits certain properties of one fluid to be
transferred to another fluid as they travel counter current to one another. In
the heat exchanger of an emulsion-treating unit, heat from the outgoing clean
oil is transferred to the incoming well fluid, cooling the oil and heating the
well fluid.
11668822.. EExxhhaauusstt mmaanniiffoolldd
a piping arrangement, immediately adjacent to the engine, that collects
burned gases from the engine and channels them to the exhaust pipe.
11668833.. EExxhhaauusstt vvaallvvee
the cam-operated mechanism through which burned gases are ejected from
an engine cylinder.
11668844.. EEXXOOTTHHEERRMMIICC
Refers to a process or chemical reaction that gives off heat. Endothermic is
the reverse; a process or reaction that requires the addition of heat to keep ft
going.
11668855.. EExxppaannddeedd ppeerrlliittee
a siliceous volcanic rock that is finely ground and subjected to extreme heat.
The resulting release of water leaves the rock particles considerably expanded
and thus more porous. Expanded perlite is sometimes used in cement to
increase its yield without changing its properties.
11668866.. EEXXPPAANNSSIIOONN FFIITT
See Shrink Fit.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
225225
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11668877.. EExxppaannssiioonn jjooiinntt
a device used to connect long lines of pipe to allow the pipe joints to expand
or contract as the temperature rises or falls. A section of piping constructed in
such a way as to allow for expansion and contraction of the pipe connections
without damaging the joints. Specially fabricated. accordion-like fittings are
used as expansion joints in certain in. plat hookups where there are severe
temperature changes.
11668888.. EExxppaannssiioonn lloooopp
a full loop built into a pipeline to allow for expansion and contraction of the
line. A circular loop (360" bend) put in a Pipeline to absorb expansion and
contraction caused by heating and cooling. without exerting a strain on Pipe
or valve connections.
11668899.. EEXXPPAANNSSIIOONN RROOOOFF TTAANNKK
A storage or working tank (q.v.) with a root made like a slip joint. As the
vapor above the crude oil or volatile product expands with the heat of the
day, the roof-and-apron section of the tank gas to expand without any loss to
the atmosphere. The telescoping roof as it moves up and down, maintains a
gastight seal with the inner wall of the tank.
11669900.. EExxppeennddaabbllee gguunn
a perforating gun that consists of a metal strip upon which are mounted
shaped charges in special capsules. After firing, nothing remains of the gun
but debris. (See gun-perforate.)
11669911.. EExxppeennddaabbllee-- rreettrriieevvaabbllee gguunn
a perforating gun that consists of a hollow, cylindrical carrier, into which are
placed shaped charges. Upon detonation, debris created by the exploded
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
226226
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
charges falls into the carrier and is retrieved when the gun is pulled out of the
hole; however, the gun cannot be reused. (See gun-perforate.)
11669922.. EExxppllooiittaattiioonn
the development of a reservoir to extract its oil.
11669933.. EEXXPPLLOOIITTAATTIIOONN WWEELLLL
A development well; a well drilled in an area proven to be Productive. See
Infill Drilling. a well drilled to permit more effective extraction of oil from a
reservoir. It is sometimes called a development well.
11669944.. EExxpplloorraattiioonn
the search for reservoirs of oil and gas, including aerial and geophysical
surveys, geological studies, core testing, and the drilling of wildcats.
11669955.. EEXXPPLLOORRAATTIIOONN AACCTTIIVVIITTIIEESS
The search for oil and gas. Exploration activities include aerial surveying.
geological studies, geophysical surveying, coring, and drilling of wildcat wells.
11669966.. EEXXPPLLOORRAATTIIOONN VVEESSSSEELL
A seagoing, sophisticated research ship equipped with seismic gravit, and
magnetic systems for gathering data on undersea geologic structures. On the
more advances , vessels of this type there are onboard Processing and
interpretation capabilities for the information gathered as the vessel cruises
on the waters of the Outer Continental Shelf around the world.
11669977.. EExxpplloorraattiioonn wweellll
a wildcat.
11669988.. EExxpplloorraattoorryy WWeellll
A well in an area where petroleum has not been previously found or one
targeted for formations above or below known reservoirs.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
227227
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11669999.. EExxpplloossiimmeetteerr
an instrument used to measure the concentration of combustible gases in the
air. It also is called a gas sniffer.
11770000.. EEXXPPLLOOSSIIOONN--PPRROOOOFF MMOOTTOORRSS
A totally enclosed electric motor with no outside air in contact with the motor
windings; an enclosed brushless motor. Cooling is by conduction through the
frame and housing.
11770011.. EEXXPPLLOOSSIIVVEE FFRRAACCTTUURRIINNGG
Using an explosive charge in the bottom of the well to fracture the formation
to increase the flow of oil or gas. See Well Shooter.
11770022.. EEXXPPLLOOSSIIVVEE WWEELLDDIINNGG
A method of welding is which a shaped explosive charge is used to "fast-
expand" the end of a section of pipe into the bore of a special steel sleeve to
form a solid bond. The shaped charge is inserted into the end of the pipe over
which the sleeve is placed. When the charge is detonated the force expands
the pipe's outer circumference forcibly to the sleeves inner circumference
making a secure, pressure-tight bond. This welding technique creates little
heat which, for certain jobs, is more desirable than fusion welding in which
both pieces of metal must be heated to a high temperature.
11770033.. EExxtteennddeerr
a substance put in drilling mud to increase viscosity without adding clay or
other thickening material.
11770044.. EEXXTTEENNSSIIOONN TTEESSTT
See Outpost Well.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
228228
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11770055.. EEXXTTEERRNNAALL CCAASSIINNGG PPAACCKKEERR
A device used on the outside of a well's casing to seal off formations or to
protect certain zones. Often used downhole in conjunction with cementing.
The packer is run on casing and when at the proper depth, it may be
expanded against the wall of the borehole hydraulically or by fluid pressure
from the well.
11770066.. EExxtteerrnnaall ccuutttteerr
a fishing tool containing metal-cutting knives that is lowered into the hole and
over the outside of a length of pipe to cut it. The severed portion of the pipe
can then be brought to the surface.
11770077.. EExxtteerrnnaall pphhaassee
(See continuous phase)
11770088.. EExxtteerrnnaall uuppsseett
an extra-thick wall at the threaded end of drill pipe or tubing. Externally upset
pipe does not have a uniform diameter throughout its length but is enlarged
at each end. Compare internal up. set.
11770099.. EExxttrraaccttiioonn ppllaanntt
a plant equipped to remove liquid constituents from casinghead gas or wet
gas.
11771100.. EExxttrruussiivvee rroocckkss
igneous rocks formed when lava poured out on the earth's surface.
11771111.. EEYYEEBBAALLLL
To align pipe connections or a temporary construction with the eye only; to
inspect carefully.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
229229
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11771122.. FF ddeeggrreeee FFaahhrreennhheeiitt..
(See Fahrenheit scale.)
11771133.. FFAABBRRIICCAATTEEDD VVAALLVVEE
A type of valve or other fitting that is built and welded together from wrought
iron and forged steel pieces to make a particularly strong high-pressure valve.
Most valves are steel Castings with bodies, bonnets and packing glands cast
separately and assembled.
11771144.. ffaacciieess
part of a bed of sedimentary rock that differs significantly from other parts of
the bed.
11771155.. FFAACCIINNGG MMAACCHHIINNEE,, PPIIPPEE
A device for beveling or putting a machined face on the ends of large
diameter line pipe. The facing machine essentially is a revolving disc-chuck
holding a number of cutting tools. The chuck is held in alignment against the
pipe end by a Hydraulically actuated mandrel inserted into the pipe similar to
internal line-up clamps used to align pipe for welding. The facing machine is
transported and brought into position by a modified boomcat.
11771166.. FFaahhrreennhheeiitt ssccaallee
a temperature scale devised by Gabriel Fahrenheit, in which 321 represents
the freezing point and 212" the boiling point of water at standard sea-level
pressure. Fahrenheit degrees may be converted to centigrade degrees by
using the following formula 'C = 5/9 ('F - 32)
11771177.. FFAAIILL--SSAAFFEE
Said of equipment or a system so constructed that, in the event of failure or
malfunction of any part of the system, devices are automatically activated to
stabilize or secure the safety of the operation.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
230230
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11771188.. FFAAIIRRLLEEAADD
A guide for ropes or lines on a ship to prevent chafing; a sheave supported by
a bracket protruding from the cellar deck of a semisubmersible drilling
platform over which an anchor cable runs. Some large floating platforms have
anchor lines made up of lengths of chain and cable.
11771199.. ffaaiirrlleeaaddeerr
a fitting or device used to maintain or alter the direction of a rope or chain so
that it leads directly to a sheave or drum without causing undue friction.
11772200.. FFAAIIRRWWAAYY
A shipping lane established by the U.S. Coast Guard in Federal offshore
waters. Permanent structures such as drilling and production platforms are
prohibited in a fairway which significantly curtails oil activity in some offshore
areas.
11772211.. FFaannnn VV--GG mmeetteerr
a device used to record and measure at different speeds the flow properties
of plastic fluids (as the viscosity and gel strength of drilling fluids).
11772222.. FFAANNNNIINNGG TTHHEE BBOOTTTTOOMM ((OOFF TTHHEE BBOORREEHHOOLLEE))
Drilling with very weight on the drill bit in the hope of preventing the bit from
drifting from the vertical and drilling a crooked hole. Fanning the bottom,
however, is considered detrimental to the drillstring, by some authorities, as
reduced weight on the bif causes more tension on the drill. pipe, resulting in
pipe and collar fatigue.
11772233.. ffaarrmm bboossss
an oil company supervisor who controls production activities within a limited
area.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
231231
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11772244.. FFAARRMM--IINN
An arrangement whereby one oil operator "buys in" or acquires an interest in
a lease or concession owned by another operator on which oil or gas has
been discovered or is being produced. Often farm-ins are negotiated to assist
the original owner with development costs and to secure for the buyer a
source of crude or natural gas. See Farm-out Agreement.
11772255.. FFAARRMM--OOUUTT
The name applied to a leasehold held under a farm-out agreement (q.v.).
11772266.. FFAARRMM--OOUUTTAAGGRREEEEMMEENNTT
A form of agreement between oil operators whereby the owner of a lease
who is not interested in drilling at the time agrees to assign the lease or a
portion of it to another operator who wishes to drill the acreage. The assignor
may or may not retain an interest (royalty or production payment) in the
production.
11772277.. FFAARRMMEERR''SS OOIILL
An expression meaning the landowner's share of the oil from a well drifted on
his property royalty, usually one-eighth of the produced oil free of any
expense to the landowner.
11772288.. FFAARRMMEERR''SS SSAANNDD
A colloquial term for "the elusive oil-bearing stratum which many landowners
believe lies beneath their land, regardless of the results of exploratory wells."
11772299.. ffaasstt lliinnee
the end of the drilling line that is affixed to the drum or reel of the
drawworks, so called because it travels with greater velocity than any other
portion of the line.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
232232
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11773300.. FFAATT OOIILL
The absorbent oil enriched by gasoline fractions in an absorption plant. After
absorbing the gasoline fractions, the gasoline is removed by distillation '
leaving the oil "lean" and ready for further use to absorb more gasoline
fractions from the natural gas stream.
11773311.. ffaatthhoomm
a measure of ocean depth in countries using the English system of
measurement, equal to 6 ft or 1.83 m.
11773322.. ffaattiigguuee
the tendency of a metal under repeated cyclic loading to break at a stress
considerably less than its tensile strength as indicated in a static test.
11773333.. ffaauulltt
a break in subsurface strata. Often strata on one side of the fault line have
been displaced (upward, downward, or laterally) relative to their original
positions.
11773344.. ffaauulltt ppllaannee
a surface along which faulting has occurred
11773355.. ffaauulltt ttrraapp
a subsurface hydrocarbon trap created by faulting, which causes an
impermeable rock layer to be moved opposite the reservoir bed.
11773366.. FFEEAA
Federal Energy Agency
11773377.. FFEEDDEERRAALLLLEEAASSEE
An oil or gas lease on Federal land issued under the Act of February 25. 1920,
and subsequent legislation.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
233233
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11773388.. FFEEEE
The title or owner ship of land; short for "owned in fee." The owner of the fee
holds title to the land.
11773399.. FFEEEE RROOYYAALLTTYY
The lessor's share of oil and gas production; landowner's royally.
11774400.. FFEEEE SSIIMMPPLLEE
Land or an estate held by a person in his own right without restrictions.
11774411.. ffeeeedd ooffff
to lower the bit continuously or intermittently by allowing the brake to
disengage and the drum to turn. The feed-off rate is the speed with which the
cable is unwound from the drum.
11774422.. FFEEEEDD OORR FFEEEEDDSSTTOOCCKK
Crude oil other hydrocarbons that are the basic materials for a refining or
manufacturing process.
11774433.. FFEEEEDDEERR LLIINNEE
A pipeline; a lathering fine lied into a trunk line.
11774444.. FFEEMMAALLEE CCOONNNNEECCTTIIOONN
A pipe, rod, or tubing coupling with the threads on the inside.
11774455.. FFEERRCC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
11774466.. FFHHAACCJJOOBB
See Hydraulic Fracturing.
11774477.. ffiibbrroouuss mmaatteerriiaall
any tough, stringy material of threadlike structure used to prevent loss of
circulation or to restore circulation in porous or fractured formations.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
234234
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11774488.. FFIIEELLDD
The area encompassing a group of producing oil and gas wells; a pool. An oil
field may include one or more pools, and have wells producing from several
different formations at different depths. A roughly contiguous grouping of
wells in an identified area. Some of the early prolific fields were; East Texas.
Seminole, Cushing, Oklahoma City, and West Texas. Large areas that used to
be designated as fields are now identified as districts, e.g. Appalachian Mid-
Continent, Gulf Coast. Rocky Mountain and Permian Basin.
11774499.. FFIIEELLDD BBUUTTAANNEESS
A raw mix of natural gas ids; the product of gas processing plants in the field.
Raw mix streams are sent to fractionating plants where the various
components-butane, propane, hexane, and others-are separated. Some
refineries are capable of using field butanes as 10 to 15 percent of charge
stock.
11775500.. FFIIEELLDD CCOOMMPPRREESSSSIIOONN TTEESSTT
A test to determine the gasoline content of casing-head or wet gas.
11775511.. FFIIEELLDD PPOOTTEENNTTIIAALL
The producing capacity of a field during a 24-hour period. In order to
establish a field allowable for prorationing purposes by a state regulatory
commission, a field it was necessary to set equitable production levels,
11775522.. ffiieelldd pprroocceessssiinngg
the processing of oil and gas in the field before delivery to a major refinery or
gas plant, including separation of oil and gas, separation of water from oil and
from gas, and removal of liquid hydrocarbons.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
235235
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
111775544.. ffiieelldd PPuummpp
a pump installed in a field to transfer oil from a lease tank to a central
gathering station near a main pipeline.
11775555.. FFIIEELLDDTTAANNKKSS
Stock tanks (q.v.).
11775566.. FFIIHH
fluid in hole; used in drilling reports.
11775577.. ffiillll tthhee hhoollee
to pump drilling fluid into the wellbore while the pipe is being withdrawn in
order to ensure that the wellbore remains full of fluid even though the pipe is
withdrawn. Filling the hole lessens the danger of blowout or of caving of the
wall of the wellbore.
11775588.. ffiilllleerr mmaatteerriiaall
a material added to a cement or cement slurry to increase its yield.
11775599.. ffiilltteerr
a porous medium through which a fluid is passed to separate it from material
suspended in it.
11776600.. FFIILLTTEERR CCAAKKEE
A plaster-like coating on the borehole resulting from the solids in the drilling
fluid adhering and building up on the wall of the hole. The buildup of "cake"
can cause serious drilling problems including the sticking of the drillpipe. See
Differential-pressure Sticking.
11776611.. ffiilltteerr lloossss
the amount of fluid that can be delivered through a permeable filter medium
after being subjected to a differential pressure for a specified time.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
236236
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11776622.. ffiilltteerr pprreessss
a device used in the testing of physical properties of drilling mud. (See mud.)
11776633.. ffiillttrraattee
a fluid that has been passed through a filter.
111776655.. ffiillttrraattiioonn
the process of filtering a fluid.
11776666.. ffiillttrraattiioonn lloossss
the escape of the liquid part of a drilling mud into permeable formations.
111776688.. FFIILLTTRRAATTIIOONN--LLOOSSSS QQUUAALLIITTYYOOFF MMUUDD
A drilling-mud quality measured by putting a water-base mud through a filter
cell. The mud solids deposited on the filter is filter cake (q.v.) and is a
measure of the water-loss quality of the drilling mud. Mud mixtures with low
water loss are desirable for most drilling operations.
111777700.. ffiinnaall ssqquueeeezzee pprreessssuurree
the fluid pressure at the completion of a squeeze-comenting operation.
11777711.. ffiinnee
a fragment or particle of rock or mineral that is too minute to be treated as
ordinary coarse material.
11777722.. FFIINNEESS
Minute particles of a solid substance rock, coat, or catalytic material-too small
to be used or handled efficiently, and that must be removed by screening.
11777733.. FFIINNGGEERR BBOOAARRDD
A rack high in the derrick made to support. in orderly fashion, the upper ends
of the tubing stands that are pulled from the well and set back (q.v.) in the
derrick.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
237237
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11777744.. FFIINNGGEERR PPIIEERR
A jetty or bridge-type structure extending from the shore out into a body of
water to permit access to tankers and other vessels where water depth is not
sufficient to allow docking at the shore.
111777766.. ffiinnggeerrbbooaarrdd
a rack that supports stands of pipe being stacked in a derrick or mast.
111777788.. FFIINNGGEERRIINNGG
Rivulet-like infiltration of water or gas into an oil-bearing formation as a result
of failure to maintain reservoir pressure, or as the result of taking oil in excess
of maximum efficiency rates (MER) (q.v.). See Channel.
11777799.. ffiirree
to start and maintain the Fire in a boiler or heater.
11778800.. ffiirree fflloooodd
in situ combustion.
11778811.. FFIIRREE FFLLOOOODDIINNGG
See In Situ Combustion.
11778822.. ffiirree ppooiinntt
the temperature at which a petroleum product burns continuously after being
ignited. (See flash point.)
11778833.. ffiirree wwaallll
a structure erected to contain petroleum or a petroleum-fed fire in case a
storage vessel ruptures or collapses. Usually a dike is built around a
petroleum storage tank and a steel or stone wall put up between the prime
movers and the oil pumps in a pipeline pumping station.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
238238
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11778844.. FFIIRREE--TTRRIIMMMMEEDD ((VVAALLVVEESS AANNDD FFLLAANNGGEESS))
A designation for valves, flanges, and other fitting's made to withstand an
accidental fire in a plant or process unit. Fire-trimmed valves, when subjected
to fire from whatever cause, will not be damaged to the extent that they will
leak and thereby add to the emergency. Such valves and flanges have metal
gaskets and staffing boxes with specially formulated fire resistant packing or
are fitted with metal-to-metal seals.
11778855.. FFIIRREE--WWAATTEERR SSUUPPPPLLYY
A pond or tank containing water used exclusively for fire-fighting.
11778866.. ffiirreemmaann
the member of the crew on a steam-powered rig who is responsible for care
and operation of the boilers. Compare motorman.
11778877.. FFIIRRIINNGG LLIINNEE
In pipeline construction, the part of the project where the welding is being
done. Ahead of the firing line or the "front end," there may be some
preparatory or alignment welding. This is true for extra-large diameter pipe,
At the front end the pipe is lined up end-to-end by sideboom tractors.
brought into perfect alignment by internal line-up clamps, tack welded in
position, and then a root run or first pass or course of metal is laid on by a
welder. The firing line is where two or more filler Passes and the final or cap
pass are made.
11778888.. FFIIRRMM GGAASS
Gas required to be delivered and taken under the terms of a firm gas
purchase contract. Firm gas is priced higher than dump gas (q.v.).
11778899.. FFiisshh
An object lost (or stuck) in the wellbore obstructing operations.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
239239
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11779900.. FFiisshhiinngg
Operations to recover a fish.
11779911.. FFIISSHHIINNGG JJOOBB
The effort to recover tools, cable, pipe, or other objects from the well bore
which may have become detached while in the well or been dropped
accidentally into the hole. Many special and ingeniously designed fishing fools
are used to recover objects lost downhole.
11779922.. ffiisshhiinngg ttooooll
a tool designed to recover equipment lost in the well.
11779933.. FFIISSHHIINNGG TTOOOOLLSS
Special instrument used in recovering objects lost in a well. Although there
are scores of standard tools used in fishing jobs, some are specially designed
to retrieve particular objects. There a variety of spears, harpoon-like tools
which are forced into the end of a section of tubing, casing or drill-pipe; there
are overshots with internal lugs or teeth which are forced over the end of lost
pipe; and junk baskets for retrieving smaller objects such as lost drill bit
cones, small slips, and other steel, nondrillable objects.
11779944.. FFIISSHHPPRROOOOFF
Describes an item of equipment used in or over the well's borehole without
parts-screws, lugs, wedges or dogs-that can come loose, tall into the well,
and have to be fished out. See Captured Bolt
111779966.. ffiisshhttaaiill bbiitt
a drilling bit with cutting edge's of hard alloys; also called a drag bit. First
used when the rotary system of drilling was developed about 1900, it is still
useful in drilling soft formations.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
240240
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
111779988.. ffiissssuurree
a crack or fracture in a subsurface formation.
111880000.. FFIITTTTIINNGGSS
Small pipes (nipples). couplings, elbows, unions. tees, swages used to make
up a system of piping.
11880011.. FFIITTTTIINNGGSS,, TTRRAANNSSIITTIIOONN
See Transition Fittings.
11880022.. FFIIVVEE--SSPPOOTT WWAATTEERRFFLLOOOODD PPRROOGGRRAAMM
A secondary recovery operation where four input or injection wells are located
in a square pattern with the production well in the center, a layout similar to a
five-of-spades playing card. The water from the tour injection wells moves
through the formation flooding the oil toward the production well.
11880033.. FFIIXXEEDD--BBEEPP,, CCAATTAALLYYSSTT
A catalyst in a reactor vessel through which the liquid being treated drips or
percolates through the bed of catalyst material. In other methods, the
catalyst is mixed thoroughly with the feed stock as it is pumped into the
reactor vessel.
11880044.. ffll
abbr. flowed or flowing; used in drillingreports.
11880055.. ffllaagg
1. a piece of cloth, rope, or nylon strand used to mark the wireline when
swabbing or bailing. 2. an indicator of wind direction used when drilling or
performing a workover where hydrogen sulfide (sour) gas may be
encountered. 1. to signal or attract attention. 2. in swabbing or bailing, to
attach a piece of cloth to the wire rope to enable the operator to estimate the
position of the swab or bailer in the well.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
241241
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11880066.. FFLLAAGG TTHHEE LLIINNEE
To lie pieces of cloth on the swab line at measured intervals to be able to tell
how much fine is in the hole when coming out with the line.
11880077.. FFLLAAMMBBEEAAUU LLIIGGHHTT
A torch used in the field for the disposal of casing-head gas produced with oil
when the gas is without a market or is of such small quantity as to make it
impractical to gather for commercial use. The use of flambeau lights is now
regulated under state conservation laws.
11880088.. FFLLAAMMEE AARRRREESSTTOORR
A safety device on a vent line of a storage or stock tank that, in the event of
lightning or other ignition of the venting vapor. will prevent the flame from to
the vapor inside the tank. Flame arrestors have a "membrane" of fine-mesh
screen across the vent opening. The vapor venting from the tank may be
ignited but the flame will not flash through the fine screen into the tank. Just
as the old-fashioned miners lamps, with their open flames encased in a fine-
mesh screen, could be used in a gassy mine, the tank flame arrestor is
effective for the same reason the fine screen "breaks up" and cools the flame
at the surface of the screen preventing the ignition of the vapor behind the
screen.
111881100.. FFLLAAMMEE SSNNUUFFFFEERR
An attachment to a tank's vent line that can be manually operated to snuff
out a flame at the mouth of the vent line a metal clapper-like valve that may
be closed by pulling on an attached fine.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
242242
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11881111.. FFLLAAMMEE--JJEETT DDRRIILLLLIINNGG
fling technique that uses rocket fuel to burn a hole through rock strata. This
leaves a ceramic-like sheath on the walls of the borehole, eliminating the
need for casing.
11881122.. FFLLAAMMMMAABBLLEE ((IINNFFLLAAMMMMAABBLLEE))
Term describing material which can easily be ignited. Petroleum products with
a flash point (q.v.) of 80.'F. or lower are classed as flammable. The use of the
word "inflammable" which means flammable but thought by some people to
mean nonflammable has fallen into disuse because of the confusion and the
potential hazard of someone mistaking the prefix "in" for "non."
11881133.. FFLLAANNGGEE
(1)A type of pipe coupling made in two halves. Each half is screwed or welded
to a length of pipe and the two halves are then bolted together joining the
two lengths of pipe. (2) A rim extending out from an object to provide
strength or for attaching another object.
11881144.. ffllaannggee uunniioonn
a device in which two matching flanges are used tojoin the ends of two
sections of pipe.
11881155.. ffllaannggee uupp
1. to use. flanges to make final connections on a piping system. 2. (slang) to
complete any operation as, "They flanged up the meeting and went home."
111881177.. ffllaannggeedd oorriiffiiccee ffiittttiinngg
a two-piece orifice fitting with flanged faces that are bolted together.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
243243
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11881188.. FFLLAARREE
(1)To burn unwanted gas through a pipe or stack. (Under conservation laws,
the flaring of natural gas is illegal.) (2) The f lame from a flare; the pipe or
the stack itself.
11881199.. ffllaarree ggaass
gas or vapor that is flared.
111882211.. FFLLAARREE,, SSMMOOKKEELLEESSSS
See Smokeless Flare.
11882222.. FFLLAASSHH CCHHAAMMBBEERR
A refinery vessel into which a process stream is charged or pumped and
where lighter products flash off or vaporize and are drawn off at the top. The
remaining heavier fractions are drawn off at the bottom of the vessel.
11882233.. FFLLAASSHH OOFFFF
To vaporize from heated charge stock; to distill.
11882244.. ffllaasshh ppooiinntt
the temperature at which a petroleum product ignites momentarily but does
not burn continuously. Compare fire point.
11882255.. ffllaasshh sseett
a premature thickening or setting of cement slurry that makes it unpumpable.
111882277.. fflleexx jjooiinntt
a device that provides a flexible connection between the riser pipe and the
subsea blowout preventers. By accommodating lateral movement of a mobile
offshore drilling rig, flex joints help to prevent a buildup of abnormal bending
load pressure.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
244244
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11882288.. FFLLEEXXIIBBLLEE CCOOUUPPLLIINNGG
A connecting link between two shafts that allows for a certain amount of
misalignment between the driving and driven shaft without damage to
bearings. Flexible couplings dampen vibration and provide a way to make
quick hook ups of engines and pumps which is useful in field operations.
11882299.. FFLLOOAATT
(1)A long, flat-bed trailer the front end of which rests on a truck, the rear end
on two dual-wheel axles. Floats are used in the oil fields for transporting long,
heavy equipment.
(2) The buoyant element of a fluid-level shut off or control apparatus. An
airtight canister or sphere that floats on liquids and is attached to an arm that
moves up and down, actuating other devices as the liquid level rises and falls.
111883311.. ffllooaatt ccoollllaarr
a special coupling device, inserted one or two joints above the bottom of the
casing string, that contains a check valve to permit fluid to pass downward
but not upward through the casing. The float collar prevents drilling mud from
entering the casing while it is being lowered, allowing the casing to float
during its descent and also decreasing the load on the derrick. The float collar
also prevents a backflow of cement during the cementing operation.
11883322.. ffllooaatt sshhooee
a short, heavy, cylindrical steel section with a rounded bottom, attached to
the bottom of the casing string. It contains a check valve and functions
similarly to the float collar but also serves as a guide shoe for the casing.
11883333.. ffllooaatt sswwiittcchh
a switch in a circuit that is opened or closed by the action of a j7oat and that
maintains a predetermined level of liquid in a vessel.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
245245
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11883344.. ffllooaatt vvaallvvee
a drill-pipe float.
11883355.. FFLLOOAATTEERR
(1) A barge-like drilling platform used in relatively shallow offshore work,(2)
Any offshore drilling p14tform without a fixed base, e.g. semisubmersibles
Drill ships, Drill barges.
11883366.. ffllooaattiinngg ooffffsshhoorree ddrriilllliinngg rriigg
(See floater.)
11883377.. ffllooaattiinngg rrooooff
a tank covering that rests on the surface of a hydrocarbon liquid in the tank
and rises and falls as the liquid level rises and falls. Use of a floating roof
eliminates vapor space above the liquid in the tank and conserves light
fractions of the liquid.
11883388.. FFLLOOAATTIINNGG RROOOOFF TTAANNKK
A storage tank with a flat roof that floats on the surface of the Oil thus
reducing evaporation to a minimum. The roof rests on a series of pontoons
whose buoyancy supports the roof proper; a floater.
11883399.. ffllooaattiinngg ttaannkk
a tank with its main gate valve open to the main line at a station. Oil may
thus enter or leave the tank as pumping rates in the main line vary.
11884400.. FFLLOOAATTIINNGG TTHHEE CCAASSIINNGG
A method of lowering casing into very deep boreholes when there exists the
danger of the casing joints because of the extreme weight or tension on the
upper joints. In floating the hole is filled with fluid and the casing is plugged
before being lowered into the hole. The buoyant effect of the hollow column
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
246246
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
of casing displacing the fluid reduces the weight and the tension on the upper
joints. When the casing is in place, the plug is drilled out.
11884411.. ffllooccccuullaattiioonn
a property of contaminants or special additives to a drilling fluid that causes
the solids to coagulate.
11884422.. fflloooodd
1. to drive oil from a reservoir into a well by injecting water under pressure
into the reservoir formation. (See water J7ood.) 2. to drown out a well with
water.
11884433.. ffllooooddaabbllee lleennggtthh
the length of a ship or mobile offshore drilling rig that may be flooded without
its sinking below its safety or margin line, usually a few inches below the
freeboard deck.
11884444.. FFLLOOOODDIINNGG
The use of water injected into a production formation or resevoir to increase
oil recovery. See Secondary Recovery; Micellar-surfactant Flooding; Tertiary
Recovory.
11884455.. FFLLOOOODDIINNGG,, DDUUMMPP
See Dump Flooding.
11884466.. FFLLOOOORR MMEENN,,
Members-of the drilling crew (usually two) who work on the derrick floor.
11884477.. fflloooorrmmaann
a drilling crew member whose work station is on the derrick floor. On rotary
drilling rigs, there are at least two floormen on each crew, but three or more
are used on most rigs.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
247247
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
111884499.. fflloottaattiioonn cceellll
a large, cylindrical tank in which water that is slightly oil-contaminated is
circulated to be cleaned before it is disposed of overboard or in a disposal
well. Since oil droplets cling to rapidly rising gas, usually a device such as a
bubble tower is installed in the cell to permit the introduction of gas into the
water.
11885500.. ffllooww
a current or stream of fluid.
11885511.. FFLLOOWW BBEEAANN
A drilled plug in the flow line at the wellhead that controls the oil flow to
desired rate. Flow beans are drilled with different-sized holes for different
flow rates.
111885533.. ffllooww bbyy hheeaaddss
to produce intermittently.
11885544.. FFLLOOWW CCHHAARRTT
A replaceable, paper chart on which flow rates are recorded by an actuated
arm and pen of a flow meter.
11885555.. FFllooww LLiinnee
Subsea pipeline connecting satellite wells and/or platforms to a central
production platform.
11885566.. FFLLOOWW NNIIPPPPLLEE
A choke; a heavy steel nipple put in the production string of tubing that
restricts the flow of oil to the size of the orifice in the nipple. It is usual to
report a new well's production as a flow of a certain number of barrels per
day through a choke of a certain size, e.g., 16/64 in., 9/64 in. etc; a flow
plug.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
248248
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11885577.. FFLLOOWW SSHHEEEETT
A diagrammatic drawing showing the sequence of refining or manufacturing
operations in a plant.
11885588.. FFLLOOWW SSTTRRIINNGG
The string of casing or tubing through which oil from a well flows to the
surface. Also Oil string. pay string; capital string; production string.
111886600.. FFLLOOWW TTAANNKK
A single unit that acts as an oil and gas separator, an oil heater, and an oil
and water treater.
11886611.. FFLLOOWW,, PPLLAASSTTIICC
See Plastic Flow; also Turbulent Flow.
11886622.. FFLLUUIIDD CCAATTAALLYYTTIICC CCRRAACCKKIINNGG UUNNIITT
A large refinery vessel for processing reduced crude, naphthas or other
intermediates in the presence of a catalyst. Catalytic cracking is regarded as
the successor to thermal cracking as it produces less gas and highly volatile
material; it provides a motor spirit of 10-15 octane numbers higher than that
of the thermally cracked product. The process is also more effective in
producing isoparaffins and aromatics which are of high antiknock value.
11886633.. FFLLUUIIDD EENNDD ((OOFF AA PPUUMMPP))
The end of the pump body where the valves (suction and discharge) and ,he
pump cylinders are located. The fluid end of a reciprocating pump is
accessible by removing the cylinder heads which exposes the pistons or pump
plungers. The cylinders or liners in most pumps are removable and can be
changed for others with larger or smaller internal diameters. Inserting smaller
liners and pistons permits pumping at higher pressure but at a reduced
volume.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
249249
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11886644.. FFLLUUIIDD LLEEVVEELL
The distance between the wellhead and the point to which the fluid rises in
the well.
11886655.. FFLLUUIIDD LLOOSSSS
A condition downhole in which a water-base drilling mud loses water in a
highly permeable zone causing the solids in the drilling fluid to build up on the
wall of the borehole. This buildup of mud solids can result in stuck pipe,
which often arises when the hydrostatic head or mud pressure is consider
ably higher than the formation pressure.
11886666.. FFLLUUIIDDIICCSS
Pertains to the use of fluids (and air) in instrumentation. Fluidics is defined as
"engineering science pertaining to the use of fluid-dynamic phenomena to
sense, control, process information, and actuate." Fluidics provide a reliable
system far less expensive than explosion-proof installations required with
electrical instrumentation on offshore rigs.
11886677.. FFLLUUSSHH PPRROODDUUCCTTIIOONN
The high rate of I low of a good well immediately after it is brought in.
11886688.. FFLLUUSSHHIINNGG OOIILLSS
Oils or compounds formulated for the purpose of removing used oil,
decomposed matter, metal cuttings, and sludge from lubricating passages
and engine parts.
11886699.. FFLLUUXXIINNGG
To soften a substance with heat so that it will flow; to lower a substance's
fusing point.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
250250
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11887700.. FFOOLLDDIINNGG
Buckling or other deformation of rock strata caused by movement of the
earth's crust.
11887711.. FFOOOOTT VVAALLVVEE
A type of check valve (q.v.) used on the "fool" or lower end of a suction pipe
riser to maintain the column of liquid in the riser when the liquid is being
drawn upward by a pump.
111887733.. FFOOOOTT--PPOOUUNNDD
A unit of energy or work equal to the work done in raising one pound the
height of one foot against the force of gravity.
11887744.. FFOOOOTTAAGGEE CCOONNTTRRAACCTT
A contract for the drilling of a well in which the drilling contractor is paid on a
footage basis as the well is taken down. Sometimes the price per foot
changes as the well progresses and different formations are encountered.
11887755.. FFOORRCCEE MMAAJJEEUURREE CCLLAAUUSSEE
A lease clause providing that cessation or failure of production shall not cause
automatic termination of the leasehold, and that the performance of lessee's
covenants shall be excused when the failure of production or performance of
covenants is owing to causes set forth in the clause. Such clauses usually list
acts of God; adverse weather; compliance with federal, state, or municipal
laws; wars; strikes; and other contingencies over which the lessee has no
control.
11887766.. FFOORRCCEEDD DDRRAAFFTT BBUURRNNEERR
Crude oil disposal equipment on offshore platforms. The burner, mounted on
a boom or an extension of the deck, burns crude oil during testing operations.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
251251
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
Gas, air and water manifolded with the test-crude stream result in complete
combustion of the oil.
111887788.. FFOORRCCEEPPUUMMPP
A barrel pump a portable, hand-operated, one-cylinder pump for moving
limited amounts of liquid, pumping out sump pits, or transferring oil or water
from one small tank to another. The pump has one horizontal barrel and a
plunger attached to a vertical handle. When moved back and forth, the
handle, attached to a fulcrum at the base of the pump, actuates the plunger
111888800.. ffoorree aanndd aafftt
the lengthwise measurement of a mobile offshore drilling rig or ship.
11888811.. FFOORREEIIGGNN TTAAXX CCRREEDDIITT
Taxes paid a foreign government by a U.S. company on its overseas oil
operations that are creditable against taxes owed the U.S. government.
Production sharing by a U.S. company with a foreign government or one of its
agencies represents oil royalty payments, not taxes creditable in the U.S.
according to the Internal Revenue Service.
111888833.. FFOORREEIIGGNN TTRRAADDEE ZZOONNEE
An area in the United States where imported oil, reduced crude, or
intermediates are processed.
11888844.. FFOORRMMAATTIIOONN
A sedimentary bed or series of beds sufficiently alike or distinctive to form an
identifiable geological unit.
11888855.. ffoorrmmaattiioonn bboouunnddaarryy
the horizontal limits of a formation.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
252252
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
111888877.. ffoorrmmaattiioonn ddaammaaggee
the reduction of permeability in a reservoir rock caused by the invasion of
drilling fluid and treating fluids to the section adjacent to the wellbore. It is
often called skin.
11888888.. FFoorrmmaattiioonn DDeennssiittyy LLoogg
a trade name for density log.
11888899.. ffoorrmmaattiioonn ddiipp
the angle at which a formation bed inclines away from the horizontal.
11889900.. ffoorrmmaattiioonn ffrraaccttuurriinngg
a method of stimulating production by increasing the permeability of the
producing formation. Under extremely high hydraulic pressure, A fluid (as
water, oil, alcohol, dilute hydrochloric acid, liquefied petroleum gas, or foam)
is pumped downward through tubing or drill pipe and forced into the
perforations in the casing. The fluid enters the formation and parts or
fractures it. Sand grains, aluminum pellets, glass beads, or similar materials
are carried in suspension by the fluid into the fractures. These are called
propping agents or proppants. When the pressure is released at the surface,
the fracturing fluid returns to the well, and the fractures partially close on the
proppants, leaving channels for oil to flow through them to the well. This
process is often called a frac job.
11889911.. ffoorrmmaattiioonn pprreessssuurree
the pressure exerted by fluids in a formation, recorded in the hole at the level
of the formation with the well shut in. It is also called reservoir pressure or
shut-in bottomhole pressure.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
253253
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11889922.. ffoorrmmaattiioonn ssttrriikkee
the horizontal direction of a formation bed as measured at a right angle to the
dip of the bed.
11889933.. ffoorrmmaattiioonn tteessttiinngg
the gathering of data on a formation to determine its potential productivity
before installing casing in a well. The conventional method is the drill stem
test. Incorporated in the drill-stem testing tool are a packer, valves or ports
that may be opened and closed from the surface, and a pressure-recording
device. The tool is lowered to bottom on a string of drill pipe and the packer
set, isolating the formation to be tested from the formations above and
supporting the fluid column above the packer. A port on the tool is opened to
allow the trapped pressure below the packer to bleed off into the drill pipe,
gradually exposing the formation to atmospheric pressure and allowing the
well to produce to the surface, where the well fluids may be sampled and
inspected. From a record of the pressure readings, a number of facts about
the formation may be inferred.
11889944.. ffoorrmmaattiioonn wwaatteerr
the water originally in place in a formation. (See connate water.)
11889955.. ffoorrmmiicc aacciidd
a simple organic acid used for acidizing oil wells, stronger than acetic acid but
much less corrosive than hydrofluoric or hydrochloric acid. It is usually used
for high-temperature wells. (See acidize.)
11889966.. FFOORRMMUULLAATTIIOONN
The product of a formula, i.e., a plastic, blended oils, gasolines any material
with two or more components or ingredients.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
254254
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11889977.. ffoorrwwaarrdd aadd
in the direction of the bow on offshore drilling rigs.
111889999.. ffoossssiill
the remains or impressions of a plant or animal of past geological ages that
have been preserved in or as rock.
11990000.. FFOOSSSSIILL EENNEERRGGYY
Energy derived from crude oil, natural gas, and coal; also shale oil and oil
recovered from tar sands. Fossil energy by implication is the energy derived
from sedimentary beds containing the fossilized remains of marine plants and
animals; and thus oil, gas, and coal were derived from organisms living in
eons past.
11990011.. FFOOSSSSIILL FFUUEELL
See Fossil Energy.
11990022.. ffoouunnddaattiioonn ppiillee
the first casing or conductor string (generally with a diameter of 30 to 36 in.)
set when drilling a well from an offshore drilling rig. It prevents sloughing of
the ocean-floor formations and is a structural support for the permanent
guide base and blowout preventers.
11990033.. FFOOUURR--CCYYCCLLEE EENNGGIINNEE
An internal combustion engine in which the piston completes four strokes-
intake, compression, power, and exhaust-for each complete cycle. The Otto-
cycle engine., four-stroke cycle engine.
111990055.. ffoouurr--wwaayy ddrraagg bbiitt
a drag bit with four blades. (See big and fishtail bit.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
255255
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11990066.. ffoouurrbbllee
a section of drill pipe, casing, or tubing consisting of four joints screwed
together.
11990077.. ffoouurrbbllee bbooaarrdd
the working platform of the derrickman (the monkeyboard) when it is located
at a height on the derrick approximately equal to four lengths of pipe joined
together. (See double board and thribble board.)
11990088.. FFPP
flowing pressure; used in drilling reports.
11990099.. FFPPCC
Federal Power Commission, an agency of the Federal government; a
regulatory body having to do with oil and gas matters such as pricing and
trade practices. As of 1977 the FPC has been superceded by the FERC, the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission which has taken over the duties and
responsibilities of Federal Power Commission along with other agencies in the
field of energy.
111991111.. ffrraacc
fractured; used in drilling reports.
11991122.. ffrraacc jjoobb
(See formation fracturing.)
11991133.. ffrraaccttiioonn
one component of a mixture of hydrocarbons. Methane is the predominant
fraction in natural gas.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
256256
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
111991155.. ffrraaccttiioonnaattee
to separate single fractions from a mixture of hydrocarbon fluids, usually by
distillation.
11991166.. ffrraaccttiioonnaattiinngg ccoolluummnn
a vessel or tower in a gas plant in which fractionation occurs. (See
fractionate.)
11991177.. FFRRAACCTTIIOONNAATTOORR
A tall, cylindrical refining vessel where liquid feedstocks are separated into
various components or fractions.
11991188.. ffrraaccttuurree
a crack or crevice in a formation, either natural or induced.
11991199.. ffrraaccttuurree aacciiddiizziinngg
a procedure by which acid is forced into a formation under pressure high
enough to cause the formation to crack. The acid acts on certain kinds of
rocks, usually carbonates, to increase the permeability of the formation.
Compare matrix acidizing.
11992200.. ffrraaccttuurriinngg
(See formation fracturing.)
11992211.. ffrraaccttuurriinngg
(See formation fracturing.)
11992222.. FFRRAASSCCHH,, HHEERRMMAANN
A Canadian chemist who developed a process for the use of sour crude for
making kerosene. The frasch process opened the market for sour crude from
Ohio and Canada just when it was thought the production from Pennsylvania
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
257257
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
and West Virginia fields had peaked and the country was running low on
sweet crude for kerosene and gasoline.
11992233.. FFRREEEE MMAARRKKEETT PPRRIICCEE
Oil prices not subject to controls by the government; world prices. See Posted
Price.
11992244.. FFRREEEE RRIIDDEE
An interest in a well's oil and gas production free of any expense of that
production; a royalty interest.
11992255.. ffrreeee wwaatteerr
the water produced with oil. It usually settles out within rive minutes when
the well fluids become stationary in a settling space within a vessel. Compare
emulsified water.
11992266.. ffrreeee--ppooiinntt IInnddiiccaattoorr
a tool designed to measure the amount of stretch in a string of stuck pipe and
to indicate the deepest point at which the pipe is free. The free point indicator
is lowered into the well on a conducting cable. Each end of a strain gauge
element is anchored to the pipe wall by friction springs or magnets, and, as
increasing strain is put on the pipe, an accurate measurement of its stretch is
transmitted to the surface. The stretch measurements indicate the depth at
which the pipe is stuck.
11992277.. ffrreeee--wwaatteerr kknnoocckkoouutt
(FWKO) a vertical or horizontal vessel into which oil or emulsion is run in
order to allow any water not emulsified with the oil (free water) to drop out.
11992288.. ffrreeeebbooaarrdd
the vertical distance between the waterline and the freeboard deck on a ship,
boat, or floating off shore drilling rig.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
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Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11992299.. ffrreeeebbooaarrdd ddeecckk
the uppermost continuous deck on a ship or mobile offshore drilling rig
equipped with a permanent means of closing all openings to the water.
11993300.. FFRREEEEZZEE BBOOXX
An enclosure or a water pipe riser that is exposed to the weather, The freeze
box or frost box surrounding the pips is filled with sawdust manure or other
insulating materia1.
11993311.. FFRREEOONN
A trademark applied to a group of halogenated hydrocarbons, having one or
more florine atoms in the molecule; a refrigerant.
11993322.. ffrreesshh wwaatteerr
water that has little or no salt dissolved in it.
11993333.. ffrreesshhwwaatteerr mmuudd
(See mud.)
11993344.. FFRREESSNNOO SSLLIIPP
A type, of horse-drawn, earth-moving or cutting scoop with curved runners or
supports on the sides, and a single long handle used to guide the scoop blade
into the earth or material being moved.
11993355.. ffrriiccttiioonn
resistance to movement created when two surfaces are in contact. When
friction is present, heat is produced.
11993366.. ffrriiccttiioonn lloossss
a reduction in the pressure of a fluid caused by its motion against an enclosed
surface (as a pipe). As the fluid moves through the pipe, friction between the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
259259
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
fluid and the pipe wall creates a pressure loss. The faster the fluid moves. the
greater the losses are.
11993377.. FFRROOSSTTUUPP
Icing of pipes and flow equipment at the wellhead of a high-pressure gas
well. The cooling effect of the expanding gas, as pressure is reduced, causes
moisture in the atmosphere to condense and freeze on the pipes.
111993399.. fftt
foot.
11994400.. fftt--llbb
foot-pound.
111994422.. fftt//mmiinn
feet per minute.
11994433.. fftt//ss
feet per second.
11994444.. fftt22
square foot.
1111994466.. fftt33
cubic foot.
11994477.. fftt33--llbb
cubic feet per pound.
11994488.. fftt33//bbbbll
cubic feet per barrel.
11994499.. fftt33//dd
cubic feet per day.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
260260
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11995500.. fftt33//ss
cubic feet per second.
11995511.. ffttll//mmiinn
cubic feet per minute.
111995533.. ffuueell iinnjjeeccttoorr
a mechanical device that sprays fuel into a cylinder of an engine, used
extensively in diesel engines and to some extent in spark-ignition engines.
11995544.. FFUUEELL--AAIIRR RRAATTIIOO
The ratio of fuel to air by weight in an explosive mixture which is controlled
by the carburetor in an internal combustion engine.
11995555.. FFUUEELLOOIILL
Any liquid or liquefiable petroleum product burned for the generation of heat
in a furnace; or for the generation of power in an engine, exclusive of oils
with a flash point below 100"F
11995566.. FFUULLLL BBOORREE
Designation for a valve, ran or other fitting whose opening is as large in cross
section as the pipe, casing or tubing it is mounted on.
11995577.. ffuullll--ggaauuggee bbiitt
a bit that has maintained its original diameter.
11995588.. ffuullll--ggaauuggee hhoollee
a wellbore drilled with a full-gauge bit.
11995599.. ffuullll--llooaadd ddiissppllaacceemmeenntt
the displacement of a mobile offshore drilling rig or ship when floating at its
deepest design draft.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
261261
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11996600.. FFUULLLLEERR''SS EEAARRTTHH
A fine, clay-like substance used in certain types of oil filters.
11996611.. FFUULLLLYY IINNTTEEGGRRAATTEEDD
Said of a company engaged in all phases of the oil business, i.e., production,
transportation, refining, marketing. See Integrated Oil Company.
111996633.. ffuunnggiibbllee
relating or pertaining to petroleum products with characteristics so similar
that they can be mixed together, or commingled.
11996644.. ffuunnnneell vviissccoossiittyy
viscosity as measured by the Marsh funnel, based on the number of seconds
it takes for 1,000 cm' of drilling fluid to flow through the funnel.
11996655.. FFUURRFFUURRAALL
An extractive solvent of extremely pungent odor, used extensively in refining
a wide range of lubricating oils and diesel fuels; a liquid aldehyde.
11996666.. FFUURRNNAACCEE OOIILL
No. 2 heating oil; light gas oil that can be used as diesel fuel and for
residential heating; Two oil; distillate fuel.
11996677.. FFUUSSIIBBLLEE PPLLUUGG
A fail-safe device; a plug in a service line equipped with a seal that will melt
at a predetermined temperature releasing pressure that actuates shut. down
devices; a meltable plug.
11996688.. FFWWKKOO
free-water knockout.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
262262
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11996699.. gg
gram.
11997700.. GG&&OOCCMM
gas- and oil-cut mud; used in drilling reports.
11997711.. GG.. MM.. PP..
Gallons of gasoline per 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas produced.
11997722.. GG..SS..AA..
Geological Society of America.
111997744.. ggaaggee
variation of gauge.
11997755.. ggaall
gallon.
11997766.. ggaall//mmiinn
gallons per minute.
11997777.. GGAALLLL
To damage or destroy a finished metal surface, as a shaft journal, by moving
contact with a bearing without sufficient lubrication. To chafe by friction and
heat as two pieces of metal are forcibly rubbed together in the absence of
lubrication.
11997788.. ggaalllloonn
(gal) a unit of measure of liquid capacity that equals 3.785 liters and has a
volume of 231 in.3' A gallon of water weighs 8.34 lb at 60 F. The imperial
gallon, used in Great Britain, is equal to approximately 1.2 U.S. gal.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
263263
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11997799.. ggaammmmaa ppaarrttiiccllee
a short, highly penetrating X ray emitted by radioactive substances during
their spontaneous disintegration. The measurement of gamma particles
(sometimes called gamma rays) is the basis for a number of radioactivity well-
logging methods.
11998800.. GGAAMMMMAA RRAAYY
Minute quantities of radiation emitted by substances that are radioactive.
Subsurface rock formations emit radiation quantum that can be detected by
well-logging devices, and which indicate the relative densities of the
surrounding rock.
11998811.. GGAAMMMMAA RRAAYY LLOOGGGGIINNGG
See Natural Gamma Ray Logging.
11998822.. GGAAMMMMAA RRAAYY--GGAAMMMMAA RRAAYY LLOOGGGGIINNGG
A well-logging technique wherein a well's borehole is bombarded with gamma
rays from a gamma ray emitting device to induce output signals that are then
recorded and transmitted to the surface. The gamma ray signals thus picked
up indicate to the geologist the relative density of the rock formation
penetrated by the well bore at different levels.
11998833.. GGaammmmaa--GGaammmmaa DDeennssiittyy LLoogg
a trade name for a density log.
11998844.. ggaammmmaa--rraayy ddeetteeccttoorr
a device that is capable of sensing and measuring the amount of gamma
particles emitted by certain radioactive substances.
11998855.. ggaammmmaa--rraayy lloogg
(See radioactivity well logging.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
264264
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11998866.. GGAANNGG PPUUSSHHEERR
A pipeline foreman; the man who runs a pipeline or a connection gang a
pusher. gang pusher the supervisor of a roustabout crew or a foreman in
charge of a pipeline crew.
11998877.. GGAANNGG TTRRUUCCKK
A light or medium-sized flat-bed truck carrying a portable doghouse or man
rack where the pipeline repair crew rides to and from the job. The pipeliners
toots are carried in compartments beneath the bed of the truck.
11998888.. ggaarrbbuutttt RROODD
garbot, or garbutt rod a short rod on the lower end of the traveling valve of a
rod pump. It is attached to the standing valve and used to pull the valve out
of its scat when repairs are needed.
11998899.. ggaass
oil contact the point or plane in a reservoir at which the bottom of a gas sand
is in contact with the top of an oil sand.
11999900.. ggaass aanncchhoorr
a tubular, perforated device attached to the bottom of a sucker-rod pump
that helps to prevent gas lock. The device works on the principle that gas,
being lighter than oil, rises. As well fluids enter the anchor, the gas breaks out
of the fluid and exits the anchor through perforations near the top. The
remaining fluids enter the pump through a mosquito bill (a tube within the
anchor), which has an opening near the bottom. In this way, all or most of
the gas escapes before the fluids enter the pump. device for the bottom-hole
separation of oil and gas in a pumping well. The gas anchor (a length of
tubing about 5 feet long) is inside a barrier pipe with perforations at the
upper end. Oil in the annulus between the well's casing and tubing enters
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
265265
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
through the perforations and is picked up by the pump; the gas goes out
through the casing to the wellhead.
11999911.. GGAASS BBOOTTTTLLEESS
The cylindrical containers of oxygen and acetylene used in oxyacetylene
welding. Oxygen bottles are tall and slender with a tapered top; acetylene
bottles are shorter and somewhat larger in diameter.
11999922.. GGAASS BBUUSSTTEERR
A drilling mud/gas separator, a surge chamber on the mud-flow line where
entrained gas breaks out and is vented to a flare line; the gas-free mud is
returned to the mud tanks or mud pits.
11999933.. GGAASS CCOONNDDEENNSSAATTEE
Liquid hydrocarbons present in casinghead gas that condense upon being
brought to the surface formerly distillate, now condensate, Also casinghead
gasoline; white oil.
11999944.. GGAASS CCOONNDDEENNSSAATTEE,, RREETTRROOGGRRAADDEE
See Retrograde Gas Condensate.
111999966.. GGAASS DDIISSTTIILLLLAATTEE
See Distillate,
11999977.. GGAASS DDRRIILLLLIINNGG
The use of gas as a drilling fluid. See Air Drilling. gas drilling (See air drilling.)
11999988.. ggaass ddrriivvee
the use of the energy that arises from gas compressed in a reservoir to move
crude oil to a wellbore. Gas drive is also used in a form of secondary
recovery, in which gas is injected into input wells to sweep remaining oil to a
producing well.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
266266
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
11999999.. GGAASS EENNGGIINNEE
A two or four-cycle internal combustion engine that runs on natures gas a
stationary field engine. Before the electrification of oil fields, all pumping wells
and small pipeline booster stations were powered by stationary gas engines.
Hundred of thousands of stripper wells are pumped by small gas engine,
attended by lease pumpers who not only are practical machanics but are
experienced production men as well.
22000000.. GGAASS IINNJJEECCTTIIOONN
Natural gas injected under high pressure into a producing reservoir through
an input or injection well as part of a pressure maintenance, secondary
recovery, or recycling operation.
222000022.. GGAASS IINNJJEECCTTIIOONN WWEELLLL
A well through which gas under high pressure, is injected into a producing
formation to maintain reservoir pressure.
22000033.. GGAASS KKIICCKK
See Kick.
22000044.. GGAASS LLIIFFTT
A method of lifting oil from the bottom of a well to the surface by the use of
compressed gas. The gas is pumped into the hole and at the lower end of the
tubing it becomes a part of the fluid in the well. As the gas expands, it lifts
the oil to the surface. gas lift the process of raising or lifting fluid from a well
by injecting gas down the well through tubing or through the tubing-casing
annulus. Injected gas aerates the fluid to make it exert less pressure than the
formation does; consequently, the higher formation pressure forces the fluid
out of the wellbore. Gas may be injected continuously or intermittently,
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
267267
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
depending on the producing characteristics of the well and the arrangement
of the gas-lift equipment.
22000055.. GGAASS LLIIQQUUIIDDSS
See LPG. GAS LOCK a condition sometimes encountered in a pumping well
when dissolved gas, released from solution during the upstroke of the
plunger, appears as free gas between the valves. If the gas pressure is
sufficient, the standing valve is "locked" shut and, consequently, no fluid
enters the tubing. condition that can exist in an oil pipeline. when elevated
sections of the line are filled with gas. The gas, because of its compressibility
and penchant for collecting in high places in the line, effectively blocks the
gravity flow of oil. Gas lock can also occur in suction chambers of
reciprocating pumps. The gas prevents the oil from flowing into chambers and
must be vented or bled off.
22000066.. GGAASS MMEEAASSUURREEMMEENNTT,, SSTTAANNDDAARRDD
A method of measuring volumes of natural gas by the use of conversion
factors of standard pressure and temperature. The standard pressure is 14.65
pounds per square inch; the standard temperature is 60'F One standard cubic
foot of gas is the amount of gas contained in one cubic foot of space at a
pressure of 14.65 psia at a temperature of 60 F. Using the conversion table,
natural gain, at any temperature and pressure can be converted to standard
cubic feet, the measurement by which gas is usually bought, sold and
transported.
22000077.. GGAASS MMEETTEERR,, MMAASSSS--FFLLOOWW
See Mass-flow Gas Meter.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
268268
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22000088.. ggaass ppllaanntt
an installation in which natural gas is processed to prepare it for sale to
consumers. A gas plant separates desirable hydrocarbon components from
the impurities in natural gas.
222001100.. ggaass rreegguullaattoorr
an automatically operated valve that, by opening and closing in response to
pressure, permits more or less gas to flow through a pipeline and thus
controls the pressure. A pressure-reducing device on gas take-off piping that
can be set to deliver a supply of gas a, a predetermined pressure. For
example a regulator can be adjusted to permit a flow of gas at a pressure of
8 or 10 ounces per square inch from a gas main carrying 100 pounds per
square inch.
22001111.. GGaass RReesseerrvvooiirr
A rock stratum that forms a trap for the accumulation of crude oil and natural
gas.
22001122.. ggaass ssaanndd
a stratum of sand or porous sand. stone from which natural gas is obtained.
222001144.. ggaass sshhooww
the gas that appears in drilling. fluid returns, indicating the presence of a gas
zone.
22001155.. GGAASS SSNNIIFFFFEERR
A colloquial term for a sensitive electronic device that detects the presence of
gas or other hydrocarbons in the stream of drilling mud returning from
downhole.
22001166.. ggaass ttuurrbbiinnee
(See compressor.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
269269
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22001177.. GGAASS WWEELLDDIINNGG
Welding with oxygen and acetylene or with oxygen and another gas. See
Oxyacetylene Welding.
22001188.. ggaass wweellll
a well that primarily produces gas.
22001199.. GGAASS,, IINNTTEERRRRUUPPTTIIBBLLEE
See Interruptible
22002200.. GGAASS,, LLIIQQUUEEFFIIEEDD PPEETTRROOLLEEUUMM
See Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
22002211.. GGAASS,, UUNNAASSSSOOCCIIAATTEEDD
See Unassociated Gas; also Associated Gas.
22002222.. GGAASS,, UUNNCCOONNVVEENNTTIIOONNAALL NNAATTUURRAALL
See Unconventional Natural Gas.
22002233.. GGAASS--CCAAPP AALLLLOOWWAABBLLEE
A production allowable granted an operator who shuts in a well producing
from a gas cap of an oil-producing reservoir. The allowable is transferable to
another lease in the same field. The shutting in of the gas-cap producer
preserves the reservoir pressure which is essential to good production
practice.
22002244.. GGAASS--CCAAPP DDRRIIVVEE
The energy derived from the expansion of gas in a free state above the oil
zone which is used in the production of oil. Wells drilled into the oil zone
cause a release of pressure which allows the compressed gas in the cap to
expand and move downward forcing the oil into the well bores of the
producing wells. gas-cap drive drive energy supplied naturally (as a reservoir
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
270270
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
is produced) by the expansion of gas in a cap overlying the oil in the
reservoir. (See reservoir-drive mechanism.)
22002255.. GGAASS--CCAAPP FFIIEELLDD
A gas-expansion reservoir in which some of the gas occurs as free gas rather
than in solution. The free gas will occupy the highest portion of the reservoir.
When wells are drilled to lower points on the structure, the gas will expand
forcing the oil down-dip and into the well bores.
22002266.. ggaass--ccuutt mmuudd
a drilling mud having entrained formation gas that gives the mud a
characteristically fluffy texture. Because a large amount of gas in mud lowers
its density, gas-cut mud often must be treated to lessen the chance of a
blowout. Drilling mud aerated or charged with gas from formations downhole.
The gas forms bubbles in the drilling fluid seriously affecting drilling
operations, sometimes causing loss of circulation.
22002277.. ggaass--iinnppuutt wweellll
a well into which gas is injected for the purpose of maintaining or
supplementing pressure in an oil reservoir.
22002288.. GGAASS--LLIIFFTT GGAASS
Natural gas used in a gas-lift program of oil production. Lift gas is usually first
stripped of liquid hydrocarbons before it is injected into the well. And because
it is a "working gas" as opposed to commercial gas, its cost per thousand
cubic feet (MCF) is considerably less. Gas lift and commercial gas commingle
when produced, so when the combined gas is stripped of petroleum liquids
only the formation gas is credited with the recovered liquids. This is necessary
for oil and gas royalty purposes.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
271271
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
222003300.. ggaass--lliifftt mmaannddrreell
a device installed in the tubing string of a gas-lift well onto which or into
which a gas-lift valve is fitted. There are two common types of mandrels. In
the conventional gas-lift mandrel, the gas-lift valve is installed as the tubing is
placed in the well. Thus, to replace or repair the valve, the tubing string must
be pulled. In the sidepocket mandrel, however, the valve is installed and
removed by wireline while the mandrel is still in the well, eliminating the need
to pull the tubing to repair or replace the valve.
22003311.. ggaass--lliifftt vvaallvvee
a device installed on a gas-lift mandrel, which in turn is put on the tubing
string of a gas-lift well. Tubing and casing pressures cause the valve to open
and close thus allowing gas to be injected into the fluid in the tubing to cause
the fluid to rise to the surface.
22003322.. GGAASS--OOIILL RRAATTIIOO
The number of cubic feet of natural gas produced with a barrel of oil. The
ratio is expressed 5001 or 10001, whatever the volume of gas measured at
the well that is produced per barrel of oil. A high gas-to-oil ratio is extremely
undesirable because the pressure in a reservoir, the propulsive force to move
the oil in the formation to the boreholes, is being depleted. And with the
reservoir pressure gone, a great percentage of the oil may not be
recoverable, except by a costly secondary recovery program. gas-oil ratio
(GOR) is a measure of the volume of gas produced with oil, expressed in
cubic feet per barrel or cubic meters per metric ton.
22003333.. ggaass--ttrraannssmmiissssiioonn ssyysstteemm
the central or trunk pipeline system by means of which dry natural gas is
transported from field gathering stations or processing plants to the industrial
or domestic fuel market. Well pressure is supplemented at intervals along the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
272272
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
transmission line by compressors to maintain a strong enough flow to move
the gas to its destination.
22003344.. GGAASSBBOOXX
Colloquial term for a mud-gas separator at a drilling well. See Degassing
Drilling Mud.
22003355.. GGAASSCCAAPP
The portion of an oil-producing reservoir occupied by free gas; gas in a free
state above an oil zone. gas cap a free-gas phase overlying an oil zone and
occurring within the same producing formation as the oil. (See reservoir.)
22003366.. GGAASSIIFFIICCAATTIIOONN
Converting a solid or a liquid to gas; converting a solid hydrocarbon such as
coal or oil shale to commercial gas; the manufacture of synthetic gas from
other hydrocarbons See Synthetic Gas.
22003377.. ggaasskkeett
a material (as paper, cork, asbestos, or rubber) used to seal two essentially
stationary surfaces. thin, fibrous material used to make the union of two
metal parts pressure tight. Ready-made gaskets are sheathed in very thin,
soft metal, or they may be made exclusively of metal, or of specially
formulated rubber.
22003388.. GGAASSOOHHOOLL
A mixture of 90 percent gasoline and 10 percent alcohol.' a motor fuel.
Gasohol was first marketed in the late 1970s as a way to stretch available
gasoline stocks by using surplus agricultural products to make ethanol or
grain alcohol.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
273273
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22003399.. GGAASSOOIILL
A refined fraction of crude oil somewhat heavier than kerosene, often used as
diesel fuel.
22004400.. ggaassoolliinnee
a volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon refined from crude oils and used
universally as a fuel for internal. combustion, spark-ignition engines.
222004422.. GGAASSOOLLIINNEE PPLLAANNTT
A compressor plant where natural gas is stripped of the liquid hydrocarbons
usually present in wellhead gas.
22004433.. GGAASSOOLLIINNEE,, MMAARRIINNEE WWHHIITTEE
See Marine White gasoline.
22004444.. GGAASSOOLLIINNEE,, RRAAWW
The untreated gasoline cut from the distillation of crude oil natural gasoline; a
gasoline similar to motor fuel but lower in octane and highly unstable,
22004455.. GGAASSSSEERR
A commercial, natural-gas well.a well that produces natural-gas.
22004466.. GGAASSTTUURRBBIINNEE
A rotary engine whose power is derived from the thrust of expanding gases
on blades or vanes on a spindle within the body of the engine. As natural gas
enters the combustion chamber it is ignited, and as it instantaneously
expands, it creates a powerful thrust that is directed against the vanes of the
turbine, causing rotation of the spindle furnishing power to an attached pump
or compressor.
222004488.. GGAATTEE
Short for gate valve, common term for all pipeline valves.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
274274
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22004499.. GGAATTEE VVAALLVVEE
A pipeline valve made with a wedge-shaped disk or "tongue" which is moved
from open to closed (up to down) by a threaded valve stem. Some valves
have stems, which remain in the valve bonnet (do not rise) and when they
are rotated by the valve wheel screw into the disk, raising the disk and
opening the valve. Other valves have a rising stem (q.v.) which firmly
attached to the wedge. The valve stem is threaded and when the threaded
valve wheel is turned the stem rises through the wheel, raising the disk to
open position.
22005500.. GGAATTEE,, BBAACCKKFFLLOOWW
A type of swing-check valve made so the clapper's position may be changed
from open to closed by an externally mounted handle. The handle is attached
to the clapper's fulcrum shaft which protrudes through the side of the valve
body. When the clapper is closed (resting on its seat in a normal position),
fluid can flow in one direction only; when open (raised from its seat by the
handle), fluid can flow in the opposite direction.
22005511.. GGAATTHHEERRIINNGG FFAACCIILLIITTIIEESS
Pipelines and pumping units used to bring oil or gas from production leases
by separate lines to a central point, i.e., a tank farm, or a trunk pipeline.
22005522.. ggaatthheerriinngg lliinnee
a pipeline, usually of small diameter, used in gathering crude oil from the field
to a main pipeline.
22005533.. ggaatthheerriinngg ssyysstteemm
the pipelines and other equipment needed to transport oil, gas, or both from
wells to a central point-the gathering station-where there is the accessory
equipment required to deliver a clean and salable product to the market or to
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
275275
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
another pipeline. An oil-gathering system includes oil and gas separators,
emulsion treaters, gathering tanks, and similar equipment. A gas-gathering
system includes regulators, compressors, dehydrators, and associated
equipment. See Gathering Facilities.
222005555.. ggaauuggee
1. to measure the quantity of oil in a tank. 2. to use a bit gauge to check the
size of the bit. (See undergauge bit, innage gauge, outage gauge.)
22005566.. GGAAUUGGEE HHAATTCCHH
An opening in the roof of a stock or storage tank, fitted with a hinged lid,
through which the tank may be gauged and oil simples taken. See Hitch.
22005577.. GGAAUUGGEE HHOOLLEE
A gauge hatch (q.v.).
22005588.. GGAAUUGGEE LLIINNEE
A reel of steel measuring tape, with a bob attached, held in a frame equipped
with handle and winding crank used in gauging the liquid level in tanks. To
prevent striking sparks, the bob is made of brass or other non. sparking
material or sheathed in a durable plastic. The tip of the bob is point zero on
the gauge column.
22005599.. ggaauuggee pprreessssuurree
the amount of pressure exerted on the interior walls of a vessel by the fluid
contained in it (as indicated by a pressure gauge). Gauge pressure,
abbreviated as psig (pounds per square inch gauge), plus atmospheric
pressure equals absolute pressure.
22006600.. GGAAUUGGEE,, TTIICCKKEETT
A run ticket (q.v.).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
276276
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
222006622.. ggaauuggeerr
a pipeline representative for the sale or transfer of crude oil from the
producer to the pipeline. He samples and tests the crude oil to determine
quantity and quality, and uses a calibrated, flexible-steel tape with a plumb
bob at the end to measure the oil in the tank.
22006633.. GGAAUUGGEERR,, FFIIEELLDD
A person who measures the oil in a stock or lease tank, records the
temperature, checks the sediment content, makes out a run ticket. and turns
the oil into the pipeline. A gasger the pipeline company's agent and, in effect,
"buys" the tank of oil for his company,
22006644.. GGAAUUGGEETTAANNKK
A tank in which the production from a well or a lease is measured.
22006655.. GGAAUUGGEETTAAPPPP
Gauge line (q.v.).
22006666.. ggaauuggiinngg hhaattcchh
the opening in a tank or other vessel through which measuring and sampling
are performed.
22006677.. ggaauuggiinngg ttaabblleess
tables prepared by engineers to show the calculated number of barrels for
any given depth of liquid in a tank. 'They are sometimes called strapping
tables. (See strap.)
22006688.. ggaauuggiinngg ttaappee
a metal tape used to measure the depth of liquid in a tank.
22006699.. GGCC
gas cut; used in drilling reports.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
277277
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22007700.. GGCCMM
gas-cut mud; used in drilling reports.
22007711.. GGEEAARRBBOOXX
The enclosure or case containing a gear train or assembly of reduction gears;
the case containing a pump's pinion and ring gears.
22007722.. GGEEAARRPPUUMMPP
See Pump, Gear.
22007733.. GGEELL
A viscous substance, a jelly-like material used in well stimulation and
formation fracturing to suspend sand or other proppants in the fracturing
medium. Gelling agents are mixed with water or light oil to form an emulsion
that will carry a quantity of sand for various well workover procedures. a
semisolid, jellylike state assumed by some colloidal dispersions at rest. When
agitated, the gel converts to a fluid state. (See gel strength and thixotrophy.)
22007744.. ggeell cceemmeenntt
a cement or cement slurry that has been modified by the addition of
bentonite.
222007766.. ggeell ssttrreennggtthh
a measure of the ability of a colloidal dispersion to develop and retain a gel
form, based on its resistance to shear. The gel strength, or shear strength, of
a drilling mud determines its ability to hold solids in suspension. Sometimes
bentonite and other colloidal clays are added to drilling fluid to increase its gel
strength. (See gel, shearometer, and thixotrophy.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
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Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22007777.. GGEEOOCCHHEEMMIICCAALL PPRROOSSPPEECCTTIINNGG
Exploratory methods that involve the chemical analysis of rocks and
subsurface water for the presence of organic matter associated with oil and
gas deposits
22007788.. GGEEOOCCHHEEMMIISSTTRRYY
The science of chemistry applied to oil and gas exploration. By analyzing the
contents of subsurface water for presence of organic matter associated with
oil deposits, geochemistry has proved to be an important adjunct to geology
and geophysics in exploratory work.
22007799.. GGEEOODDEESSYY
The branch of science concerned with the determination of the size and
shape of the earth and the precise location of points on the earths surface.
222008811.. GGEEOOLLOOGGIICC CCOOLLUUMMNN
The vertical range of sedimentary rock from the basement rock (q.v.) to the
surface.
22008822.. GGEEOOLLOOGGIICC EERRAASS
See Geologic Time Scale.
22008833.. GGEEOOLLOOGGIICC PPEERRIIOODDSS
See Geologic Time Scale.
22008844.. GGEEOOLLOOGGIICC TTIIMMEE SSCCAALLEE
According to authorities in the study of the earth, the Paleozoic Era
represents the oldest rocks whose ages are 225 to 600 million years old the
next title next era is the Mesozoic with rocks 75 to 225 million years old; the
most recent era, the Cenozoic, has rocks from the present to 75 million years
old. Dividing these eras are periods. Beginning with the they are Cambrian,
Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Mississippian, Pennsylvanian and Permian, all
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
279279
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
in the Paleozoic Era. In the Mesozoic Era are the Triassic, Jurassic and
Cretaceous Periods. In the youngest era Cenozoic are the Tertiary and
Quaternary. Geologists have divided the Quarternary Period, identifying the
earlier epoch of the Quarternary Period as Pleistocene. Geologic time scale
the long periods of time dealt with and identified by geology. Geologic time is
divided into eras (Cenozoic, Mesozoic, Cambrian, and Precambrian), which are
subdivided into periods and epochs. When the age of a type of rock is
determined, it is assigned a place in the scale and thereafter referred to as
Mesozoic rock of the Triassic period and so on.
22008855.. GGEEOOLLOOGGIICCAALL SSTTRRUUCCTTUURREE
Layers of sedimentary rocks which have been displaced from their normal
horizontal position by the forces of nature. Folding, fracturing faulting (the
place where the strata have fractured and slipped by one another) are
geological structures that often form structural traps that are logical places to
find accumulations of oil and gas - and water.
22008866.. ggeeoollooggiisstt
a scientist who procures and interprets data pertaining to the strata of the
earth's crust.a person trained in the study of the earth's crust. A petroleum
geologist, In contrast to a hard-rock geologist, is primarily concerned with
sedimentary rocks where most of the world oil has been found. In general the
work of a petroleum geologist consists in searching for structural traps
favorable to the accumulation of oil and gas. In addition to deciding on
location to drill he may supervise the drilling, particularly with regard to
coring, logging, and running tests.
22008877.. GGEEOOLLOOGGIISSTT,, HHYYDDRROODDYYNNAAMMIICCSS
A geologist specializing in the study of the mechanics of fluids in underground
formations. His work involves analysis of the test data, the interpretation of
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
280280
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
fluid pressure from drilling wells and well logs, and applying his findings to
the solution of problems associated with oil and gas well exploration and
development.
22008888.. GGEEOOLLOOGGRRAAPPHH
A device on a drilling rig to record the drilling rate or rate of penetration
during each 8-hour tour. Geolograph a trade name for a patented device that
automatically records the rate of penetration and depth during drilling.
geology the science that relates to the study of the structure, origin, history,
and development of the earth and its inhabitants as revealed in the study of
rocks, formations, and fossils.
22008899.. GGEEOOLLOOGGYY
The science that deals with the history of the earth and its life as recorded in
the rocks.
22009900.. GGEEOOMMEETTRRYY OOFF AA RREESSEERRVVOOIIRR
A phrase used by petroleum and reservoir engineers meaning the shape of
reservoir of oil or gas.
222009922.. ggeeoopphhoonnee
an instrument that detects vibrations passing through the earth's crust, used
in conjunction with seismography. (See seismograph.) Geophones are often
called jugs.sensitive sound detecting instruments used in conducting seismic
surveys. A series of geophones are placed on the ground at intervals to detect
and transmit, to an amplifier-recording system, the reflected sound waves
created by explosions set off in the course of seismic exploration work.
22009933.. GGEEOOPPHHYYSSIICCAALL CCAAMMPP
Temporary headquarters Established in the field for geophysical teams
working the area. In addition to providing living quarters and a store of
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
281281
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
supplies, the camp has facilities for processing geophysical data gathered on
the field trips.
22009944.. GGeeoopphhyyssiiccaall SSuurrvveeyy
Searching and mapping the subsurface structure of the earth's crust using
geophysical methods (e.g. seismic) to locate probable reservoir structures
capable of producing commercial quantities of natural gas and/or crude oil.
22009955.. GGEEOOPPHHYYSSIICCAALL TTEEAAMM
A group of specialists working together to gather geophysical data. Their work
consists of drilling shot holes, placing explosive charges, setting out or
stringing geophones, detonating shot charges, and reading and interpreting
the results of the seismic shocks set off by the explosive charges.
22009966.. GGEEOOPPHHYYSSIICCSS
The application of certain familiar physical principles-magnetic attraction,
gravitational pull, speed of sound waves, the behavior of electric currents-to
the science of geology.
22009977.. ggeeoopprreessssuurree
abnormally high pressure exerted by some subsurface formations. The deeper
the formation lies, the higher the pressure it exerts on a wellbore drilled into
it.
22009988.. ggeeoossyynncclliinnee
a part of the earth's surface that sank over a long period of time, forming a
trough hundreds of miles long and tens of miles wide. Thousands of feet of
sedimentary and volcanic rock were formed in it over millions of years.
22009999.. ggeeootthheerrmmaall ggrraaddiieenntt
the increase in the temperature of the earth that follows increasing distance
from the surface. It averages about 1 F per 60 ft but may be considerably
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
282282
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
higher.The increase in temperature of the earth the deeper a hole is drilled.
The rate of increase in geothermal temperature is approximately one degree
Fahrenheit for each 55 feet of depth or more than 1OO'F. per mile of hole. In
very deep wells, the bottom-hole temperature is so hot (400 to SOO'F) that
special drilling mud formulations must be used. Plain water cannot be used
because the water in the returning drilling mud would vaporize, turn to steam
at the surface.
22110000.. GGEEOOTTHHEERRMMAALL PPOOWWEERR GGEENNEERRAATTIIOONN
The use of underground, natural heat sources, i.e., superheated water from
deep in the earth, to generate steam to power turboelectric generators.
22110011.. ggeeootthheerrmmaall rreesseerrvvooiirr
1. a subsurface layer of rock containing steam or hot water that is trapped in
the layer by overlying impermeable rocks. 2. a subsurface layer of rock that is
hot but contains little or no water. Geothermal reservoirs are a potential
source of energy.
22110022.. ggeerroonniimmoo
(See safety slide.)
222110044.. GGiillssoonniittee
a naturally occurring solid hydrocarbon belonging to the asphalt group. A
granular form of Gilsonite is sometimes used as a cement additive to prevent
lost ciruculation.A solid hydrocarbon with the general appearance of coal;
uintaite; a black, lustrous form of asphalt that, when treated and refined,
yields gasoline, fuel oil, and coke. Found in deposits in Utah.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
283283
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22110055.. ggiimmbbaall
a mechanical frame that permits an object mounted into it to remain in a
stationary or near stationary position regardless of movement of the frame.
Gimbals are often used offshore to counteract undesirable wave motion.
22110066.. GGIINN PPOOLLEE
(1) An A-frame made of sections of pipe mounted on the rear of a truck bed
that is used as a support or fixed point for the trucks winch line when lifting
or hoisting. (2) A vertical frame on the top of the derrick, spanning the crown
block, providing a support for hoisting. (3) A mast (q.v,).
22110077.. ggiinn--ppoollee ttrruucckk
a truck equipped with hoisting equipment and a pole or arrangement of poles
for use in lifting heavy machinery.
22110088.. GGIIRRBBIITTOOLL PPRROOCCEESSSS
A process used to "sweeten" sour gas by removing the hydrogen sulfide
(HB2BS).
22110099.. GGIIRRTT
One of the braces between the legs of a derrick; a supporting member. girt
none of the horizontal braces between the legs of a derrick.
22111100.. GGLL
ground level; used in drilling reports.
22111111.. ggllaanndd
a device used to form a seal around a reciprocating or rotating rod (as in a
pump) to prev6nt fluid leakage.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
284284
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22111122.. gglloobbee vvaallvvee
(See valve.)A type of pipeline valve that shuts off as the stem, rotated by the
hand wheel, moves a mating part downward onto a ground seat that is
integral to the valve body.
22111133.. ggllyyccooll
1. ethylene glycol. 2. any of the large class of dihydroxy alcohols (as
propylene glycol).
222111155.. ggllyyccooll ddeehhyyddrraattoorr
a processing unit used to remove all or most of the water from gas. Usually a
glycol unit includes a tower, in which the wet gas is put into contact with
glycol to remove the water, and a reboiler, which heats the wet glycol to
remove the water from it so it can be recycled.A facility for removing minute
particles of water from natural gas not removed by the separator.
222111177.. ggoo iinn tthhee hhoollee
to lower the drill stem into the wellbore.
22111188.. GGOO--DDEEVVIILL
A pipeline scraper, a cylindrical, plug-like device equipped with scraper
blades, rollers, and wire brushes used to clean the inside of a pipeline of
accumulations of wax, sand, rust, and water. When inserted in the line, the
go-devil is pushed along by the oil pressure. Also a missile dropped into the
well bore to detonate an explosive charge or to jar a downhole tool into
operation.a scraper with self-adjusting spring blades that is pumped through
a pipeline to clear away accumulations and deposits. to drop or pump a
device down a borehole, usually through the drill pipe or tubing.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
285285
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22111199.. ggoonnee ttoo wwaatteerr
pertaining to a well in which production of oil has decreased and production
of water has increased (e.g., "the well has gone to water"). A well in which
the production of oil has decreased and the production of water has increased
to the point where the well is no longer profitable to operate.
22112200.. GGOOOOSSEENNEECCKK
A nipple in the shape of an inverted U attached to the top of the swivel (q.v.)
and to which the mud hose is attached.the curved connection between the
rotary hose and swivel.
22112211.. GGOOOOSSIINNGG GGRRAASSSS
Cutting grass and weeds around the lease or tank farm, shaving the grass off
the ground with a sharp hoe-like tool, leaving the ground clean.
222112233.. GGOORR
Gas-oil ratio (q.v.).
222112255.. ggoovveerrnnoorr
any device that limits or controls the speed of an engine.
22112266.. ggppmm
gallons per minute.
22112277.. ggrr
gray; used in drilling reports.
22112288.. ggrraabbeenn
a block of the earth's crust that has slid downward between two faults; the
opposite of a horst.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
286286
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22112299.. GGRRAABBLLEE OOIILL WWEELLLL PPUUMMPP
A patented. drum-and-cable pumping unit that can be installed in a wellhead
cellar. The unit raises and lowers the pumping rods by winding and unwinding
cable on a drum or spoof. The low profile of the pumping unit makes it ideal
for use in populated areas, and to protect the beauty of the landscape.
22113300.. GGRRAADDIIEENNTTSS ((TTEEMMPPEERRAATTUURREE AANNDD PPRREESSSSUURREE))
The rates of increase or decrease of temperature or pressure are defined as
gradients; the rate of regular or graded ascent or descent.
22113311.. ggrraamm
(g)a unit of metric measure of mass and weight equal to 1/1,000 kg and
nearly equal to 1 cm' of water at its maximum density.
22113322.. ggrraamm mmoolleeccuullaarr wweeiigghhtt
(See molecular weight.)
22113333.. ggrraanniittee
an igneous rock composed primarily of feldspar, quartz, and mica. It usually
does not contain petroleum.
22113344.. GGRRAANNNNYYHHOOLLEE
The lowest, most powerful gear on a truck.
22113355.. GGRRAANNNNYYKKNNOOTT
A knot tied in such a way as to defy untying an improperly tied square knot;
·hatchet knot.
22113366.. GGRRAASSSS RROOOOTTSS
Said of a refinery or other installation built from the ground up as contrasted
to a plant merely enlarged or modernised.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
287287
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22113377.. ggrraassss--rroooottss rreeffiinneerryy
a refinery built from the ground up as opposed to an addition or modification
of an existing one.
22113388.. GGRRAAVVEELL IISSLLAANNDD
In some locations (in shallow water near shore) in the Arctic gravel is lands,
40 to 50 in diameter, are constructed to make a foundation area from which
to drill exploratory wells. Gravel is dredged from the sea bottom or
transported from a nearby liver or delta and dumped into holes cut in the ice.
See Drilling Island. also 1ce Platform.
22113399.. ggrraavveell ppaacckk
a mass of very fine gravel placed around a slotted liner in a well.
22114400.. ggrraavveell ppaacckkiinngg
a method of well completion in which a slotted or perforated liner is placed in
the well and surrounded by small sized gravel. The well is enlarged by under-
reaming at the point where the gravel is packed. The mass of gravel excludes
sand from intruding in the well but allows continued rapid production.Using
gravel to fill the cavity created around a well bore as it passes through the
producing zone to prevent caving or the incursion of sand and to facilitate the
flow of oil into the well bore.
22114411.. GGRRAAVVEEYYAARRDD SSHHIIFFTT
A tour of work beginning at midnight and ending at 8 a.m. In pipeline
operations, the graveyard shift is customarily from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Hoot-owl
shift.
22114422.. ggrraavveeyyaarrdd ttoouurr
the shift of duty on a drilling rig that starts at or about midnight. (See tour.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
288288
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22114433.. ggrraavviimmeetteerr
an instrument used to detect and measure minute differences in the earth's
gravitational pull at different locations to obtain data about subsurface
formations. geophysical instrument used to measure the minute variations in
the earth's gravitational pull at different locations. To the geophysicist, these
variations indicate certain facts about subsurface formations.
22114444.. GGRRAAVVIINNGG DDOOCCKK
A dry dock; a dock that can accept ships into an enclosure. When the water is
pumped out, the ship is left high and dry for repairs.
222114466.. GGRRAAVVIITTYY
(1)The attraction of the earth's mass for bodies or objects at or near the
surface. (2) Short for specific gravity; API gravity. (3) To flow through a
pipeline without the aid of a pump; to be pulled by the force of gravity.the
attraction exerted by the earth's mass on objects at its surface; the weight of
a body.(See API gravity and specific gravity.)
22114477.. ggrraavviittyy ddrraaiinnaaggee
the movement of oil in a reservoir toward a wellbore resulting from the force
of gravity. In the absence of water drive or effective gas drive, gravity
drainage is an important source of energy to produce oil. It is also called
segregation drive.
22114488.. GGRRAAVVIITTYY DDRRIIVVEE
A natural drive occurring where a well is drilled at a point lower than
surrounding areas of producing formations causing the oil to drain downhill
into the well bore. If the reservoir rock is highly permeable and dips sharply
toward the well there is usually good oil recovery.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
289289
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22114499.. GGRRAAVVIITTYY LLIINNEE
A pipeline that carries oil from a lease tank to pumping station without the
use of mechanical means; a line that transports liquid from one elevation to a
lower elevation by the force of gravity alone.
22115500.. GGRRAAVVIITTYY MMAAPPSS
Results of reconnaissance gravity surveys display of gravity measurements
taken in an area. See Gravimeter.
22115511.. GGRRAAVVIITTYY SSEEGGRREEGGAATTIIOONN
The separation of water from oil, or heavy from lighter hydrocarbons by the
force of gravity, either in the producing zone or by gravity in the separators
after production; the stratification of gas, oil, and water according to their
densities.
22115522.. GGRRAAVVIITTYY SSTTRRUUCCTTUURREE
An offshore drilling and production platform made of concrete and of such
tremendous weight that it is held securely on the ocean bottom without the
need for piling or anchors. One of the world's largest gravity structures is
located off the Scottish coast in the North Sea. Its general configuration is
that of a column mounted on a large circular base which has storage for 1
million barrels of crude. The base is 450 feet in diameter; the column is 180
feet in diameter and the overall height of the structure is about 550 feet.
22115533.. GGRREEAASSEE
(1) A lubricating substance (solid or semisolid) made from lubricating oil and
a thickening agent. The tube oils may be very light or heavy cylinder oils; the
thickening agent (usually soaps) may be any material that when mixed with
oil will produce a grease structure. (2) Colloquial for crude oil.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
290290
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22115544.. GGRREEEENN OOIILL
A paraffin-base crude oil. Asphalt-base crudes are sometimes referred to as
black oil.
22115555.. ggrreeeennssaanndd
a sand that contains considerable quantities of glauconite, a greenish mineral
composed of potassium, iron, and silicate, which gives the sand its color and
name.
22115566.. ggrriieeff sstteemm
(obsolete) kelly; kelly joint. grind out to test for the presence of water in oil
by use of a centrifuge.Kelly joint; the top joint of the rotary drill string that
works through the square hole in the rotary table. As the rotary table is
turned by the drilling engines, the grief stem and the drillpipe are rotated.
Grief stems are heavy, thick-walled tubular pieces with squared shoulders that
are made to fit into the hole in the rotary table.
222115588.. GGRRIINNDD OOUUTT
Colloquial for centrifuge; to test samples of crude oil or othe, liquid for
suspended material-water, emulsion, sand-by use of a centrifuge machine.
22115599.. ggrrnn
green; used in drilling reports.
22116600.. ggrroossss pprroodduuccttiioonn
the total production of oil from a well or lease during a specified period of
time.
22116611.. GGRROOSSSS PPRROODDUUCCTTIIOONN TTAAXX
A severance tax (q.v.); a tax usually imposed by a state, at a certain sum per
unit of mineral removed (barrels of oil, thousands or millions of cubic feet of
gas or tons of coal, sulphur, sand, and gravel).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
291291
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
222116633.. ggrroossss ttoonnnnaaggee
the entire interior capacity of a ship or mobile offshore drilling rig expressed
in tons equal to 100 ft2.
22116644.. ggrroouunndd bblloocckk
a wireline sheave, or pulley, fastened to the ground anchor that changes a
horizontal pull on a wireline to a vertical pull (as when swabbing with a
derrick over a well). (See block.)
22116655.. GGRROOUUNNDD--SSEEAATT UUNNIIOONN
A pipe coupling made in two parts; one half is convex, the other had concave
in shape, and booth ground to fit. A threaded ring holds the halves together,
pressuretight Used on small-diameter piping.
22116666.. GGRROOUUPPSSHHOOTT
Geophysical expiration performed for several individuals or companies on a
cost-sharing basis. The companies share the information as well as the cost.
This type arrangement is usually for offshore seismic surveys in which several
companies are planning to submit bids for offshore Leases offered in a
government lease sale.
22116677.. GGRROOUUTT
(1)A concrete mixture used to fill in around piling, caissons, heavy machinery
beds, and foundation work. (2) To stabilize and make permanent Grout is
usually a thin mixture that can be worked into crevices and beneath and
around structural forms.to force sealing material into a soil, sand, or rock
formation to stabilize it. the sealing material used in grouting.
22116688.. GGRROOWWLLEERRBBOOAARRDD
See Lazy Board.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
292292
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22116699.. GGRRUUBB SSTTAAKKEE AAGGRREEEEMMEENNTT
An agreement whereby one person undertakes to prospect for oil and agrees
to hand over to the person who furnishes the money or supplies a certain
proportionate interest in the oil discovered. This type of agreement is
common for solid minerals but is not often used in oil prospecting.
22117700.. gguuaarrdd
a metal shield placed around moving parts of machinery to lessen or avoid
the chance of injury to personnel.In the oil field, guards are used on
equipment such as belts, power-transmission chains, drums, flywheels and
drive shafts.
22117711.. gguuiiddee bbaassee
(See temporary guide base and permanent guide base.)
22117722.. gguuiiddee ffoossssiill
the petrified remains of plants or animals, useful for correlation and age
determination of the rock in which they were fount.
22117733.. gguuiiddee sshhooee
a short, heavy, cylindrical steel section, filled with concrete and rounded at
the bottom and placed at the end of the casing string. It prevents the casing
from snagging on irregularities in the borehole as it is lowered. A hole in the
center of the shoe allows drilling fluid to pass up into the casing while it is
being lowered and cement to pass out during cementing operations. A
22117744.. gguuiiddeelliinneess
lines, usually four, attached to the temporary guide base and permanent
guide base that help to accurately position equipment (as blowout preventers)
on the seafloor when a well is drilled offshore.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
293293
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22117755.. GGuullllyy,, tthhee
A major submarine canyon indenting the seaward edge of the Scotian Shelf,
which separates Banquereau and Sable Island Banks.
22117766.. GGUUMM BBOOOOTTSS
Rubber boots, the kind you pull on like a cowboy boot.
22117777.. GGUUMMBBOO
A heavy, sticky mud formed downhole by certain shales when they become
wet from the drilling fluid.any relatively sticky formation (as clay) encountered
in drilling.
22117788.. gguunn bbaarrrreell
a settling tank used to separate oil and water in the field. After emulsified oil
is heated and treated with chemicals, it is pumped into the gun barrel, where
the water settles out and is drawn off and the clean oil flows out to storage.
Gun barrels have largely been replaced by unified heater-treater equipment
but are still common, especially in older fields.
22117799.. GGUUNN PPEERRFFOORRAATTIIOONN
A method of putting holes in a well's casing downhole in which explosive
charges lowered into the hole propel steel projectiles through the casing wall.
(Casing is perforated to permit the oil from the formation to enter the well.)
22118800.. gguunn--ppeerrffoorraattee
to create holes in casing and cement set through a productive formation. A
common method of completing a well is to set casing through the oil-bearing
formation and cement it. A perforating gun is then lowered into the hole and
fired to detonate high-powered jets or shoot steel projectiles (bullets) through
the casing and cement and into the pay zone. The formation fluids flow out of
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
294294
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
the reservoir through the perforations and into the wellbore. (See jet-
perforate.)
22118811.. GGUUNNKK
The collection of dirt, paraffin, oil, mill scale, rust, and other debris that is
cleaned out of a pipeline when a scraper or a pig is put through the line.
22118822.. gguunnkk ssqquueeeezzee
a bentonite and diesel-oil mixture that is pumped down the drill pipe to mix
with drilling mud being pumped up the annulus. The stiff, puttylike material is
squeezed into lost-circulation zones to isolate them from the wellbore.
222118844.. gguusshheerr
an oil well that has come in with such great pressure that the oil jets out of
the well like a geyser. In reality, a gusher is a blowout and is extremely
wasteful of reservoir fluids and drive energy. In the early days of the oil
industry, gushers were common, and many times were the only indications
that a large reservoir of oil and gas had been struck.A well that comes in with
such great pressure that the oil blows out of the wellhead and up into the
derrick, like a geyser. With improved drilling technology, especially the use of
drilling mud to control downhole pressures, gushers are rare today. See
Blowout.
222118866.. gguuyy lliinnee
a wireline attached to a mast or derrick to stabilize it. The lines that provide
the main support for the structure are load guys; the lines attached to ground
anchors for lateral support are wind guys.
222118888.. GGUUYY WWIIRREE
A cable or heavy wire used to hold a pole or mast upright. The end of the guy
wire is attached to a stake or a deadman (q.v.).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
295295
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22118899.. gguuyy--lliinnee aanncchhoorr
a buried weight or anchor to which a guy line is attached. (See dead-man.)
22119900.. GGYYPP
Boiler scale; a residue or deposit from "hard water," water with high
concentrations of minerals. Pipe and vessels handling hard water become
gypped up as the minerals form a hard, rock-like layer on the inner surfaces
Gypsum.
22119911.. ggyyppssuumm
a naturally occurring crystalline form of hydrous calcium sulfate. (See calcium
sulfate and anhydrite.)
22119922.. ggyyrroossccooppiicc ssuurrvveeyyiinngg iinnssttrruummeenntt
a device used to determine direction in and angle at which a wellbore is
drifting off the vertical. Unlike a magnetic surveying instrument, a gyroscopic
instrument obtains direction and is not affected by magnetic irregularities that
may be caused by casing or other ferrous metals. (See directional survey and
directional drilling.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
296296
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
222119944.. hh
hour.
22119955.. HH22SS
Hydrogen sulfide (q.v.).
22119966.. HHAABBEENNDDUUMM CCLLAAUUSSEE
The clause in a lease setting forth the duration of the lessee's interest in the
property. An habendum clause might read, "it is agreed that this lease shall
remain in force for a term of five years from this date and for as long
thereafter as oil or gas, of whatever kind, or either of them is produced or
drilling operations are continued as hereinafter provided." The primary term in
this case is 5 years. See Primary Term.
22119977.. HHAALLFF SSOOLLEE
A metal patch for a corroded section of pipeline. The patch is cut from a
length of pipe of the same diameter as the one to be repaired. Half solos can
be from six to 12 feet in length and are placed over the pitted or corroded
section of the pipe and welded in place with a bead around the entire
perimeter of the half sole.
22119988.. hhaallff--lliiffee
the amount of time needed for half of a quantity of radioactive substance to
decay or transmute into a nonradioactive substance. Half-lives range from
fractions of seconds to millions of years.
222220000.. hhaammmmeerr ddrriillll
a drilling tool that, when placed in the drill stem just above a rollercone bit,
delivers high-frequency percussion blows to the rotating bit. Hammer drilling
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
297297
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
combines the basic features of rotary and cable-tool drilling (i.e., bit rotation
and percussion). to use such a tool.
22220011.. hhaammmmeerr tteesstt
a method of locating thick-walled, corroded sections of pipe by striking the
pipe with a hammer. When struck, a corroded section resounds differently
than a noncorroded section.
222220033.. hhaanndd
a worker in the oil industry, especially one in the field.
22220044.. HHAANNDD MMOONNEEYY
See Earnest Money.
22220055.. hhaannddrraaiill
a railing or pipe along a passageway or stair that serves as a support or
guard.
22220066.. HHAANNDDYY
Hand-tight; a pipe connection or nut that can be unscrewed by hand.
22220077.. HHAANNGG AA WWEELLLL OOFFFF
To disconnect the pull-rod line from a pumping jack or pumping unit being
operated from a central power (q.v.). On a lease with a number of stripper
wells, the pumper knows each well and how long it should be pumped. As a
result he may "hang a well off" after six hours of pumping, others after 12
hours or so. Strippers which make 10 barrels or less of oil a day rarely are
pumped 24 hours a day.
222220099.. hhaanngg rrooddss
to suspend sucker rods in a derrick or mast on rod hangers rather than place
them horizontally on a rack.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
298298
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
222221111.. HHAANNGG TTHHEE RROODDSS
To pull the pump rods out of the well and hang them in the derrick on rod
hangers. On portable pulling units, the rods are hung outside the derrick. On
shallow wells with short strings of rods, they may be pulled from the well by a
simple pulling unit consisting only of a guyed mast. If this is the case, the
rods are pulled, unscrewed and layed down, i.e., layed out horizontal on a
rack.
22221122.. HHAANNGGEERR,, RROODD
See Rod Hanger.
22221133.. HHAANNGGIINNGG IIRROONN
A colloquial expression for the job of Assembling a high-pressure, heavy. duty
blowout preventer stack or production tree. Some of the valve assemblies
weigh thousands of pounds or more so they must be hoisted into place,
aligned, and bolted to their mating piece.
22221144.. hhaarrdd bbaannddiinngg
hard facing.
222221166.. hhaarrdd ffaacciinngg
an extremely hard material, usually crushed tungsten carbide, that is applied
to the outside surfaces of tool joints, drill collars, stabilizers, and other rotary
drilling tools to minimize wear when they are in contact with the wall of the
hole.
22221177.. hhaarrdd hhaatt
a metal or hard plastic helmet worn by oil-field workers to minimize the
danger of being injured by falling objects.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
299299
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22221188.. hhaarrdd wwaatteerr
water that contains dissolved compounds of calcium, magnesium, or both.
Compare soft water.
222222200.. HHAARRDDBBAANNDDIINNGG
Laying on a coating or surface of super-hard metal on a softer metal part at a
point or on an area of severe wear or abrasion. Putting a hard surface on a
softer metal by welding or other metallurgical process. Where it may be
impractical or prohibited by structural constraints to manufacture a part from
the harder metal, a coaching or hard-surfacing of the part is a practical
solution. Also called hardfacing.
22222211.. HHAARRDDFFAACCIINNGG
See Hardbanding.
22222222.. HHAARRDDWWAARREE
(1) Electronic and mechanical components of a computer system, e.g. storage
drums, scanners, printers, computers. (2) Mechanical equipment, parts, tools.
22222233.. HHAARRDDWWAARREECCLLOOTTHH
A type of galvanized metal screen that can be bought in hole sizes. e.g. 1/8,
1/4, 1/2 inch, etc. The holes are square.
22222244.. HHAARRDDWWIIRREE ((TTEELLEEMMEETTRRYY))
Describes a system of communication or information transmission using
electric wire from point to point instead of electronic or wireless transmission.
22222255.. HHAATT--TTYYPPEE FFOOUUNNDDAATTIIOONN
A metal base or foundation i@, the shape of an inverted, rectangular cake
pan. Hat-type foundations are used for small pumps and engines or other
installations not requiring solid, permanent foundations.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
300300
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22222266.. hhaattcchh
1. an opening in the roof of a tank through which a gauging line may be
lowered to measure its contents. 2. -the opening from the deck into the cargo
space of ships.
22222277.. HHAATTCCHHEETT KKNNOOTT
A knot that defies untying and so must be cut; a granny knot.
222222299.. HHAAUULLAASSSS
An inelegant term meaning to leave a place with all haste; vamoose; split.
222223311.. HHAAWWSSEERR
A large-diameter hemp or nylon rope for towing, mooring, or securing a ship
or barge.
22223322.. hhaayy sseeccttiioonn
a section of a heater or a heater-treater that is filled with fibrous material
through which oil and water emulsions are filtered.
222223344.. hhaayyrraacckk
(obsolete) a rack used to hold pipe on a derrick; a fingerboard.
22223355.. hhaazzaarrdd
an object or condition, related to equipment, site, or envirorlment, that
presents or causes a risk of accident or fire.
22223366.. hheeaadd
a quantity of fluid that flows out of a well intermittently rather than
continuously; hydraulic head.
22223377.. HHEEAADD WWEELLLL
A well that makes its best production by being pumped or flowed
intermittently. Such a well lacks sufficient gas pressure to flow steadily and
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
301301
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
must wait for the tubing to load up with oil until enough gas accumulates to
force the oil up the tubing and out to the tanks. If the well cannot accumulate
enough gas pressure to overcome the hydrostatic head, represented by the
column of oil in the tubing, the well must be pumped.
22223388.. hheeaadd wweellll ppuulllleerr
crew chief.
22223399.. HHEEAADD,, HHYYDDRROOSSTTAATTIICC
See Hydrostatic Head.
HHEEAADDAACCHHEE POST
A frame over a truck cab that prevents pipe or other material being hauled
from failing on the cab; a sot under the walking beam to prevent it from
failing on the drilling crew when it is disconnected from the crank and pitman
(q.v.).
22224400.. HHEEAADDAACCHHEEII
A warning cry given by a fellow worker when anything is accidentally dropped
or fails from overhead toward another worker.
22224411.. HHEEAADDEERR
A large-diameter pipe into which a number of smaller pipes are
perpendicularly welded or screwed; a collection point for oil or gas gathering
lines, See Manifold.
22224422.. hheeaaddggaattee
the gate valve nearest the pump or compressor on oil or gas lines.
HEADING
An Intermittent or unsteady flow of oil from a well. This type of flow is often
caused by a lack of gas to produce a steady flow thus allowing the well's
tubing to load up with oil until enough gas accumulates to force the oil out.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
302302
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22224433.. hheeaatt eexxcchhaannggeerr
(See exchanger.)
22224444.. HHEEAATT EEXXCCHHAANNGGEERR,, FFIINNNNEEDD TTUUBBEE
Small-diameter pipe or tubing with thin metal fins attached to the outer
circumference for cooling water and other liquids or gases. Finned tube
exchangers cool by giving up heat from the surface of the fins to the
atmosphere in a manner similar to an automobile radiator. Heat exchangers
are not only for cooling but for heat recovery systems as well. In some plants
finned tube exchangers are built in ductwork through which the exhaust gas
of a turbine flows at 800'F. Oil or process liquids are pumped through the
exchanger tubes to use the waste heal, to heat the process stream or to
make steam.
22224455.. HHEEAATT EEXXCCHHAANNGGEERR,, HHAAIIRRPPIINN
A type of shell and tube exchanger with tubes inside a 12 to 18-inch diameter
shell which may extend 20 to 30 feet and then doubles back the same
distance like a hairpin. Hairpin exchangers may have bare or finned tubes
inside the shelf.
22224466.. HHEEAATT EEXXCCHHAANNGGEERR,, PPLLAATTEE
A relatively low-pressure heat exchanger that uses thin-walled plates as its
heat transfer elements. Because of its thin walls, plate exchangers exhibit a
much higher heat transfer coefficient thin tie more Conventional Shell and
tube exchangers. However, because of their less-sturdy construction there are
pressure limits to their use.
22224477.. HHEEAATT EEXXCCHHAANNGGEERR,, SSHHEELLLL AANNDD TTUUBBEE
A common type of industrial heat exchanger with a "bundle" of small-
diameter pipes (tubes) inside a long, cylindrical steel shell. The tubes (50 to
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
303303
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
100 in small units, several hundred in larger ones) run parallel to the shell
and are supported, equidistant, by perforated steel end plates. The space
inside the shell not filled with tubes carries the cooling water or other liquid.
The liquid to he cooled is pumped through the tubes. Heat exchangers act not
only as a cooling apparatus but are often used as a waste heat recovery
system. Heat normally lost to a cooling medium can be used to heat a stream
22224488.. HHEEAATT PPIIPPEE,, GGRRAAVVIITTYY RREETTUURRNN
A type of passive heat exchanger (requiring no external energy source) that
draws heal from a heat source and gives up heat to a heat sink, the
atmosphere in most cases. In its basic form a heat pipe consists of a closed
tube (the shell) two to six inches in diameter and as long as need be. The
shell has a porous wick made of fine metal mesh in the inside circumference
extending from top to bottom. The shell also contains a quantity of working
liquid which may be anhydrous ammonia, liquid metals, glycerine, methanol,
or acetone. Heat taken in or absorbed at the lower end of the boat pipe, the
end in contact with the heat source, cause,, the liquid to evaporate and move
up the pipe as a vapor. The dissipation of the heat at the upper end
condenses the vapor which, as a liquid, moves back down the pipe in the wick
by gravity or capillary action. The continuous cycle of vaporization and
condenation within the closed pipe makes the heat pipe an efficient, natural-
convection heat transfer loop. On the trans-Alaska pipeline, thousands of heat
pipes were installed along the big line to maintain the frozen soil around the
vertical support members.
22224499.. HHEEAATT TTAAPPEE
An electrical heating element made in the form of an insulated wire or tape
used as a tracer line to provice heat to a pipeline or instrument piping. The
heat tape is held in direct contact with the piping by a covering of insulation.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
304304
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22225500.. HHEEAATT TTRRAACCIINNGG
The paralleling of instrumentation, product or heavy crude oil, lines with
small-diameter steam piping or electrical heat tape to keep the fines from
freezing or to warm the product or instrument fluid sufficiently to keep them
flowing freely. Heat tracing lines. whether steam or electrical tape, are
attached parallel to the host piping and both are covered with insulation.
22225511.. HHEEAATTEERR
(1)An installation used to heat the stream from high-pressure gas and
condensate wells (especially in winter) to prevent the formation of hydrates, a
residue which interferes with the operation of the separator. (2) A refinery
furnace.
222225533.. HHEEAATTEERR,, PPIIPPEELLIINNEE
An installation fitted with heating coils or tubes for heating certain crude oil to
keep it "thin" enough to be pumped through a pipeline. Crudes with high pour
points (congealing at ordinary temperatures) must be heated before they can
be moved by pipeline.
22225544.. hheeaatteerr--ttrreeaatteerr
a vessel that heats an emulsion and removes water and gas from the oil to
raise it to a quality acceptable for pipeline transmission. A heater-treater is a
combination of a heater, free-water knockout, and oil and gas separator.
222225566.. hheeaavvee
the vertical motion of a ship or floating offshore drilling rig.
222225588.. hheeaavvee ccoommppeennssaattoorr
a device that moves with the heave of a floating offshore drilling rig to
prevent the bit from being lifted off the bottom of the hole and then dropped
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
305305
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
back down (i.e., to maintain constant weight on the bit). It is used with
devices such as bumper subs. (See motion Compensator.)
22225599.. HHEEAAVVYY BBOOTTTTOOMMSS
A thick, back ,residue left over from the refining process after all lighter
fractions are off. Heavy bottoms are used for residual fuel and/or asphalt.
222226611.. HHEEAAVVYY CCRRUUDDEE OOIILL
Crude oil of 20' API gravity or less, There are perhaps billions of barrels of
heavy oil still in place in the U.S. which require special production techniques,
notably steam injection or steam soak, to extract them from the underground
formations. Because heavy crude oil is more costly to produce, it and other
types of oil are eligible for free market or world prices.
22226622.. HHEEAAVVYY EENNDDSS
In refinery parlance, heavy ends are the heavier fractions of refined oil fuel
oils, tubes, paraffin, and asphalt-remaining after the lighter fractions have
been distilled off. See Light Ends.
22226633.. HHEEAAVVYY FFUUEELL OOIILL
A residue of crude oil refining processes. The product remaining after the
lighter fractions-gasoline, kerosene, lubricating oils, wax, and distillate fuels-
have been extracted from the crude; residual fuel oil.
22226644.. HHEEAAVVYY MMEETTAALL
Spent uranium or tungsten. Heavy metal is used to make drill tools to add
weight to the drill assembly. Drill collars made of heavy metal weigh twice as
much as those made of steel, and are used to stablize the bit and to force it
to make a straighter hole, with less deviation from the vertical.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
306306
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22226655.. HHEEAAVVYY OOIILL PPRROOCCEESSSS ((HHOOPP))
A steam injection process developed by a subsidiary of Barber Oil Corporation
in which steam is injected through horizontal lines into subsurface oil sands
containing heavy oil, oil of 20" API gravity or less. Conventional steamflooding
employs vertical holes through which steam is injected. In the horizontal
method, a seven-loot diameter shaft is drilled into the relatively shallow
formation. After it is cased, workman construct a concrete cavern 25 feet in
diameter and 20 feet high. From this work area, lateral holes are drilled
several hundred feet in all directions. Perforated pipe is inserted in the drilled
holes to carry steam. The steam, injected under pressure, soaks the
formation. causing the highly viscous oil to separate from the sand and flow
into the laterals after the steam injection is halted.
22226666.. hheeaavvyy wweeiigghhtt ddrriillllppiippee
drill pipe having thicker walls and longer tool-joints than usual as well as an
integral wear pad in the middle. Several joints of this pipe may be placed in
the drill stem between drill collars and regular drill pipe to reduce the chances
of drill pipe fatigue or failure.
22226677.. HHEEAAVVYY--WWAALLLL DDRRIILLLLPPIIPPEE
Drillpipe with thicker walls than regular drilipipe. Heavy-wall is sometimes
used in the drillstring to reduce the number of larger diameter and stiffer drill
collars. This is true in directional drilling and even in straight holes in certain
areas of the country. Some of the advantages of heavy-wall pipe over drill
collars are Heavy-wall can be handled at the rig floor by regular drillpipe
elevators and slips and can be racked in the rig like regular pipe.
222226699.. HHEECCTTAARREE
A metric unit of land measurement equal to 1 0,000 square meters or 2.47
acres. Abbreviation - ha.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
307307
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
222227711.. hheeeell
the inclination of a ship or floating offshore drilling rig to one side caused by
wind, waves, or shifting weights on board.
22227722.. HHeelliiddeecckk
A landing area for helicopters.
22227733.. HHEEPPTTAANNEE
A liquid hydrocarbon of the paraffin series. Although heptane is a liquid at
ordinary atmospheric conditions, it is sometimes present in small amounts in
natural gas.
222227755.. hheerrttzz
a unit of frequency measurement equal to one cycle per second. hexane a
saturated hydrocarbon of the paraffin series; one of the heavy m& in a
hydrocarbon mixture.
22227766.. HHEEXXAANNEE
A hydrocarbon traction of the paraffin series. At ordinary atmospheric
conditions hexane is a liquid but often occurs in small amounts in natural gas.
22227777.. HHGGOORR
high gas-oil ratio; used in drilling reports.
22227788.. HHHHPP
Hydraulic horsepower a designation for a type of very-high-pressure plunger
pump used in downhole operations such as cementing, hydrofracturing, and
acidizing.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
308308
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22227799.. HHII--BBOOYY
A skid-mounted or wheeled tank with a hand-operated pump mounted on top
used to dispense kerosene, gasoline, or lubricating oil to small shops and
garages.
22228800.. HHIIDDEE TTHHEE TTHHRREEAADDSS
To make up (tighten) a joint of screw pipe until all the threads on the end of
the joint are screwed into the collar, hiding the threads and making a
leakproof connection.
22228811.. HHIIGGHH
A geological term for the uppermost part of an inclined structure where the
likelihood of finding oil is considered to be the greatest. As oil and gas tend to
accumulate at the top of underground structures, traps and domes, the
higher up on the structure a well is drilled the better the chances of
encountering oil and avoiding the underlying water.
22228822.. HHIIGGHH BBOOTTTTOOMM
A condition in a field stock tank when BS&W (basic sediment and water) has
accumulated at the bottom of the tank to a depth making it impossible to
draw out the crude oil without taking some of the BS with it into the pipeline.
When this condition occurs the operator (lease pumper) must have the tank
cleaned before the pipeline company will run the tank of oil.
22228833.. HHIIGGHH--PPRREESSSSUURREE GGAASS IINNJJEECCTTIIOONN
Introduction of gas into a reservoir in quantities exceeding the volumes
produced in order to maintain reservoir pressure high enough to achieve
mixing between the gas an 1 reservoir oil. See Solution Gas.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
309309
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
222228855.. hhiigghh--pprreessssuurree ssqquueeeezzee cceemmeennttiinngg
the forcing of cement slurry into a well at the points to be sealed with a final
pressure equal to or greater than the formation breakdown pressure. (See
squeeze cementing.)
22228866.. HHIISSTTOORRYY OOFF AA WWEELLLL
A written account of all aspects of the drilling, completion, and operation of a
well. (Well history is required in some states.) Well histories include
formations encountered, depths. size and amount of casing, mud program,
any difficulties, coring record, cementing and perforating. etc.
22228877.. HHOOCCMM
heavily oil-cut mud; used in drilling reports.
222228899.. hhooggggiinngg
the distortion of the hull of an offshore drilling rig when the bow and stern
are lower than the middle caused by wave action or unbalanced or heavy
loads.
22229900.. hhooiisstt
an arrangement of pulleys and wire rope or chain used for lifting heavy
objects; a winch or similar device; the drawworks.
222229922.. hhooiissttiinngg ccaabbllee
the cable that supports the drill pipe, swivel, hook, and traveling block on a
rotary drilling rig.
22229933.. HHOOIISSTTIINNGG DDRRUUMM
A powered reel holding rope or cable for hoisting and pulling a winch. See
Draw Works.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
310310
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22229944.. hhooiissttiinngg pplluugg
a plug with extended shoulder surfaces screwed into the ends pf drill collars
to permit a safe lifting with elevators; also called a lifting sub or lifting nipple.
22229955.. HHOOLLDD DDOOWWNN//HHOOLLDD UUPP
Oscillating anchoring devices or supports for a shackle-rod line to hold the rod
line to the contour of the land it traverses. The devices are timbers or lengths
of pipe hinged to a deadman or overhead support at one end, the other end
attached to and supposing the moving rod line.
22229966.. hhoolldd--ddoowwnn
a mechanical arrangement that prevents the upward movement of certain
pieces of equipment installed in a well. A sucker-rod pump may use a
mechanical hold-down for attachment to a seating nipple.
22229977.. hhoollee
the borehole. (See also mousehole and rathole.)
22229988.. HHOOLLEE OOPPEENNEERR
A type of reamer used to increase the diameter of the well bore below the
casing. The special tool is equipped with cutter arms that are expanded
against the wall of the hole and by rotary action reams a larger diameter hole.
22229999.. hhoolliiddaayy
a gap or void in coating on a pipeline or in paint on a metal surface.
222330011.. hhoolliiddaayy ddeetteeccttoorr
an electrical device used to locate a weak place, or holiday, in coatings on
pipelines and equipment.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
311311
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22330022.. HHOOLLIIDDAAYYSS
Breaks or I laws in the protective coating of a joint of line pipe. Holidays are
detected by electronic testing devices as the pipe is being laid. When
detected, the breaks are manually coated. See Jeeping.
22330033.. hhoollllooww ccaarrrriieerr gguunn
a perforating gun consisting of a hollow, cylindrical metal tube into which are
loaded shaped charges or bullets. Upon detonation, debris caused by the
exploding charges falls into the carrier to be retrieved with the reusable gun.
22330044.. hhoommoocclliinnee
a series of beds dipping in the same direction.
22330055.. hhoonneeyyccoommbb ffoorrmmaattiioonn
a stratum of rock that contains large void spaces; a cavernous or vugular
formation.
22330066.. HHOOOOKK
The hook attached to the frame of the rig's traveling block (q.v.) and which
engages the bail of the swivel in drilling operations. See Hook-load Capacity.
22330077.. HHOOOOKK BBLLOOCCKK
A pulley or shrive mounted in wooden or metal frame to which a hook is
attached. A hook block may have more than one sheave mounted in the
frame a traveling block (q.v.).
22330088.. hhooookk llooaadd ccaappaacciittyy
the nominal rated load capacity of a portable hoist and mast arrangement,
usually calculated by an API formula.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
312312
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22330099.. hhooookk--wwaallll ppaacckkeerr
a packer equipped with friction blocks or drag springs and slips and designed
so that rotation of the pipe unlatches the slips. The friction springs pre. vent
the slips and hook from turning with the pipe and assist in advancing the slips
up a tapered sleeve to engage the wall of the outside pipe as weight is put on
the packer. It is also called a wall-hook packer.
22331100.. HHOOOOKKSS
Pipe-laying tongs named for the shape of the pipe-gripping head of the
scissors-like wrench.
22331111.. HHOOOOKKUUPP
To make a pipeline connection to a tank, pump, or a well. The arrangement
of pipes, nipples, flanges, and valves in such a connection.
22331122.. hhooppppeerr
a large funnel through which solid materials may be passed and n-mixed with
a liquid injected through a connection at the bottom. The hopper is used to
mix cement slurry, combine clay and oil or water to make drilling fluid, and so
on.
22331133.. HHOORRIIZZOONN
A zone of a particular formation; that part of a formation of sufficient porosity
and permeability to form a petroleum reservoir.
22331144.. HHOORRIIZZOONNTTAALL AASSSSIIGGNNMMEENNTT
The assignment of an interest in oil or gas above or below a certain depth in
a well, or an assignment can specify a particular formation.
22331155.. HHOORRIIZZOONNTTAALL DDIIRREECCTTIIOONNAALL DDRRIILLLLIINNGG
Drilling with a specially designed slant rig (q.v.) at an angle from the
horizontal beneath a stream, canal. or ship channel. This type of directional
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
313313
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
drilling has been perfected and is used to make pipeline crossings where
dredging a trench across a waterway is too costly or too disruptive of ship
traffic and a bridge or A-frame supported line is prohibited by the authorities.
22331166.. HHOORRIIZZOONNTTAALL IINNTTEEGGRRAATTIIOONN
Refers to the condition in which a diversified company has resources or
investments other than its principal business, and from which it makes a
profit. Specifically, an oil company is said to be horizontally integrated when,
besides oil and gas holdings. it owns coal deposits, is into nuclear energy, oil
shale and geothermal energy. See Vertical Integration.
222331188.. hhoorrssee hheeaadd
the curved section on the oil-well end of the walking beam of a beampumping
unit from which the bridle is suspended.
22331199.. HHOORRSSEEFFEEEEDD
An old oil field term for unexplainable expense account items in the days of
the teamster and line rider who were given an allowance for horse feed.
Expenses that needed to be masked in anonymity were simply listed "horse
feed."
222332211.. HHOORRSSEEPPOOWWEERR
A unit of power equivalent to 33,000 foot-pounds a minute or 745.7 watts of
electricity.
22332222.. HHOORRSSEEPPOOWWEERR,, IINNDDIICCAATTEEDD AANNDD BBRRAAKKEE
See Indicated and Brake Horsepower.
22332233.. hhoorrsstt
a block of the earth's crust that has been raised up between two faults; the
opposite of a graben.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
314314
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22332244.. HHOORRTTOONNSSPPHHEERREE
A spherical steel tank for the storage, under pressure, of volatile petroleum
products, e.g. gasoline, and LP-gases; also Hortonspheroid, a flattened
spherical tank, resembling somewhat a tangerine in shape. As vessels
subjected to high internal pressures tend to take the shape of a sphere. the
tanks designed to hold liquid or gases under pressure are made spherical or
nearly so to handle internal pressures of several hundred pounds per square
inch safely, without distortion and undue stress.
22332255.. HHOOTT FFOOOOTTIINNGG
Installing a heater at the bottom of an input well to increase the flow of
heavy crude oil from the production wells. See Hot-fluid Injection.
222332277.. hhoott ooiill
oil produced in violation of state regulations or transported interstate in
violation of federal regulations.
22332288.. HHOOTT OOIILL ((FFOORRIIEEGGNN))
A term applied to oil produced by a host country after the host country
confiscates the assets of a foreign oil company.
22332299.. HHOOTT PPAASSSS
A term describing a "bead" or course of molten metal laid down in welding a
pipeline. The hot pass is the course laid down on top of the stringer bead,
which is the first course in welding a pipeline. See Pipeline Welding.
22333300.. hhoott ssppoott
an abnormally hot place on a casing coupling when a joint is making up. It
usually indicates worn threads on the pipe and in the coupling.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
315315
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22333311.. HHOOTT TTAAPPPPIINNGG
Making repairs or modifications on a tank, Pipeline, or other installation
without shutting down operations. See Tapping and Plugging Machine.
22333322.. HHOOTT--FFLLUUIIDD IINNJJEECCTTIIOONN
A method of thermal oil recovery, in which hot fluid (water, gas, or steam) is
injected into a formation to increase the flow of low-gravity crude to
production wells.
22333333.. HHOOTT--HHEEAADD EENNGGIINNEE
A hot-plug engine (q.v.); at "semidiesel."
22333344.. hhoott--ooiill ttrreeaattmmeenntt
the treatment of a producing well with heated oil to melt accumulated
paraffin in the tubing and annulus.
22333355.. HHOOTT--PPLLUUGG EENNGGIINNEE
A stationary diesel-cycle engine that is started by first heating an alloy-metal
plug in the cylinder head that protrudes into the firing chamber. The hot plug
assists in the initial ignition of the diesel fuel until engine reaches operating
speed and temperature. Afterwards the plug remains hot, helping to provide
heat for ignition, hot-tube engine hot head See Somidiesel.
22333366.. HHOOUUDDRRYY,, EEUUGGEENNEE JJ..
A pioneer in developing the use of catalysts in cracking crude oil. Houdry, a
wealthy Frenchman, was a World War 1 hero and auto racer. It is said his
interest in cars fed him to experiment with more efficient methods of refining
and to work with various catalysts until he perfected the catalytic cracking
process that bears his name. Although there are several cracking processes in
use today, Houdry's work is credited with ushering in the era of catalytic
cracking. See Hydrocracking.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
313166
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22333377.. HHOOUUSSEE BBRRAANNDD ((GGAASSOOLLIINNEE))
An oil company's regular gasoline; a gasoline bearing the company's name.
222333399.. HHOOVVEERRCCRRAAFFTT
See Air Cushion Transport.
222334411.. hhpp
horsepower.
222334433.. hhpp--hh
horsepower-hour.
22334444.. HHRRMMNNGG TTHHEE HHOOOOKKSS
Working on a pipeline, screwing in joints of pipe using pipe tongs. an
expression used by the tong crew of a pipeline gang. The tong crews on
large-diameter screw pipelines (up to about 12-inch pipe) hit the hooks in
perfect rhythms. With three sets of tongs on the joint being screwed in, each
large tong, run by two or three men, made a stroke every third beat of the
collar pecker's hammer (q.v.) until the joint was nearly screwed in. Then the
three tongs, with all six t)r nine men. hit together to "hide the threads," to
tighten the joint the final and most difficult round.
22334455.. hhuuffff--aanndd--ppuuffff iinnjjeeccttiioonn
(slang) cyclic steam injects.
22334466.. hhuullll
the framework of a vessel including all decks, plating, columns, and so on but
excluding machinery.
22334477.. HHUUMMPPHHRREEYYSS,, DDRR..RR..EE..
A petroleum chemist who worked with Dr.W.M. Burton in developing the first
commercially successful petroleum cracking process using heat-and pressure.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
317317
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22334488.. HHUUNNDDRREEDD--YYEEAARR SSTTOORRMM CCOONNDDIITTIIOONNSS
A specification for certain types of offshore installations-production and
drilling platforms, moorings, and offshore storage facilities-is that they be
built to withstand winds of 125 miles an hour and "hundred-year storm
conditions"; the biggest blow on record.
22334499.. hhuunnttiinngg
a surge of engine speed to a higher number of revolutions per minute (rpm)
followed by a drop to normal speed without manual movement of the throttle.
It is often caused by a faulty or improperly adjusted governor.
222335511.. HHUURRRRYY--UUPP SSTTIICCKK
The name given to the length of board with a hole in one end which the
cable-toot driller used to turn the T-screw at the end of the temper screw
(q.v.) when the walking beam was in motion. This enabled the driller to
perform the job of letting out the drilling line easily and rapidly.
22335522.. HHyyddrraaffrraacc
the copyrighted name of a method of hydraulic fracturing to increase
productivity.
22335533.. hhyyddrraattee
a hydrocarbon and water compound that is formed under reduced
temperature and pressure in gathering, compression, and transmission
facilities for gas. Hydrates often accumulate in troublesome amounts and
impede fluid flow. They resemble snow or ice. to enlarge by taking water on
or in.
22335544.. hhyyddrraatteedd lliimmee
calcium hydroxide; a dry powder obtained by treating quicklime with enough
water to satisfy its chemical affinity for water. Chemical symbol is Ca(OH)B2B.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
318318
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22335555.. hhyyddrraauulliicc ccoonnttrrooll ppoodd
a device used on offshore drilling rigs to provide a way to actuate and control
subsea blowout preventers from the rig. Hydraulic lines from the rig enter the
pods, through which fluid is sent toward the preventers. Usually two pods,
painted different colors, are used, each to safeguard and back up the other.
22335566.. hhyyddrraauulliicc ccoouupplliinngg
a fluid connection between a prime mover and the machine it drives that uses
the action of liquid moving against blades to drive the machine.
22335577.. hhyyddrraauulliicc fflluuiidd
a liquid of low viscosity (as light oil) that is used in systems actuated by liquid
(as the brake system in a modern passenger car).
22335588.. HHYYDDRRAAUULLIICC FFRRAACCTTUURRIINNGG
A method of stimulating production from a formation of low permeability by
inducing fractures and fissures in the formation by applying very high fluid.
pressure to the face of the formation. forcing the strata apart, Various
Patented techniques. using the same principle, are employed by oil field
service companies.
22335599.. hhyyddrraauulliicc hheeaadd
the pressure caused by tne weight of a column of liquid upon a unit area
expressed by the height or distance of the liquid above the point at which the
pressure is measured. Although head refers to distance or height, it is used to
express the pressure resulting from the weight of a body of liquid since the
weight is directly proportional to the height.
222336611.. hhyyddrraauulliicc ppuummpp
a device that lifts oil from wells without the use of sucker rods. (See hydraulic
pumping.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
319319
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
222336633.. hhyyddrraauulliicc ppuummppiinngg
a method of pumping oil from wells by using a downhole pump without
sucker rods. Subsurface hydraulic pumps consist of two reciprocating pumps
coupled and placed in the well. One pump functions as an engine and drives
the other pump (the production pump). Surface power is supplied from a
standard engine-driven pump. The downhole engine is operated by clean
crude oil under pressure (power oil) that is drawn from a power-oil or settling
tank by a triplex plunger pump. If a single string of tubing is used, power oil
is pumped down the tubing string to the pump, which is seated in the string,
and a mixture of power oil and produced fluid is returned through the casing-
tubing annulus. If two parallel strings are used, one supplies the power oil to
the pump while the other returns the exhaust and produced oil to the surface.
The hydraulic pump may be used to pump several wells from a central source
and has been used to lift oil from depths of more than 10,000 ft.
22336644.. hhyyddrraauulliicc rraamm
a cylinder and piston device that uses hydraulic pressure for pushing, lifting,
or pulling. It is commonly used to raise portable masts from a horizontal to a
vertical position, for leveling a production rig at an uneven location, or for
closing a blowout preventer against pressure.
22336655.. HHYYDDRRAAUULLIICC WWOORRKKOOVVEERR UUNNIITT
A type of workover unit that is used on high-pressure wells where it may be
necessary to snub the pipe out of the hole and back in the hole when the
workover is completed. See Snubbing.
22336666.. HHyyddrriill
the registered trademark of a prominent manufacturer of oil-field equipment,
especially the annular blowout preventer.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
320320
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22336677.. hhyyddrroo--tteesstt
to apply hydraulic pressure to check for leaks in tubing or tubing couplings,
usually as the tubing is being run in the well. If water leaks from any place in
the tubing, either the joint of tubing, the coupling, or both are replaced.
22336688.. HHyyddrrooccaarrbboonn
An organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen. Hydrocarbons
often occur in petroleum products, natural gas, and coals.
22336699.. hhyyddrrooccaarrbboonnss
organic compounds of hydrogen and carbon, whose densities, boiling points,
and freezing points increase as their molecular weights increase. Although
composed only of two elements, hydrocarbons exist in a variety of
compounds because of the strong affinity of the carbon atom for other atoms
and for itself. Ale smallest molecules of hydrocarbons are gaseous; the largest
are solids.
22337700.. hhyyddrroocchhlloorriicc aacciidd
a compound commonly used to acidize carbonate rocks, prepared by mixing
hydrogen chloride gas in water. It is also known as muriatic acid. Chemical
symbol is HCI.
22337711.. hhyyddrroocciioonnee
(See desander.)
22337722.. HHYYDDRROOCCRRAACCKKAATTEE
The main product from the hydrocracking process (q.v.); gasoline blending
components.
22337733.. HHYYDDRROOCCRRAACCKKIINNGG
A refining process for converting middle-boiling or residual material to high-
octane gasoline, reformer charge stock, jet fuel and/or high-grade fuel oil.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
321321
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
Hydrocracking is an efficient, relatively low-temperature process using
hydrogen and a catalyst. The process is considered by some refiners as a
supplement to the basic catalytic cracking process.
222337755.. hhyyddrrooccyycclloonnee
(See desander.)
22337766.. HHYYDDRROODDYYNNAAMMIICCSS
A branch of science that deals with the cause and effect of regional
subsurface migration of fluids.
22337777.. hhyyddrroofflluuoorriicc--hhyyddrroocchhlloorriicc aacciidd
(See mud acid.)
22337788.. hhyyddrrooggeenn ssuullffiiddee
a gaseous compound,H2S, of sulfur and hydrogen commonly found in
petroleum, which causes the foul smell of sour petroleum fractions. It is
extremely poisonous and corrosive.
22337799.. HHYYDDRROOGGEENN SSUULLFFIIDDEE ((HH22SS))
An odorous and noxious compound of sulfur found in "sour" gas. See Sour
Gas.
222338811.. hhyyddrroommaattiicc
hydromatic brake.
22338822.. hhyyddrroommaattiicc bbrraakkee
a device mounted on the end of the drawworks shaft of a drilling rig that
serves as an auxiliary to the mechanical brake when pipe is lowered into the
well. The braking is achieved by a runner or impeller turning in a housing
filled with water.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
322322
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22338833.. HHYYDDRROOMMEETTEERR
An instrument designed to measure the specific gravity of liquids; a glass tube
with a weighted lower tip that causes the tube to float partially submerged.
The API gravity of a liquid is read on a graduated stem at the point
intersected by the liquid.
22338844.. hhyyddrroopphhiilliicc
a substance that tends to adsorb water.
22338855.. hhyyddrroopphhoobbiicc
a substance that tends to repel water.
22338866.. HHYYDDRROOPPHHOONNEESS
Sound-detecting instruments used in underwater seismic exploration
activities. Hydrophones are attached to a cable towed by the seismic vessel.
Sound waves generated by blasts from an air gun reflect from formations
below the seabottom and are picked up by the hydrophones and transmitted
to the mother ship.
22338877.. HHyyddrroopprreessssuurree
The pressure on any rock at a given depth based on a hydrostatic head.
222338899.. hhyyddrroossttaattiicc hheeaadd
the pressure exerted by a body of water at rest. The hydrostatic head of fresh
water is 0.433 per foot of height. Those of other liquids may be determined
by comparing their gravities with the gravity of water. (See pressure
gradient.)
22339900.. HHYYDDRROOSSTTAATTIICC TTEESSTTIINNGG
Filling a pipeline or tank with water under pressure to test for tensile strength,
its ability to hoir, a certain pressure without rupturing. Water is used for
testing because it is noncompressible so if the pipe or tank does rupture there
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
323323
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
is no potentially dangerous expansion of the water as would be the case if a
gas under very high pressure were used.
22339911.. HHYYPPEERRBBAARRIICC WWEELLDDIINNGG ((EEXXCCEESSSSIIVVEE--PPRREESSSSUURRFF
WWEELLDDIINNGG))
Welding on the sea bottom "in the dry" but under many atmospheres of
pressure (compression). In hyperbaric welding of undersea pipelines, a large
frame is lowered into the water and clamped to the pipeline. Then an open-
bottomed, box-like enclosure is placed in the center of the frame over the
pipe. Power lines and life-support umbilicals are connected to the box. The
sea water is displaced with breathing-gas mixtures for the diver-welders
permitting them to do their work in the dry but high-pressure atmosphere.
222339933.. HHZZ
hertz.
222339955.. II--EESS
induction survey.
22339966.. II..CC..CC..
Interstate Commerce Commission.
222339988.. II..MM..PP
Indicated horsepower.
22339999.. IIAADDCC
International Association of Drilling Contractors.
222440011.. IICCCC
the Interstate Commerce Commission, a federal board that has jurisdiction
over interstate pipelines.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
324324
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
222440033.. IICCEE PPLLAATTFFOORRMM
A man-made, thick platform of ice for drilling in the high Arctic. Sea water is
pumped onto the normal ocean ice, itself quite thick, where it freezes in the
minus 30' to 40'C, temperatures. The platform is built up a few inches at a
time with successive pumpings and freezing of the water until the ice is
calculated to be thick enough to support drilling operations with a 1,000 to
1,500-ton drillrig and auxiliary equipment. Ice platform technology was
pioneered by Panarctic Oil Ltd., a company with a great deal of experience in
Arctic exploration.
222440055.. IIDD
Inside diameter of a pipe or tube; initials used in specifying pipe sizes, e.g.
31/2-inch ID also CD, outside diameter, e.g. 5-inch OD.
22440066.. IIDDIIOOTT SSTTIICCKK
A shovel or other digging tool not requiring a great deal of training to
operate.
222440088.. iiddllee
to operate an engine without applying a load to it.
222441100.. iiddlleerr
a pulley or sprocket used with belt or chain drives on machinery to maintain
desired tension on the belt or chain.
22441111.. IIDDLLEERR GGEEAARR OORR WWHHEEEELL
A gear so called because it is usually located between a driving gear and a
driven gear, transmitting the power from one to the other. It also transmits
the direction of rotation of the driving to the driven gear. Without the idler or
the intermediate gear, the driving gear by directly meshing with the driven
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
325325
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
gear reverses the direction of rotation. Idler wheels or pulleys are also fined
for tightening belts or chains or to maintain a uniform tension on them.
222441133.. iigg
igneous; used in drilling reports. (See igneous rock.)
22441144.. iiggnneeoouuss rroocckk
a rock mass formed by the solidification of material poured (when molten)
into the earth's crust or out on its surface. Granite is an igneous rock.
222441166.. IIGGNNIITTIIOONN MMAAGGNNEETTOO
An electric current generator used on stationary engines, in the field. A
magneto is geared to the engine and, once the engine is started either by
hand cranking or by a battery starter, the magneto continues to supply
electric current for the ignition system. Current is produced by an armature
rotating in a magnetic field created by permanent magnets.
22441177.. iiggnnoorraanntt eenndd
(slang) the heavier end of any device (as a length of pipe or a wrench).
222441199.. iillmmeenniittee
an iron-black mineral of composition FeTiO3 or FeO TiO2 with a specific
gravity of about 4.67, sometimes used for increasing the density of oil-well
cement slurries.
222442211.. iimmmmiisscciibbllee
not capable of mixing or being mixed (as oil and water).
222442233.. IIMMPPAACCTT WWRREENNCCHH
An air-operated wrench for use on nuts and bolts of large engines, valves.
and pumps. Impact wrenches have taken the place of heavy end. wrenches
and sledgehammers in tightening and loosening large nuts. A small version of
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
326326
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
the impact wrench is the air-operated automobile lugwrench used at modern
service stations and garages.
22442244.. iimmppeennddiinngg bblloowwoouutt
early manifestation or indication of a blowout.
222442266.. iimmppeerrmmeeaabbllee
preventing the passage of fluid. A formation may be porous yet impermeable
if there is an absence of connecting passages between the voids within it.
(See permeability.)
22442277.. iimmpprreessssiioonn bblloocckk
a block with lead or another relatively soft material on the bottom of it, which
is made up on drill pipe or tubing at the surface, run into a well, and allowed
to rest on a tool or other object that has been lost in the well. When the block
is retrieved, the size, shape, and position of the fish are obtained from the
examination of the impression left in the lead, and an appropriate fishing tool
may be selected.
22442288.. iinn ssiittuu ccoommbbuussttiioonn
a method of enhanced recovery in which thermal energy is used to channel
crude oil to the producing wellbore. Air is introduced into the reservoir
through an injection well to support combustion, usually preheated at the
sand face of the well by a downhole heater. The oil in the formation is then
ignited, creating a burning front that moves outward radially. Air is continually
injected, combining with some hydrocarbons in the formation to maintain
combustion as well as supply thermal energy for the process.
22442299.. IINN--LLIINNEE EEQQUUIIPPMMEENNTT
Pumps, separators, heat exchanges integral to a process or processing chain;
in the line, not auxiliary or only supporting.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
327327
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22443300.. iinn
inch.
222443322.. iinn//sseecc
inches per second.
22443333.. iinn33
cubic inch.
22443344.. IINNCCEENNTTIIVVEE PPRRIICCIINNGG
Pricing above the going market price for a product that may be more costly to
produce. For example, gas found at great depths, geopressurized gas, coal-
seam gas (q.v.) may receive incentive pricing if it qualifies under the Natural
Gas Policy Act of 1978 and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
regulations. Incentive pricing is often the difference between producing a
natural resource and not producing because of the high cost of production.
22443355.. iinncciippiieenntt bblloowwoouutt
(See ironing blowout.)
22443366.. IINNCCLLIINNOOMMEETTEERR
An instrument used downhole to determine the degree of deviation from the
vertical of a well bore at different depths; a drift indicator. There are several
types of drift indicators; one is the acid bottle inclinometer (q.v.), another is a
plumb bob encased in a small steel tube which on signal punches a hole in a
paper disk. When the instrument is retrieved, the distance from the center of
the disk the hole was punched by the free-swinging plumb bob indicates the
degree of drift or deviation from the vertical hole is being drilled.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
328328
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22443377.. IINNCCOORRPPOORREEAALL RRIIGGHHTTSS
Having no material body or form. Said of casements, bonds, or patents.
Rights that have no physical existence but that authorize certain activities or
interests.
22443388.. iinnddeeppeennddeenntt
a nonintegrated oil company whose operations are in the field of petroleum
production only excluding transportation, refining, and marketing.
22443399.. IINNDDEEPPEENNDDEENNTT PPRROODDUUCCEERR
(1) A person or corporation that produces oil for the market. having no
pipeline system or refinery. (2) An oil-country entrepreneur who secures
financial backing and drills his own well an independent operator.
Independent operators and small producing companies are credited with
finding most of the new oil fields. Once discoveries are made it is the large oil
companies that do most of the development work. Independents often lease
and drill on small parcels of land, land either overlooked by the majors or
thought not worth fooling with until a discovery is made.
22444400.. iinnddeeppeennddeenntt wwiirree--rrooppee cceenntteerr
(IWRC) a type of construction of steel drilling lines or wire rope that provides
a separate wire rope to serve as a core for the drilling line and prevent it from
being crushed.
222444422.. IINNDDIICCAATTEEDD HHOORRSSEEPPOOWWEERR
Calculated horsepower; the power developed within the cylinder of an engine
which is greater than the power delivered at the drive shaft by the amount of
mechanical friction which must be overcome. See Brake Horsepower. An
engine's horsepower is calculated by using the bore, stroke, revolutions per
minute, and the number of cylinders.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
329329
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22444433.. IINNDDIICCAATTOORR PPAASSTTEE,, GGAASSOOLLIINNEE
A viscous material applied to a steel gauge line or gauge pole that changes
color when it comes in contact with gasoline, making it easy for the gauger to
read the height of gasoline in the tank.
222444455.. IINNDDIICCAATTOORR PPAASSTTEE,, WWAATTEERR
A paste material applied to a steel gauge line or wooden gauge pole that
changes color when immersed in water. It is used to detect the presence of
water in a tank of oil.
22444466.. iinndduuccttiioonn ssuurrvveeyy
(I-ES) an electrical well log in which the conductivity of the formation rather
than the resistivity is measured. Eddy currents are induced in the formations
by a transmitter coil through which an alternating current circulates. The
current sets up magnetic fields that induce voltages in a receiver coil. The
voltages are amplified and recorded on the surface. Because oil-bearing
formations are less conductive to electricity than water-bearing formations, an
induction survey, when compared with resistivity readings, can aid in
determination of oil and water zones. It is usually conducted in conjunction
with a regular electric survey (ES), and thus is shortened to I-ES.
222444488.. IINNDDUUSSTTRRIIAALL GGAASS
Gas purchased for resale to industrial users; interruptible gas (q.v.).
22444499.. iinneerrttiiaa
the tendency of an object having mass to resist a change in velocity.
22445500.. IINNFFIILLLL DDRRIILLLLIINNGG
Wells drilled to fill in between established producing wells on a ]erase a
drilling program to reduce the spacing between wells in order to increase
production from the lease.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
330330
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22445511.. iinnffiilllliinngg wweellll
a well drilled between known producing wells to better exploit the reservoir.
222445533.. IINNFFLLUUEENNTT
The flow of liquids or gas into a vessel or equipment. See Effluent.
22445544.. IINNFFOORRMMAATTIIOONN CCOONNSSOOLLEE,, DDRRIILLLLEERR
A bank of indicators, counters, and display dials showing weight of the drill-
string, weight on the drill bit, mud pump speed, mud pressure, engine speed,
etc., to keep the driller informed of all aspects of the drilling operation.
22445555.. IINNGGAAAA
Interstate Natural Gas Association of America.
222445577.. iinnhhiibbiitteedd aacciidd
an acid that has been chemically treated before acidizing, or acid fracturing, a
well to lessen its corrosive effect on the tubular goods and yet maintain its
effectiveness. (See acidize.)
222445599.. iinnhhiibbiitteedd mmuudd
a drilling fluid to which chemicals have been added to prevent it from causing
clay particles in a formation to swell and thus impair the permeability of a
productive zone. Salt is a mud inhibitor.
222446611.. iinnhhiibbiittoorr
an additive used to retard undesirable chemical action in a product; added in
small quantity to gasolines to prevent oxidation and gum formation, to
lubricating oils to stop color change, and to corrosive environments to
decrease corrosive action.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
331331
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22446622.. IINNHHIIBBIITTOORRSS
A substance that slows down a chemical reaction. An inhibitor's role is the
reverse of a catalyst's. Inhibitors are sometimes used to interfere with a
chemical reaction somewhere along the process train.
222446644.. iinniittiiaall ppootteennttiiaall
(IP) the early production of an oil well, recorded after testing operations and
recovery of load oil and used as an indicator of the maximum ability of a well
to produce on completion without subsequent reservoir damage.
222446666.. iinniittiiaall sseett
the point at which a cement slurry begins to harden, or set up, and is no
longer pumpable.
222446688.. iinniittiiaall ssttaabbiilliittyy
the stability of an offshore drilling rig when upright or with a small angle of
heel.
22446699.. iinnjjeecctteedd ggaass
a high-pressure gas injected into a formation to maintain or restore reservoir
pressure; gas injected in gas-lift operations.
22447700.. IInnjjeeccttiinngg
Injecting water or gas into the reservoir for the purpose of maintaining
reservoir pressure, maximizing oil recovery and conserving resources.
22447711.. IInnjjeeccttiioonn
The process of pumping gas or water into an oil-producing reservoir to
provide a driving mechanism for increased oil production.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
332332
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22447722.. iinnjjeeccttiioonn ppaatttteerrnn
the spacing and pattern of wells in a secondary recovery or pressure-
maintenance project determined from the location of existing wells, type of
offset operations used, reservoir size and shape, and cost of drilling new
wells. Common injection patterns include line drive, five spot, seven spot,
nine spot, and peripheral.
222447744.. iinnjjeeccttiioonn ppuummpp
a chemical feed pump that injects chemical reagents into a flow-line system,
at a rate proportional to that of the flow of the well fluid, to treat emulsions.
Operating power may be derived from electric motors or gas-driven,
diaphragm-operated motors or by linkage with the walking beam of a
pumping well.
222447766.. iinnjjeeccttiioonn wweellll
a well in which fluids have been injected into an underground stratum to
increase reservoir pressure.
222447788.. IINNLLAANNDD BBAARRGGEE RRIIGG
A drilling rig mounted on a barge-like vessel for use in shallow water or
swampy locations. Barge rigs are not self-propelled and must be towed or
pushed by a towboat. In addition to all necessary drilling equipment, such
barges have crew quarters.
222448800.. IINNNNAAGGEE GGAAUUGGEE
A measure of the quantity of oil in a tank calculated on the basis of the depth
of oil in the tank; the most common method of gauging a tank. See Outage
Gauge.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
333333
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22448811.. IINNNNOOVVAATTOORR''SS RROOYYAALLTTYY
A type of overriding royalty paid to the person instrumental in bringing a
company to a concession from a foreign government British a fixer's royalty.
See Overriding Royalty.
22448822.. IINNPPUUTT WWEELLLL
A well used for injecting water or gas into a formation in a secondary
recovery or pressure main
22448833.. iinnssiiddee bblloowwoouutt pprreesseenntteerr
a valve installed in the drill stem to prevent a blowout inside the stem. Flow is
thus possible only downward, allowing mud to be pumped in but preventing
any flow back up the stem.
tenance operation.
22448844.. iinnssiiddee ccuutttteerr
(See internal cutter.)
22448855.. IINNSSPPEECCTTIIOONN PPLLAATTEE
A flat metal plate fitted with a gasket and bolted over an opening in the
gearbox of a pump or the crankcase of an engine. By removing the plate an
inspection of the gears or crank and connecting-rod bearings can be made.
On large, multicylinder engines, inspection windows are large enough to
permit a mechanic to enter the crankcase to inspect or "change out" a
bearing.
22448866.. iinnssttrruummeennttaattiioonn
a device or assembly of devices designed for one or more of the following
functions to measure operating variables (as pressure, temperature, rate of
flow, speed of rotation, etc.); to indicate these phenomena with visible or
audible signals; to record them; to control them within a predetermined
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
334334
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
range; and to stop operations if the control fails. Simple instrumentation
might consist of an indicating pressure gauge only. In a completely automatic
system, the desired range of pressure, temperature, and so on is
predetermined and preset.
22448877.. iinnssuullaattiinngg ffllaannggee
a flange equipped with plastic pieces to separate its metal parts, thus
preventing the inflow of electric current. Insulating flanges are often used in
cathodic protection systems to prevent electrolytic corrosion and are
sometimes installed when a flowline is being attached to a wellhead.
22448888.. iinnttaakkee vvaallvvee
the cam-operated mechanism on an engine through which air and sometimes
fuel are admitted to the cylinder.
22448899.. IINNTTAANNGGIIBBLLEE DDRRIILLLLIINNGG CCOOSSTTSS
Expenditures made by an operator for labor, fuel, repairs, hauling, and
supplies used in drilling and completing a well for production. Intangible costs
include also the construction of derricks, tanks, pipelines on the lease,
buildings, and preparation of the drillsite, but do not include the material or
equipment. The rule of thumb is, do the items for which expenditures were
made have salvage value? If not they qualify under the tax laws as intangible
drilling costs.
22449900.. IINNTTAANNGGIIBBLLEESS
Short for intangible drilling costs (q.v.).
22449911.. IINNTTEEGGRRAATTEEDD OOIILL CCOOMMPPAANNYY
A company engaged in all phases of the oil business, i.e., production,
transportation. refining, and marketing; a company that handles its own oil
from wellhead to gasoline pump.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
335335
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22449922.. iinntteeggrraattiinngg oorriiffiiccee mmeetteerr
an orifice meter with an automatic integrating device. It is constructed so that
the product of the square roots of each of the differential and static pressures
is recorded on the chart. The products are continuously totaled and shown on
a counter index. When the product total is multiplied by the orifice flow
constant, the rate of flow is directly determined.
22449933.. IINNTTEEGGRRAATTIIOONN,, HHOORRIIZZOONNTTAALL
See Horizontal Integratio also Vertical Integration.
22449944.. IINNTTEERREESSTT IINN AANN OOIILL OORR GGAASS WWEELLLL
See Operating Interest; also Working Interest.
22449955.. IINNTTEERRFFAACCEE
The point or are a where two dissimilar products or grades of crude oil meet
in a pipeline as they are pumped, one behind the other. In a packed or full-
line pumping under pressure the integrity of the interface is well maintained.
In simple English, this means that there is surprisingly little mixing of the two
batches of produc
22449966.. iinntteerrmmiitttteerr
a regulation device used in production of a flowing well. The well flows wide
open (not through a choke) for short periods several times a day and is then
closed in.
22449977.. iinntteerrmmeeddiiaattee ccaassiinngg ssttrriinngg
the string of casing set in a well after the surface casing to keep the hole
from caving. Sometimes the blowout preventers can be attached to it. The
string is sometimes called protection casing. Intermittent gas lift (See gas
lift.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
336336
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22449988.. IINNTTEERRMMEEDDIIAATTEE SSTTRRIINNGG
See Casing.
22449999.. iinntteerrmmiitttteerr
a regulation device used in production of a flowing well. The well flows wide
open (not through a choke) for short periods several times a day and is then
closed in.
22550000.. iinntteerrnnaall ccuutttteerr
a fishing tool, containing metal-cutting knives, that is lowered into the inside
of a length of pipe stuck in the hole to cut the pipe. The severed portion of
the pipe can then be returned to the surface.
22550011.. iinntteerrnnaall pphhaassee
the fluid droplets or solids that are dispersed throughout another liquid in an
emulsion. Compare continuous phase.
22550022.. iinntteerrnnaall pprreevveenntteerr
an inside blowout preventer.
22550033.. iinntteerrnnaall uuppsseett
an extra-thick inside wall on the end of tubing or drill pipe at the point where
it is threaded to compensate for the metal removed in threading. Unlike
conventional drill pipe, which has the extra thickness on the outside, drill pipe
with intermal upset has a uniform, straight wall outside. Compare external
upset.
22550044.. iinntteerrnnaall--ccoommbbuussttiioonn eennggiinnee
a heat engine in which the pressure necessary to produce motion of the
mechanism results from the ignition or burning of a fuel-air mixture within the
engine cylinder.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
337337
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22550055.. iinntteerrnnaall--uuppsseett ppiippee
tubular goods in which the pipe walls at the threaded end are thickened
(upset) on the inside to provide extra strength in the tool joints. Thus the
outer wall of the pipe is the same diameter throughout its length. Upset
casing is normally run at the top of long strings in deep operations.
22550066.. iinntteerrnnaattiioonnaall SSII mmeettrriicc ssyysstteemm
a system of measure based on the metric system and described and
maintained by the General Conference on Weights and Measures. It provides
an international standard of measurement to be followed when certain
customary units, both U.S. and metric, eventually are phased out of
international trade operations.
22550077.. TTIINNTTEERRRRUUPPTTIIBBLLEE GGAASS
A gas supply, usually to industrial plants and large commercial firms, that can
be curtailed or interrupted during emergencies or supply shortages in order to
maintain service to domestic customers.
22550088.. IINNTTEERRSSTTAATTEE OOIILL CCOOMMPPAACCTT
A compact between oil-producing states negotiated and approved by
Congress in 1935, the purpose of which is the conservation of oil and gas by
the prevention of waste. The Compact provides no power to coerce but relies
on voluntary agreement to accomplish its objectives. Originally, there were six
states as members; today, there are nearly 30.
22550099.. iinntteerrssttiiccee
a pore space in a reservoir rock.
22551100.. iinntteerrssttiittiiaall wwaatteerr
water contained in the interstices of a reservoir rock. In reservoir engineering,
it is synonymous with connate water.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
338338
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22551111.. iinnttrruussiivvee rroocckk
an igneous rock that, while molten, penetrated into or between other rocks
and solidified.
22551122.. iinnvvaaddeedd zzoonnee
an area within a permeable rock adjacent to a wellbore into which a filtrate
(usually water) from the drilling mud has passed, with consequent partial or
total displacement of the fluids originally present in the zone.
22551133.. iinnvveerrtt eemmuullssiioonn
an emulsion of water in oil (i.e., the water is dispersed as droplets throughout
the oil). Compare reverse emulsion.
22551144.. iinnvveerrtt--ooiill mmuudd
an oil mud used for drilling or workover, made up of soaps, lignite, asphaltic
materials, and 10 to 50 percent water. In the resulting fluid, the water is
dispersed throughout the oil in small droplets to form a tight emulsion.
Sometimes it is called an invert-emulsion mud or an invert-oil-emulsion mud.
(See oil mud and oil-base mud.)
22551155.. iioo
a hydrogen atom or a molecule of other compounds that is either charged
positively (a action) or negatively (an anion). IP 1. initial potential. 2. initial
production,- used in drilling reports.
22551166.. IIoocccc
Interstate Oil Compact Commission.
22551177.. IIOOSSAA
International Oil Scouts Association.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
339339
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22551188.. IIPPAAAA
the Independent Petroleum Association of America, an organization of
independent oil and gas producers headquartered in Tulsa, Okla. Its work is
chiefly concerned with the relationships between the oil industry and the
public and government
22551199.. iirrnnppeelllleerr
a set of mounted blades (as the rotor of a centrifugal pump) used to impart
motion to a fluid.
22552200.. IIrrrreedduucciibbllee WWaatteerr SSaattuurraattiioonn
In a sufficiently thick and homogenous hydrocarbon reservoir this represents
the minimum possible water saturation.
22552211.. IISSAA
the Instrument Society of America, a group that sets standards for
instruments made and used in the U.S.
22552222.. IISSOO
A prefix denoting similarity. Many organic substances, although composed of
the same number of the same atoms. appear in two, three, or more varieties
or isomers which differ widely in physical and chemical properties. In
petroleum fractions there are many substances that are similar, differing only
in specific gravity, for example, isooctane, isobutane, isopentane, and many
other isomers.
22552233.. iissooggoonniicc lliinnee
an imaginary line on a map that joins places on the earth's surface at which
the variation of a magnetic compass needle from true north is the same. This
variation, which may range from 0 to 30 or more degrees either east or west
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
340340
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
of true north, must be compensated for to obtain an accurate reading of
direction.
22552244.. IISSOOMMEERRIIZZAATTIIOONN
A refinery process for converting chemical compounds into their isomers, i.e.,
rearranging the structure of the molecules without changing their size or
chemical composition.
22552255.. IISSOOMMEERRSS
Compounds having the same composition and the same molecular weight but
differing in properties.
22552266.. iissooppaacchh mmaapp
a geological map of subsurface strata showing the various thicknesses of a
given formation underlying an area. It is widely used in calculating reserves
and in planning secondary-recovery projects.
22552277.. IISSOOPPAACCHHOOUUSS MMAAPP
A geological map a that shows the thickness and conformation of
underground formations; used in determining underground oil and gas
reserves.
22552288.. IISSOOPPEENNTTAANNEE
A high-octane blending stock for automotive gasoline.
22552299.. IISSOOTTHHEERRMMAALL
At constant temperature. When a gas is expanded or compressed at a
constant temperature, the expansion or compression is isothermal. Heat must
be added to expanding gas and removed from compressing gas to keep it
isothermal.
22553300.. IIWWRRCC
inclement wire-rope center.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22553311.. JJ--44 FFUUEELL
A designation for highly refined kerosene used as fuel for jet engines.
22553322.. JJ--ttooooll
a sleeve receptacle with a fitted, male element that has pins that fit into
milled J-shaped slots on the sleeve. The short sides of the J-slots provide a
shoulder for supporting weight on the pins of the male element. When the
male element is lowered and turned relative to the sleeve, the pins slide in
the slot towards the long side of the J, which is open-ended. The pins may
thus be raised out, releasing weight that may be supported by the sleeve.
The releasing procedure is called "unjaying the tool."
22553333.. JJAACCKK
An oil well pumping unit powered by a gasoline engine. electric motor, or rod
line from a central power. The pumping jack's walking beam provides the up
and down motion to the well's pump rods.
22553344.. JJAACCKK BBOOAARRDD
A wood or metal prop used to support a joint of line pipe while another joint
is being screwed into it. Jack boards have metal spikes inserted at intervals to
support the pipe at different levels. a device used to support the end of a
length of pipe while another length is being screwed onto the pipe. It is
sometimes referred to as a stabbing jack.
22553355.. JJAACCKK RRAABBBBIITT
A device that is put through casing or tubing before it is run to make certain it
is the proper size inside and outside; a drift mandrel.
22553366.. jjaacckk--uupp
a jack-up drilling rig.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
342342
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22553377.. jjaacckk--uupp ddrriilllliinngg rriigg
an offshore drilling structure with tubular or derrick legs that support the deck
and hull. When positioned over the drilling site, the bottoms of the legs rest
on the seafloor. A jack-up rig is towed or propelled to a location with its legs
up. Once the legs are firmly positioned on the bottom, the deck and hull
height are adjusted and leveled.
22553388.. JJAACCKK--UUPP RRIIGG
A barge-like, floating platform with legs at each corner that can be lowered to
the sea bottom to raise or "jack up" the platform above the water. Towed to
location offshore, the legs of the jack-up rig are in a raised position, sticking
up high above the platform. When on location, the legs are run down
hydraulically or by individual electric motors.
22553399.. JJaacckkeett
Offshore platform consisting of a framework of tubular members with a deck
(or decks) on top and piles driven through the framework to fix the structure
to the sea bed.
22554400.. JJAACCKKEETT,,OOFFFFSSHHOORREE PPLLAATTFFOORRMM
See Platform Jacket.
22554411.. jjaacckkkknniiffee mmaasstt
a structural-steel, opensided tower raised vertically by special lifting tackle
attached to the traveling block. (See mast.)
22554422.. jjaacckkkknniiffee rriigg
a drilling rig that has jack-knife mast instead of a standard derrick.A mast-
type derrick whose supporting legs are hinged at the base. When the rig is to
be moved. it is lowered or laid down intact and transported by truck.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
343343
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22554433.. jjaacckksshhaafftt
a short shaft that is usually set between two machines to provide increased or
decreased flexibility and speed.An intermediate; haft in the power train. Jack
shafts usually are relatively short and often are splined.
22554444.. JJAAMM NNUUTT
A nut used to jam and lock another nut securely in place; the second and
locking nut on a stud bolt. After the first nut is threaded and tightened on a
stud, a second nut is tightened down on the first nut to prevent it from
working loose.
22554455.. jjaarr
a percussion tool operated mechanically or hydraulically to deliver a heavy
hammer blow to objects in the borehole. jars are used to free objects stuck in
the hole or to loosen tubing or drill pipe that is hung up. Blows may be
delivered downward or upward, the jar being controlled at the surface. to
apply a heavy blow to the frill stem by use of a jar.
22554466.. jjaarr aacccceelleerraattoorr
a hydraulic tool used in conjunction with a jar and made up on the fishing
string above it to increase the power of the hammer blow
22554477.. JJAARRSS
A tool for producing a jarring impact in cable-toot drilling, especially when the
bit becomes stuck in the hole. Cable-tool jars (part of the drillstring) are
essentially a pair of elongated, interlocking steel links with a couple of feet of
"play" between the links. When the drilling line is slacked off, the upper link of
the jars moves down into the lower link. When the line is suddenly tightened
the upper link moves upward engaging the lower link with great force that
usually frees the stuck bit. See Bumper Sub, Fishing.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
344344
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22554488.. JJEEEEPPIINNGG
Refers to the operation of inspecting pipe coating with the aid of electronic
equipment. An indicator ring is passed over the pipe which caries, an electric
charge. If there is a break or holiday (q.v.) in the protective coating a signal is
transmitted through the indicator ring to an alarm.
22554499.. jjeerrkk lliinnee
a short rope used on the cathead of the drilling rig to tighten pipe-joints by
pulling on the makeup longs.
22555500.. JJEERRKKEERR
A line connects the bandwheel crank to the drilling cable. As the crank
revolves, the drilling fine is jerked (pulled up and released suddenly)
providing an up and down motion to the spudding tools on a cable tool rig.
22555511.. jjeett
1. a hydraulic device operated by pump pressure to clean mud pits and tanks
in rotary drilling and to mix mud components. 2. in a perforating gun using
shaped charges, a highly penetrating, fast-moving stream of exploded
particles that cuts a hole in the casing, cement, and formation.
22555522.. jjeett bbiitt
a drilling bit having nozzles through which drilling fluid is directed in a
highvelocity stream to improve the efficiency of the bit at the bottom of the
hole.
22555533.. jjeett ccuuttooffff
a procedure for severing pipe stuck in a well by detonating special shaped-
charge explosives similar to those used in jet perforating. The explosive is
lowered into the pipe to the desired depth and detonated. The force of the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
345345
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
explosion makes radiating horizontal cuts around the pipe, and the severed
portion of the pipe is retrieved. (See jet-perforate.)
22555544.. JJEETT FFUUEELL
A specially refined grade of kerosene used in jet propulsion engines.
22555555.. jjeett gguunn
an assembly, including a carrier and shaped charges, that is used in jet
perforating. (See jet-perforate.)
22555566.. JJEETT MMIIXXEERR ((CCEEMMEENNTT))
A device consisting of a hopper to which a water supply under pressure is
connected. Sacks of cement are opened and dumped one at a time into the
hopper. The high-pressure water is jetted through the lower part of the
hopper, mixing with the dry cement to form a slurry for pumping downhole to
cement the casing in a well or for a squeeze job. See Squeeze a Well.
22555577.. jjeett oouutt
to use a jet to clean out the cellar, slush pit, and so forth.
22555588.. jjeett ppuummpp
a pump that operates by means of a jet of steam, water, or other fluid that
imparts motion and subsequent pressure to a fluid medium.
22555599.. jjeett--ppeerrffoorraattee
to burn a hole through the casing with a shaped charge of high explosives
instead of a gun that fires projectiles. The loaded charges are lowered into
the hole to the desired depth. Once detonated, the charges emit short,
penetrating jets of high-pressure gases that cut holes in the casing and
cement and some distance into the formation. Formation fluids then flow into
the wellbore through the perforations. (See bullet perforator and gun-
perforate.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
346346
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22556600.. JJEETTSSLLEEDD
An underwater trenching machine for burying a pipeline below the sea floor.
The patented jet sled straddles the pipeline and scours out the seabed
material ahead and beneath the line with a sears of high-pressure jets of sea
water. The power is supplied by a series of high-pressure pumps aboard an
accompanying jet barge. The jetted water, at .1,200 psi, is directed ahead
and below the fine and literally cuts a ditch in the sea floor into which the line
is laid.
22556611.. JJEETTTTEEDD--PPAARRTTIICCLLEE DDRRIILLLLIINNGG
A method of drilling in hard rock formations using steel pellets forced at high
velocity from openings in the bottom of the drill bit. The jetted particles are
used with air drilling. The small steel pellets after striking and chipping the
rock are returned to the surface by the force of the returning drilling air,
along with the rock which has been pulverized. Jetted particle drilling has
been used more or less experimentally and has not had wide acceptance.
22556622.. JJEETTTTIINNGG
Injecting gas into a subsurface formation for the purpose of maintaining
reservoir pressure.
22556633.. JJEETTTTIINNGG TTHHEE PPIITTSS
A method of removing cuttings, drilled rock fragments from the bottom of the
working mud pits. This is done with a suction hose that derives its partial
vacuum from a jet nozzle arrangement, a type of venturi (q.v.) through which
"clean" drilling mud is pumped at high pressure and velocity. At the waist of
the venturi the stream's velocity is increased even more and the pressure at
this point is substantially reduced, creating enough vacuum to draw in,
through an attached hose, the cutting from the bottom of the working pit in
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
347347
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
the manner of a vacuum cleaner. As the chips are drawn Into the hose, they
are discharged in the reserve pits.
22556644.. JJEETTTTYY
A pier (q.v.).
22556655.. JJOOCCKKEEYY
An experienced and proficient driver of largo trucks or earth-moving
equipment.
22556666.. JJOOIINNTT
A length of pipe, casing, or tubing usually from 20 to 30 feet long. On drilling
rigs, drillpipe and tubing are run the first time (lowered into the hole) a joint
at a time; when pulled out of the hole and stacked in the rig, they are usually
pulled two, three, or four at a time depending upon the height of the derrick.
These multiple-joint sections are called stands (q.v.).a single length (30 ft) of
drill pipe or of drill collar,casing, tubing, or rod that has threaded connections
at both ends. Several joints screwed together constitute a stand of pipe. (See
double, thribble, and fourble.)
22556677.. JJOOIINNTT AADDVVEENNTTUURREE
See Joint Venture.
22556688.. jjooiinntt mmoovveemmeenntt
the shipment of a tender of oil through the facilities of one or more pipeline
companies.
22556699.. jjooiinntt ttaarriiffff
a rate sheet issued jointly by two or more companies setting forth charges for
moving oil over the facilities of each.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
348348
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22557700.. JJOOIINNTT VVEENNTTUURREE
A business or enterprise entered into by two or more partners. Joint venture
1easing is a common practice. Usually the partner with the largest interest in
the venture will be the operator. See Consortium.
22557711.. JJOOUURRNNAALL
That part of a rotating shaft that rests and turns in the bearing; the weight
bearing segment of the shaft.
22557722.. JJOOUURRNNAALLBBOOXX
A metal housing that supports and protects a journal bearing. See Journal.
22557733.. jjuugg
(See geophone.)
22557744.. jjuugg hhuussttlleerr
(slang) the member of a seismograph crew who places the geophones.One
who carries and places geophones in seismic work. Geophones are strung
along the ground over an area where seismic shots are to be made by jug
hustlers.
22557755.. JJUUMMBBOO BBUURRNNEERR
A flare used for burning waste gas produced with oil when there is no ready
market or the supply of gas is too small or temporary to warrant a pipeline. A
special kind of jumbo burner is used on offshore drilling platforms to burn oil
and gas when a well is being tested or in the event of an emergency. Out on
the water there is no place to put the oil during a test or when a well is
allowed to blow to clean the hole so the oil has to be burned. The big burner,
mounted on a boom or an extension of the platform deck, is equipped with
air and water jets around the perimeter of the burner nozzle. When oil is
burned the air and water jets are turned on which results in the complete
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
349349
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
combustion of the of oil. Without the high-pressure air and water jets to
aerate and supply oxygen the oil would not burn completely; some of the oil
would fall to the water below and present a real hazard. Jumbo burner or
forced-draft burner.
22557766.. JJUUMMBBOOIIZZIINNGG
A technique used to enlarge an oil tanker's carrying capacity by cutting the
vessel in two amidships and inserting a section between the halves.
22557777.. jjuunniioorr oorriiffiiccee ffiittttiinngg
a one-piece orifice fitting without flanges.
22557788.. jjuunnkk
metal debris lost in a hole. junk may be a lost bit, pieces of a bit, milled
pieces of pipe, wrenches, or any relatively small object that impedes drilling
and must be fished out of the hole. to abandon (as a nonproductive well).
22557799.. JJUUNNKK BBAASSKKEETT
A type of fishing tool used to retrieve small objects lost is in the borehole or
down the casing, such objects as small slipe, drilling cones off the bit, tools,
etc. The basket is lowered into the hole and by the turbulence set up by
pumping of the drilling mud the lost object is washed into the basket.a device
made up on the bottom tom of the drill stem to cut a core into the bottom of
the hole on which junk rests. As the core is cut, the junk enters a barrel in the
tool and is held by metal projections, or catchers. When the basket is brought
back to the surface, the junk is removed with the core.
22558800.. JJUUNNKK MMIILLLLSS
Drill bits with specially hardened, rough cutting to grind and pulverize
downhole "junk" material or nonretrievable tools or equipment such as
millable packers and the like. After the junk has been ground or broken up
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
350350
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
into small pieces, the pieces can be circulated the surface by the drilling mud
or bypassed by the regular drillstring.
22558811.. jjuunnkk ssuubb
a tool run just above the bit or mill in the drill stem to catch small, non
drillable objects circulating in the annulus.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22558822.. KK
The abbreviation for kilo, one thousand. In certain employment ads, notably
petroleum industry ads, the letter K is used instead of three zeros in giving
salary ranges, e.g., 25K to 60K, also $25K - $60K. To the ad writer this is
scientific shorthand meant to catch the eye of the no-nonsense engineer or
technical person. degree Kelvin. (See &kelvin temperature scale.)
22558833.. KKBB
kelly bushing; used in drilling reports.
22558844.. kkeeeell
a centerline strength member running fore and aft along the bottom of a
floating offshore drilling rig, forming the backbone of the structure.
22558855.. KKeellllyy
the heavy steel member, four- or sixsided, suspended from the swivel
through the rotary table and connected to the topmost joint of drill pipe to
turn the drill stem as the rotary table turns. It has a bored passageway that
permits fluid to be circulated into the drill stem and up the annulus, or vice
versa.
22558866.. kkeellllyy bbuusshhiinngg
a device fitted to the rotary table, through which the kelly passes and by
means of which the torque of the rotary table is transmitted to the kelly and
to the drill stem. Also called the drive bushing.
22558877.. kkeellllyy ccoocckk
a valve installed between the swivel and the kelly. When a high-pressure
backflow begins inside the drill stem, the valve is closed to keep pressure off
the swivel and rotary hose.A blowout preventer built inside a three-foot
section of sleet tubing inserted in the drillstring above the kelly. A kelly cock is
also inserted in the string below the kelly joint in some instances.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
352352
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22558888.. KKEELLLLYY HHOOSSEE
See Mud Hose.
22558899.. KKEELLLLYY JJOOIINNTT
The first and the sturdiest joint of the drill column; the thick-walled, hollow
steel forging with two flat sides and two rounded sides that fit into a square
hole in the rotary table which rotates the kelly joint and the drill column,
Attached to the top of the kelly or grief stem (q.v.) are the swivel and mud
hose.
22559900.. KKEELLLLYY SSAAFFEETTYY VVAALLVVEE
See Kelly Cock.
22559911.. KKEELLLLYY SSAAVVEERR SSUUBB
See Kelly Valve, Lower.a saver sub that fits in the drill stem between the kelly
and drill pipe. The threads of the drill pipe mate with those of the saver,
minimizing wear on the kelly.
22559922.. KKEELLLLYY SSPPIINNNNEERR
A mechanism attached to the swivel that spins the kelly joint in and out of the
first joint of drillpipe after the kelly has been broken out, unloosened. The
spinner saves time in unscrewing and again in screwing in when a joint of
drillpipe must be added to the string,a pneumatically-operated device
mounted on top of the kelly that, when actuated, causes the kelly to turn or
spin. It is useful when the kelly or a joint of pipe attached to it must be spun
up, i. e., rotated rapidly in order to make up the kelly or pipe in another joint
of pipe.
22559933.. KKEELLLLYY VVAALLVVEE,, LLOOWWEERR
An automatic valve attached to the lower end of the kelly joint that opens and
closes by mud pump pressure. The purpose of the valve is to prevent the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
353353
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
mud in the kelly joint from pouring out on the derrick floor each time the kelly
is disconnected from the drillpipe. When the mud pump is stopped, the kelly
valve automatically closes. After a joint of drillpipe is added to the String and
the kelly is made up tight, the pumps are started and the mud pressure opens
the kelly valve and drilling resumes. The automatic valve saves valuable mud,
keeps the rig floor dry, and speeds up the job of making a connection.
22559944.. KKeellvviinn tteemmppeerraattuurree ssccaallee
a temperature scale with the degree interval of the centigrade scale and the
zero point at absolute zero. On the Kelvin scale, water freezes at 273' and
boils at 373'. (See absolute temperature scale.)
222559966.. KKEERROOGGEENN
A bituminous material occurring in certain shales which yield a type of oil
when heated. See Kerogen Shales.
22559977.. KKEERROOGGEENN SSHHAALLEESS
Commonly called oil shales, kerogen shales contain material neither
petroleum nor coal but an intermediate bitumen material with some of the
properties of both. Small amounts of petroleum are usually associated with
kerogen shales but the bulk of the oil is derived from heating the shale to
about 660'F. Kerogen is identified as a pyrobitumen.
22559988.. KKEERROOSSEENNEE,, RRAAWW
Kerosene-cut from the distillation of crude oil, not treated or "doctor tested"
to improve odor and color.
22559999.. kkeerroossiinnee
a light, flammable hydrocarbon fuel or solvent. It is also spelled kerosene, but
"kerosine" is preferred by the API to parallel "gasoline".
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
354354
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22660000.. KKEEYY
(1) A tool used in pulling or running sucker rods of a pumping oil well; a
hook-shaped wrench that fits the square shoulder of the rod connection. Rod
wrenches are used in pairs; one to hold back-up and the other to break out
and unscrew the rod. (2) A slender metal piece used to fasten a pulley wheel
or gear onto a shaft. The key fits into slots (keyways) cut in both the hub of
the wheel and the shaft.
22660011.. KKEEYYBBEEDD
The stratum chosen for contouring or making tin isopachous map, If as it is
hoped, other strata conform to the key bed, then an accurate contouring of
the key bed well indicate the subsurface strata.
22660022.. KKEEYYSSEEAATT
A section of the well bore deviating abruptly from the vertical causing drilling
tools to hang up; a shoulder in the borehole. 1. a channel or groove cut in the
side of the hole parallel to the axis of the hole. Key seating results from the
dragging of pipe on a sharp bend in the hole. 2. a groove cut in a shaft or
pulley bore parallel to the axis.
22660033.. KKEEYYSSEEAATTIINNGG
A condition downhole when the drill collar or another part of the drillstring
becomes wedged in a section of crooked hole, particularly a dogleg which is
an abrupt deviation from the vertical or the general direction of the hole
being drilled.
22660044.. KKEEYYWWAAYY
A groove or slot in a shaft or wheel to hold a key (q.v.).
22660055.. kkgg
kilogram.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
355355
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22660066.. KKhh
This symbol is used in petrophysical and reserves calculations to represent
the maximum permeability of a rock formation.
22660077.. kkiicckk
an entry of water, gas, oil, or other formation fluid into the wellbore. It occurs
because the pressure exerted by the column of drilling fluid is not great
enough to overcome the pressure exerted by the fluids in the formation
drilled. If prompt action is not taken to control the kick or kill the well, a
blowout will occur.Pressure from downhole in excess of that exerted by the
weight of the drilling mud, causing loss of circulation. If the gas pressure is
not controlled by Increasing the mud weight, a kick can violently expel the
column of drifting mud resulting in a blowout.
22660088.. kkiicckk ooffff
1. to bring a well into production,usually by injecting gas. 2. in workover
operations, to swab a well to restore it to production. 3. to deviate a wellbore
from the vertical.
22660099.. KKIICCKK,, WWAATTEERRFFLLOOOODD
See Waterflood Kick.
22661100.. KKIICCKKIINNGG DDOOWWNN AA WWEELLLL
A primitive method of drilling a shallow well using manpower (leg power). In
oil's very early days, a pole made from a small tree was used to support the
drilling line and bit in the hole. The driller with his foot in a stirrup to the line
would kick downward causing the pole to bend and the bit to hit the bottom
of the hole. The green sapling would spring back, lifting the bit ready for
another "kick" by the driller.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
356356
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22661111.. kkiicckkooffff ppooiinntt
(KOP) the depth in a vertical hole at which a deviated or slant hole is started;
used in directional drilling.
22661122.. kkiicckkooffff pprreessssuurree
the gas pressure required to kick off a well, usually greater than that required
to maintain the well in production.
22661133.. KKIICCKKOOUUTT CCLLAAUUSSEE
In some purchase contracts for oil and gas a clause that permits the
purchaser, under certain conditions, to renegotiate the contract. Usually the
conditions concern pricing or market availability.
22661144.. KKIIEERR,, SSAAMMUUAALL MM..
In the early 1850s, Kier was skimming crude oil from the water of his salt
wells in Pittsburgh, Pa., and selling it as Kier Rock Oil. a medicinal cure-all
Soon he had more oil than he could peddle in bottles so he became interested
in refining. With the assistance of J.C. Booth, a Philadelphia chemist who
designed a crude, coal-fired still, Kier began refining kerosene. By 1859 and
the advent of Drake's well, there were nearly a hundred small, one-vessel
refineries around the country making kerosene for use in a new lamp that had
been invented.
22661155.. kkiillll
1. in drilling, to prevent a threatened blowout by taking suitable preventive
measures (e.g., to shut in the well with the blowout preventers, circulate the
kick out, and increase the weight of the drilling mud). 2. in production, to
stop a well from producing oil and gas so that reconditioning of the well can
proceed.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
357357
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22661166.. kkiillll aa wweellll
1. to bring under control a well that is threatening to blow out. 2. to circulate
water and mud into a completed well before starting well-servicing
operations. To overcome downhole pressure in a drilling well by the use of
drilling mud or water. One important function of drilling mud is to maintain
control over any downhole gas pressures that may be encountered. It gas
pressure threatens to cause loss of circulation or a blowout, drilling mud is
made heavier (heavied-up) by the addition of special clays or other material.
See Kick.
22661177.. kkiillll lliinnee
a high-pressure line that connects the mud pump and the well and through
which heavy drilling fluid can be pumped into the well to control a threatened
blowout.
22661188.. kkiillll sshheeeett
a printed form that contains blank spaces for recording information about
killing an impending blowout, provided to remind personnel of the necessary
steps to take to kill a well.
22661199.. KKIILLLLEERR WWEELLLL
A directional well drilled near an out-of-control well to "kill" it by flooding the
formation with water or mud. Wells that have blown out and caught fire are
often brought under control in this manner it other means tail.
22662200.. kkiinneemmaattiicc VViissccoossiittyy
the absolute viscosity of a fluid divided by the density of the fluid at the
temperature of the viscosity measurement.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
358358
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22662211.. kkiinnkk
a loop in a wire rope that, having been pulled tight, causes permanent
distortion of the wire rope.
22662222.. KKNNOOCCKK--OOFFFF PPOOSSTT
A post through which a rod line moves as it operates a pumping jack. When
the well is to be hung off (shut down), a block is inserted between the rod-
line hook and the knock-off post which interrupts the line's forward
movement putting slack in the line so that the hook may be disengaged.
22662233.. KKNNOOCCKKOOUUTT
A tank or separator vessel used to separate or "knock out" water from a
stream of oil.
22662244.. kknnoocckkoouutt ddrrooppss
(slang) a slugging compound.
22662255.. kknnoott
a unit of speed equal to 1 nautical mile, or 6,020.20 feet, per hour. It is also
equal to about I'A statute miles per hour.
22662266.. kknnoowwlleeddggee bbooxx
(slang) the cupboard or desk in which the driller keeps the various records
pertaining to a drilling operation. The drilling crew's name for the place the
driller keeps his orders and reports; smart box.
22662277.. KKNNUUCCKKLLEE BBUUSSTTEERR
A wrench so worn or of such poor quality that it will not hold when under the
strain of heavy work.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
359359
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22662288.. KKNNUUCCKKLLEE JJOOIINNTT
A universal joint (q.v.); a type of early drilling tool hinged on a movable joint
so that the drill could be deflected at an angle from the vertical. a deflection
tool, placed above the drill bit in the drill stem, with a ball and socket
arrangement that allows the tool to be deflected at an angle; used in
directional drilling. A knuckle joint is useful in fishing operations because it
allows the fishing tool to be deflected to the side of the hole where a fish may
have come to rest.
22662299.. KKOO
kicked off; used in drilling reports.(See kick off.)
22663300.. KKOOPP
kickoff point.
22663311.. KKOORRTT NNOOZZZZLLEE
A type of ship's propeller that rotates within a cylindrical cowling which
concentrates the thrust of the propeller. This produces a nozzle effect as the
water is jetted from the cowling. Kort nozzles are installed on some tugboats
and drilling-tender vessels to increase their maneuverability and response.
22663322.. kkVV
kilovolt.
22663333.. kkWW
kilowatt.
22663344.. kkwwhh
KWH, kw-h kilowatt-hour.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22663355.. LLAACCTT
lease automatic custody transfer. A LACT unit is an automated system for
measuring and transferring oil from a leasegathering system into a pipeline.
22663366.. LLAACCTT uunniitt
(See lease automatic custody transfer, and LACT.)
22663377.. llaammiinnaarr ffllooww
a smooth flow of fluid in which no cross flow of fluid particles occurs between
adjacent stream lines.
22663388.. llaanndd
1. the area of a partly machined surface (as with grooves or indentations)
that is left smooth. 2. the area between the grooves into which the rings fit
on a piston.
22663399.. llaanndd ccaassiinngg
to install casing so it is supported in the casinghead by slips. The casing is
usually landed in the casinghead at exactly the position in which it was
hanging when the cement plug reached its lowest point.
22664400.. LLAANNDDEEDD CCOOSSTT ((OOFF OOIILL))
The cost of a barrel of imported oil off loaded at a U.S, port. Landed cost
includes all foreign taxes and royalties plus cost of transportation.
22664411.. LLAANNDDIINNGG CCAASSIINNGG
Lowering a string of casing into the hole and setting it on a shoulder of rock
at a point where the diameter of the borehole has been reduced. The
beginning of the smaller diameter hole forms the shoulder on which the
casing is landed.
22664422.. llaannddiinngg ddeepptthh
the depth to which the lower end of casing extends in the hole when casing is
landed.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
362362
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22664433.. llaannddmmaann
a person in the petroleum industry who negotiates with landowners for land
options, oil-drilling leases, and royalties and with producers for the pooling of
production in the Field; also called leasernan.
22664444.. LLAANNDDOOWWNNEERR RROOYYAALLTTYY
A share of the gross production of the oil and gas on t property by the
landowner without bearing any of the cost of producing the oil or gas. The
usual landowner's royalty is one-eighth of gross production.
22664455.. llaapp
an interval in the cased hole where the top of a liner overlaps the bottom of a
string of casing.
22664466.. LLAAPP--WWEELLDDEEDD PPIIPPEE
Line pipe or casing made from a sheet of steel which is formed on a mandrel.
The two edges, tapered to half normal thickness, are 1a,oped over and
welded. See Seamless Pipe.
22664477.. llaasstteennggaaggeedd tthhrreeaadd
the last pipe thread that is actually screwed into the coupling thread in
making up a joint of drill pipe, drill collars, tubing, or casing. If the pipe
makes up perfectly, it is also the last thread cut on the pipe.
22664488.. llaattcchh oonn
to attach elevators to a section of pipe to pull it out of or run it into the hole.
22664499.. LLAATTEERR
A metric unit of volume 1.057 U.S. quarts; 61.02 cubic inches.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
363363
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22665500.. LLAATTEERRAALL LLIINNEESS
Pipelines that tie into a trunk line; laterals are of smaller diameter and are laid
as part of a gathering system or a distribution system. In an oil field, laterals
bring oil or gas from individual leases or tank batteries to the booster station
and the trunk line.
22665511.. llaatteexx cceemmeenntt
an oil-well cement composed of latex, cement, a surfactant, and water and
characterized by its high-strength bond with other materials and its resistance
to contamination by oil or drilling mud.
22665522.. llaayy bbaarrggee
a barge used in the construction and placement of underwater pipelines.
joints of pipe are welded together and then lowered off the stern of the barge
as it moves ahead.
22665533.. llaayy ddoowwnn ppiippee
to pull drill pipe or tubing from the hole and place it in a horizontal position on
a pipe rack. Compare set back.
22665544.. LLAAYY TTOONNGGSS
See Pipe Tongs.
22665555.. LLAAYY--DDOOWWNN RRAACCKK
A storage area for tubing and drillpipe that are removed from a well and laid
down rather than set back and racked vertically in the derrick.
22665566.. LLAAYY--DDOOWWNN TTHHEE TTUUBBIINNGG
To pull the tubing from the well, a joint at a time, and remove it from the
derrick floor to a nearby horizontal pipe rack. As each joint is unscrewed from
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
364364
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
the string, the lower end of the joint is placed on a low cart and pulled out to
the rack as the driller lowers the pipe which is held up by the elevators.
22665577.. llaayyeerr
a bed, or stratum, of rock.
22665588.. llaayyiinngg ddoowwnn
(See lay down pipe.)
22665599.. LLAAZZYY BBEENNCCHH
A bench on which workers, when not working, may rest. A perch from which
a work operation may be observed by workers or loafers.
22666600.. LLAAZZYY BBOOAARRDD
A stout board with a handle used to support the end of a pipeline while
another length of pipe is screwed into it. On small lines. the man operating
the lazy board or "granny" board usually handles the back-up wrench which
holds one joint of pipe firm while another joint is being screwed in.
22666611.. llbb
pound.
22666622.. llbb//fftt33
pounds per cubic foot.
22666633.. LLBB//LLBB
Pound per pound. In a refining process, the ratio of ingredients to be mixed
or introduced to the process.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
365365
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22666644.. LLBBSS--HH22OO//MMMMSSCCFF
Pounds of water per million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of natural gas. The
designation of water content for large volumes of gas. See PPM/VVT.
22666655.. LLCCCCVV
Large crude-carrying vessels tankers from 100,000 to 500,000 dead. weight
tons capable of transporting 2.5 to 3.5 million barrels of oil in one trip.
Cruising speed of LCCVs is 12 to 18 knots overall length, about 1,200 feet;
draft when fully loaded, more than 80 feet.
22666666.. lleeaadd lliinnee
the pipe through which oil or gas flows from the well to additional equipment
on the lease.
22666677.. LLEEAADD LLIINNEESS
Lines through which production from individual wells is run to a tease tank
battery.
22666688.. lleeaadd ttoonnggss
(pronounced "leed") the pipe tongs suspended in the derrick and operated by
a wireline connected to the breakout cathead. They are also called breakout
tongs.
22666699.. lleeaadd--ttoonngg mmaann
the crew member who operates lead tongs during hoisting of the drill pipe.
22667700.. lleeaakk--ooffff tteesstt
a gradual pressurizing of the casing after the blowout preventers have been
installed to permit estimation of the casing burst point.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
366366
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22667711.. LLEEAANN GGAASS
Natural gas containing little or no liquefiable hydrocarbons. See Wet Gas.
22667722.. lleeaann ooiill
a hydrocarbon liquid usually lighter in weight than kerosine and heavier than
paint thinner. In a gas-processing plant, lean oil is used in an absorber to
remove heavier hydrocarbons from natural gas.
22667733.. LLEEAASSEE
(1) The legal instrument by which a leasehold is created in minerals. A
contract that. for a stipulated sum, conveys to an operator the right to drill for
oil or gas. The oil lease is not to be confused with the usual lease of land or a
building. The interests created by an oil-country lease are quite different from
a realty lease.
(2) The location of production activity; oil installations and facilities; location
of oil field office, tool house, garages.
22667744.. lleeaassee aauuttoommaattiicc ccuussttooddyy ttrraannssffeerr
(LACT) automatic measurement and transfer of oil from a producer's tanks to
a connected pipeline, which circumvents the need for personnel to be present
at the site.
22667755.. LLEEAASSEE BBRROOKKEERR
A person whose business is securing leases for later sale in the hope of profit.
Lease brokers operate in areas where survey or exploration work is being
done.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
367367
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22667766.. LLEEAASSEE CCOONNDDEENNSSAATTEE
Liquid hydrocarbons produced with natural gas and separated from the gas at
the well or on the lease. See Condensate.
22667777.. LLEEAASSEE HHOOUUNNDD
Colloquial term for a person whose job is securing oil and gas leases from
landowners for himself or a company for which he works. See Landman.
22667788.. LLEEAASSEE LLIINNEESS
Gathering lines on a lease; usually small-diameter (2 to 4-inch) pipelines that
carry production from the lease wells to a central tank battery; lead fines.
22667799.. lleeaassee mmeetteerriinngg ssiittee
the point on a lease where the volume of oil produced from the lease is
measured, usually automatically.
22668800.. lleeaassee ooppeerraattoorr
(See pumper.)
22668811.. lleeaassee ttaannkk
(See production tank.)
22668822.. LLEEAASSEE TTAANNKKSS
A battery of two or more 100 to 500-barreitanks on a lease that receive the.
production from the wells on the lease. Pipeline connections are made to the
lease tanks for transporting the oil to the trunk line and thence to the
refinery.
22668833.. lleeaasseemmaann
(See landman.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
368368
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22668844.. lleeeewwaarrdd
(nautical) downwind.
22668855.. LLEEFFTT--HHAANNDD TTHHRREEAADD
A pipe or bolt thread cut to be turned counterclockwise in tightening. Most
threads are right-hand, cut to be tightened by turning clockwise. Nipples with
one kind of thread on one end, another on the other end, are referred to as
"bastard (q.v.) nipples."
22668866.. LLEEGGAALL SSUUBBDDIIVVIISSIIOONN
Forty acres; one-sixteenth of a section (square mile).
22668877.. LLEEGGSS,, OOIILL DDEERRRRIICCKK
The tour corner-members of the rig, held together by sway braces and girts.
22668888.. lleennss
1. a porous, permeable, irregularly shaped sedimentary deposit surrounded
by impervious rock. 2. a lenticular sedimentary bed that pinches out, or
comes to an end, in all directions.
22668899.. LLEESSSSEEEE
The person or company entitled, under a lease, to drill and operate an oil or
gas well.
22669900.. lleessssoorr
the conveyer of a lease (as an oil and gas lease).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
369369
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22669911.. lleevveell
1. the height or depth at which the top of a column of fluid is located (as the
level of fluid in a well). 2. a horizontally even surface. 3. a device used to
determine if a surface is horizontal.
22669922.. LLIIFFOO--FFIIFFOO--FFIILLOO
Last in first out; first in first out; first in fast out. Acronyms that designate the
sequence of movement in and out or the handling of crude oil and products in
inventory or held in storage.
22669933.. lliifftteerr--rrooooff ttaannkk
a tank whose roof rises and falls with the changes of pressure in the tank but
does not float on the product stored in it.
22669944.. LLIIFFTTIINNGG
(1) Refers to tankers and barges taking on cargoes of oil or refined product at
a terminal or transshipment point.
(2) Producing an oil well by mechanical means; pump, compressed air, or
gas.
22669955.. LLIIFFTTIINNGG CCOOSSTTSS
The costs of producing oil from a well or a lease,
22669966.. lliiffttiinngg nniippppllee
a short piece of pipe with a pronounced upset, or shoulder, on the upper end,
screwed into drill pipe, drill collars, or casing to provide a positive grip for the
elevators. It also is called a lifting sub or a hoisting plug.
22669977.. lliiffttiinngg ssuubb
(See hoisting plug and lifting nipple.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
370370
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22669988.. LLIIGGHHTT CCRRUUDDEE
Crude oil that flows freely at atmospheric temperatures and has an API
gravity in the high 30s and 40s; a light-colored crude oil. See Heavy Crude
Oil.
22669999.. lliigghhtt ccrruuddee ooiill
a crude oil of relatively high API gravity (usually 40' or higher).
22770000.. lliigghhtt ddiissppllaacceemmeenntt
on mobile offshore drilling rigs, the weight of the rig with all permanently
attached equipment but without fuel, supplies, crew, ballast, drill pipe, and so
forth.
22770011.. LLIIGGHHTT EENNDDSS
The more volatile products of petroleum refining e.g. butane, propane,
gasoline.
22770022.. LLIIGGHHTT PPLLAANNTT
An early-day term for an installation on a lease or at a company camp (q.v.)
that provided electricity for fighting and small appliances. The light plant often
was simply a belt-driven D. C. generator run off one of the engines at a
pipeline pumping station or a pumping well's engine. The lights "surged" with
the power strokes of the engines and went out when an engine "went down,"
but the lights were far better than gas lights or none at all.
22770033.. lliigghhtteenniinngg hhoollee
a hole cut into a strengthening member that reduces its weight but does not
affect its strength significantly.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
371371
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22770044.. lliigghhttwweeiigghhtt cceemmeenntt
a cement or cement system that handles stable scurries having densities of
less than the optimum weight of neat cement.
22770055.. lliiggnnoossuullffoonnaattee
an organic drilling fluid additive derived from by-products of a papermaking
process using sulfite; added to drilling mud to minimize fluid loss and to
reduce the viscosity of the mud.
22770066.. lliimmbbeerr hhoollee
a hole cut in a structural member of a ship or offshore drilling rig, usually in a
tank, to allow water to pass through freely.
22770077.. LLIIMMEE
Colloquial for limestone.
22770088.. lliimmee mmuudd
a drilling mud that is treated with lime to provide a source of soluble calcium
in the filtrate in order to obtain desirable mud properties when drilling in shale
or clay formations.
22770099.. lliimmeessttoonnee
a sedimentary rock rich in calcium carbonate that sometimes serves as a
reservoir rock for petroleum.
22771100.. lliinnee
1. any length of pipe through which liquid or gas flows. 2. rope or wire rope.
3. electrical wire.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
372372
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22771111.. lliinnee ddrriivvee
in water-flooding, a pattern of injection wells designed to advance water to
the producing wells in the form of a frontal movement. (See waterflood.)
22771122.. LLIINNEE FFIILLLL AANNDD LLIINNEE PPAACCKK
Line fill The amount of gas or oil or product required to fill a new line before
deliveries can be made at take-off I points or the end of the fine. Line pack
The volume of gas or barrels or oil maintained in a trunk pipeline at all times
in order to maintain pressure and provide uninterrupted flow of gas or oil.
There are millions of barrels of oil and billions of cubic feet of gas in the
country's pipelines at ad times.
22771133.. LLIINNEE LLIISSTT
Instructions to the pipeline construction crews building a line across the land
of many property owners. The instructions list all owners, the length of line
across each property, and include any special restrictions such as "keep all
gates closed and in good repair" and "avoid at all costs damaging large
trees." The right-of-way man leaps make up the line list,
22771144.. lliinnee ppiippee
a steel or plastic pipe used in pipelines, gathering systems, flow lines, and so
forth.
22771155.. lliinnee ssccrraappeerr
(See pig.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
373373
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22771166.. LLIINNEE,, GGAASS SSAALLEESS
Merchantable natural-gas line from a lease or offshore production processing
platform carrying gas that has had water and other impurities removed; a line
carrying pipeline gas (q.v.).
22771177.. LLIINNEE,, OOIILL SSAALLEESS
Merchantable crude-oil fine from a lease or offshore production processing
platform carrying oil that has had water and other impurities removed; a line
transporting pipeline oil, (q.v.).
22771188.. LLIINNEE--PPAACCKK GGAASS
Gas maintained in a gas transmission line at all times to maintain pressure
and effect uninterrupted flow of gas to customers at take-off points.
22771199.. LLIINNEERR
In drilling, a length of casing used downhole to shut off a water or gas
formation so drilling can proceed. Liners are also used to case a "thief zone"
(q.v.) where drilling fluid is being lost in a porous formation. A finer is also a
removable cylinder used in reciprocating pumps and certain types of internal-
combustion engines; a sleeve.
22772200.. lliinneerr bbaarrrreell
a pump barrel used for either tubing pumps or rod (insert) pumps. A full-
cylinder liner barrel consists of a steel jacket inside of which is a full-length
tube of cast iron or special alloy. The inner surface of the barrel is polished to
a mirrorlike finish to permit a fluid-tight seal between it and the plunger. In a
sectional liner barrel, the tube placed inside the steel jacket consists of a
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
374374
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
series of sections placed end to end and held firmly in place by means of
threaded collars on the ends of the steel jacket.
22772211.. lliinneerr ccoommpplleettiioonn
a well completion in which a screen liner is used to obtain communication
between the reservoir and the wellbore.
22772222.. lliinneerr hhaannggeerr
a slip device that attaches the liner to the casing.
22772233.. lliinneerr llaapp
the distance that a liner extends into the bottom of a string of casing.
22772244.. LLIINNEEUUPP CCLLAAMMPPSS
A device that holds the ends of two joints of pipe together and in perfect
alignment for welding. Lineup clamps operate on the outside of the pipe and
are used on smaller diameter line pipe. Large-diameter pipe-20 to 36-inch and
over-are aligned by internal, hydraulically operated mandrel-like devices.
22772255.. LLIINNKKAAGGEE
A term used to describe an arrangement of interconnecting parts-rods, lovers,
springs, joints, couplings, pins-that transmit motion, power, or exert control.
22772266.. lliiqquueeffiieedd nnaattuurraall ggaass
(LNG) a liquid composed chiefly of natural gas (i.e., mostly methane). Natural
gas is liquefied to make it easier to transport if a pipeline is not feasible (as
across a body of water). Not as easily liquefied as LPG, LNG must be put
under low temperature and high pressure to become liquefied.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
375375
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22772277.. LLIIQQUUEEFFIIEEDD NNAATTUURRAALL GGAASS ((LLNNGG))
Natural gas that has been liquefied by severe cooling (-160'C.) for the
purpose of shipment and storage in high-pressure cryogenic tanks. To
transform the liquid to a useable gas, the pressure is reduced and the liquid is
warmed.
22772288.. lliiqquueeffiieedd nnaattuurraall--ggaass ccaarrrriieerr
(LNGC) a tank ship that is specifically designed to transport liquefied natural
gas.
lliiqquueeffiieedd ppeettrroolleeuumm ggaass
(LPG) a mixture of heavier, gaseous, paraffinic hydrocarbons, principally
butane and propane. These gases, easily liquefied at moderate pressures,
may be transported as liquids but converted to gases on release of the
pressure. Thus, liquefied petroleum gas is a portable source of thermal
energy that finds wide application in areas where it is impracticable to
distribute natural gas. It is also used as a fuel for internal-combustion engines
and has many industrial and domestic uses. Principal sources are natural and
refinery gas, from which the liquefied petroleum gases are separated by
fractionation.
22772299.. lliiqquuiidd
a state of matter in which the shape of the given mass depends on the
containing vessel, but the volume of the mass is independent of the vessel. A
liquid is a practically incompressible fluid. liquid-level controller any device
used to control the liquid level in a tank by actuating electric or pneumatic
switches that open and close the discharge valve or the intake valve, thus
maintaining the liquid at the desired level.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
376376
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22773300.. LLIIQQUUIIDD HHYYDDRROOCCAARRBBOONNSS
Petroleum components that are liquid at normal temperatures and
atmospheric pressure.
22773311.. lliiqquuiidd--lleevveell ggaauuggee
any device that indicates the level or quantity of liquid in a container.
lliiqquuiidd--lleevveell IInnddiiccaattoorr
a device connected to a vessel and coupled with either a float in the vessel or
directly with the fluid therein and calibrated to give a visual indication of the
liquid level in the tank.
22773322.. lliisstt
the position of a ship or offshore drilling rig that heels to one side because of
a shift in cargo, machinery, or supplies.
22773333.. lliitteerr
a unit of metric measure of capacity equal to the volume occupied by 1 kg of
water at 4 C and at the standard atmospheric pressure of 760 mm.
22773344.. lliitthhiiffiiccaattiioonn
the conversion of unconsolidated deposits into solid rock.
22773355.. LLiitthhoollooggiicc,, lliitthhoollooggyy
The physical character of a rock.
22773366.. lliitthhoollooggyy
the study of rocks, usually macroscopic. Also, the individual character of a
rock in terms of mineral composition, structure, and so forth.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
377377
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22773377.. LLIITTTTLLEE BBIIGG IINNCCHH PPIIPPEELLIINNEE
A 20-inch products pipeline built from East Texas to the Fact Coast during
World War 11 to solve the problem caused by tanker losses as the resume of
submarine warfare. After the war, the line was sold to a private gas
transmission company.
22773388.. LLIIVVEE OOIILL
Crude oil which contains dissolved natural gas when produced. A flowing well
always has dissolved gas, as it is the gas pressure which pushes the oil out of
the porous formation to the well bore and up to the surface. Pumping wells
may produce oil with a small amount of gas entrained in the production.
22773399.. llmm
lime; used in drilling reports.
22774400.. LLNNGG
See Liquefied Natural Gas.
22774411.. LLNNGGCC
liquefied natural-gas carrier.
22774422.. llooaadd
in mechanics, the weight or pressure placed on an object. The load on a bit
refers to the amount of the weight of the drill collars allowed to rest on the
bit. See weight on the bit. to engage an engine so it works. Compare idle.
22774433.. llooaadd bbiinnddeerr
a chain or cable with a latching device, used to secure loads (usually of pipe)
on trucks. It is also called boomer.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
378378
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22774444.. llooaadd gguuyy
(See guy line.)
22774455.. LLOOAADD OOIILL
Oil of any kind put back into a well for any purpose; e.g. hydraulic fracturing,
shooting, or swabbing.
22774466.. llooaaddiinngg rraacckk
the equipment used for transferring crude oil into tank cars.
22774477.. lloocc
location; used in drilling reports.
22774488.. LLOOCCAALL DDRRAAIINNAAGGEE
The movement of oil or gas toward the well bore of a producing well. See
Drainage.
22774499.. LLOOCCAATTIIOONN
The well site the place where a well is to be drilled or has been drilled; a well
spacing unit, e.g. "Two locations south of the discovery well..."
22775500.. LLOOCCAATTIIOONN DDAAMMAAGGEESS
Compensation paid by an operator to the owner of the land for damages to
the surface or to crops during the drilling of a well. Mud pits must be dug, a
surface leveled for tanks and rig, and access roads built, so there are always
some location damages to be paid.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
379379
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22775511.. lloogg
a systematic recording of data, as from the driller's log, mud log, electrical
well log, or radioactivity log. Many different logs are run in wells being
produced or drilled to obtain various characteristics of downhole formations.
22775522.. lloogg aa wweellll
to run any of the various logs used to ascertain downhole information about a
well.
22775533.. LLOOGG RROOAADD
See Cord Road.
22775544.. lloogg sshheeeett
a daily report sheet on which operating data is entered by gaugers,
dispatchers, and station engineers.
22775555.. LLOOGG,, SSAAMMPPLLEE
See Sample Log.
22775566.. llooggbbooookk
a book used by station engineers and gaugers to keep notes of current
operating conditions and other useful information.
22775577.. LLooggggiinngg
The systematic recording of data obtained from the driller's log and mud log
at the surface, and electrical and radioactive logs obtained from
instrumentation lowered into and retrieved from the drill hole after drilling.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
380380
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22775588.. LLOOGGGGIINNGG UUNNIITT
Well service wireline equipment for downhole well surveys. The spoof on
which the wire is wound is powered by a small engine to reel in the
thousands of feet of wire lowered into the hole with the logging tool.
22775599.. LLOONNGG SSTTRRIINNGG
See Production String.
22776600.. LLOOOOPPIINNGG AA LLIINNEE
The construction of a pipeline parallel to an existing line, usually in the same
right-of-way, to increase the throughput capacity of the system; doubling a
pipeline over part of its length, with the new section tied into the original line.
22776611.. LLOOOOSSEE--VVAALLVVEE TTRREEEE
The designation for a Christmas tree or production tree nippled up or made
up with individual valves as contrasted to solid-block tree valves, i.e., two or
more valves made in one compact steel block. A stacked, loose-valve tree.
22776622.. LLOOSSEE RREETTUURRNNSS
Refers to a condition in which less drilling mud is being returned from
downhole than is being pumped in at the top. This indicates that mud is being
lost in porous formations, crevices, or a cavern.
22776633.. lloossss ooff cciirrccuullaattiioonn
(See lost circulation.)
22776644.. lloosstt cciirrccuullaattiioonn
the loss of quantities of whole mud to a formation, usually in cavernous,
Fissured, or coarsely permeable beds, evidenced by the complete or partial
failure of the mud to return to the surface as it is being circulated in the hole.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
381381
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
Lost circulation can lead to a blowout and, in general, reduce the efficiency of
the drilling operation. It is also called lost returns.
22776655.. lloosstt hhoollee
a well that cannot be further drilled or produced because of a blowout,
unsuccessful fishing job, and so forth. lost pipe drill pipe, drill collars, tubing,
or casing that has become separated from the part of the pipe reaching the
surface, necessitating its removal before normal operations can proceed; a
fish.
22776666.. lloosstt rreettuurrnnss
(See lost circulation.)
22776677.. lloosstt--cciirrccuullaattiioonn mmaatteerriiaall
a substance added to cement slurries or drilling muds to prevent the loss of
cement or mud to the formation. (See bridging material.)
22776688.. llooww--pprreessssuurree ssqquueeeezzee cceemmeennttiinngg
the forcing of cement into the points in a well to be squeezed at a pressure
not exceeding the formation-breakdown pressure. (See squeeze cementing.)
22776699.. llooww--ssoolliiddss mmuudd
a drilling mud that contains a minimum amount of solid material (as sand, silt,
etc.) and is used in rotary drilling when possible because it can provide fast
drilling rates.
22777700.. LLOOWWBBOOYY
A low-profile, flat-bed trailer with multiple axles (6 to 10) for transporting
extra-heavy loads over relatively short distances. The many wheels and axles
serve to spread the weight of the trailer and its load over a large area to
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
382382
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
avoid damaging streets and highways. The low bed makes it easier to load
and unload the heavy equipment it was designed to move.
22777711.. LLOOWWEERR IINN
To put a completed pipeline in the ditch. This is done with side-boom tractors
that lift the pipe in slings and carefully lower it into the ditch. The slings are
made of layers of heavy canvas or rubber-impregnated fabric so as not to
scuff or break the anticorrosion pipe coating which is applied to all buried
pipelines.
22777722.. LLPP--GGAASS DDRRIIVVEE
The injection of high-pressure enriched gas or an LPG slug to effect the
miscible displacement of oil. See Tertiary Recovery.
22777733.. LLPPGG
Liquefied petroleum gas; LP-gas; "bottled gas"; butane, propane and other
fight ends (q.v.) separated from natural gasoline or crude oil by fractionation
or other refining processes. At atmospheric pressure, liquefied petroleum
gases revert to the gaseous state. Liquid butane and propane or a mixture of
the two are used extensively in areas where there is no natural gas service.
When the valve on the "bottle" or small tank of butane, for example, is
opened, releasing the pressure on the liquid, a small quantity of liquid "boils"
or turns to a gas and can then be used just as natural gas for cooking or
heating.
22777744.. llss
limestone; used in drilling reports.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
383383
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22777755.. llssee
lease; used in drilling reports.
22777766.. LLUUBBEE OOIILL
Short for lubricating oil or lubricant. Also tube and tubes.
22777777.. LLUUBBRRIICCAATTIINNGG OOIILL,, MMUULLTTIIGGRRAADDEE
Specially formulated lubricating oil that flows freely in cold weather, and in
the heat of engine operation, maintains sufficient viscosity or "body" to
properly lubricate the engine e.g. 10-30 SAE.
22777788.. LLUUBBRRIICCAATTIIOONN SSYYSSTTEEMM,, GGRRAAVVIITTYY SSPPLLAASSHH
A type of lubrication system for relatively slow-moving machinery. The
crankcase of a pump, for example, contains the tube oil. As the crankshaft
22777799.. lluubbrriiccaattoorr
a specially fabricated length of casing or tubing usually placed temporarily
above a valve on top of the casing or tubing head. It is used to run tools or
substances into a producing well without having to kill the well and affords a
method of sealing off pressure while allowing a device such as a wireline to
pass into the well.
22778800.. LLUUBBRRIICCAATTOORR,, MMUUDD
A temporary hookup of pipes and valves for introducing additional, heavy
drilling mud into the well bore to control gas pressure. Through one or two
joints of large-diameter casing attached atop the wellhead, the heavy mud is
fed into the well bore, against pressure. as through a lubricator.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
384384
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22778811.. LLUUCCAASS,, CCAAPPTT.. AANNTTHHOONNYY FF..
It was Capt. Lucas' Spindletop gusher in 1901 (75,000 bbls/day) that ushered
in the modern oil age of large oil companies. John H. Galey and James M.
Guffey owned the Spindletop gusher located near Beaumont, Texas.
22778822.. LLUURRGGII PPRROOCCEESSSS
A process for the commercial gasification of coal which originated in
Germany.
22778833.. LLXXTT UUNNIITT
A low-temperature separator; a mechanical separator which uses refrigeration
obtained by expansion of gas from high pressure to low pressure to increase
recovery of gas-entrained liquids.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22778844.. mm
meter.
22778855.. mm22
square meter.
22778866.. mm33
cubic meter.
22778877.. mmAA
milliampere.
22778888.. mmaaccaarroonnii ssttrriinngg
a string of tubing of very small diameter.
22778899.. mmaaggmmaa
the hot, fluid matter within the earth's crust, capable of intrusion or extrusion,
that produces igneous rocks when cooled.
22779900.. MMaaggnnaafflluuxx
a trade name for the equipment and processes used for detecting cracks and
other surface discontinuities in iron or steel. A magnetic field is set up in the
part to be inspected, and a powder or paste of magnetic particles is applied.
The particles arrange themselves around discontinuities in the metal,
revealing defects.
mmaaggnneettiicc ssuurrvveeyyiinngg iinnssttrruummeenntt
a device used to determine the direction and drift of a deviated wellbore. It
uses a plumb bob, a magnetic compass, and photographic or mechanical
equipment to determine and record directional information. (See directional
survey and directional drilling.)
22779911.. MMAAGGNNEETTOO
See Ignition Magneto,
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
386386
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22779922.. MMAAGGNNEETTOOMMEETTEERR
An instrument for measuring the relative intensity of the earth's magnetic
effect. Used to detect rock formations below the surface; in instrument used
by geophysicists in oil exploration work.
22779933.. mmaaiinn ddeecckk
the principal deck extending from front to back of a ship or offshore drilling
rig; the Texas deck.
22779944.. mmaaiinn lliinnee
a large-diameter pipeline between distant points; a trunk line.
22779955.. mmaakkee aa ccoonnnneeccttiioonn
to attach a joint of drill pipe onto the drill stem suspended in the wellbore to
permit deepening of the wellbore.
22779966.. mmaakkee aa hhaanndd
(slang) to become a good worker.
22779977.. mmaakkee aa ttrriipp
to hoist the drill stem out of the wellbore to perform one of a number of
operations such as changing bits, taking a core, and so forth, and then to
return the drill stem to the wellbore.
22779988.. mmaakkee hhoollee
to deepen the hole made by the bit; to drill ahead.
22779999.. MMAAKKEE IITT UUPP
To screw a pipe or threaded connection tight by the use of a wrench.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
387387
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22880000.. mmaakkee uupp
1. to assemble and join parts to form a complete unit (as to make up a string
of casing). 2. to screw together two threaded pieces. 3. to mix or prepare (as
to make up a tank of mud). 4. to compensate for (as to make up for lost
time).
22880011.. mmaakkee uupp aa jjooiinntt
to screw a length of pipe into another length of pipe.
22880022.. MMAAKKEE--UUPP TTOORRQQUUEE
The power necessary to screw a joint of pipe into another sufficiently tight to
hold and not loosen under working conditions.
22880033.. mmaakkeeuupp
intend to be added to a system (as makeup water used in mixing mud).
mmaakkeeuupp ccaatthheeaadd
the cathead used as a power source for screwing together joints of pipe.
22880044.. MMAAKKIINNGG HHOOLLEE
Progress in drilling a well, literally.
22880055.. MMAALLEE CCOONNNNEECCTTIIOONN
A pipe, rod, or coupling with threads on the outside circumference. male
connection a pipe, coupling, or tool that has threads on the outside so it can
be joined to a female connection.
22880066.. MMAANN RRAACCKK
A portable "doghouse" or cab mounted on a flat-bed truck for transporting
pipeline workers to and from the job.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
388388
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22880077.. mmaannddrreell
a cylindrical bar, spindle, or shaft around which other parts are arranged or
attached or that fits inside a cylinder or tube.
22880088.. mmaannhhoollee
a hole in the top or side of a tank through which a person can enter.A hole in
the side of a tank or other vessel through which a man can enter. Manholes
have fitted covers with gaskets that are kept bolted in place when the tank is
in use.
22880099.. MMAANNIIFFEESSTT
A document issued by a shipper invoicing oil or products transported by a
ship; a bill of lading.
22881100.. MMAANNIIFFOOLLDD
An area where pipelines entering and leaving a pumping station or tank farm
converge and that contains all valves for controlling the incoming and
outgoing streams. manifold an accessory system of piping to a main piping
system (or another conductor) that serves to divide a flow into several parts,
to combine several flows into one, or to reroute a flow to any one of several
possible destinations.
22881111.. mmaannoommeetteerr
a U-shaped piece of glass tubing containing a liquid (usually water or
mercury) that is used to measure the pressure of gases or liquids. When
pressure is applied, the liquid level in one arm rises while the level in the
other drops. A set of calibrated markings beside one of the arms permits a
pressure reading to be taken, usually in inches or millimeters.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
389389
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22881122.. MMAAPP,, BBAASSEE
A map that contain,.; latitude and longitude lines, land and political
boundaries, rivers, lakes, and major cities.
22881133.. MMAAPP,, RREELLIIEEFF
A model of an area in which variation in the surface is shown in relief; a
three-dimensional model of a surface area.
22881144.. MMAAPP,, SSUURRVVEEYY
A map containing geologic information of the surface and/or the subsurface.
22881155.. MMAAPP,, TTOOPPOOGGRRAAPPHHIICC
A map which shows in detail the physical features of an area of land,
including rivers, lakes, streams, roads.
22881166.. MMAARRGGIINNAALL SSTTRRIIKKEE
A discovery well on the border line between what is considered a commercial
and a noncommercial well; a step-out well that may have over-reached the
pool boundary.
22881177.. MMAARRGGIINNAALL WWEELLLL
A low-producing well, usually not subject to allowable regulations. a well that
is approaching depletion of its natural resource to the extent that any profit
from continued production is doubtful.
22881188.. MMAARRIINNEE OOIILL
Petroleum found by wells offshore or on the continental shelf.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
390390
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22881199.. mmaarriinnee rriisseerr ccoonnnneeccttoorr
a fitting on top of the subsea blowout preventers to which the riser pipe is
connected.
22882200.. mmaarriinnee rriisseerr ssyysstteemm
(See riser pipe.)string of specially designed steel pipes that extends down
from drillShip or floating platform to the subsea wellhead. Marine risers are
used to provide a return fluid-flow conductor between the well bore and the
drill vessel and to guide the drillstring to the wellhead on the ocean floor. The
riser is made up of several sections including flexible joints and a telescoping
joint to absorb the vertical motion of the ship caused by wave action.
MMAARRIINNEE WWHHIITTEE GGAASSOOLLIINNEE
Gasoline made for camp stoves, lanterns blow torches, boat Motors. Marine
white contains no tetraethyl lead or other additives that could clog the needle
vales of gasoline appliances.
22882211.. mmaarrkkeerr bbeedd
a distinctive, easily identified rock stratum, especially one used as a guide for
drilling.
22882222.. mmaarrll
a semisolid or unconsolidated clay, silt, or sand.
22882233.. MMAARRSSHH BBUUGGGGYY
A tractor-like vehicle whose wheels are fitted with extra-large rubber tires
inflated with air for use in swamps. The great, balloon-like tires are 10 or 12
feet high and two or three feet wide providing buoyancy as well as traction in
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
391391
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
marshland. The marsh buggy is indispensable in exploration work in swampy
terrain.
22882244.. MMaarrsshh ffuunnnneell
a calibrated funnel used in field tests to determine the viscosity of drilling
mud.
22882255.. MMAASSSS--FFLLOOWW GGAASS MMEETTEERR
A gas meter that registers the quantity of gas in pounds which is then
converted to cubic feet. Mass-flow meter, which are somewhat more accurate
than orifice meters. are used in many refineries where large volumes of gas
are consumed.
22882266.. MMAASSTT
A simple derrick made of timbers or pipe held upright by guywires; a sturdy A
frame used for drilling shallow wells or for workover; a gin pole.a portable
derrick capable of being erected as a unit, as distinguished from a standard
derrick, which cannot be raised to a working position as a unit. For
transporting by land, the mast can be divided into two or more sections to
avoid excessive length extending from truckbeds on the highway.
22882277.. mmaasstteerr bbuusshhiinngg
an adapter used to reduce the size of the opening through the rotary table
and to fit the slips, for example. It may be split in two pieces or may be a
solid ring. Also called the rotary bushing. The large bushing that fits into the
rotary table of a drilling rig into which the ke1ly bushing fits. When kelly
bushing is lifted out of the master bushing, tapered slips are then inserted
around the drillpipe to hold it securely while another joint is added to the
drilistring.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
392392
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22882288.. MMAASSTTEERR GGAATTEE
A large valve on the wellhead used to shut In a well if it should become
necessary.
22882299.. mmaasstteerr vvaallvvee
(1). a large valve on the Christmas tree used to control the flow of oil and gas
from the well.
(2). the blind or blank rams of a blowout preventer.
22883300.. MMAATT--SSUUPPPPOORRTTEEDD DDRRIILLLLIINNGG PPLLAATTFFOORRMM
A self-elevating (jack-up) offshore drilling platform whose legs are attached to
a metal mat or substructure that rests on the sea floor when the legs are
extended.
22883311.. MMAATTIINNGG PPAARRTTSS
Two or more machine or equipment parts made to fit and/or work together,
e.g. piston and cylinder, pump plungers and liners or sucker rod box and pin.
22883322.. mmaattrriixx aacciiddiizziinngg
the procedure by which acid flow is confined to the natural permeability and
porosity of the formation, as opposed to fracture aridizing.
22883333.. MMAATTSSTTRRUUCCTTUURREE
The steel Platform placed on the sea floor as a rigid foundation to support the
legs of a jack-up drilling platform.
22883344.. MMAATTTTOOCCKK
A toot for digging in hard earth or rock. The head has two sharpened steel
blades; one is in the shape of a pick, the other the shape of a heavy adz.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
393393
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22883355.. mmaaxxiimmuumm aalllloowwaabbllee pprreessssuurree
the greatest pressure that may safely be applied to a structure or vessel.
Pressure in excess of this amount leads to failure or explosion.
22883366.. mmaaxxiimmuumm ccaappaacciittyy
the maximum output of a system or unit (as a refinery, gasoline plant,
pumping unit, or producing well).
22883377.. mmaaxxiimmuumm wwaatteerr
in oil-well cementing, the maximum ratio of water to cement that does not
cause the water to separate from the slurry on standing.
22883388.. MMAAYY RRAAKKEE
Another name for the finger board (q.v.) in the derrick of an oil well.
22883399.. MMccff
(Thousand Cubic Feet) Mcf stands for one thousand cubic feet. It is a unit of
measure that is more commonly used in the low volume sectors of the gas
industry such as stripper well production.
22884400.. MMccff//dd
1000 ft' of gas per day.
22884411.. mmdd
millidarcy. (See darcy.)
22884422.. MMEEAA
Short for monoethanolamine, an organic base used in refining operations to
absorb acidic gases in process streams. Also DEA, diethanolamine, another
common organic base.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
394394
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22884433.. mmeeaassuurree iinn
to obtain an accurate measurement of the depth reached in a well by
measuring the drill pipe or tubing as it is run into the well.
22884444.. mmeeaassuurree oouutt
to measure drill pipe or tubing as it is pulled from the hole, usually to
determine the depth of the well or the depth to which the pipe or tubing was
run.
22884455.. MMEEAASSUURREE,, UUNNIITTSS OOFF
LENGTH
22884466.. mmeeaassuurriinngg ttaannkk
a calibrated tank that, by means of weirs, float switches, pressure switches,
or similar devices, automatically measures the volume of liquid run in and
then released. Measuring tanks are used in LACT systems and may also be
referred to as metering tanks or dump tanks.
22884477.. mmeecchhaanniiccaall rriigg
a drilling rig in which the source of power is one or more internal-combustion
engines and in which the power is distributed to rig components through
mechanical devices (as chains, sprockets, clutches, and shafts). It is also
called a power rig.
22884488.. MMEERR
maximum efficiency rate.(of production) (q.v.).
22884499.. MMEERRCCAAPPTTAANN
Chemical compound, containing sulfur, present in certain refined products
that Impart objectionable odor to the product. mercaptan a chemical
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
395395
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
compound similar to alcohol in which sulfur replaces the oxygen. Many
mercaptans have an offensive odor and are used as odor and in natural gas.
22885500.. mmeerrcchhaannttaabbllee ooiill
a crude oil in which the BS& W content is not in excess of that allowed by the
purchase, making it salable.(crude) of a quality as to be acceptable by a
pipeline system or other purchaser; crude oil containing no more than one
percent BS&W (q.v.).
22885511.. MMEERRCCUURRYY NNUUMMBBEERR
A measure of the free sulfur in a sample of naphtha. Mercury is mixed with a
sample and shaken, and the degree of discoloration in the sample is
compared with a standard to determine the mercury number.
22885522.. mmeettaacceenntteerr
a point located somewhere on a line drawn vertically through the crater of
buoyancy of the hull of a floating vessel with the hull in one position (e.g.,
level) and then another (e.g., inclined). When the hull inclines slightly to a
new position, the center of buoyancy of the hull also moves to a new position.
If a second line is drawn vertically through the new center of buoyancy, it
intersects the first line at a point called the metacenter. Location of the
metacenter is important because it affects the stability of floating vessels (as
mobile offshore drilling rigs).
22885533.. mmeettaammoorrpphhiicc rroocckk
a rock derived from preexisting rocks by mineralogical, chemical, and
structural alterations caused by processes within the earth's crust. Marble is a
metamorphic rock.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
396396
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22885544.. MMEETTAAMMOORRPPHHIISSMM
Changes in rock induced by pressure, heat, and the action of water that
results in a more compact and highly crystalline condition.
22885555.. mmeetteerr ((mm))
1. the fundamental unit of length in the metric system, equal to 3.28 ft, 39.37
in., or 100 cm. 2. a device used to measure and often record volumes,
quantities, or rates of flow of gases, liquids, or electric currents. to measure
quantities or properties of a substance.
22885566.. mmeetteerr ccaalliibbrraattiioonn
1. the operation by which meter readings are compared with an accepted
standard. 2. adjustment of a meter so that its readings conform to a standard
22885577.. mmeetteerr cchhaarrtt
a circular chart of special paper that shows the range of differential pressure
and static pressure and that is marked by the recording pens of a flow
meter.A replaceable paper chart for recording pressure or flow for a 24-hour
period. As the chart revolves on its spindle, an inked pen traces the variations
in pressure or volume.
22885588.. mmeetteerr pprroovveerr
a device used to check the accuracy of a meter. Meters are proved by passing
a known volume of fluid through them at a known rate and comparing this
volume with a standard. A typical prover used for checking meters is the bell
prover, which consists essentially of a bell, or piston, that is lowered into a
tank containing a known volume of fluid. As the bell is lowered, it displaces
the fluid and forces it through the meter to be tested. The rate at which the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
397397
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
bell drops is controlled, and thus the rate of flow through the meter can be
controlled. The piston prover is extensively used in LACT systems. It has a
calibrated tube containing a known volume of fluid. As the piston advances,
displacing the fluid in the tube and forcing it through the meter, the volume
passing through the meter is recorded. The reading is then compared with
the standard (the volume in the tube).
22885599.. mmeetteerr rruunn ppooiinntt
the point in a gas-gathering system at which a field measuring meter and
accessories are situated.
22886600.. mmeetteerriinngg sseeppaarraattoorr
a complete separator and volume meter integrated into a single vessel. Two-
phase units separate oil and gas and meter the oil; three-phase units
separate oil, water, and gas, and meter the oil and water.
22886611.. mmeetteerriinngg ttaannkk
(See measuring tank.)
22886622.. MMEETTHHAANNEE
The simplest saturated hydrocarbon; a colorless flammable gas; one of the
main constituents of illuminating gas. methane a light, gaseous, flammable
paraffin hydrocarbon, CH,,, with a boiling point of -258 F, that is the chief
component of natural gas and an important basic hydrocarbon for
petrochemical manufacture.
22886633.. MMeetthhaannee 8800..00%%
Ethane 7.0% Propane 6.0% Isobutane 1.5% Butane 2.5% Pentane plus 3.0%
In addition to these gases, natural gas may contain appreciable quantities of
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
398398
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, and contaminants (as hydrogen sulfide and
water vapor). Although gaseous at normal temperatures and pressures,
certain of the gases comprising the mixture that is natural gas are variable in
form and may be found either as gases or as liquids under suitable conditions
of temperature and pressure.
22886644.. mmeetthhaannee sseerriieess
the paraffin series of hydrocarbons.
22886655.. MMEETTHHAANNEE--RRIICCHH GGAASS PPRROOCCEESSSS
See MRG Process.
22886666.. MMEETTHHAANNOOLL
Methyl alcohol; a colorless, flammable liquid derived from methane (natural
gas).
22886677.. mmeettrriicc ssyysstteemm
a decimal system of weights and measures based on the meter as the unit of
length, the gram as the unit of weight, the cubic meter as the unit of volume,
the liter as the unit of capacity, and the square meter as the unit of area.
22886688.. MMEETTRRIICC SSYYSSTTEEMM CCOONNVVEERRSSIIOONN
Inches X 0.0254 = meters Feet X 0.305 = meters Miles X 1609.00 = meters
Miles X 1.609 = kilometers Millimeters X 0.03937 = inches Centimeters X
0.3937 = inches Meters X 39.37 = inches Meters X 3.281 = feet Kilometers X
0.621 = miles Sq. Centimeters x 0.155 = sq. inches Sq. Meters X 10.764 =
sq. feet Cu. Centimeters x 0.061 = cu. inches Liters X 0.2642 = gallons
Gallons X 3.78 = liters
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
399399
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22886699.. mmgg
milligram.
22887700.. mmiiccaa
a silicate mineral characterized by sheet cleavage. Biotite is ferromagnesian
black mica, and muscovite is potassic white mica. Sometimes mica is used as
a lost-circulation material in drilling.
22887711.. MMIICCEELLLLAARR--PPOOLLYYMMEERR FFLLOOOODDIINNGG
See Micellar-Surfactant Flooding.
22887722.. MMIICCEELLLLAARR--SSUURRFFAACCTTAANNTT FFLLOOOODDIINNGG
A tertiary recovery technique; a method of recovering additional crude oil
from a field depleted by conventional means including repressuring and
waterflooding. Micellar-surfactant drive or flooding involves injecting water
mixed with certain chemicals @into the producing formation. The chemical
Solution reduces the surface tension of the oil clinging or adhering to the
porous rock thus "setting the oil free" to be pumped out with the flooding
solution. Such a project may have various names, e.g. micellar; micellar-
polymer; soluble-oil; petroleum sulfonate.
22887733.. MMIICCRROOBBAALLLLOOOONNSS
A foam blanket that floats on the liquid in storage tanks to reduce losses from
evaporation. The blanket is composed of billions of hollow, balloon like plastic
spheres containing a sealed-in gas-usually nitrogen. The spheres are almost
microscopic in size. When poured in sufficient quantity on top of crude oil or
refined products in a tank. they spread across the surface forming a dense
layer that is effective in reducing evaporation.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
400400
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22887744.. MMiiccrroolloogg
a trade name for a special electric-survey method in which three closely
spaced electrodes are pressed against the wall of the borehole to obtain a
measurement of formation characteristics next to the wall of the hole.
22887755.. mmiiccrroonn
one-millionth of a meter; a metric unit of measure of length equal to 0.001
MM.A unit of measure equal to one-thousandth of a millimeter. Fines (q.v.)
and other low-gravity solids in drilling mud are described as being so many
microns in size (10 microns, for example) and must be removed from the
circulating mud by the use of a desilting device.
22887766.. MMIICCTT
moving in cable tools; used in drilling reports.
22887777.. MMIIDD--CCOONNTTIINNEENNTT CCRRUUDDEE
Oil produced principally in Kansas, Oklahoma, and North Texas.
22887788.. MMIIDDDDLLEE DDIISSTTIILLLLAATTEESS
The term applied to hydrocarbons in the so-called middle range of refinery
distillatio e.g. kerosene, light diesel oil, heating oil, and heavy diesel oil.
22887799.. MMIIDDNNIIGGHHTT RREEQQUUIISSIITTIIOONN
Obtaining material without proper authority borrowing unbeknown to the
"lender"; swiping 'or a "good" cause.
22888800.. mmiiggrraattiioonn
the movement of oil from the area in which it formed to a reservoir rock
where it can accumulate.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
401401
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22888811.. MMIILLLL
To grind up to pulverize with a milling tool (q.v.). a downhole tool with rough,
sharp, extremely hard cutting surfaces for removing metal by grinding or
cutting. Mills are run on drill pipe or tubing to grind up debris in the hole,
remove stuck portions of drill stem or sections of casing for sidetracking, and
ream out tight spots in the casing. They are also called junk mills, reaming
mills, and so forth, depending on what use they have. P to use a mill to cut or
grind metal objects that must be removed from a well.
22888822.. MMIILLLL SSCCAALLEE
A thin layer or incrustation of oxide which forms on the surface of iron and
steel when it is heated during processing. Pipelines must be cleaned of mill
scale before being put in service carrying crude oil, gas or products. This is
done by running steel-bristle pigs and scrapers.
22888833.. MMIILLLLAABBLLEE
Said of material used downhole, i.e., packers, bridges. and plugs, "soft"
enough to be bored out or pulverized with milling tools.
22888844.. MMIILLLLIIDDAARRCCYY
A unit of permeability of a rock formation; one-thousandth of a darcy. See
Darcy.
22888855.. mmiilllliilliitteerr ((mmii))
one-thousandth of a liter. In analyzing drilling mud, this term is used
interchangeably with cubic centimeter (cm3). A quart equals 964 ml.
22888866.. MMIILLLLIINNGG
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
402402
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
Cutting a "window" in a well's casing with a tool lowered into the hole on the
drillstring.
22888877.. mmiilllliinngg sshhooee
(See burn shoe and rotary shoe.)
22888888.. MMIILLLLIINNGG TTOOOOLL
A grinding or cutting fool used on the end of the drill column to pulverize a
piece of downhole equipment or to cut the casing.
22888899.. mmiilllliisseecc
millisecond.
22889900.. mmiinn
minute.
22889911.. mmiinneerraall rriigghhttss
the rights of ownership, conveyed by deed, of gas, oil, and other minerals
beneath the surface of the earth. In the U.S., mineral rights are the property
of the surface owner unless disposed of separately.
22889922.. MMIINNEERRAALL SSPPIIRRIITTSS
Common term for naphthas (solvents). those used for dry cleaning and paint
thinners.
22889933.. mmiinniiaattuurriizzeedd ccoommpplleettiioonn
a well completion in which the production casing is less than 4.5 in. in
diameter.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
403403
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22889944.. MMIINNIIMMUUMM TTEENNDDEERR
The smallest amount of oil or products a pipeline will accept for shipment.
Regulations set minimum tender amounts a common carrier pipeline is
required to take into its system and pump to destination.
22889955.. MMIINNIISSEEMMII
A scaled-down semisubmersible drilling platform built for service in relatively
shallow water.
22889966.. MMIIRR
moving in rig; used in drilling reports.
22889977.. mmiisscciibbllee ddrriivvee
a method of enhanced recovery in which various hydrocarbon solvents or
gases (as propane, LPG, natural gas, carbon dioxide or a mixture thereof) are
injected into the reservoir to reduce interfacial forces between oil and water
in the pore channels and thus displace oil from the reservoir rock.
22889988.. MMIISSCCIIBBLLEE FFLLOOOODD
A secondary or tertiary oil recover method in which two or more formation
flooding fluids are used, one behind the other. For example, C02 May be
injected into the formation followed by waterflooding. See Tertiary Recovery.
22889999.. MMIISSTT
Small, almost microscopic droplets of water entrained in natural gas. Such gas
must be treated to remove the water before it will be accepted by a gas
transmission pipeline.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
404404
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22990000.. mmiisstt ddrriilllliinngg
a drilling technique that uses air or gas, to which a foaming agent has been
added as a circulation medium.
22990011.. mmiisstt eexxttrraaccttoorr
a metal member used to remove moisture or condensable hydrocarbons from
a gas stream in an oil and gas separator. The moisture condenses on the
metal surface, and the liquid is removed from the separator along with other
separated liquids.
22990022.. mmiixx mmuudd
to prepare drilling fluids from a mixture of water or other fluids and one or
more of the various dry mud-making materials (as clay, weighting materials,
chemicals, etc.).
22990033.. mmiixxeedd ssttrriinngg
a combination string. (See casing string.)
22990044.. mmiixxiinngg ttaannkk
any tank or vessel used to mix components of a substance (as in the mixing
of additives with drilling mud).
22990055.. mmll
milliliter.
22990066.. mmmm
millimeter.
22990077.. mmmm22
square millimeter.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
405405
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22990088.. mmmm33
cubic millimeter.
22990099.. MMMMBBTTUUIIHHRR
Million BTU (British thermal units) per hour; rating used for large industrial
heaters and other large thermal installations such as furnaces and boilers.
22991100.. MMMMccff
million cubic feet; a common unit of measurement for large quantities of gas.
22991111.. MMMMOOTTUU,,$$
So many dollars per million BTU; a pricing formula in some gas purchase
contracts which is tied directly to formulas involving prices paid to No. 2 fuel
oil at specific locations in the U.S.
22991122.. MMMMssccff//dd
million standard cubic feet per day.
22991133.. MMMMsscctt
million standard cubic feet. The standard referred to is usually 60 F and 1
atmosphere (14.7 psi) of pressure but varies from state to state.
22991144.. MMOO
moving out; used in drilling reports.
22991155.. mmoobbiillee ooffffsshhoorree ddrriilllliinngg rriigg
a drilling rig used exclusively to drill offshore wells that floats upon the
surface of the water when being moved from one location to another. It may
or may not float once drilling begins. The drill ship, semisubmersible drilling
rig, and jack up drilling rig are all mobile rigs; a platform rig is not.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
406406
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22991166.. MMOOBBIILLEE PPLLAATTFFOORRMM
A self-contained, offshore drilling platform with the means for self propulsion.
Some of the larger semisubmersible drilling platforms are capable of moving
in the open sea at five to seven knots.
222991188.. MMOOCCKK--UUPP
A full-sized structural model built accurately to scale for study and testing of
an installation to be used or operated commercially. For deep-water, offshore
work mock-ups are made to simulate conditions in subsea well-head
chambers and sea-floor work areas.
22991199.. mmooddiiffiieedd cceemmeenntt
a cement whose proper - ties, chemical or physical, have been altered by
additives.
22992200.. MMOODDUULLEE
An assembly (q.v.) that is functional as a unit, and can be joined with other
units for increasing or enlarging the function; for example, a gas compressor
module; an electronic or hydraulic module.
22992211.. mmooll
mole.
22992222.. mmoollee
the quantity of a substance whose unit weight is numerically equal to the
molecular weight of the substance. For example, one mole of water (H*O) is
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
407407
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
18 weight units (pounds, grams, tons, etc.) because the molecular weight of
water is 18 (two atoms of hydrogen, each of which is 1 unit; one atom of
oxygen, the weight of which is 16 units).
22992233.. mmoollee ppeerrcceenntt
the ratio of the number of moles of one substance to the total number of
moles in a mixture of substances multiplied by 100 (to put the number on a
percentage basis).
22992244.. mmoolleeccuullaarr wweeiigghhtt
the sum of the atomic weights in a molecule. For example, the molecular
weight of water, H*O, is 18 because the atomic weight of each of the
hydrogen molecules is 1 and the atomic weight of oxygen is 16.
22992255.. mmoolleeccuullee
the smallest part of a substance that can exist on its own. It usually consists
of a group of atoms that are either different (e.g., water, HzO, consists of two
atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen) or that are alike (e.g., hydrogen, Ha,
in which each molecule is made up of two atoms of hydrogen).
22992266.. mmoommeenntt
a turning effect created by a force, F, acting at a perpendicular distance, S,
from the center of rotation; the product of a force and a distance to a
particular axis or point.
22992277.. MMOONN
Motor Octane Number; the measure of a gasoline's antiknock qualities,
whether or not it will knock or ping in an engine with a given compression
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
408408
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
ratio. Motor Octane number of a gasoline is determined by test engines run
under simulated conditions of load and speed. See Octane Rating.
22992288.. MMoonneell sstteeeell
a nickel-base alloy also containing copper, iron, manganese, silicon, and
carbon. Nontnagnetic drill collars are often made of this material.
22992299.. MMOONNEEYY LLEEFFTT OONN TTHHEE TTAABBLLEE
A phrase referring to the difference between the high and the second highest
bid made by operators or companies when bidding an Federal or state oil
leases. For example high bid, $1,000,000; second-highest bid, $750,000,
money left on the table, S250,000.
22993300.. mmoonniittoorr
an instrument that reports the performance of a control device or signals if
unusual conditions appear in a system. For example, a BS& W monitor
provides a mechanical means of preventing contaminated oil from entering
the pipeline by detecting the presence of excessive water and actuating
valves to divert the flow back to dehydration facilities.
22993311.. MMOONNKKEEYY BBOOAARRDD
A colloquial and humorous reference to the tubing board (q.v.) high in the
derrick. the derrickman's working platform. As pipe or tubing is run into or out
of the hole, the derrickman must handle the top end of the pipe, which may
be as high as 90 ft in the derrick or mast. The monkeyboard provides a small
platform to raise him to the proper height to be able to handle the top of the
pipe. (See double board, thribble board, and fourble board.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
409409
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22993322.. MMOONNKKEEYY WWRREENNCCHH
An adjustable, square-jawed wrench whose adjusting screw collar is located
on the handle, and whose head can be used as a hammer a crude wrench
suitable for mechanical work of the roughest kind.
22993333.. MMOONNOOCCLLIINNEE
A geological term for rock strata that dip in one direction. When the crest of
an anticline (q.v.) is eroded away, a partial cross section of the strata making
up the fold is exposed at the earth's surface and the undisturbed lower flanks
form what are called monoclines.
22993344.. MMOONNOOPPOODD DDRRIILLLLIINNGG PPLLAATTFFOORRMM
A type of offshore drilling platform with a single, supporting leg. The design
of the monopod makes it effective in Arctic regions where thick, moving
bodies of ice present serious problems for more conventional platforms.
22993355.. mmoonnttmmoorriilllloonniittee
a clay mineral often used as an additive to a drilling mud. It is a hydrous
aluminum silicate capable of reacting with such substances as magnesium
and calcium. (See bentonite.)
22993366.. MMOOOONNPPOOOOLL
The opening in a drillship through which drilling operations are carried on; the
moonpool of drillwell is usually located amidship, with the derrick rising
above.a walled, round hole or well in the hull of a drill ship (usually in the
center) through which the drilling assembly and other assemblies pass while a
well is being drilled, completed, or abandoned from the drill ship.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
410410
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22993377.. mmoooorriinngg ssyysstteemm
equipment (as anchors, chain, wireline, buoys, etc.) by which a floating
offshore drilling rig is maintained on location at the drilling site.
22993388.. MMOOOORRIINNGG SSYYSSTTEEMM,, MMUULLTTIIBBUUOOYY
See Multibuoy Mooring System also SBM Single-buoy Mooring.
22993399.. MMOOOOSSEE AANNDD GGOOOOSSEE MMEENN
A humorous and somewhat sarcastic term for conservation (Environmental
Protection Agency) people who, by law, can shut down a drilling well or a
construction project to allow a rare or endangered species of bird to incubate
her eggs unmolested or migrating or mating moose to go about their
important business without being disturbed.
22994400.. MMOOPPEE PPOOLLEE
A lever; a pry pole usually made by cutting a small tree; used on pipeline
construction as an adjunct to the jack board and in lowering the pipeline into
the ditch.
22994411.. MMOORRMMOONN BBOOAARRDD
A broad, reinforced sled-like board with eye bolts on each end and a handle in
the center. Used to backfill a pipeline ditch using a team of horses or a tractor
pulling the board forward and a workman pulling it back into position for
another bite.
22994422.. MMOORRNNIINNGG RREEPPOORRTT
The report the tool pusher or drilling supervisor makes each morning after
assembling the drifting reports of the drillers under his supervision. The
report includes depths reached at the end of each tour, footage drilled,
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
411411
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
formations penetrated, bit weights, rotary speeds, cores the taken, pump
speeds and pressures, and of the information of past 24 hours of operation.
22994433.. mmoorrnniinngg ttoouurr
(See tour.)
22994444.. mmoossqquuiittoo bbiillll
a tube mounted at the bottom of a sucker-rod pump and inside a gas anchor
to provide a conduit for well fluids (that contain little or no gas) into the
pump.
22994455.. mmootthheerr hhuubbbbaarrdd
(slang) a hinged, metal, cylindrical device placed around a joint of pipe as it is
being broken out during a trip out of the hole. It keeps mud from splashing
beyond the immediate area. It is also called a mud saver or a splash box.
22994466.. mmoottiioonn ccoommppeennssaattoorr
any device (as a bumper sub or heave compensator) that serves to maintain
constant weight on the bit in spite of vertical motion of a floating offshore
drilling rig.
22994477.. MMOOTTOORR SSPPIIRRIITT
A highly volatile fraction in petroleum refining; an ingredient of motor
gasoline.
22994488.. mmoottoorr vvaallvvee
a valve operated by power other than manual (i.e., hydraulic, electric, or
mechanical).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
412412
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22994499.. mmoottoorr--ggeenneerraattoorr rriigg
a drilling rig driven by electric motors with current supplied by engine-driven
generators at the rig.
22995500.. mmoottoorrmmaann
the crew member on a rotary drilling rig responsible for the care and
operation of drilling engines.
22995511.. mmoouusseehhoollee
an opening through the rig floor, usually lined with pipe, into which a length
of drill pipe is placed temporarily for later connection to the drill string. hole
drilled to the side of the well bore to hold the next joint of drillpipe to be
used. When this joint is pulled out and screwed onto the drilistring, another
joint of drillpipe is made ready and slipped into the mouse hole to await its
turn. See Rat Hole,
22995522.. mmoouusseehhoollee ccoonnnneeccttiioonn
the addition of a length of drill pipe or tubing to the active string. The length
to be added is placed in the mousehole, made up to the kelly, pulled out of
the mousehole, and subsequently made up into the string.
22995533.. mmoouusseettrraapp
a fishing tool used to recover a parted string of sucker rods from a well.
22995544.. MMPPaa
megapascal.
22995555.. mmpphh
miles per hour.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
413413
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22995566.. MMRRGG PPRROOCCEESSSS
Methane Rich Gas Process. MRG is a patented process (Japan Gasoline Co.) to
make synthetic natural gas from propane. Liquid propane is hydro-
desulfurized and gasified with steam at temperatures between 900' and
1000'F. The resulting gas mixture is methanated, scrubbed to remove C02,
dried, cooled, and fed to distribution lines.
22995577.. mmss
microsecond.
22995588.. MMssccff//DD
thousand standard cubic feet per day.
22995599.. MMuudd
see "Drilling Fluid"
22996600.. mmuudd aacciidd
a mixture of hydrofluoric acids and surfactants used to effect mud removal
from the wellbore.
22996611.. mmuudd aaddddiittiivvee
any material added to drilling fluid to change some of its characteristics or
properties.
22996622.. mmuudd aannaallyyssiiss
examination and testing of drilling mud to determine its physical and chemical
properties.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
414414
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22996633.. mmuudd bbaallaannccee
a beam balance consisting of a cup and a graduated arm carrying a sliding
weight and resting on a fulcrum, used to determine the density or weight of
drilling mud.
22996644.. MMUUDD BBAARRRREELL
A small bailer used to retrieve cuttings from the bottom of a cable tool drilling
well.
22996655.. mmuudd bbooxx
(See mother hubbard.)
22996666.. mmuudd ccaakkee
the sheath of mud solids that forms on the wall of the hole when the liquid
from the mud filters into the formation; also called well cake or filter cake.See
Filter Cake.
22996677.. mmuudd cciirrccuullaattiioonn
the act of pumping mud downward to the bit and back up to the surface by
normal circulation or reverse circulation.
22996688.. mmuudd ccoonnddiittiioonniinngg
the treatment and control of drilling mud to ensure that it has the proper gel
strength, viscosity, density, and so forth. Conditioning may include the use of
additives, the removal of sand and other solids, the removal of gas, the
addition of water, and other measures to prepare the mud for conditions
encountered in a specific well.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
415415
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22996699.. MMUUDD CCOOOOLLIINNGG TTOOWWEERR
In drilling in or near a geothermal reservoir, the drilling mud becomes
superheated and must be cooled to avoid flashing or vaporizing of the liquid
(water or oil) in the mud stream at the surface. Cooling also reduces the
thermal stress on the drill string.
22997700.. MMUUDD CCUUPP
A device for measuring drilling mud density or weight., a funnel-shaped cup
into which a measured quantity of mud is poured and allowed to run through,
against time.
22997711.. MMUUDD EENNGGIINNEEEERR
One who supervises the, preparation of the drilling mud, tests the physical
and chemical propertied of the slurry, and prepares reports detailing the mud
weight and additives used. A drilling fluid specialist. mud engineer a specialist
in drilling fluids, who combines knowledge of chemistry, engineering, and the
behavior of drilling fluids.
22997722.. MMuudd FFiillttrraattee
The fluid component of drilling mud which penetrates into a formation.
22997733.. mmuudd gguunn
a pipe that shoots a jet of drilling mud under high pressure into the mud pit
to mix additives with the mud.
22997744.. mmuudd hhooppppeerr
(See hopper.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
416416
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22997755.. mmuudd hhoossee
a reinforced, flexible rubber tube through which drilling mud flows from the
standpipe to the gooseneck; also called the rotary hose.The flexible, steel-
reinforced, rubber hose connecting the mud pump with the swivel and kelly
joint on a drilling rig. Mud is pumped through the mud hose to the swivel and
down through the kelly joint and drillpipe to the bottom of the well.
22997766.. MMUUDD LLIINNEE
The sea or lake bottom; the interface between a body of water and the earth.
22997777.. mmuudd llooggggeerr
an employee of a mud-logging company who keeps the mud log.
22997788.. mmuudd llooggggiinngg
the recording of information derived from examination and analysis of
formation cuttings made by the bit and mud circulated out of the hole. A
portion of the mud is diverted through a gas-detecting device and examined
under ultraviolet light to detect the presence of oil or gas. Mud logging is
often carried out in a portable laboratory set up at the well.
22997799.. mmuudd mmaann
an employee of the company that supplies drilling mud to a drilling rig; a mud
engineer. He runs tests on the mud to ensure that it performs as it should,
advises the operator on what types of mud to use, and suggests changes that
may be made in the mud system to make the drilling more efficient.
22998800.. mmuudd mmoottoorr
(See Dyna-Drill and turbodrill)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
417417
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22998811.. mmuudd ooffff
1. to seal the hole against formation fluids by allowing the buildup of wall
cake. 2. to block off the flow of oil into the wellbore.
22998822.. MMUUDD PPIITTSS
Excavations near the rig into which drilling mud is circulated. Mud pumps
withdraw the mud from one end of a pit as the circulated mud, bearing rock
chips from the borehole, flows in at the other end. As the mud moves to the
suction line, the cuttings drop out leaving the mud "clean" and ready for
another trip to the bottom of the borehole. See Reserve Pit.a reservoir or
tank, usually made of steel plates, through which the drilling mud is cycled to
allow sand and fine sediments to settle out. Additives are mixed with mud in
the pit, and the fluid is temporarily stored there before being pumped back
into the well. Mud pits are also called shaker pits, settling pits, and suction
pits, depending on their main purpose.
22998833.. mmuudd ppuummpp
a large, reciprocating pump used to circulate the mud on a drilling rig, A
typical mud pump is a double- or tripleacting, two- or three-cylinder piston
pump whose pistons travel in replaceable liners and are driven by a
crankshaft actuated by an engine. A mud pump also is called a slush pump.A
large, reciprocating pump that circulates drilling mud in rotary drilling. The
duplex (two-cylinder) or triplex (three-cylinder) pump draws mud from the
suction mud pit and pumps the slurry downhole through the drillpipe and bit
and back up the borehole to the mud settling pits. After the rock cuttings
drop out in the settling pit, the clean mud gravitates into the suction pit
where it is picked up by the pump's suction line. In rotary drilling there are at
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
418418
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
least twin mud pumps, sometimes more. In case of a breakdown or other
necessary stoppages, another pump can be immediately put on line.
22998844.. mmuudd rreeppoorrtt
a special form filled out by the mud man that records the properties of the
drilling mud used while a well is being drilled.
22998855.. mmuudd ssaavveerr
(See mother hubbard.)
22998866.. mmuudd ssccrreeeenn
a shale shaker.
22998877.. MMUUDD TTAANNKKSS
Portable metal banks to hold drilling mud. Mud tanks are used where it is
impractical to dig mud pits (q.v.) at the well site.
MMUUDD VVAALLVVEE,, AAUUTTOOMMAATTIICC
See Kelly Valve, Lower.
22998888.. mmuudd wweeiigghhtt
a measure of the density of a drilling fluid expressed as pounds per gallon
(ppg), pounds per cubic foot (ib/ft'), or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3).
Mud weight is directly related to the amount of pressure the column of drilling
mud exerts at the bottom of the hole.
22998899.. MMuudd--KKiill
a trade name for a chemical additive for Portland cement that reduces the
effect of contamination of cementing slurries by organic chemicals commonly
found in drilling muds.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
419419
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22999900.. MMUUDD--MMOOTTOORR DDRRIILLLLIINNGG
See Turbo drilling.
22999911.. mmuudd--rreettuurrnn lliinnee
a trough or pipe placed between the surface connections at the wellbore and
the shale shaker, through which drilling mud flows upon its return to the
surface from down the hole.
22999922.. mmuudd--wweeiigghhtt rreeccoorrddeerr
an instrument installed in the mud pits that has a recorder mounted on the
rig floor to provide a continuous reading of the mud weight.
22999933.. MMUUDDHHOOGG
A mud pump; a pump to circulate drilling mud in rotary drilling; slush pump.
22999944.. MMUUDDLLOOGG
A progressive analysis of the well-bore cuttings washed up from the bore hole
by the drilling mud. Rock chips are retrieved with the aid of the shale shaker
(q.v.) and examined by the geologist. a record of information derived from
examination of drilling fluid and drillbit cuttings. (See mud logging.)
22999955.. MMUUDDSSCCOOWW
A portable drilling-mud tank in the shape of a small barge or scow used in
cable-tool drilling when relatively small amounts of mud wore needed or in a
location when a mud pit was not practical. Also, a conveyance, a kind of large
sled for transporting pipe and equipment into a marshy location. The
mudscow is pulled by a crawler-type tractor which would not bog down as
would a wheeled vehicle.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
420420
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
22999966.. MMUUDDUUPP
In the early day; of rotary drilling and before the advent of accurate well
logging produciole formations could be mudded up (plastered over)by the
sheer weight of the column of drilling mud, so said the cable tool men who
were skeptical of the newfangled drilling method. Mudding up occurs also in
pumping wells. The mud may be from shaley portions of the producing
formation, from sections of uncased hole, or the residue of drilling mud. to
add solid materials (as bentonite or other clay) to a drilling fluid composed
mainly of clear water to obtain certain desirable properties.
22999977.. MMUULLEE SSKKIINNNNEERR
Forerunner to the truck driver; a driver of a team or span of horses or mules
hitched to an oil field wagon. Unhitched from the wagon, the team was used
to pull, hoist and do eathwork with a slip or Fresno (q.v.). The "skinner" got
his name from the ability to skin the hair off a mule s rump with a crack of
the long reins he used, appropriately called butt lines.
22999988.. mmuullee--hheeaadd hhaannggeerr
(See horse head.)
22999999.. MMUULLLLEETT
Humorous and patronizing reference to an investor with money to put into
the drilling of an oil well with the expectation of getting rich; a sucker; a
person who knows nothing about the oil business or the operator with whom
he proposes to deal.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
421421
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33000000.. MMUULLTTIIBBUUOOYY MMOOOORRIINNGG SSYYSSTTEEMM
A tanker loading facility with five or seven mooring buoys to which the vessel
is moored as it takes on cargo or bunkers (q.v.) from submerged hoses that
are lifted from the sea bottom. Submarine pipelines connect the pipeline-
ended manifold to the shore.
33000011.. MMUULLTTIIPPAAYY WWEELLLL
See Multiple Completion.
33000022.. MMUULLTTIIPPLLEE CCOOMMPPLLEETTIIOONN
The completion of a well in more than one producing formation. Each
production zone will have its own tubing installed, extending up to the
Christmas tree. From there the oil may be piped to separate tankage. See
Dual Completion. an arrangement for producing a well in which one wellbore
penetrate two or more petroleum-bearing formations that lie one over the
other. The tubing strings are suspended side by side in the production casing
string, each a different length and each packed off to prevent the
commingling of different reservoir fluids. Each reservoir is then produced
through its own tubing string.
33000033.. mmuullttiippllee wweellll--ppuummppiinngg ssyysstteemm
a method of lifting oil out of several wells in a field. A pump is placed at every
well; however, all the pumps are powered by a single prime mover (as an
engine or motor) instead of each pump being powered individually.
33000044.. MMUULLTTIIPPLLIIEERR
A device or linkage for increasing (or decreasing) the length of the stroke or
travel of a rod line furnishing power for pumping wells on a lease. A beam
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
422422
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
which oscillates on a fulcrum and bearing to which is attached the rod line
from the power source (central power, q.v.) and a rod line to the pumping
well. By varying the distance from the fulcrum of the two rod-line
connections, the travel of the well's rod line can be lengthened or shortened
to match the stroke of the well's pump.
33000055.. mmuullttiisshhoott ssuurrvveeyy
(See directional survey.) muriatic acid hydrochloric acid.
33000066.. MMVV
millivolt.
33000077.. MMWWDD
Measurement While Drilling. A technique to determine the real-time position
of the drill bit in a directionally drilled well during the drilling process using
instrumentation placed near the bit.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
423423
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33000088.. NN SSTTAAMMPP
Designates equipment qualified for use in nuclear installations pipe, fittings,
pumps. valves, etc.
33000099.. NN..GG..AA..
Natural Gas Act. An Act of Congress that empowers the Federal Power
Commission to set prices and regulates the transportation of natural gas.
33001100.. NN..GG..PP..AA..
Natural Gas Processors Association. successor to the Natural Gasoline
Association of America.
333001122.. NN..PP..RR..AA..
National Petroleum Refiners Association.
33001133.. NNAACCEE
National Association of Corrosion Engineers.
33001144.. NNAAMMEEPPLLAATTEE RRAATTIINNGG
The manufacturers ratings as to speed (rpm), working pressure, horsepower,
type of fuel, voltage requirement, etc., printed or stamped on the makers
nameplates attached to pumps, engines, compressors, or electric motors. To
ensure proper and lasting performance of machines and equipment,
nameplate ratings are always heeded.
33001155.. NNAAMMIINNGG AA WWEELLLL
See Well Naming.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
424424
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33001166.. NNAAPPHHTT HHEENNEE--BBAASSEE CCRRUUDDEE OOIILL
Asphalt-base crude (q.v.).
33001177.. nnaapphhtthhaa
a volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon distilled from petroleum and used as
a solvent or fuel.
33001188.. nnaapphhtthheennee sseerriieess
the saturated hydrocarbon compounds of the general formula CnH2n. (as
ethylene or ethene, C2H4). (See hydrocarbons.)
33001199.. nnaapphhtthheennee--bbaassee ooiill
a crude oil that is characterized by a low API gravity and a low yield of
lubricating oils having a low pour point and a low viscosity index (compared
to paraffin-base oils). It is often called asphalt-base oil because the residue
from its distillation contains asphaltic materials but little or no paraffin wax.
33002200.. NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPEETTRROOLLEEUUMM RREESSEERRVVEE--AALLAASSKKAA
An area west of Prudhoe Bay field and south of Point Barrow containing
millions of acres set aside and held in reserve for national security purposes.
See Naval Petroleum Reserves.
33002211.. NNAATTIIVVEE GGAASS
Gas originally in place in an underground formation as opposed to gas
injected into the structure.
33002222.. NNAATTUURRAALL GGAAMMMMAA RRAAYY LLOOGGGGIINNGG
A procedure in which gamma rays naturally given off or emitted by rock
formations, cut through by the wells borehole, are measured. A radiation
detector is lowered into the hole and picks up gamma rays emitted by the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
425425
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
rock. The signals are transmitted to a recording device at the surface. See
Gamma Ray Logging.
33002233.. NNAATTUURRAALL GGAASS
Gaseous forms of petroleum consisting of mixtures of hydrocarbon gases and
vapors, the more important of which are methane, ethane, propane. butane,
pentane, and hexane; gas produced from a gas well.
33002244.. NNaattuurraall GGaass LLiiqquuiiddss
Liquids obtained during natural gas production, including ethane, propane,
butanes, and condensate.
33002255.. NNaattuurraall ggaass ppllaanntt
an installation in which natural gas is processed for recovery of natural gas
liquids, the heavier hydrocarbon components of natural gas, including
liquefied petroleum gases such as butane and propane.
33002266.. NNAATTUURRAALL GGAASS,, UUNNCCOONNVVEENNTTIIOONNAALL
See Unconventional Natural Gas.
33002277.. NNaattuurraall ggaassoolliinnee
the liquid hydrocarbons recovered from wet natural gas; casinghead gasoline.
33002288.. NNAAVVAALL PPEETTRROOLLEEUUMM RREESSEERRVVEESS
Areas containing proven oil reserves which were set aside for national
defense purposes by Congress in 1923. The Reserves, estimated to contain
billions of barrels of crude oil, are located in Elk Hills and Buena Vista,
California Teapot Dome, Wyoming and on the North Slope in Alaska.
33002299.. NNeeaatt cceemmeenntt
a cement with no additives other than water.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
426426
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33003300.. NNEEBB
National Energy Board
33003311.. NNeecckkiinngg
the tendency of a metal bar or pipe to taper to a reduced diameter at some
point when subjected to excessive longitudinal stress. (See bottleneck.)
33003322.. NNEEEEDDLLEE VVAALLVVEE
A valve A valve used on small, high-pressure piping where accurate control of
small amounts of liquid or gas is desired. The "tongue" of the valve is a rod
that tapers to a point and fits into a seat which permits fine adjustments as
when used with pressure gauges.
33003333.. NNEEOOPPRREENNEE
A rubber-like product derived from petroleum and compounded with natural
rubber to produce a substance highly resistant to chemicals and oils. W.
Carothers, lra Williams, A. Collins, and J. Kirby of the DuPont research
laboratory discovered neoprene first called polychloroprene.
33003344.. NNeett PPaayy
Refers to the sum of the productive intervals of a reservoir and is determined
by the application of cutoffs.
33003355.. NNeett PPaayy CCuuttooffffss
Specified limits of porosity, permeability, water saturation and shale volume
below which a formation would be unable to achieve or sustain commercial
production.
33003366.. NNeett PPaayy MMaapp
A contour map depicting net thickness' of hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
427427
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33003377.. nneett pprroodduuccttiioonn
the amount of oil produced by a well or lease, exclusive of its BS& W content.
Net production is also called working-interest oil (i.e., the net oil produced by
all of its wells multiplied by the company's working interest in the wells).
33003388.. NNEETT PPRROOFFIITTSS IINNTTEERREESSTT
A share of gross production from a property, measured by the net profits
from the operation of the property. Such an interest is carved out of the
working interest and represents an economic interest in the oil and gas
produced from the property. Sometimes referred to as net royalty.
33003399.. NNEETT RREEVVEENNUUEE IINNTTEERREESSTT
A fractional share of the working interest not required to contribute to, nor
liable for, any part of the expense of drilling and completing the first well on
the property or lease. Net revenue is income from a property after all costs,
including taxes, royalties, and other assessments, have been paid.
33004400.. nneett ttoonnnnaaggee
the gross tonnage of a ship or mobile offshore drilling rig less all spaces that
are not or cannot be used for carrying cargo, expressed in tons equal to 100
ft3.
33004411.. nneett--ooiill ccoommppuutteerr
a system of electronic and mechanical devices that automatically determines
the amount of oil in a water and oil emulsion. One advantage of a net-oil
computer is that the water and oil do not have to be separated for it to
measure the volume of the oil.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
428428
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33004422.. NNEEUUTTRRAALL SSTTOOCCKK
Lubricating oil stock that has been dewaxed and impurities removed and can
be blended with bright stock (q.v.) to make good tube oil one of the many
fractions of crude oil that, owing to special properties, is ideal as a blending
stock for making high-quality tube oil.
33004433.. nneeuuttrroonn
a part of the nucleus of all atoms except hydrogen. Under certain conditions,
neutrons can be emitted from a substance when its nucleus is penetrated by
gamma particles from a highly radioactive source. This property is used in
neutron logging. (See radioactivity logging.)
33004444.. NNeeuuttrroonn LLiiffeettiimmee LLoogg
(NCL) a trade name for a pulsed-neutron survey.
33004455.. nneeuuttrroonn lloogg
(See radioactivity logging.)
33004466.. NNEEWW OOIILL
For the purposes of price regulation under the Emergency Petroleum
Allocation Act of 1973, new oil is the production from a property in excess of
production in 1972; all-subsequent production from a property producing in
1972. See Old Oil.
33004477.. NNeewwttoonniiaann fflluuiidd
a fluid in which the viscosity remains constant for all rates of shear if constant
conditions of temperature and pressure are maintained. Most drilling fluids
behave as non-Newtonian fluids as their viscosity is not constant but varies
with the rate of shear.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
429429
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33004488.. NNGGPPAA
Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.
33004499.. nniippppllee
a tubular pipe fitting threaded on both ends and less than 12 in. long.
33005500.. nniippppllee cchhaasseerr
(slang) a crew member who procures and delivers tools and equipment for a
drilling rig.
33005511.. nniippppllee uupp
to bolt together various valves or fittings (as to nipple up the blowout
preventers or the Christmas tree).
33005522.. NNiittrroo sshhoooottiinngg
a formation stimulation process first used about a hundred years ago in
Pennsylvania. Nitroglycerine is placed in a well and exploded to fracture the
rock. Sand and gravel are usually placed above the explosive charge to
improve the efficiency of the shot. Today nitro shooting has been largely
replaced by formation fracturing.
33005533.. NNoobbllee MMeettaall ((CCaattaallyysstt))
A metal used in petroleum refining processes that is chemically inactive with
respect to oxygen.
33005544.. NNooiissee LLoogg
A sound detection system inside a logging tool designed to pick up vibrations
caused by flowing liquid or gas downhole. The device is used to check the
effectiveness of a squeeze job (q.v.), to estimate the gas flow from perforated
formations, etc.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
430430
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33005555.. NNoommiinnaattiioonnss
(1)The amount of oil a purchaser expects to take from afield as reported to a
regulatory agency that has to do with state proration. (2) Information given
to the proper agency of the Federal government or a state relative to tracts of
offshore acreage a person or company would like to see put up for bid at a
lease sale.
33005566.. NNoommooggrraapphh
A device used by engineers and scientists for making rapid calculations; a
graph that enables one, with the aid of a straightedge, to find the value of a
dependent variable when the values of two or more independent variables are
given.
33005577.. NNoonnaannee
a paraffin hydrocarbon, C9H20, that is liquid at atmospheric conditions. Its
boiling point is about 303.5 F (at 14.7 psi).
NNoonn DDrriilllliinngg LLeeaassee
A lease that grants lessee the customary rights relative to oil and gas under
the acreage but provides that a well shall not be drilled on the property.
Under such circumstances, production from beneath the property requires
that any drilling be done on other land. Non-drilling leases are usually granted
where surface installations or activities make the drilling of a well impractical
or incompatible.
33005588.. NNoonnffeerrrroouuss
Containing no iron; nonferrous tools, valves, or rods are made of other metal
or combination of metals, e.g., brass, copper, bronze, spent uranium, or
tungsten. Nonsparking tools are made of nonferrous metals, usually brass or
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
431431
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
bronze, because they are softer and will not give off sparks when struck
against another piece of metal.
33005599.. NNoonnmmaaggnneettiicc ddrriillll ccoollllaarr
a drill collar made of an alloy (Monel) that does not affect the readings of a
magnetic compass placed within it to obtain subsurface indications of the
direction of a deviated wellbore. (See directional drilling.)
33006600.. NNoonnooppeerraattiinngg IInntteerreesstt ((IInn aa WWeellll))
An interest in an oil or gas well bearing no cost of development or operation;
the landowner's interest; landowner's royalty (q.v.).
33006611.. NNoonnooppeerraattoorr
The working interest owner or owners other than the one designated as
operator of the property; a "silent" working-interest owner.
33006622.. NNoonnppoorroouuss
containing no interstices; having no pores.
33006633.. NNoonnssppaarrkkiinngg TToooollss
Hand tools made of bronze or other nonferrous alloys for use in areas where
flammable oil or gas vapors may be present.
33006644.. nnoorrmmaall cciirrccuullaattiioonn
the smooth, uninterrupted circulation of drilling fluid down the drill stem, out
the bit, and up the annular space between the pipe and the hole, back to the
surface. (See mud circulation and reverse circulation.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
432432
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33006655.. nnoorrmmaall ffoorrmmaattiioonn pprreessssuurree
formation fluid pressure equivalent to 0.465 psi per foot of depth from the
surface. If the formation pressure is 4,650 psi at 10,000 ft, it is considered
normal.
33006666.. NNoorrmmaalliizziinngg
a heat treatment applied to metal tubular goods to ensure uniformity of the
grain structure of the metal.
33006677.. NNPPRR
Naval Petroleum Reserves (q.v.).
33006688.. NNPPRR--AA
National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska
33006699.. NNPPSSHH
Net positive suction head.
33007700.. NNPPTT
National pipe thread; denotes standard pipe thread.
33007711.. NNSS
no show; used in drilling reports.
33007722.. NNUUMMBBEERR 22 FFUUEELL
Furnace oil; also Two oil, distillate fuel.
33007733.. NNUUTT CCUUTTTTIINNGG,, DDOOWWNN TTOO TTHHEE
The crucial point the vital move or decision; a "this is it" situation.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
433433
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33007744.. NNuuttaattiinngg mmeetteerr
a flow meter that operates on the principle of the positive displacement of
fluid by incorporating the wobbling motion of a piston or disk. (See positive
displacement meter.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
435435
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33007755.. OO&&GG
oil and gas; used in drilling reports.
33007766.. OO&&GGCCMM
oil- and gas-cut mud; used in drilling reports.
33007777.. OO&&SS
Over and short (q.v.).
33007788.. OO&&SSWW
oil and salt water; used in drilling reports.
33007799.. OO--RRIINNGG
A circular rubber gasket used in flanges, valves, and other equipment for
making a joint pressure tight. 0-rings in cross section are circular and solid.
33008800.. OOAAPPEECC
Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries.
33008811.. OOBBJJEECCTTIIVVEE DDEEPPTTHH ((OOFF AA WWEELLLL))
The depth to which a well is to be drilled. Drilling contracts often state that
the hole shall be drilled to a specified depth or to a certain identifiable
formation, whichever comes first, e.g., "to 5,500 feet or the Skinner sand, the
objective depth."
33008822.. OOBBOO VVEESSSSEELL
A specially designed vessel for carrying ore and crude, both in bulk form. The
first oil and bulk ore tanker/carrier was launched in 1966 and used in handling
relatively small cargoes of oil and ore.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
436436
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33008833.. OOCC
oil cut; used in drilling reports.
33008844.. OOCCAAWW
Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union, a labor organization representing a
large number of the industry's refinery and other hourly workers.
33008855.. OOccccuuppaattiioonnaall SSaaffeettyy aanndd HHeeaalltthh AAddmmiinniissttrraattiioonn
(OSHA) an agency of the U.S. government that establishes and enforces
safety standards for industry employees.
33008866.. OOCCMM
oil-cut mud; used in drilling reports.
33008877.. OOCCSS
outer continental shelf
33008888.. ooccttaannee
a paraffin hydrocarbon, C&Hlg, that is a liquid at atmospheric conditions. Its
boiling point is 258 F (at 14.7 psi).
33008899.. OOCCTTAANNEE RRAATTIINNGG
A performance rating of gasoline In terms of antiknock qualities. The higher
the octane number the greater the antiknock quality; e.g., 94 octane gasoline
is superior in antiknock qualities to a gasoline of 84 octane.
33009900.. OODD
Outside diameter of pipe; CD and ID (inside diameter) are initials used in
specifying pipe sizes, e.g., 4 1/2-inch OD, 8 5/8-inch 10.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
437437
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33009911.. OODDOORRAANNTT
A chemical compound added to natural gas to produce a detectable,
unpleasant odor to alert householders should they have even a small leak in
the house piping. Odorants are used also in liquids or gases being stored or
transported to detect leaks.
33009922.. OOFF
open flow; used in drilling reports.
33009933.. OOFFFF TTHHEE SSHHEELLFF
Said of products or equipment that are ready and waiting at a supplier's
warehouse and can be taken "off the shelf" and shipped immediately. Refers
also to techniques and procedures that have been perfected and. are ready to
be employed on some job.
33009944.. ooffff--pprroodduuccttiioonn
shut in or temporarily unable to produce (of a well).
33009955.. OOFFFFLLOOAADDIINNGG
Another name for unloading; offloading refers more specifically to liquid cargo
crude oil and refined products.
33009966.. OOFFFFSSEETT WWEELLLL
(1) A well drilled on the next location to the original well. The distance from
the first well to the offset well depends upon spacing regulations and whether
the original well produces oil or gas. (2) A well drilled on one tract of land to
prevent the Drainage of oil or gas to an adjoining tract where a well is being
drilled or is already producing.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
438438
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33009977.. OOFFFFSSHHOORREE ""WWEELLLL NNOO.. 11""
The fist offshore well (out of sight of land) was drilled on November 14, 1947,
in the Gulf of Mexico, 43 miles south of Morgan City, Louisiana. By 1979,
more than 20,000 wells had been drilled offshore.
33009988.. OOffffsshhoorree AArreeaa
The area offshore Nova Scotia under the Board's jurisdiction as defined in
Schedule 1 of the Accord Implementation Acts.
33009999.. ooffffsshhoorree ddrriilllliinngg
drilling for oil in an ocean or large lake. A drilling unit for offshore operations
may be a mobile floating vessel with a ship or barge hull, a semisubmersible
or submersible base, a self-propelled or towed structure with jacking legs
(jack-up drilling rig), or a permanent structure used as a production platform
when drilling is completed. In general, wildcat wells are drilled from mobile
floating vessels (as semisubmersible rigs and drill ships) or from jack-ups,
while development wells are drilled from platforms.
33110000.. OOGGIIPP
Original Gas In Place. The total quantity of trapped gas believed to exist in a
geologic feature or structure, based on the analysis of well information,
geological, geophysical and petrophysical data.
33110011.. OOHH
open hole; used in drilling reports.
33110022.. OOIICC
Oil Information Committee of the American Petroleum Institute (API).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
439439
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33110033.. OOIILL
Crude petroleum (nil) and other hydrocarbons produced at the wellhead in
liquid form; includes distillates or condensate recovered or extracted from
natural gas.
33110044.. OOIILL AANNAALLYYZZEERR,, NNEETT
A well testing installation that separates the oil flow and water content of
individual wells on a lease. The analyzer automatically der net oil and not
water in a liquid stream. This information is important on leases where the
production of individual wells (perhaps with different royalty owners) is to be
commingled in the lease tanks or the pipeline gathering system.
33110055.. ooiill aanndd ggaass sseeppaarraattoorr
an item of production equipment used to separate liquid components of the
well stream from the gaseous elements. Separators are vertical or horizontal
and are cylindrical or spherical in shape. Separation is accomplished
principally by gravity, the heavier liquids falling to the bottom and the gas
rising to the top. A float valve or other liquid-level control regulates the level
of oil in the bottom of the separator.
33110066.. OOiill BBaasseedd MMuudd
Drilling mud in which mineral oil is the continuous phase.
33110077.. OOIILL BBOONNUUSS
An oil payment (q.v.) reserved by the lessor (usually the landowner) in
addition to the cash bonus and royalty payment he is entitled to receive. The
cash bonus is the money paid by the lessee to the landowner (the lessor) for
the granting of an oil and gas lease. The landowner's royalty traditionally is
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
440440
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
one-eighth of the gross production from the well or the lease, if there is more
than one well.
33110088.. OOIILL BBRROOKKEERR
One who acts as a go-between in the domestic or international crude oil
market. A broker will find a market for a quantity of crude or product not
committed by long-term contract. Just as readily, he will come up with oil for
someone who wishes to buy. Brokers perform a useful function in the oil
business by being knowledgeable about the industry's supply and demand
situation. He is the unobtrusive link between buyer and seller, independent
producer and small refiner. For his services, the broker receives either a flat
fee or a percentage of the deal he helps consummate.
33110099.. OOIILL CCOOUUNNTTRRYY TTUUBBUULLAARR GGOOOODDSS
Well casing, tubing, drillpipe. drill collars, and line pipe.
33111100.. ooiill ffiieelldd
the surface area overlying an oil reservoir or reservoirs. Commonly, the term
includes not only the surface area but may include the reservoir, the wells.
and production equipment as well.
33111111.. OOIILL FFIINNDDEERR
A wry reference to a petroleum geologist. However, geologists maintain that
they do net find oil but instead locate or identify formations that in their
opinion are favorable to the accumulation of oil. It takes the drill to find oil.
33111122.. OOIILL IIMMPPOORRTT TTIICCKKEETT
A license issued by an agency of the Federal government to refiners to buy
certain amounts of crude oil shipped in from abroad.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
441441
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33111133.. ooiill iinn ppllaaccee
the amount of crude oil that is estimated to exist in a reservoir and that has
not been produced.
33111144.. ooiill mmuudd
a drilling mud in which oil is the continuous phase. Oil-base mud and invert-
oil mud are types of oil muds. They are useful in drilling certain formations
that may be difficult or costly to drill with water-base mud. Compare oil-
emulsion mud.
33111155.. ooiill ooppeerraattoorr
an individual or company engaged in finding, producing, selling, or refining
petroleum.
33111166.. OOIILL PPAATTCCHH
A form referring broadly to the oil field, to areas of exploration, production,
and pipelining.
33111177.. OOIILL PPAAYYMMEENNTT
A share of the oil produced from a well or a lease, free of the costs of
production. An oil payment or overriding royalty (q.v.) may be conveyed to
another party by the owner of a larger interest, for example the owner of the
seven-eighths working interest. It may be granted to a bank to pay off a loan,
or to someone else for other considerations. An oil payment is in fact a slice
of the royalty from the well and comes to the owner of the royalty at specified
times, monthly, quarterly, or annually, and is free of any costs or assessments
for operating the well or lease.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
442442
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33111188.. OOIILL PPOOOOLL
An underground reservoir or trap containing oil. A pool is a single separate
reservoir with its own pressure system so that wells drilled in any part of the
pool affect the reservoir pressure throughout the pool. An oil field may
contain one or more pools.
33111199.. OOIILL RRIINNGG
A metal ring that runs on a horizontal line shaft in the bearing well which has
a supply of tube oil. As the ring slowly rotates through the well of oil, it
deposits oil on the shaft. Oil rings are generally made of brass and are used
on relatively slow-moving shafts.
33112200.. OOIILL RROOYYAALLTTYY
The lessor's or landowner's share of oil produced on his land. The customary
1/9 royalty can be paid in money or in oil. In some instances, another fraction
of production is specified as royalty,,
33112211.. OOIILL RRUUNN
(1) The production of oil during a specified period of time. (2) In pipeline
parlance, a tank of oil gauged. tested, and put on the line; a pipeline run. See
Run Ticket.
33112222.. ooiill ssaanndd
1. sandstone that yields oil. 2. (by extension) any reservoir that yields oil.
33112233.. OOIILL SSAANNDDSS BBIITTUUMMEENN
A heavy, petroleum-like substance extracted from oil sands. Bitumen is
defined as "any of various mixtures of hydrocarbons together with their non-
metallic derivatives"; asphalts and tars.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
443443
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33112244.. ooiill ssaavveerr
a gland arrangement that seals by pressure and is used to prevent leakage
and waste of gas, oil, or water around a wireline (as when swabbing a well).
It is operated either mechanically or hydraulically.
33112255.. ooiill ssccoouutt
a representative of an oil company who gathers data on new oil and gas wells
and other industry developments.
33112266.. ooiill sseeeepp
a surface location where oil appears, having permeated from its subsurface
boundaries and accumulating in small pools.
33112277.. OOIILL SSHHAALLEE
Kerogen shale (q.v.).
33112288.. ooiill sslliicckk
a film of oil floating on water, considered a pollutant.
33112299.. OOIILL SSPPIILLLL
A mishap that permits oil to escape from a tank, an offshore well, an oil
tanker, or a pipeline. Oil spill has come to mean oil on a body of water where
even small amounts of oil spread and become highly visible.
33113300.. OOIILL SSTTRRIINNGG
See Production String.
33113311.. OOIILL WWEELLLL PPUUMMPP,, GGRRAABBLLEE
See Grable Oil Well Pump.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
444444
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33113322.. ooiill zzoonnee
a formation or horizon of a well from which oil may be produced. The oil zone
is usually immediately under the gas zone and on top of the water zone if all
three fluids are present and segregated.
33113333.. ooiill--bbaassee mmuudd
an oil mud that contains from less than 2 percent up to 5 percent water. The
water is spread out, or dispersed, in the oil as small droplets. (See oil mud
and invert-oil mud.)
33113344.. ooiill--ccuutt
containing oil (describes a liquid; as oil-cut mud recovered in a drill-stem
test).
33113355.. ooiill--eemmuullssiioonn mmuudd
a water-base mud in which water is the continuous phase and oil is the
dispersed phase. The oil is spread out, or dispersed, in the water in small
droplets, which are tightly emulsified so that they do not settle out. Because
of its lubricating abilities, the use of an oil-emulsion mud increases the drilling
rate and ensures better hole conditions than other muds. Compare oil mud
33113366.. OOIILL--MMIISSTT SSYYSSTTEEMM
A lubricating system which pneumatically conveys droplets of a special oil
from a central source to the points of application. An oil-mist system is
economical in its use of lubricant and efficient on many types of antifriction
applications,
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
445445
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
333113388.. OOIILL--SSPPIILLLL BBOOOOMM
Any of various devices or contraptions to contain and prevent the further
spread of oil spilled on water until it can be picked up. A curtain-like device
deployed around or across the path of a drifting oil spill. The curtain is
weighted on the bottom edge to hold it a foot or two below the surface and
has floats on the upper edge to hold the curtain a foot or more above the
surface. Once surrounded, the oil is sucked up by a vacuum cleaner-like
suction pump.
33113399.. ooiill--wwaatteerr ccoonnttaacctt
the point or plane where the bottom of an oil sand contacts the top of a
water sand in a reservoir; the oil-water in. terface.
33114400.. ooiill--wwaatteerr eemmuullssiioonn
(See reverse emulsion and emulsion.)
33114411.. ooiill--wweellll cceemmeenntt
cement or a mixture of cement and other materials for use in oil, gas, or
water wells.
33114422.. ooiill--wweellll ppuummpp
any pump, surface or subsurface, that is used to lift fluids from the reservoir
to the surface. (See sucker-rod pumping and hydraulic pumping.)
33114433.. ooiill--wweett rroocckk
(See wettability.)
33114444.. OOIILLEERR
The third man at a pumping station in the old days. The normal shift-crew on
a large gathering or mainline station was the station engineer, the telegraph
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
446446
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
operator-assistant engineer and the oiler whose job included feeling the
engine and pump bearings, keeping the wick oilers full and dripping properly
and cleaning mopping the station floors.
33114455.. OOLLDD OOIILL
For the purposes of price regulation under the Emergency Petroleum
Allocation Act of 1973, old oil is production from a property up to the 1972
level of production. Any production in excess of this amount from a property
is new oil (q.v.).
33114466.. OONN SSTTRREEAAMM
Term used for a processing plant, a refinery or a pumping station that is
operating. To bring on stream is to start up a plant or an operation.
33114477.. OONN TTHHEE BBEEAAMM
Refers to a well on the Pump, OP0rItod by a walking beam instead of a
Pumping jack.
33114488.. oonn--ddeecckk
present on a ship or rig deck and exposed to weather.
33114499.. OONN--LLIINNEE PPLLAANNTT ((GGAASS))
Gas processing plant located on or near a gas transmission line which takes
gas from the trunk line for processing-stripping, scrubbing, drying-and returns
the clean, dry gas to the line.
33115500.. oonn--ssuuccttiioonn
of a tank, open to pump suction.
33115511.. oonn--tthhee--lliinnee
of a tank, being emptied into a pipeline.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
447447
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33115522.. oonn--tthhee--ppuummpp
of a well, being pumped. 001 oolitic; used in drilling reports. (See oolite.)
33115533.. OONNEE
THIRD FOR ONE-QUARTER A term used by independent oil operators who are
selling interests in a well they propose to drill. An Investor who agrees to a
one-third for one-fourth deal will pay one-third of the cost of the well to
casing point and receive one-fourth of the well's net production.
33115544.. OOOOGG
Office of Oil and Gas.
33115555.. OOOOIIPP
Original oil in place.
33115566.. oooolliittee
a spherical or ellipsoidal particle of sand with concentric or radial structure
that is formed by the replacement or accretion of concentric layers of lime
around a quartz grain. Rock characterized by oolites is called oolitic.
33115577.. OOPP--DDRRIILLLLIINNGG SSEERRVVIICCEE
Optimization drilling, a consulting service first developed by American Oil
Company that makes available to operators of drilling rigs technical,
geological, and engineering information gathered from wells drilled in the
same area. Included is advice on mud programs, bits, drill speed. pressures,
as well as consultation with drilling experts.
33115588.. OOPPEECC
the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
448448
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33115599.. ooppeenn
of a wellbore, having no casing.
33116600.. OOPPEENN FFLLOOWW
The production of oil or gas under wide-open conditions; the flow of
production from a well without any restrictions (valves or chokes) on the rate
of flow. Open flow is permitted only for testing or clean-out. Good production
practice nowadays is to produce a well under maximum efficiency rate
conditions (q.v.).
33116611.. ooppeenn ffoorrmmaattiioonn
a petroleum-bearing rock with good porosity and permeability.
33116622.. ooppeenn hhoollee
any wellbore in which casing has not been set.
33116633.. ooppeenn--ffllooww tteesstt
a test made to determine the volume of gas that will flow from a well during a
given time span when all surface control valves are wide open.
33116644.. ooppeenn--hhoollee ccoommpplleettiioonn
a method of preparing a well for production in which no production casing or
liner is set opposite the producing formation. Reservoir fluids flow unrestricted
into the open wellbore. An open-hole completion has limited use in certain
situations.
33116655.. OOPPEERRAATTIINNGG IINNTTEERREESSTT
An interest in oil and gas that bears the costs of development and operation
of the property; the mineral interest less the royally. See Working interest.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
449449
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33116666.. OOPPEERRAATTOORR
An actuating device a mechanism for the remote operation and/or control of
units of a processing plant. Operators usually are air or hydraulically actuated.
Their main use is for opening and closing stops and valves.
33116677.. OOPPEERRAATTOORR,, PPLLAANNTT OORR SSTTAATTIIOONN
A worker who is responsible for the operation of a small plant or a unit of a
larger plant during his working shift. In the old days, an operator was a
telegrapher at a pumping station who sent reports on pumping rates, tank
gauges, and line pressures to the dispatcher (q.v.).
33116688.. ooppttiimmuumm wwaatteerr
the amount of water used to give a cement slurry the best properties for its
particular application.
33116699.. OORR LLEEAASSEE
One of the two most common forms of oil and gas leases; the other is the
unless lease (q.v.). Both types of leases are granted for a primary term, five
years for example, and "so long thereafter as oil and gas are produced." In an
or lease, the lessee promises to drill on or before the first anniversary date or
do something else pay rental, forfeit the lease, etc. The delay rental clause
(q.v.) of an or lease is often written as follows "Lessee agrees to begin a well
on said premises within one year of date hereof or thereafter pay lessor as
rental $------each year in advance to the end of this term or until said well is
commenced, or this grant is surrendered as stipulated herein."
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
450450
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33117700.. oorrggaanniicc rroocckk
rock materials produced by plant or animal life (as coal, petroleum, limestone,
etc.).
33117711.. OORRGGAANNIICC SSUUBBSSTTAANNCCEE
A material that is or has been part of a living organism. Oil, although
classified as a mineral, is an organic substance derived from living organisms.
33117722.. oorrggaanniicc tthheeoorryy
an explanation of the origin of petroleum, which holds that both the hydrogen
and carbon that make up petroleum come from plants and animals of the
land and sea. This organic material is theorized further to have come more
from sea and swamp life and very tiny creatures rather than land life and
larger creatures.
33117733.. OOrrggaanniizzaattiioonn ooff PPeettrroolleeuumm EExxppoorrttiinngg CCoouunnttrriieess
(OPEC) pl the countries of the Middle East, Africa, and South America that
produce oil and export it and that have organized to negotiate and regulate
oil prices.
33117744.. oorriieennttaattiioonn
the process of positioning a deflection tool so it faces in the direction
necessary to achieve the desired direction and drift angle of a directional
hole. (See directional drilling.)
33117755.. oorriieenntteedd ccoorree
a core sample whose location in the reservoir has been pinpointed.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
451451
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33117766.. oorriieenntteedd ddrriillll ppiippee
a drill pipe run in a well in a definite position, often a requisite in directional
drilling.
33117777.. oorriiffiiccee
a device with an opening in it whose diameter is smaller than that of the pipe
or fitting into which it is placed to partially restrict the flow through the pipe.
The difference in pressure on the two sides of an orifice plate, as determined
by an orifice meter, can be used to measure the volume of flow through the
pipe.
33117788.. oorriiffiiccee ffiittttiinngg
a device placed in a gas line to hold an orifice plate. (See flanged orifice
fitting, junior orifice fitting, and senior orifice fitting.)
33117799.. OORRIIFFIICCEE MMEETTEERR
A measuring instrument that records the flow rate of gas, enabling the
volume of gas delivered or produced to be computed.
oorriiffiiccee ppiippee ttaapp
a tap for pressure connections made at points two-and-a-half pipe diameters
upstream and downstream from the orifice; a full-flow connection.
33118800.. oorriiffiiccee ppllaattee
a sheet of metal, usually circular, in which a hole of specific size is made for
use in an orifice fitting. (See orifice.)
33118811.. oorriiffiiccee pprreessssuurree ddrroopp
the pressure differential that occurs across an orifice plate.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
452452
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33118822.. oorriiffiiccee wweellll tteesstteerr
a device used to test the gas flow of a well, including orifice plates, a hose,
and a siphon gauge. It is used primarily to estimate the amount of gas
flowing on a drill-stem test when a high degree of accuracy is not required.
33118833.. oorriiffiiccee--ffllaannggee ttaapp
a tap for pressure connections made close to the orifice and through the
flanges.
33118844.. OORRYYHHOOLLEE
An unsuccessful well; a well drilled to a certain depth without finding oil; a
"duster" (q.v.).
33118855.. OOSSHHAA
the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.
33118866.. OOTTTTOO--CCYYCCLLEE EENNGGIINNEE
A four-stroke cycle gas engine the conventional automobile engine is an Otto-
cycle engine, invented in 1862 by Beau de Rochas and applied by Dr.Otto in
1877 as the first commercially successful internal combustion engine. The
four strokes of the Otto cycle are intake, compression, power, and exhaust.
33118877.. oouutt--ooff--ggaauuggee bbiitt
a bit that is no longer of the proper diameter.
33118888.. oouuttaaggee
a quantity of oil that is lost while in storage or being transported.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
453453
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33118899.. OOUUTTAAGGEE GGAAUUGGEE
A measure of the oil in a tank by finding the distance between the top of the
oil and the top of the tank and subtracting this measurement from the tank
height. Outage gauging is used on large storage tanks in which there may be
several feet of heavy sediment in the bottom preventing the plumb bob on
the gauge line from touching bottom. By measuring the distance from the top
of the tank whose height is known, the height of the oil from the bottom can
be easily arrived at. See lnnage Gauge.
33119900.. oouuttbbooaarrdd
away from the center of the hull or toward the side of an offshore drilling rig.
33119911.. oouuttccrroopp
the exposed portion of a buried layer of rock. to appear on the earth's surface
(as a rock).
33119922.. OOUUTTCCRROOPPAA
A subsurface rock layer or formation that, owing to geological conditions,
appears on the surface in certain locations. That part of a strata of rock that
COMES to the surface.
33119933.. OOUUTTEERR CCOONNTTIINNEENNTTAALL SSHHEELLFF ((OOCCSS))
"All submerged land (1) which lies seaward and outside the area of lands
beneath the navigable waters as defined in the Submerged Lands Act (67
Stat. 29) and (2) of which the subsoil and scabed appertain to the U,S. and
are subject to its jurisdiction and control."
33119944.. oouutteerr ccoonnttiinneennttaall sshheellff oorrddeerrss
(See OCS orders.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
454454
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33119955.. oouuttppoosstt wweellll
a well located outside the established limits of a reservoir; a step-out well.
33119966.. oouuttssiiddee ccuutttteerr
(See external cutter.)
33119977.. oouuttssiiddee ddiiaammeetteerr
(See diameter.)
33119988.. OOVVEERR AANNDD SSHHOORRTT ((00 && SS))
In a pipeline gathering system O&S refers to the perennial imbalance
between calculated oil on hand and the actual oil on hand. This is owing to
contraction, evaporation, improper measuring of lease tanks, and losses
through undetected locks. Oil is paid for on the basis of the amount shown in
the lease tanks. By the time this oil is received at the central gathering
station, the amounts invariably are short which represent a loss to the
pipeline system.
33119999.. oovveerr aanndd sshhoorrtt ssttaattiioonn
a pump station where one or more tanks are floating on the line. (See floating
tank.)
33220000.. OOvveerr--fflluusshh
an excess quantity of fluid used to push acid out of the tubing or casing when
an acid mixture is displaced into a well, thus directing the acid to the desired
place in the well.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
455455
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33220011.. OOVVEERR--TTHHEE--DDIITTCCHH CCOOAATTIINNGG
Doping and wrapping fine pipe above the ditch just before it is lowered in.
Most fine pipe is coated and wrapped in the pipe yard and then transported
to the right-of-way and strung. Over-the-ditch coating has the advantage of
minimizing scuffing or other damage to the coating suffered through moving
and handling.
33220022.. oovveerrbbuurrddeenn
the strata of rock that lie above the stratum of interest in drilling.
33220033.. oovveerrbbuurrddeenn pprreessssuurree
the pressure exerted by the overburden on the formation targeted for drilling.
33220044.. oovveerrffllooww ppiippee
a pipe installed at the top of a tank to enable the liquid within it to be
discharged to another vessel when the tank is filled to capacity.
33220055.. OOVVEERRHHEEAADD
A product or products taken from a processing unit in the form of a vapor or
·gas; a product of a distillation column.
33220066.. OOvveerrpprreessssuurree
Formation pressure in excess of hydropressure.
33220077.. OOVVEERRRRIIDDEE
See Overriding Royalty.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
456456
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33220088.. OOVVEERRRRIIDDEE SSYYSSTTEEMM
A backup system; controls that take over should the primary system of
controls fait or be taken out for adjustment or repair; a redundancy built in
for safety and operational efficiency.
33220099.. OOVVEERRRRIIDDIINNGG RROOYYAALLTTYY
An interest in oil and gas produced at the surface tree of any cost of
productio royalty in addition to the usual landowner's royalty reserved to the
lessor. A 1/16 override is not unusual.
33221100.. oovveerrsshhoott
a fishing tool that is attached to tubing or drill pipe and lowered over the
outside wall of pipe or sucker rods lost or stuck in the wellbore. A friction
device in the overshot, usually either a basket or a spiral grapple, firmly grips
the pipe, allowing the lost fish to be pulled from the hole.
33221111.. OOXXYYAACCEETTYYLLEENNEE WWEELLDDIINNGG
The use of a mixture of oxygen and acetylene in heating and joining two
pieces of metal. When the weld edges of the two pieces are molten, metal
from a welding rod is melted onto the molten puddle as the welder holds the
tip of the rod in the flame of the torch. Oxygen and acetylene are used also in
cutting through metal. The intense heat generated it the tip of the cutting
torch (about 3,500"F) literally melts away the metal in the area touched by
the flame See Welding Torch.
33221122.. oozz
Ounce, unit of weight equal to 1/16 of a pound, 28.35 grammes
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
457457
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33221133.. PP&&AA
plugged and abandoned. (See plug and abandon.)
33221144.. pp--llooww
a notation of the amount of pressure generated on the drill stem when the
mud pumps are run at some speed slower than the speed used when drilling
ahead. A p-low or several p-lows are established for use when a kick is being
circulated out of the wellbore.
33221155.. PP..SS..II..AA..
Pounds per square inch absolute; pressure measurement which includes
atmospheric pressure.
33221166.. PP..SS..II..GG..
Pounds per square inch gauge (as observed on a gauge).
33221177.. PPaa
pascal.
33221188.. ppaacckk ooffff
to place a packer in the wellbore and activate it so it forms a seal between
the tubing and casing.
33221199.. PPAACCKKAAGGEE PPLLAANNTT
A facility at a refinery where various refined products are put in cartons and
boxes ready for shipment. Waxes, greases, and small-volume specialty oils
are boxed in a package, plant.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
458458
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33222200.. ppaacckkeedd--hhoollee aasssseemmbbllyy
a drill stem that consists of stabilizers and special drill collars and is used to
maintain the proper angle and course of the hole. This assembly is often
necessary in crooked-hole country.
33222211.. ppaacckkeerr
a piece of downhole equipment, consisting of a sealing device, a holding or
setting device, and an inside passage for fluids, used to block the flow of
fluids through the annular space between the tubing and the wall of the
wellbore by sealing off the space between them. It is usually made up in the
tubing string some distance above the producing zone. A sealing element
expands to prevent fluid flow except through the inside bore of the packer
and into the tubing. Packers are classified according to configuration, use,
and method of setting and whether or not they are retrievable (i.e., whether
they can be removed when necessary, or whether they must be milled or
drilled out and thus destroyed).
33222222.. ppaacckkeerr fflluuiidd
a liquid, usually mud but sometimes salt water or oil, used in a well when a
packer is between the tubing and casing. Packer fluid must be heavy enough
to shut off the pressure of the formation being produced, must not stiffen or
settle out of suspension over long periods of time, and must be noncorrosive.
33222233.. PPAACCKKIINNGG
Any tough, pliable material-rubber or fiber-used to fill a chamber or "gland"
around a moving rod or valve stem to prevent the escape of gas or liquid; any
yielding material used to effect a pressure tight joint. Packing is held in place
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
459459
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
and compressed against a moving part by a "follower," an adjustable element
of the packing gland.
33222244.. ppaacckkiinngg ggllaanndd
the metal part that compresses and holds packing in place in a stuffing box.
33222255.. PPAALLYYNNOOLLOOGGYY
The science that deals with the study of five and fossil spores and with pollen
grains and other microscopic plant structures. As palynology concerns oil
prospecting, particularly stratigraphic problems, the science involves age
dating rocks and determining the environment when sedimentary formations
were laid down. This can be observed from well borehole cuttings, cores, and
surface outcrop samples; also microscopic analysis of source rock samples
and other basic geochemical studies.
33222266.. ppaarraaffffiinn
a hydrocarbon having the formula CnH2n + 2 (methane, CH4; ethane, C2H6;
etc.) Heavier paraffin hydrocarbons (i.e., those of C18H38 and heavier) form
a waxlike substance that is called paraffin. Heavier paraffins often accumulate
on the walls of tubing and other production equipment, restricting or stopping
the flow of desirable lighter paraffins.
33222277.. ppaarraaffffiinn hhyyddrrooccaarrbboonn
(See paraffin.)
33222288.. ppaarraaffffiinn iinnhhiibbiittoorr
a chemical that, when injected -into the wellbore, prevents or minimizes
paraffin deposition.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
460460
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33222299.. ppaarraaffffiinn ssccrraappeerr
any tool used to remove paraffin from inside tubular goods.
33223300.. ppaarraaffffiinn wwaaxx
a solid substance resembling beeswax but composed entirely of
hydrocarbons. It is obtained from the crude wax that results from the solvent
dewaxing or cold pressing of light paraffin distillates. The refined product is of
relatively large crystalline structure, is white and brittle, and has little taste or
odor.
33223311.. PPAARRAAFFFFIINN--BBAASSEE CCRRUUDDEE
Crude oil containing little or no asphalt materials; a good source of paraffin,
quality motor lubricating oil, and high-grade kerosene; usually has lower
nonhydrocarbon content than an asphalt-base crude.
33223322.. ppaarraaffffiinn--bbaassee ooiill
a crude oil characterized by a high API gravity, a high yield of lowoctane
gasoline, and a high yield of lubricating oil with a high pour point and a high
viscosity index. Popularly, and according to an early classification system, a
paraffin-base oil is a crude oil containing little or no asphalt and whose
residue from distillation contains paraffin wax. (Compare naphthene-base oil.)
33223333.. ppaarraaffffiinn--ddeeppoossiittiioonn iinntteerrvvaall
(PDI) the in. terval in the production tubing string where heavy paraffin
hydrocarbons are deposited on the inside walls of the tubing. The interval is
dependent on temperature; below or above certain temperatures, paraffin will
not form.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
461461
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33223344.. ppaarraasseeqquueennccee
Relatively conformable depositional units bounded by surfaces of marine
flooding, surfaces that separate older strata from younger and show an
increase in water depth in successively younger strata. Parasequences are
usually too thin to discern on seismic data, but when added together, they
form sets called parasequence sets that are visible on seismic data. See Also
depositional environment, sequence stratigraphy, stratum
33223355.. ppaarrtteedd rrooddss
sucker rods that have been broken and separated in a pumping well because
of corrosion, improper loading, damaged rods, and so forth.
33223366.. PPAARRTTIICCIIPPAATTIIOONN
A type of joint venture between a host country and an international oil
company holding concession rights in that country. Participation may be
voluntary on the part of the oil company or as the result of coercion by the
host country.
33223377.. PPAARRTTIICCIIPPAATTIIOONN CCRRUUDDEE OOIILL
See Buy-back Crude Oil.
33223388.. PPAARRTTIICCUULLAATTEE MMAATTTTEERR
Minute particles of solid matter-cinders and fly ash-contained in stack gases.
33223399.. ppaassccaall
Pa) an international system (SI) metric unit of pressure measurement. One
pound per square inch (psi) of pressure equals approximately 6,894.757
pascals, and 1 kilogram per square centimeter (kg/cm') of pressure equals
approximately 98,066.5 Pa, or 98.07 kilopascals (kPa).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
462462
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33224400.. ppaattcchh
a material used to cover, fill up, or mend a hole or weak spot. A metal piece
extending" halfway around a pipe and wriddd
33224411.. PPAAYY HHOORRIIZZOONN
The subsurface, geological formation where a deposit of oil or gas is found in
commercial quantities.
33224422.. PPAAYY OOUUTT
The recovery from production of the costs of drilling, completion, and
equipping a well. Sometimes included in the costs is a prorata share of lease
costs.
33224433.. ppaayy ssttrriinngg
the Production casing.
33224444.. PPAAYY ZZOONNEE
See Pay Horizon.
33224455.. PPBB
abbr plugged back; used in drilling reports.(see plug back)
33224466.. PPccff
pound
33224477.. PPCCVV
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (q.v.),
33224488.. PPDDII
paraffin-deposition interval.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
463463
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33224499.. PPEEAAKK--SSHHAAVVIINNGG LLNNGG PPLLAANNTT
A liquefied natural gas plant that supplies gas to a gas pipeline system during
peak-use periods. During slack periods the liquefied gas is stored. With the
need for additional gas, the liquid product is gasified and fed into the gas
pipeline.
33225500.. PPEEAAPPIICCKKEERR
An inexperienced worker a green hand; boil weevil.
33225511.. PPeelliiccaann hhooookk
(nautical)a device releasable under tension that engages chain links and wire-
rope fittings.
33225522.. PPEEMMEEXX
Petroleos Mexicanos, the state-owned Mexican oil company.
33225533.. ppeennddaanntt lliinnee
(nautical) a wire rope attached to an anchor and sometimes to the anchor
chain and used to pull and lower the anchor. The ends of the pendant not on
the anchor are attached to buoys on the surface of the Water.
33225544.. PPEENNDDUULLUUMM DDRRIILLLL AASSSSEEMMBBLLYY
A heavily weighted drill assembly using long drill collars and stabilizers to help
control the drift from the vertical of the drill bit. The rationale for the
weighted drill assembly is that. like a pendulum at rest, it will resist being
moved from the vertical and will tend to drill a straighter hole.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
464464
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33225555.. PPEENNNNSSYYLLVVAANNIIAA--GGRRAADDEE CCRRUUDDEE OOIILL
Oil with characteristics similar to the crude oil Produced in Pennsylvania from
which superior quality lubricating oils are made. Similar-grade crude oil is also
found in West Virginia, eastern Ohio, and southern New York state.
33225566.. PPeerr
Permeability; used in drilling reports.
33225577.. PPeerrccuussssiioonn ddrriilllliinngg
1 cable-tool drilling. 2.rotary drilling in which a special tool called a hammer
drill is used in combination with a roller-cone bit.
33225588.. ppeerrccuussssiioonn ddrriilllliinngg ttooooll
(See hammer drill.)
33225599.. ppeerrff
perforated; used in drilling reports.
33226600.. ppeerrffoorraattee
to pierce the casing wall and cement to provide holes through which
formation fluids may enter or to provide holes in the casing so that materials
may be introduced into the annulus between the casing and the wall of the
borehole. Perforating is accomplished by lowering into the well a perforating
gun, or perforator, that fires electrically detonated bullets or shaped charges
from the surface.
33226611.. ppeerrffoorraattee uunnddeerr--bbaallaanncceedd
to perforate the well with a column of fluid in the wellbore.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
465465
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33226622.. PPeerrffoorraattee//PPeerrffoorraattiinngg
Piercing the casing and cement using shaped explosive charges to provide a
flow path for formation fluids.
ppeerrffoorraatteedd ccoommpplleettiioonn
a well completion in which the production casing or liner is punctured to allow
passage between the wellbore and the producing formation. Perforations are
usually made with bullet- or jet-perforating guns. (See gun-perforate.)
33226633.. ppeerrffoorraatteedd lliinneerr
a liner that has had holes shot in it by a perforating gun.
33226644.. ppeerrffoorraatteedd ppiippee
the sections of pipe (as casing liners, tail pipes, etc.) in which holes or slots
have been cut before setting.
33226655.. PPEERRFFOORRAATTIINNGG
To make holes through the casing opposite the producing formation to allow
the oil or gas to flow into the well. Shooting steel bullets through the casing
walls with a special downhole "gun" is a common method of perforating.
33226666.. PPEERRFFOORRAATTIINNGG GGUUNN
A special tool used downhole for shooting holes in the well's casing opposite
the producting formation. The gun, a steel tube of various lengths, has steel
projectiles placed at intervals over its outer circumference, perpendicular to
the gun's long axis. When lowered into the well's casing on a wire line
opposite the formation to be produced, the gun is fired electrically, shooting
numerous holes in the casing which permit the oil or gas to flow into the
casing.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
466466
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33226677.. PPEERRFFOORRAATTIIOONNSS,, SSHHAAPPEEDD--CCHHAARRGGEE
See Shaped-charge Perforation.
33226688.. ppeerriioodd OOff PPiittcchh
the time required for the bow or stern of a floating offshore drilling rig to start
at its lowest Position, rise with the waves, and return to its lowest position.
33226699.. ppeerriioodd ooff rroollll
the time required for a floating offshore drilling rig to roll from one side to the
other and back.
33227700.. PPEERRMMAAFFRROOSSTT
The permanently frozen layer of earth occurring at variable depths in the
Arctic and other frigid regions.
33227711.. ppeerrmmaanneenntt ccoommpplleettiioonn
a well completion in which production, workover, and re-completion
operations can be performed without removing the wellhead.
33227722.. ppeerrmmaanneenntt gguuiiddee bbaassee
a structure attached to and installed with the foundation pile when a well is
drilled from an offshore drilling rig. It is seated in the temporary guide base
and serves as a wellhead housing. Also, guidelines are attached to it so that
equipment (as the blowout preventers) may be guided into place on the
wellhead.
33227733.. PPeerrmmeeaabbiilliittyy
The measure of a formation's ability to transmit fluids and/or gases.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
467467
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33227744.. PPeerrssoonn--yyeeaarrss
The equivalent of one person working a full year, or 2,080 hours.
33227755.. ppeerrssoonnnneell nneett
a net attached to a floatable ring, on which personnel ride when being
transferred from boat to rig on offshore locations. It is usually rigged to a
crane.
33227766.. PPEERRSSUUAADDEERR
An oversized toot for a small job; an extension added to the handle of a
wrench to increase the leverage.
33227777.. PPEESSAA
Petroleum Equipment Suppliers' Association.
33227788.. ppeettrroocchheemmiiccaall
a chemical manufactured from petroleum and natural gas or from raw
materials derived from petroleum and natural gas.
33227799.. PPEETTRROOCCHHEEMMIICCAALLSS
Chemicals derived from petroleum; feedstocks for the manufacture of a
variety of plastics and synthetic rubber.
33228800.. PPEETTRROOCCHHEEMMIISSTTRRYY
A word derived from petroleum and chemistry; the science of synthesizing
substances derived from crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids.
33228811.. PPEETTRROOFFRRAACCTTUURRIINNGG
A process In which a mixture of oil, chemicals, and sand is pumped under
high pressure into an oil-bearing formation penetrated by the well bore. This
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
468468
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
produces cracks and fissures in the formation to improve the flow of oil. See
Hydraulic Fracturing.
33228822.. ppeettrrooll
(British) gasoline.
33228833.. PPEETTRROOLLEEUUMM
In its broadest sense, the term embraces the whole spectrum of
hydrocarbons-gaseous, liquid, and solid. In the popular sense, petroleum
means crude oil.
33228844.. PPEETTRROOLLEEUUMM RREESSEERRVVEESS NNAAVVAALL
See Naval Petroleum Reserves.
33228855.. PPEETTRROOLLEEUUMM RREESSEERRVVEESS,, SSTTRRAATTEEGGIICC
See Strategic Petroleum Reserves.
33228866.. PPEETTRROOLLEEUUMM RROOCCKK
Sandstone. limestone, dolomite, shale, and other porous rock formations
where accumulations of oil and gas may be found.
PPEETTRROOLLEEUUMM SSUULLFFOONNAATTEE FFLLOOOODDIINNGG
See Micellar-surfactant Flooding.
33228877.. PPEETTRROOLLEEUUMM TTAARR SSAANNDDSS
Native asphalt, solid and semisolid bitumen, including oil-impregnated rock or
sand from which oil is recoverable by special treatment. Processes have been
developed for extracting the oil. referred to as synthetic crude.
33228888.. ppeettrroolliiffeerroouuss
containing petroleum (of rocks).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
469469
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33228899.. PPEETTRROOLLOOGGIISSTT,, SSEEDDPPAAIIEENNTTAARRYY
A specialist in petrology; a geologist who studies the origin, history,
occurrence, structure, and chemical composition of sedimentary rocks; also a
specialist in the acoustical properties of rocks who often works with
geophysicists in determining the presence of oil and gas in sedimentary
formations.
33229900.. PPEETTRROOLLOOGGYY
The science that deals with the origin, history. occurrence, structure, chemical
composition, and classification of rocks.
33229911.. PPeettrroopphhyyssiiccss
Study of reservoir properties based on the data obtained from various logging
tools and methods, and from drill cores.
33229922.. PPHH ((ppHH))
A symbol used in expressing both acidity and alkalinity on a scale whose
values run from 0 to 14, with 7 representing neutrality; numbers less than 7,
increasing acidity; greater than 7, increasing alkalinity.
33229933.. ppHH vvaalluuee
a unit of measure of the acid or alkaline condition of a substance. A neutral
solution (as pure water) has a pH of 7; acid solutions are less than 7; basic,
or alkaline solutions are above 7. The pH scale is a logarithmic scale; a
substance with a pH of 4 is more than twice as acid as a substance with a pH
of 5. Similarly, a substance with a pH of 9 is much more than twice as alkaline
as a substance with a pH of 8.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
470470
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33229944.. pphhaassee
1. any portion of a nonhomogeneous system that is bounded by a surface, is
homogeneous throughout, and may be mechanically separated from the other
phases. The three phases of HgO, for example, are ice (solid), water (liquid),
and steam (gas). 2. in physics, the stage or point in a cycle to which a
rotation, oscillation, or variation has advanced.
33229955.. PPHHOOTTOOMMEETTRRIICC AANNAALLYYZZEERR
A device for detecting and analyzing the changes in properties and quantities
of a plant's stack gases. The analyzer, through the use of electronic linkage,
automatically sounds a warning or effects changes in the stack emissions
when they exceed predetermined levels.
33229966.. PPHHYYSSIICCAALL DDEEPPLLEETTIIOONN
The exhausting of a mineral deposit or a petroleum reservoir by extraction or
production.
33229977.. ppii
pipeline; used in drilling reports.
33229988.. ppiicckkllee
a cylindrical or spherical device that is affixed to the end of a wireline just
above the hook to keep the line straight and provide weight.
33229999.. PPIIEERR
A walkway-like structure built on piling out from shore, a distance over the
water for use 4 s a landing place or to tie up boats; a jetty.
33330000.. ppiieerrcceemmeenntt ddoommee
a mass of material, usually salt, that rises and penetrates rock formations.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
471471
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33330011.. PPIIGG
A cylindrical device (three to seven feet long) inserted in a pipeline for the
purpose of sweeping the line clean of water, rust, or other foreign matter.
When insertec in the line at a "trap," the pressure of the oil stream behind it
pushes the pig along the line. Pigs or scrapers (q.v.) are made with tough,
pliable discs that fit the internal diameter of the pipe, thus forming a tight
seal as they move along cleaning the pipe wails.
33330022.. ppiigg iirroonn
(slang) a piece of oil-filed equipment made of iron or steel.
33330033.. PPIIGG TTRRAAPP
A scraper trap (q.v.).
33330044.. ppiiggggyybbaacckk
(nautical) to install anchors behind each other in tandem on the same
mooring line.
33330055.. PPIILLEELLEESSSS PPLLAATTFFOORRMM
A concrete offshore drilling platform of sufficient weight to hold the structure
firmly in position on the sea bottom, Referred to as a "gravity structure," the
platform is constructed on shore and then floated and towed to location
where it is "sunk" by flooding its compartments. Some platforms of this type
have oil storage facilities within the base of the structure. See Gravity
Structure; also Tension-leg Platform.
33330066.. PPIILLIINNGG,, DDRRIILLLLEEDD--IINN
Piling that is inserted into holes drilled by special large-diameter bits. In this
operation the piles are cemented in to achieve more stability. Drilied-in piling
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
472472
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
is often used to secure platform jackets to the ocean floor. See Drilling and
Boiling Tool.
33330077.. PPIILLLLOOWW TTAANNKKSS
Pliable, synthetic rubber and fabric fuel "tanks" that look like giant pillows.
Pillow tanks, first used by the military to store fuel, are now in service at
remote locations to store diesel fuel, gasoline, and tube oil until steel tankage
can be erected. Easily deplorable, the rubber pillows can be filled by tank
truck or air shuttle, and when no longer needed they may be emptied, folded
up and taken to another location. (See illustration, p. 155)
33330088.. ppiilloott mmiillll
a special mill that has a heavy, tubular extension below it called a pilot or
stinger. The pilot, smaller in diameter than the mill, is designed to go inside
drill pipe or tubing that is lost in the hole. It guides the mill to the top of and
centers it over the pipe, thus preventing the mill from bypassing the pipe.
33330099.. PPIILLOOTT PPLLAANNTT
A small model of a future processing plant, used to develop and test
processes and operating techniques before investing in a full-scale plant.
33331100.. PPIILLOOTTMMIILLLL,,
A type of junk mill (q.v.) with a tapered confer projection below the cutting
surface of the bit to guide or pilot the bit into the open end of a piece of junk
or a toot to be milled out downhole.
33331111.. ppiinn
(See tool joint.)
33331122.. ppiinn ppaacckkeerr
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
473473
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
a packer in which the packing element is held in position by brass or steel
pins. When weight is put on the packer, two metal sleeves telescope,
shearing the pins and allowing the element to fold and pack off.
33331133.. ppiinn ttaapp
a short, threaded device made up on the bottom of drill pipe or tubing and
used to screw into the box of a stand of drill pipe or drill collars lost in the
hole. Once the pin tap is engaged, the lost pipe can be retrieved.
33331144.. ppiinncchh iinn
to decrease the size of the opening of an adjustable choke when a kick is
being circulated out of a well.
33331155.. ppiinncchh--oouutt
a geological structure that forms a trap for oil and gas when a porous and
permeable rock ends at or stops against an impervious formation.
33331166.. PPIINNCCHHIINNGG AA VVAALLVVEE
Closing a valve part way to reduce the flow of liquid or gas through a
pipeline. See Cracking a Valve.
33331177.. ppiippee
a long, hollow cylinder, usually steel,through which fluids are conducted. Oil-
field tubular goods are casing (including liners), drill pipe, tubing, or line pipe.
Casing, tubing, and drill pipe are designated by external-diameter. Because
lengths of pipe are joined by external-diameter couplings threaded by
standard tools, an increase in the wall thickness can only be obtained by
decreasing the internal diameter. Thus, the external diameter is the same for
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
474474
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
all weights of the same size pipe. Weight is expressed in pounds per foot.
Grading depends on the yield strength of the steel.
33331188.. ppiippee ddoollllyy
any device equipped with rollers and used to move drill pipe or collars.
33331199.. PPIIPPEE FFIITTTTEERR
One who installs and repairs piping, usually of small diameter. An "oil patch
plumber" according to pipeliners who traditionally work with large-diameter
pipe
33332200.. ppiippee ffiittttiinnggss
the auxiliary parts (as couplings, elbows, tees, crosses, etc.) used for
connecting lengths of pipe.
33332211.. ppiippee hhaannggeerr
1. a circular device with a frictional gripping arrangement used to suspend
casing and tubing in the well. 2. a device used to support a pipeline.
33332222.. ppiippee jjaacckk
a hand tool used to lift and move a stand of pipe that is set back in the
derrick. It has a handle on one end and two semicircular pieces on the other
end that are designed to fit under the shoulder of a joint of pipe and avoid
damage as the pipe is lifted with the tool.
33332233.. PPIIPPEE LLAAYY BBAARRGGEE
See Lay Barge.
33332244.. PPIIPPEE MMIILLLL,, PPOORRTTAABBLLEE
See Portable Pipe Mill.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
475475
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33332255.. ppiippee rraacckk
a horizontal support for tubular goods.
33332266.. ppiippee rraacckkeerr
(obsolete) 1. a worker who places pipe to one side in the derrick. 2. a
pneumatic or hydraulic device often used on drill ships that, upon command
from an operator, either picks up pipe from a rack and lifts it into the derrick
or takes pipe from out of the derrick and places it on the rack.It eliminates
the need to stand pipe in the derrick while it is out of the hole.
33332277.. ppiippee rraammss
a sealing component for a blowout preventer that closes the annular space
between the pipe and the blowout preventer or wellhead.
33332288.. ppiippee rreeppaaiirr ccllaammpp
a clamp used to make a temporary repair of a leak in a pipeline.
33332299.. ppiippee ssaaddddllee
a fitting made in parts to clamp onto a pipe to stop a leak or provide an
outlet.
33333300.. PPIIPPEE SSLLIINNGG
A stirrup-like sling made of heavy belting material used on the winch line of
boom cats for lifting, handling, and lowering in of pipe. Fabric slings are used
to prevent scarring or damaging the pipelines protective coating.
33333311.. PPIIPPEE SSTTRRAAIIGGHHTTEENNEERR
A heavy, pipeyard press equipped with hydraulically powered mandrels for
taking the kinks and bends out of pipe. The replaceable mandrels come in all
size 2" to 12".
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
476476
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33333322.. PPIIPPEE TTOONNGGSS
Long-handled wrenches that grip the pipe with a scissors-like action; used in
laying a screw pipeline. The head (called the butt) is shaped like a parrot's
beak and uses one corner of a square "tong key," held in a slot in the head,
to bite into the surface of the pipe in turning it.
33333333.. ppiippee wwiippeerr
a disk-shaped device with a hole in the center through which drill pipe or
tubing passes, used to wipe off mud, oil, or other liquid from the pipe as the
pipe is pulled from the hole.
33333344.. ppiippeelliinnee
a system of connected lengths of pipe, usually buried in the earth or laid on
the seafloor, that is used for transporting petroleum and natural gas.
33333355.. PPIIPPEELLIINNEE CCAATT
A tough, experienced pipeline construction worker who stays on the job until
is flanged up and the.1 disappears-until the next pipeline job. A hard-working,
impermanent construction hand; a boomer.
33333366.. ppiippeelliinnee ccoonnnneeccttiioonn
the outlet from a well or tank by which oil or gas is transferred to a pipeline
for transportation away from the field.
33333377.. PPIIPPEELLIINNEE DDEELLUUMMPPEERR
A motor-driven chopping machine that is flanged Into a pipeline to break up
any solid material that may have found its way into the fluid stream. The
electric motor furnishes power for the chopper blades. Delumpers are used
for the most part on coal slurry pipelines.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
477477
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33333388.. PPIIPPEELLIINNEE GGAASS
Gas under sufficient pressure to enter the high-pressure gas lines of a
purchaser; gas sufficiently dry so that liquid hydrocarbons-natural gasoline,
butane, and other gas liquids-usually present in natural gas will not condense
or drop out in the transmission lines.
33333399.. PPIIPPEELLIINNEE GGAAUUGGEERR
See Gauger.
33334400.. PPIIPPEELLIINNEE IINNSSPPEECCTTIIOONN SSPPHHEERREE
A manned bathysphere for inspection of offshore pipelines or to investigate
the underwater terrain, the sea floor, for a proposed route for laying a
pipeline. The diving sphere is lowered to the sea floor by a boom and tackle
extending from the deck of a work boat or diving tender equipped with
support systems.
33334411.. ppiippeelliinnee ooiill
a crude oil whose BS& W content is low enough to make the oil acceptable for
pipeline shipment.
33334422.. ppiippeelliinnee ppaattrrooll
a watch, usually maintained from an airplane, to check the route of a pipeline
for leaks or other abnormal conditions.
33334433.. PPIIPPEELLIINNEE PPRROORRAATTIIOONNIINNGG
The refusal by a purchasing company or a pipeline to take more oil than 4
needs from the producer by limiting pipeline runs from the producer's lease
an informal practice in the days of overproduction when market conditions
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
478478
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
were unsatisfactory or when the pipeline system lacked storage space. Also
referred to as purchaser prorationing.
33334444.. PPIIPPEELLIINNEE RRIIDDEERR
One who covers a pipeline by horseback looking for leaks in the line or
washed-out sections of the right of way. The line rider has been replaced by
the pipeline; patrol using light planes or, for short local lines, by the pickup
truck and the man on foot.
33334455.. PPIIPPEELLIINNEE SSPPRREEAADD
See Spread.
33334466.. PPIIPPEELLIINNEE WWEELLDDIINNGG
In pipeline welding, the bevelled ends of two joints are brought together and
aligned by clamps. Welders then lay on courses of weld metal called passes or
beads designated as (1) stringer bead, (2) hot pass, (3) third pass or hot fill
(for heavy-wall pipe), (4) filler pass, and (5) final or capping pass.
One who does pipeline construction or repair work welders, ditching machine
operators. cat drivers, costing and wrapping operators, connection men;
broadly, anyone who is involved in the building, maintenance, and operation
of a pipeline system.
33334477.. ppiissttoonn
a cylindrical sliding piece that is moved by or moves against fluid pressure
within a confining cylindrical vessel.
33334488.. ppiissttoonn rriinngg
a yielding ring, usually metal, that surrounds a piston and maintains a tight fit
inside a cylinder.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
479479
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33334499.. ppiissttoonn rroodd
1. a metal shaft that joins the piston to the crankshaft in an engine. 2. a
metal shaft in a mud pump, one end of which is connected to the piston and
the other to the pony rod.
33335500.. PPIITT LLIINNEERRSS
Specially formulated plastic sheeting for lining earthen or leaking concrete pits
to prevent seepage of oil or water into the ground.
33335511.. PPiitt VVoolluummee TToottaalliizzeerr
(PVT)a trade name for a series of devices that continuously monitor the level
of the drilling mud in the mud pits. PVTs usually consist of float devices in the
mud pits that sense mud-level data and transmit the data to a recording and
alarm device mounted near the driller's position on the rig floor. If the mud
level in the pits drops too low or rises too high, the alarm sounds to warn the
driller that action may be necessary to prevent a blowout.
33335522.. ppiitt--lleevveell iinnddiiccaattoorr
(See Pit Volume Totalizer.)
33335533.. ppiitt--lleevveell rreeccoorrddeerr
(See Pit Volume Totalizer.)
33335544.. PPIITTCCHH
Asphalt; a dark brown to black bituminous material found in natural beds,
also produced as a black, heavy residue in oil refining. See Brea.
33335555.. PPIITTCCHHEERR PPUUMMPP
A small hand pump for very shallow water wells. Looking much like a large,
cast-iron cream pitcher, the pitcher pump is built on the order of the "old
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
480480
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
town pump" with one exception. The pitcher pump's handle, working on a
fulcrum, does not have a string of pump rods attached. Water is pumped by
the suction created by a leather cup and valve arrangement in the throat or
lower body of the pump together with a foot valve 20 feet or so down in the
tubing. A simple and elegantly fundamental pumping machine.
33335566.. ppiittmmaann
the arm that connects the crank to the walking beam on a pumping unit by
means of which rotary motion is converted to reciprocating motion.
33335577.. PPiittoott ttuubbee
an open-ended tube arranged to face against the current of a stream of fluid;
used in measuring the velocity head of a flowing medium.
33335588.. PPiittoott--ttuubbee mmeetteerr
a meter that uses a Pitot tube and a manometer or other differential-pressure
mechanism to measure flowing fluids. The difference between the pressure
on the Pitot tube and the static pressure is the velocity head of the flow,
which is directly related to the rate of flow.
33335599.. PPIITTTTIINNGG ((OOFF PPIIPPEE))
Line pipe corroded in such a manner as to cause the surface to be covered
with minute, crater-like holes or pits. See Anode; also Rectifier Bed.
33336600.. ppkk
pink; used in drilling reports.
33336611.. ppkkrr
packer; used in drilling reports.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
481481
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33336622.. ppllaanniimmeetteerr
an instrument for measuring the area of a plane figure. As the point on a
tracing arm is passed along the outline of a figure, a graduated wheel and
disk indicate the area encompassed.
33336633.. PPLLAANNTT OOPPEERRAATTOORR
An employee who runs plant equipment, makes minor adjustments and
repairs, and keeps the necessary operating records.
33336644.. PPLLAASSTTIICC FFLLOOWW
The flow of liquid (through a pipeline) in which the liquid moves as a column;
flowing as a river with the center of the stream moving at a greater rate than
the edges which are retarded by the friction of the banks (or pipe wall). See
Turbulent Flow.
33336655.. ppllaassttiicc ssqquueeeezziinngg
the procedure by which a quantity of resinous material is squeezed into a
sandy formation to consolidate the sand and prevent its flowing into the well.
The resinous material is hardened by the addition of special chemicals which
creates a porous mass that permits oil to flow into the well but holds back the
sand at the same time. (See sand consolidation.)
33336666.. ppllaassttiicc vviissccoossiittyy
an absolute flow property indicating the flow resistance of certain types of
fluids. Plastic viscosity is a measure of shearing stress.
33336677.. ppllaassttiicciittyy
the ability of a substance to be deformed without rupturing.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
482482
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33336688.. PPLLAATT
A map of land plots laid out according to surveys made by a Government
Land Office showing section, township, and range; a grid-like representation
of land areas showing their relationship to other areas in a state or county.
33336699.. PPLLAATT BBOOOOKK
A book containing maps of land plots arranged according to Township and
Range for counties within a state. See Plat.
33337700.. ppllaattffoorrmm
an immobile offshore structure constructed on pilings from which wells are
drilled, produced, or both.
33337711.. PPLLAATTFFOORRMM BBUURRNNEERR
See Forced-draft Burner.
33337722.. ppllaattffoorrmm jjaacckkeett
a support that is firmly secured to the ocean floor and to which the legs of a
platform are anchored.
33337733.. PPLLAATTFFOORRMM TTRREEEE
A production Christmas tree (q.v.) on an offshore platform; an assembly of
control and production valves, used on offshore platforms, through which
wells are produced.
33337744.. PPLLAATTFFOORRMMAATTEE
High-octane gasoline blending stock produced in a catalytic reforming unit,
commonly known as a platformer (q.v.).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
483483
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33337755.. PPLLAATTFFOORRMMEERR
A catalytic reforming unit which converts low-quality straight-chain paraffins
or naphthenes to low-boiling, branched-chain paraffins or aromatics of higher
octane; a refinery unit that produces high-octane blending stock for
manufacture of gasoline.
33337766.. ppllaayy
the extent of a petroleum-bearing formation.
33337777.. PPLLEEMM
Pipeline-end manifold; an offshore, submerged manifold connected to the
shore by-pipelines that serve a tanker loading station of the multibuoy
mooring type (q.v.).
33337788.. PPLLEENNUUMM
A room or enclosed area where the atmosphere is maintained at a pres. sure
greater than the outside air. Central control rooms at refineries are usually
kept at pressures of a few ounces above the surrounding atmosphere to
prevent potentially explosive gases from seeping into the building and being
ignited by electrical equipment. Some offshore drilling and production
platforms are provided with plenums as a safety measure. See Acoustic
Plenum.
33337799.. PPlliimmssoollll mmaarrkk
a mark placed on the side of a floating offshore drilling rig or ship denoting
the maximum depth to which it may be loaded or ballasted. The line is set in
accordance with local and international rules for safety of life at sea.
33338800.. PPLLUUGG
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
484484
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
To fill a well's borehole with cement or other Impervious material to prevent
the flow of water, gas, or oil from one strata to another when a well is
abandoned to screw a metal plug into a pipeline to shut off drainage or to
divert the stream of oil to a connecting line; to stop the flow of oil or gas.
33338811.. pplluugg aanndd aabbaannddoonn
(P&A) to place a cement plug into a dry hole and abandon it.
33338822.. pplluugg bbaacckk
to place cement in or near the bottom of a well to exclude bottom water,
sidetrack, or produce from a formation already drilled through. Plugging back
also can be accomplished by a mechanical plug set by wireline, tubing, or drill
pipe.
33338833.. pplluugg ccoonnttaaiinneerr
(See cementing head.)
33338844.. pplluugg ffllooww
a fluid moving as a unit in which all shear stress occurs at the pipe wall.
33338855.. PPLLUUGG VVAALLVVEE
A type of quick-opening pipeline valve constructed with a central core or
"plug." The valve can be opened or closed with one-quarter turn of the plug;
a stop.
33338866.. PPLLUUGGGGIINNGG AA WWEELLLL
To fill up the borehole of an abandoned well with mud and cement to prevent
the flow of water or oil from one to another or to the surface. In the
industry's early years. wells were often improperly plugged or left open.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
485485
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
Modern practice requires that an abandoned well be properly and securely
plugged.
33338877.. PPlluuggggiinngg mmaatteerriiaall
a substance used to temporarily or permanently block off zones while treating
or working on other portions of the well.
33338888.. pplluunnggeerr
(See sucker-rod pump.)
33338899.. PPLLUUNNGGEERR PPUUMMPP
A reciprocating pump in which plungers or pistons, moving forward and
backward or up and down in cylinders, draw in a volume of liquid and, as a
valve closes, push the fluid out into a discharge line.
33339900.. ppnneeuummaattiicc ccoonnttrrooll
a control valve that is actuated by air. Several pneumatic controls are used on
drilling rigs to actuate rig components (as clutches, hoists, engines, pumps,
etc.).
33339911.. ppnneeuummaattiicc hhooiisstt..
Air injection
33339922.. ppoodd
(See hydraulic control pod.)
33339933.. PPOOGGOO PPLLAANN
A plan for financing oil and gas exploration developed for off shore
exploration. The form of the plan is usually corporate, the investors receiving
shares of stock in the corporation and other securities.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
486486
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33339944.. PPOOIINNTT MMAANN
The member of a pipeline tong crew who handles the tips (the points) of
heavy pipe-laying tongs. He is the "brains" of the crew as he keeps his men
pulling and "hitting" in unison and In time with the other tong crews working
on the same joint of screw pipe.
33339955.. ppooiinntt--rreeaaccttiioonn ffoorrccee
a force that counteracts another force at a single point.
33339966.. ppooiissee
(p) the viscosity of a liquid in which a force of 1 dyne (a unit of measurement
of small amounts of force) exerted tangentially on a surface of 1 cm' of either
of two parallel planes 1 cm apart will move one plane at the rate of 1 cm per
second in reference to the other plane with the space between the two planes
filled with the liquid.
33339977.. ppoollaarr ccoommppoouunndd
a compound (as water) with a molecule that behaves as a small bar magnet
with a positive charge on one end and a negative charge on the other.
33339988.. ppoollee mmaasstt
a portable mast constructed of tubular members. A pole mast may be a single
pole, usually of two different sizes, that is telescoped together to be moved or
extended and locked to obtain maximum height above a well. Double-pole
masts give added strength and stability.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
487487
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33339999.. ppoolliisshheedd rroodd
the topmost portion of a string of sucker rods, used for lifting fluid by the rod-
pumping method. It has a uniform diameter and is smoothly polished to
effectively seal pressure in the stuffing box attached to the top of a well.
33440000.. PPOOLLYYEETTHHYYLLEENNEE
A petroleum-derived plastic material used for packaging, plastic house wares,
and toys. The main ingredient of polyethylene is the petrochemical gas
ethylene.
33440011.. ppoollyymmeerr mmuudd
a drilling mud to which has been added a polymer, a chemical that consists of
large molecules that were formed from small molecules in repeating structural
units, to increase the viscosity of the mud.
33440022.. PPOOLLYYMMEERRIIZZAATTIIOONN
A refining process of combining two or more molecules to form a single
heavier molecule; the union of light olefins to form hydrocarbons of higher
molecular weight; polymerization is used to produce high-octane gasoline
blending stock from cracked gases.
33440033.. PPOONNTTOOOONNSS
The elements of a floating roof tank that provide buoyance; airtight, metal
tanks that float on the fluid and support the moveable deck structure of the
roof.
33440044.. ppoonnyy rroodd
(1). a sucker rod less than 25 ft long.
(2). the rod joined to the connecting rod and piston rod in a mud pump.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
488488
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33440055.. PPOONNYYRROODDSS
Sucker rod made in short lengths of 2' to 8' for use in making up a string of
pumping rods of the correct length to connect Vie polished rod of the
pumping jack. Pony rods are screwed Into the top of the string just below the
polished rod (q.v.).
33440066.. PPOOOOLL
See Oil Pool.
33440077.. PPOOOOLLIINNGG
The bringing together of small, contiguous tracts, resulting in a parcel of "land
large enough for the granting of a well permit under applicable spacing
regulations. Pooling is often erroneously used for unitization (q.v.). Unitization
describes a joint of all or some significant, portion of a producing reservoir.
33440088.. PPOOOOLLSS,, SSAALLTT--DDOOMMEE//SSAALLTT--PPLLUUGG
See Salt-dome Pools.
33440099.. ppoooorr bbooyy
to make do; to do something on a shoestring. homemade.
33441100.. PPOOPP
putting on the pump; used in drilling reports. (See put on the pump.)
33441111.. ppoopp vvaallvvee
a spring-loaded safety valve that opens automatically when pressure exceeds
the limits for which the valve is set. It is used as a safety device on
pressurized vessels and other equipment to prevent damage from excessive
pressure. It also is called a relief valve or a safety valve.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
489489
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33441122.. PPOOPP--OOFFFF VVAALLVVEE
See Relief Valve.
33441133.. ppooppccoorrnn
substandard, unsafe, or cheap.
33441144.. PPOOPPPPEETT VVAALLVVEE
A type of check valve installed in a riser or a downhole packer to prevent fluid
from rising vertically in the pipe or the well bore. A spring-loaded vertical
valve that permits downward flow as fluid pressure opens the valve. Pressure
from below moving upward is blocked by the valve's clapper held shut by
spring tension.
33441155.. PPOOPPPPIINNGG
The discharge of natural gas into the atmosphere; a common practice in the
1920s and 1930s, especially with respect to sour gas and casinghead gas.
After the liquid hydrocarbons were extracted, the gas was "wasted" as there
was no ready market for it.
33441166.. ppoorr
porosity or pores; used in drilling reports. (See pore.)
33441177.. PPOORRCCUUPPIINNEE
A cylindrical steel drum with steel bristles protruding from the surface, a
super, pipe-cleaning pig for swabbing a sediment-laden pipeline.
33441188.. ppoorree
an opening or space within a rock or mass of rock, usually small and often
filled with some fluid (as water, oil, gas, or all three). Compare vug.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
490490
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33441199.. PPOORROOSSIITTYY
The state or quality of being porous; the volume of the pore space expressed
as a percent of the total volume of the rock mass; an important property of
oil-bearing formations. Good porosity indicates an ability to hold large
amounts of oil in the rock. And with good permeability (q.v.), the quality of a
rock that allows liquids to flow through it readily, a well penetrating the
formation should be a producer.
33442200.. ppoorrtt
(nautical) the left side of a vessel (determined by looking toward the bow).
33442211.. ppoorrttaabbllee mmaasstt
a mast mounted on a truck and capable of being erected as a single unit.
(See telescoping derrick.)
33442222.. PPOORRTTAABBLLEE PPIIPPEE MMIILLLL
Avery large, self-propelled "factory on wheels" that forms, welds, and lays
fine pipe in end continuous operation. The pipe is made from rolls of sheet
steel (skelp) shaped into a cylindrical form, electric welded, tested, and strung
out behind the machine as it moves forward.
33442233.. ppoorrttllaanndd cceemmeenntt
(See cement.)
33442244.. ppoossiittiioonn--rreeffeerreennccee ssyysstteemm
any system or method by which surveillance is maintained on the position of
a floating offshore drilling rig in relation to the subsea wellhead. Ideally, the
rig should always be directly over the wellhead to minimize wear on subsea
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
491491
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
equipment and facilitate operations involved with the equipment. (See
acoustic position reference and taut-line position-reference system.)
33442255.. ppoossiittiivvee cchhookkee
a choke in which the orifice size must be changed to change the rate of flow
through the choke.
33442266.. PPOOSSIITTIIVVEE CCRRAANNKKCCAASSEE VVEENNTTIILLAATTIIOONN SSYYSSTTEEMM
A system installed on automobiles manufactured after 1968 to reduce
emissions from the engine's crankcase. The emissions-oil and unburned
gasoline vapors- are directed into the intake manifold and from there they
mix with the gasoline to be burned.
33442277.. ppoossiittiivvee--ddiissppllaacceemmeenntt mmeetteerr
a mechanical, fluid-measuring device that measures by filling and emptying
chambers of a specific volume, also known as a volume meter or voltmeter.
The displacement of a fixed volume of fluid may be accomplished by
reciprocating or oscillating pistons, by rotating vanes or buckets, by nutating
disks, or by using tanks or other vessels that automatically fill and empty.
possum belly 1. a receiving tank situated at the end of the mud-return line.
The flow of mud comes into the bottom of the device and travels over baffles
to control mud flow over the shale shaker. 2. a metal box under a truck bed
that holds pipeline repair tools.
33442288.. PPOOSSIITTIIVVEE--DDIISSPPLLAACCEEMMEENNTT PPUUMMPP
A pump that or moves a measured volume of liquid on each stroke or
revolution a pump with no significant slippage; a plunger or rotary pump.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
492492
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33442299.. PPOOSSSSUUMM BBEELLLLYY
A metal box built underneath a truck bed to hold pipeline repair tools shove's,
bars, tongs. chains, and wrenches.
33443300.. PPOOSSTTEEDD PPRRIICCEE
The price an oil purchaser would pay for crude oil of a certain API gravity and
from a particular field or area. Once literally posted in the field,
33443311.. ppoosstthhoollee ddiiggggeerr
(slang) a small or makeshift drilling rig.
33443322.. ppoosstthhoollee wweellll
(slang) a relatively shallow well.
33443333.. ppootteennttiiaall
the maximum volume of oil or gas that a well is capable of producing.
ppootteennttiiaall tteesstt
a test of the rate at which a well can produce oil or gas. (See potential.)
33443344.. PPOOTTSS ((PPUUMMPP VVAALLVVEE))
See Valve Pots.
33443355.. ppoouunnddss ppeerr ccuubbiicc ffoooott
(lb/ft', pcf) a measure of the density or weight of drilling fluid.
33443366.. ppoouunnddss ppeerr ggaalllloonn
(ppg, lblgal) a measure of the density of a fluid (as drilling mud).
33443377.. ppoouunnddss ppeerr ssqquuaarree iinncchh
(psi) an English measure of the amount of pressure on an area that is 1 in.
square.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
493493
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33443388.. ppoouunnddss ppeerr ssqquuaarree iinncchh ppeerr ffoooott
(psi/ft) n. a measure of the amount of pressure, in pounds per square inch,
that a column of fluid, as drilling mud, exerts for every foot of length at the
bottom of the column. For example, 10-ppg mud exerts 0.52 psi/ft, so that a
column of 10-ppg mud that is 1,000 ft long exerts 520 psi at the bottom of
the column. (See pressure gradient.)
33443399.. ppoouurr ppooiinntt
a temperature 5 F above that temperature at which an oil is solid; the lowest
temperature at which an oil will flow.
33444400.. PPOOUURR--PPOOIINNTT DDEEPPRREESSSSAANNTT
A chemical agent added to oil to keep it flowing at low temperatures.
33444411.. PPOOWWEERR
See Central Power.
33444422.. ppoowweerr rriigg
(See mechanical rig.) power slips (See slips.)
33444433.. ppoowweerr ssuubb
a hydraulically powered device used to turn the drill pipe, tubing, or casing in
a well in lieu of a rotary.
33444444.. PPOOWWEERR SSYYSSTTEEMMSS,, DDRRIILLLLIINNGG RRIIGG
See Drilling Rig, Electric,, also Drilling Rig, Mechanical.
33444455.. ppoowweerr ttaakkeeooffff
(PTO) a gearbox or other device serving to relay the power of a prime mover
to auxiliary equipment.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
494494
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33444466.. ppoowweerr ttoonnggss
a wrench that is used to make up or break out drill pipe, tubing, or casing to
which the torque is provided by air or fluid pressure. Conventional tongs are
operated by a mechanical pull provided by a jerk line connected to a cathead.
33444477.. ppoowweerr--ddrriivveenn mmuudd ppuummpp
a reciprocating pump for circulating drilling fluids, operated through cranks
and connecting rods by power supplied to its crankshaft from an electric
motor or internal-combustion engine. It is usually a duplex (with two
cylinders) but may be triplex (with three cylinders). Most mud pumps have
double-acting pistons, but some have single-acting pistons that function. as
plungers.
33444488.. PPOOWWEERRTTOONNGGSS
An air or hydraulically powered mechanism for making up and breaking out
joints of drillpipe, casing or tubinq. After a joint is stabbed, the power tongs
are latched onto the pipe which is screwed in and tightened to a
predetermined torque.
33444499.. ppoozzzzoollaann
a natural or artificial siliceous material commonly added to portland cement
mixtures to impart certain desirable properties. Added to oil-well cements,
pozzolans reduce slurry weight and viscosity, increase resistance to sulfate
attack, and influence factors such as pumping time, ultimate strength, and
watertightness.
33445500.. ppoozzzzoollaann--cceemmeenntt mmiixxttuurree
a mixture of pozzolan and cement.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
495495
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33445511.. ppoozzzzoollaann--lliimmee rreeaaccttiioonn
the reaction between pozzolans and lime in the presence of water, forming a
cementitious material primarily composed of hydrated calcium silicates.
33445522.. ppoozzzzoollaanniicc rreeaaccttiioonn
1. a pozzolan-lime reaction. 2. the reaction between a pozzolan and any other
material used to form a cementation product.
33445533.. ppppgg
pounds per gallon.
33445544.. ppppmm
parts per million.
33445555.. PPPPMM//VVOOLL
Parts per million (of water)LBS-H20/MMSCF.
33445566.. PPPPMM//WWTT
Parts per million (of water) in a given weight of gas; used to express water
content in a small amount of gas. See also LBS-H2O/MMSCF
33445577.. PPRRAAIIRRIIEE--DDOOGG PPLLAANNTT
A small, basic refinery located in a remote area; a "distillation system" (q.v.)
which is very small, temporary refinery (200 to 1,000 barrels a day) set up at
a remote drilling site to make diesel fuel and low-grade gasoline from
available crude oil for the drilling engines and auxiliary equipment such as a
light-plant engine , welding unit, etc.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
496496
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33445588.. PPrree--fflluusshh
the quantity of fluid used ahead of the acid solution pumped into a well in an
acid-stimulation treatment; sometimes called spearhead. Compare overflush.
33445599.. pprreeiiggnniittiioonn
a condition in an internal-combustion engine characterized by a knocking
sound and caused by the fuel-air mixture having been ignited too soon
because of an abnormal condition.
33446600.. pprreessssuurree
the force per unit area that is exerted on a surface (as that exerted against
the inner wall of a container or piping system by a fluid or that exerted on a
wellhead by a column of gas in the well). In the U.S., pressure is usually
expressed in pounds per square inch (psi).
33446611.. pprreessssuurree ddrroopp
a loss of pressure as a fluid passes from an area of small volume to an area
of larger volume, resulting from friction.
33446622.. pprreessssuurree ggaauuggee
an instrument for measuring ]fluid pressure that usually registers the
difference between atmospheric pressure and the pressure of the fluid by
indicating the effect of such pressures on a measuring element (as a column
of liquid, a Bourdon tube, a weighted piston, a diaphragm, or other pressure-
sensitive device).
33446633.. pprreessssuurree ggrraaddiieenntt
a scale of pressure differences in which there is a uniform variation of
pressure from point to point. For example, the pressure gradient of a column
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
497497
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
of water is about 0.433 psi/ft of vertical elevation (9.79 kPa/m). The normal
pressure gradient in a well is equivalent to the pressure exerted at any given
depth by a column of 10 percent salt water extending from that depth to the
surface (i.e., 0.465 psi/ft or 10.51 kPa/m).
33446644.. pprreessssuurree lloossss
1. a reduction in the amount of force a fluid exerts against a surface, usually
occurring because the fluid is moving against the surface. 2. the amount of
pressure indicated by a drill-pipe pressure gauge when drilling fluid is being
circulated by the mud pump. Pressure losses occur as the fluid is circulated.
33446655.. pprreessssuurree mmaaiinntteennaannccee
a method for increasing ultimate oil recovery by injecting gas, water, or other
fluids into the reservoir before reservoir pressure has dropped appreciably,
usually early in the life of the field, to reduce or eliminate a decline in
pressure.
33446666.. pprreessssuurree ppaarrttiinngg
a phenomenon in which a rock formation is caused to be broken apart along
bedding planes or in which natural cracks are widened by the application of
hydraulic pressure. It is sometimes called breaking or cracking the formation,
earth lifting, or formation fracturing.
33446677.. PPRREESSSSUURREE SSNNUUBBBBEERR
A pulsation dampener (q.v.).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
498498
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33446688.. pprreessssuurree ssttoorraaggee ttaannkk
a storage tank constructed to withstand pressure generated by the vapors
inside. Such a tank is often spherical, has a wall thickness greater than that of
the usual storage tank, and has a concave or convex top.
33446699.. pprreessssuurree vveesssseell
any container designed to contain fluids at a pressure substantially greater
than atmospheric.
33447700.. pprreessssuurree,, vvoolluummee,, aanndd tteemmppeerraattuurree ((PPVVTT))
aannaallyyssiiss
an examination of reservoir fluids in a laboratory under various pressures,
volumes, and temperatures to determine the characteristics and behavior of
the fluid.
33447711.. pprreessssuurree--rreelliieeff vvaallvvee
a valve that opens at a preset pressure to relieve excessive pressures within a
vessel or line; also called a relief valve, safety valve, or pop valve.
33447722.. pprreevveenntteerr
(See blowout preventer.)
33447733.. pprreevveennttiivvee mmaaiinntteennaannccee
a system of conducting regular checks and testing of equipment to permit
replacement or repair of weakened or faulty parts before failure of the
equipment results.
33447744.. pprriimmaarryy cceemmeennttiinngg
the cementing operation that takes place immediately after the casing has
been run into the hole; used to provide a protective sheath around the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
499499
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
casing, to segregate the producing formation, and to prevent the migration of
undesirable fluids. (See secondary cementing and squeeze cementing.)
33447755.. pprriimmaarryy rreeccoovveerryy
oil production in which only existing natural energy sources in the reservoir
provide for movement of the well fluids to the wellbore.
33447766.. PPRRIIMMAARRYY TTEERRMM
The period of time an oil and gas lease is to run or be valid. When a lease's
primary term expires, the lease must be renewed, if possible, or the interest
in the property reverts automatically to the lessor or landowner. See Or
Lease; also Delay Rental.
33447777.. PPRRIIMMEE MMOOVVEERR
The term describes any source of motion; in the oil field it refers to engines
and electric motors; the power source. Prime mover is also applied to large
four-wheel-drive trucks or tractors.
33447788.. PPRRIIVVAATTEE BBRRAANNDD DDEEAALLEERR
A gasoline dealer who does not buy gasoline from a "major" supplier, but
retails under the t>rand name of an independent supplier or his own brand
name.
33447799.. PPRROOCCEESSSSIINNGG PPLLAATTFFOORRMM
A production platform (q.v.)
33448800.. PPRROOCCEESSSSSS TTEEAAMM
Steam produced in a refinery's or chemical plant's boilers to heat a process
stream or for use in a refining process. Of the energy used in the U.S., a large
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
500500
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
percentage is consumed in the production of process steam. Petrochemical
plants are important users of superheated, high-pressure steam.
33448811.. PPRROODDUUCCEEDD WWAATTEERR
Salt water produced from the oil from a well. When water and oil are mixed in
the production stream they go into a gun barrel or other type of oil/water
separator. The oil goes to the lease tanks, the water to an evaporation pit or,
where there are large volumes of water, it is pumped into a salt water
disposal well.
33448822.. PPRROODDUUCCIINNGG PPLLAATTFFOORRMM
An offshore structure with a platform raised above the water to support a
number of producing wells. in offshore operations, as many as 60 wells are
drilled from a singer large platform by slanting the hole P.! an angle from the
vertical away from the platform. When the wells are completed, the drilling
equipment is removed and the platform is given over to operation of the
producing wells.
33448833.. pprroodduucciinngg zzoonnee
the zone or formation from which oil or gas is produced. (See pay sand.)
33448844.. PPrroodduucciinngg//PPrroodduuccttiioonn
Flowing oil and/or gas from a well to the production systems.
33448855.. PPRROODDUUCCTT GGAASS
End product gas gas resulting from a special manufacturing process; synthetic
natural gas.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
501501
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33448866.. PPRROODDUUCCTT IIMMPPOORRTT TTIICCKKEETT
A license issued by an agency of the Federal government to a refiner or
marketer to import products from abroad.
33448877.. PPRROODDUUCCTT LLUUBBRRIICCAATTEEDD
Describes a pump whose bearings are lubricated by the liquid it is pumping.
The pump is constructed with channels and wells that I ill with product and in
which the bearings or other moving parts run. Product lubricated equipment,
needless to say, handles only clean liquids, i.e., various kinds of oils with
lubricating qualities.
33448888.. PPRROODDUUCCTT YYIIEELLDD ((AAVVEERRAAGGEE))
From a 42-gallon barrel of crude oil the average yield is as follows gasoline,
49.6%; jet fuel and kerosene, 6.6%; gas oil and distillates, 21.2%; residual
fuel oil, 9.3%; lubricating oils, 7.0%; other products, 6.3%. With modern-day
refining methods, these product percentages can be changed depending upon
market demand.
33448899.. pprroodduuccttiioonn
1. the phase of the petroleum industry that deals with bringing the well fluids
to the surface and separating them and with storing, gauging, and otherwise
preparing the product for the pipeline. 2. the amount of oil or gas produced in
a given period.
33449900.. pprroodduuccttiioonn ccaassiinngg
the last string of casing or liner that is set in a well, inside of which is usually
suspended the tubing string. (See oil string and long string.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
502502
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33449911.. PPRROODDUUCCTTIIOONN IISSLLAANNDD
An island made by dredging up material from the bottom of a lake or the
ocean bottom to support one or more producing wells. Production islands are
constructed in shallow water, close to shore, and are usually cheaper to build
than steel production platforms. And with a lower profile, the islands are less
offensive to the esthetic eye. Also, an island can be landscaped to hide the
pumping wells and other equipment from view.
33449922.. pprroodduuccttiioonn lloogg
a well-logging method that measures and records the flow of fluid past an
indicating device placed at varying depths in a producing or injection well; a
spinner survey.
33449933.. PPRROODDUUCCTTIIOONN PPAACCKKEERR
An expandable plug-like device for sealing off the annular space between the
well's tubing and the caning. The production packer is ran as part of the
packer is mechanically or hydraulically expanded and "set" firmly against the
casing wall isolating the production formation from the upper casing while
permitting the oil or gas to flow up the tubing.
33449944.. PPRROODDUUCCTTIIOONN PPAAYYMMEENNTT LLOOAANN
A loan that is to be repaid out of the production of a well or a lease. It is a
common practice in the oil country to borrow money on a producing well to
finance further Development of a lease. To pay off the loan the operator
"carves out" a royalty payment to the lending institution from his seven-
eighths working interest. This overriding royalty conveyed to the bank or
other lender is free and clear of any costs of production or maintenance. See
Carved-Out Interest, also Overriding Royalty.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
503503
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33449955.. PPRROODDUUCCTTIIOONN PPLLAATTFFOORRMM
An offshore structure built for the purpose of providing a central receiving
point for oil produced in an area of the offshore. The production platform
supports receiving tanks, treaters, separators, and pumping units for moving
the oil to shore through a submarine pipeline.
33449966.. pprroodduuccttiioonn rriigg
a portable servicing or workover outfit, usually mounted on wheels and self-
propelled. A well-servicing unit consists of a hoist and engine mounted on a
wheeled chassis with a self-erecting mast. A workover rig is basically the
same, plus a substructure with rotary, pump, pits, and other auxiliaries to
permit handling and working a drill string.
33449977.. PPRROODDUUCCTTIIOONN SSKKIIDD
A prefabricated oil and gas production unit assembled on a base or skid on
the shore and transported to an offshore platform by one or more derrick
barges. After the skid has been lifted into position and secured to the
platform it is connected to the flow lines of the offshore wells it is to serve,
and begins its function of receiving, separating, treating, storing, and
pumping the oil and gas to shore stations. See Production Platform.
33449988.. PPRROODDUUCCTTIIOONN SSTTRRIINNGG
The casing set just above or through the producing zone of a well. The
production string is the longest and smallest diameter casing run in a well. It
reaches from the pay zone to the surface.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
504504
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33449999.. pprroodduuccttiioonn ttaannkk
a tank used in the Field to receive crude oil as it comes from the well; also
referred to as a flow tank or lease tank.
33550000.. PPRROODDUUCCTTIIOONN TTAAXX
See Gross Production Tax.
33550011.. PPrroodduuccttiioonn TTrreeee
An arrangement of heavy duty valves and fittings installed on the wellhead to
control flow from the well and/or to facilitate injection operations.
33550022.. PPrroodduuccttiioonn WWeellll
A well drilled and completed for the purpose of producing crude oil or natural
gas.
33550033.. pprroodduuccttiivviittyy iinnddeexx
(PI) a well-test measurement indicative of the amount of oil or gas a well is
capable of producing. It may be expressed as PI= __Q_______
33550044.. pprroodduuccttss ccyyccllee
the sequence or order in which a number of different products are batched
through a pipeline.
33550055.. pprroodduuccttss lliinnee
a pipeline used to ship refined products.
33550066.. PPRROOFFIITT--SSHHAARRIINNGG BBIIDDSS
A type of bidding for federal and sometimes state oil leases in which a
relatively small cash bonus is paid for the lease acreage plus a share in the
net profits should the lease prove to be commercially productive. In some
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
505505
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
instances bidders have offered a 75 to 90 percent share in net profits for an
especially promising parcel. This type of bidding substantially reduces the
front-end cost for an operator but extends the payout time for his wells.
33550077.. PPrroojjeecctt SSaannddss
The Proponents term for those reservoir zones that they recognize as having
sufficient gas volumes and producibility to form the basis of the production
forecast.
33550088.. pprrooppaannee
a parafrin hydrocarbon, C&Ha, that is a gas at ordinary atmospheric
conditions but is easily liquefied under pressure. It is a constituent of LPG.
33550099.. PPrrooppoonneennttss
The parties proposing to carry out SOEP; specifically, Mobil Oil Canada
Properties, Lead Operator, Shell Canada Limited, Joint Operator, Imperial Oil
Resources Limited and Nova Scotia Resources Limited.
33551100.. pprrooppppaanntt
(See propping agent.)
33551111.. PPRROOPPPPAANNTTSS
Material used in hydraulic fracturing (q.v.) for holding open the cracks made
in the formation by the extremely high pressure applied in the treatment; the
sand grains, beads, or other miniature pellets suspended in the fracturing
fluid that are forced into the formation and remain to prop open the cracks
and crevices permitting the oil to flow more freely.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
506506
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33551122.. pprrooppppiinngg aaggeenntt
a granular substance (as sand grains, walnut shells, or other material) carried
in suspension by the fracturing fluid that serves to keep the cracks open when
the fracturing fluid is withdrawn after a fracture treatment.
33551133.. PPRROOPPRRIIEETTAARRYY DDAATTAA
Information on subsurface, geological formations gathered or purchased from
a supplier of such data by an operator and kept secret; land and offshore
reconnaissance surveys from seismic, and gravity studies that are privately
owned.
33551144.. pprroorraattiioonn
a system enforced by a state or federal agency or by agreement between
operators that limits the amount of petroleum that can be produced from a
well or field within a given period.
33551155.. PPRROORRAATTIIOONNIINNGG
Restriction of oil and gas production by a state regulatory commission, usually
on the basis of market demand. Prorationing involves allowables which are
assigned to fields, and from fields to leases, and then allocated to individual
wells.
33551166.. pprrootteeccttiioonn ccaassiinngg
a string of casing set to protect a section of the hole and to permit drilling to
continue to a greater depth; inter mediate casing. (See intermediate casing
string.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
507507
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33551177.. PPRROOTTEECCTTIIVVEE SSTTRRIINNGG
A string of casing used in very deep wells and run on the inside of the
outermost casing to protect against the collapsing of the outer string from
high gas pressure encountered.
33551188.. pprroovvee
to determine the accuracy of a petroleum measurement meter.
33551199.. pprroovveerr ttaannkk
a small, mobile tank used to check the accuracy of meters; a calibration tank.
33552200.. PPss -- PPff
where PI is the productivity index (b/d per psi of pressure differential), Q is
the rate of production (b/d), P, is the static bottomhole pressure (psi), and Pf
is flowing bottom-hole pressure (psi).
33552211.. ppssii
pounds per square inch.
33552222.. PPssii//fftt
pounds per square inch per foot.
33552233.. ppssiiaa
pounds per square inch absolute. Psia is equal to the gauge pressure plus the
pressure of the atmosphere at that point.
33552244.. ppssiigg
pounds per square inch gauge. Psig is the pressure in a vessel or container as
registered on a pressure gauge attached to the container.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
508508
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33552255.. PPTTOO
power takeoff.
33552266.. ppuuddddlliinngg
1. in cement evaluation work, the agitation of cement slurry in molds with a
rod to remove trapped air bubbles. 2. in field practice, the reciprocation or
rotation of the casing during or after a primary cementing operation.
33552277.. ppuullll aa wweellll
In to collapse a derrick.
33552288.. ppuullll ccaassiinngg
to remove casing from a well.
33552299.. ppuullll iitt ggrreeeenn
to pull a bit from the hole for replacement before it is greatly worn.
33553300.. PPUULLLL OONNEE GGRREEEENN
To pull a drill bit from the hole before it is worn out to pull a bit before it is
necessary.
33553311.. ppuullll oouutt
(See come out of the hole.)
33553322.. PPUULLLL RROODD
Shackle rod (q.v.).
33553333.. PPUULLLLEEDDTTHHRREEAADDSS
Stripped threads; threads on pipe or tubing damaged beyond use by too
much torque or force used in making up the joint.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
509509
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33553344.. PPUULLLLIINNGG MMAACCHHIINNEE
A pulling unit (q.v.).
33553355.. PPUULLLLIINNGG RROODDSS
The operation of removing the pumping or sucker rods from a well in the
course of bringing up the bottom-hole pump for repairs or replacement. Rods
must also be pulled when they have parted downhole. The rods above the
break are pulled in a normal manner; the lower section must first be
reprieved with a "fishing tool" (q.v.).
33553366.. PPUULLLLIINNGG TTHHEE CCAASSIINNGG
Removing the casing from the hole after abandoning the well. Prior to
plugging the well with mud and cement, as much of the casing as can be
pulled is retrieved. It is rare that all the casing can be removed from the hole.
Often part of the string must be cut off and left in the hole.
33553377.. ppuulllliinngg ttooooll
a hydraulically operated tool that is run in above the fishing tool and
anchored to the casing by slips. It exerts a strong upward pull on the fish by
hydraulic power derived from fluid that is pumped down the fishing string.
33553388.. PPUULLLLIINNGG TTOOOOLLSS
Taking the drillpipe and bit out of the hole. If the tools are to be run again
(put back in the hole), the drillpipe is unscrewed in two or three-joint sections
(stands) and stacked in the derrick. See Doubles.
33553399.. ppuulllliinngg uunniitt
a well-servicing outfit used in pulling rods and tubing from the well. (See
production rig.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
510510
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33554400.. PPUULLLLIIRROODD LLIINNEE
See Shackle Rod.
33554411.. ppuullssaattiioonn ddaammppeenneerr
any gas- or liquid-charged, chambered device that minimizes periodic
increases and decreases in pressure (as from a mud pump).
33554422.. ppuullsseedd--nneeuuttrroonn ssuurrvveeyy
a special, casedhole logging method that uses radioactivity reaction time to
obtain measurements of water saturation, residual oil saturation, and fluid
contacts in the formation outside the casing of an oil well.
33554433.. PPUULLSSPPAATTIIOONN DDAAMMPPEENNEERR
Various devices for absorbing the transient, rhythmic surges in pressure that
occur when fluid is pumped by reciprocating pumps. On such pumps air
chambers (q.v.) are installed on discharge instrument from the incessant
pounding fine-mesh sleve-like disks are placed in the small tubing or piping to
which the gauge is attached this arrangement "filters out" much of the
surging which can damage delicate gauges.
33554444.. ppuummpp
a device that increases the pressure on a fluid or raises it to a higher level.
Various types of pumps include the reciprocating pump, centrifugal pump,
rotary pump, jet pump, sucker-rod pump, hydraulic pump, mud pump,
submersible pump, and bottom-hole pump.
33554455.. ppuummpp bbaarrrreell
the cylinder or liner in which the plunger of a sucker-rod pump reciprocates.
(See sucker-rod pump and working barrel.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
511511
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33554466.. ppuummpp hhoouussee
a building that houses the pumps, engines, and control panels at a pipeline
gathering station or trunk station.
33554477.. ppuummpp jjaacckk
a surface unit similar to a pumping unit but having no individual power plant.
Usually several pump jacks are operated by pull rods or cables from one
central power source.
33554488.. ppuummpp lliinneerr
a cylindrical, accurately machined, metallic section that forms the working
barrel of some reciprocating pumps. Liners are an inexpensive means of
replacing worn cylinder surfaces, and in some pumps they provide a method
of conveniently changing the displacement and capacity of the pumps.
33554499.. ppuummpp mmaanniiffoolldd
an arrangement of valves and piping that permits a choice in the direction of
routing of suction and discharge fluids between two or more pumps.
33555500.. ppuummpp ooffff
to pump (a well) so that the fluid level drops below the standing valve of the
pump and it stops working. To prevent pumping off, a pump must be installed
at the proper depth in the fluid.
33555511.. ppuummpp pprreessssuurree
fluid pressure arising from the action of a pump
33555522.. PPUUMMPP SSPPEECCIIFFIICCAATTIIOONNSS
A plunger pump designated as 6 x 12 duplex is a two-cylinder pump whose
cylinders are 6 inches in diameter with a stroke of 12 inches. A pump with
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
512512
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
replaceable liners (cylinders) may carry a specifications plate that reads 4.6 x
10. This pump can be fitted with liners and pistons from 4 inches to 6 inches
in diameter; its stroke is 10 inches.
33555533.. ppuummpp ssttaattiioonn
an installation built at intervals along an oil pipeline to contain storage tanks,
pumps, and other equipment to route and maintain the flow of oil.
33555544.. ppuummpp vvaallvvee
any of the valves on a reciprocating pump (as the suction and discharge
valves) or on a sucker-rod pump (as a ball-and-scat valve). (See standing
valve and traveling valve.)
33555555.. PPUUMMPP,, CCAASSIINNGG
A sucker-rod pump designed to pump oil up through the casing instead of the
more common method of pumping through tubing. A casing pump is run into
the well on the sucker rods; a packer (q.v.) on top or bottom of the pump
barrel provides packoff or seal between the pump and the wall of the casing
at any desired depth. Oil is discharged from the pump into the casing and out
the wellhead.
33555566.. PPUUMMPP,, DDOOUUBBLLEE--AACCTTIINNGG
See Double-Acting Pump.
33555577.. PPUUMMPP,, DDOOUUBBLLEE--DDIISSPPLLAACCEEMMEENNTT
A type of downhole rod pump which has plungers placed In tandem and
operated simultaneously by the pump rods.
33555588.. PPUUMMPP,, DDUUPPLLEEXX
A two-cylinder reciprocating plunger pump.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
513513
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33555599.. PPUUMMPP,, GGEEAARR
A type of rotary pump made with two sets of meshing gears. When rotated
on their shafts in the pump housing, fluid is taken in the suction port and
forced out the discharge port. As the gears rotate, they mesh in a rolling
action like an old-fashioned clothes wringer. Gear pumps, like other rotary
pumps, efficiently handle small volumes of fluid, often of high viscosity, at
high pressures.
33556600.. PPUUMMPP,, PPOOSSIITTIIVVEE--DDIISSPPLLAACCEEMMEENNTT
See Positive-displacement Pump.
33556611.. PPUUMMPP,, RROODD
A class of downhole pumps in which the barrel, plunger, and standing valve
are assembled and lowered into the well through the tubing. When lowered to
its pumping position, the pump is locked to the tubing to permit relative
motion between plunger and barrel. The locking device is a hold-down, and
consists either of cups or a mechanical, metal-to-metal seal,
33556622.. PPUUMMPP,, RROODD--LLIINNEE
An oil well pump operated by a shackle-rod line,. a pumping jack. See Rocker.
33556633.. PPUUMMPP,, SSCCRREEWW
A small-volume, rotary pump for handling viscous or abrasive liquids. The
pumping element is an Archimedes screw housed in a sturdy, cylindrical body,
and powered by an electric motor.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
514514
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33556644.. PPUUMMPP,, SSIIMMPPLLEEXX
A one-cylinder steam pump used in refineries and processing plants where
extra or excess steam is available. Simplex pumps are simple, directacting
pumps with the steam piston connected directly to the pump's fluid plunger.
33556655.. PPUUMMPP,, SSUUBBMMEERRSSIIBBLLJJ
A bottom-hole pump for use in an oil well when a large volume of fluid is to
be lifted. Submersible pumps are run by electricity and, as the name implies,
operate below the fluid level in the well.
33556666.. PPUUMMPP,, TTRRAAVVEELLIINNGG--BBAARRRREELL
A downhole pump, operated by rods, in which the barrel moves up and down
over the plunger, instead of the plunger reciprocating in the barrel as in more
conventional pumping devices.
33556677.. PPUUMMPP,, TTRRIIPPLLEEXX
See Triplex Pump.
33556688.. PPUUMMPP,, TTUUBBIINNGG
A class of downhole pumps in which the barrel of the pump is an integral part
of the tubing string. The barrel is installed on the bottom of the string of
tubing and is run into the well on the tubing string. The plunger assembly is
lowered into the pump barrel on the string of pump rods.
33556699.. ppuummppaabbiilliittyy
the physical characteristic of a cement slurry that determines its ability to be
pumped.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
515515
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33557700.. ppuummppeerr
the oil company employee who attends to producing wells. He supervises any
number of wells, ensuring steady production, preparing reports, testing,
gauging, and so forth. He is also called a switcher or lease operator.
33557711.. ppuummppiinngg tteeee
a heavy-duty steel, T-shaped pipe fitting that is screwed or flanged to the top
of a pumping well. The polished rod works through a stuffing box on top of
the tee and in the run of the tee to operate a sucker-rod pump in the well.
Pumped fluid is discharged through the side opening of the tee.
33557722.. ppuummppiinngg uunniitt
the machine that imparts reciprocating motion to a string of sucker rods
extending to the positive-displacement pump at the bottom of a well; usually
a beam arrangement driven by a crank attached to a speed reducer.
33557733.. PPUUMMPPIINNGG UUNNIITT,, BBEEAAMM--BBAALLAANNCCEEDD
An oil well pumping unit that carries its well-balancing weights on the walking
beam on the end opposite the pump rods. The weights are usually in the form
of heavy iron plates added to the walking beam until they balance the pull or
weight of the string of pumping rods.
33557744.. PPUUMMPPIINNGG UUNNIITT,, CCRRAANNKK--BBAALLAANNCCEEDD
An oil well pumping unit that carries its counterweights on the two cranks that
flank the unit's gear box. The string of pump rods is balanced by adding
sufficient extra iron weights to the heavy cranks. the walking beam on this
type unit is short and is not used as a balancing member.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
516516
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33557755.. PPUUMMPPIINNGG,, BBAACCKKSSIIDDEE
An arrangement that permits one prime mover (electric or engine) to operate
two pumping wells. The hook up is such that the load on one well
counterbalances, the upstroke load of the other well. See also Central Power.
33557766.. ppuupp jjooiinntt
a length of drill pipe, tubing, or casing shorter than 30 ft.
33557777.. PPUUPP JJOOIINNTTSS,, AAPPII
Short sections of well tubing made to American Petroleum Institute standards.
Pup joints come in different lengths to make up a string of tubing of the
proper length, from the bottom of the well to the tubing hanger in the
wellhead. Made at the pipe mill under controlled conditions, the short joints
are of the same quality as the rest of the tubing.
33557788.. PPUURRCCHHAASSEERR PPRROORRAATTIIOONNIINNGG
See Pipeline Prorationing.
33557799.. PPUURRIIPP,, JJEERRKKEERR
A single-barrel, small-volume plunger pump actuated by the to-and-fro
motion of a shackle-rod line and an attached counterweight. The jerker
pumps on the pull stroke of the rod fine; it takes in fluid (the suction stroke)
as the counterweight pulls the plunger back from the pumping stroke. Jerkers
pump small volumes but can buck high pressure.
33558800.. ppuusshheerr
(See tool pusher.)
33558811.. PPUUSSHHEERR,, TTOOOOLL
See Tool Pusher; also Gang Pusher.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
517517
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33558822.. ppuutt aa wweellll oonn
to start a well flowing or pumping.
33558833.. ppuutt oonn tthhee ppuummpp
to install a pump jack or pumping unit, sucker rods, and bottomhole pump in
a well.
33558844.. PPVVCC
Polyvinylchloride; a tough, durable, petroleum-derived plastic that can be
extruded or molded and is used for pipe, fittings. light structural members.
PVC is highly resistant to salt water and chemicals.
33558855.. PPVVTT
1. Pit Volume Totalizer. 2. pressure,volume, and temperature. (See pressure,
volume, and temperature analysis).
33558866.. PPVVTT aannaallyyssiiss
pressure, volume, and temperature analysts.
33558877.. PPYYRROOBBIITTUUMMEENN
See Kerogen and Kerogen Shales.
33558888.. ppyyrroommeetteerr
an instrument for measuring temperatures, especially above the range of
mercury thermometers (e.g., the exhaust temperature of an engine).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
519519
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33558899.. QQttzz
quartz; used in drilling reports.
33559900.. QQttzzee
quartzite; used in drilling reports.
33559911.. QQuuaadd
Short for quadrillio 1,000 trillion.
33559922.. QQuuaarrtteerr--ttjjrrnnvvaallvvee
A plug valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve. A valve made with a plug or
Sphere with a full-bore opening on the horizontal axis that can be opened or
Closed with a quarter or 90'c. Turn of the handle. A butterfly valve with its
disk that rotates on a shaft or trunion in the valve body also is opened and
closed with a quarter turn of the handle.
33559933.. QQuuaarrttzz
a hard mineral composed of silicon dioxide; a common component in igneous
metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
33559944.. QQuueebbrraacchhoo
a south american tree that is a source of tannin extract, which is used as a
thinning agent for drilling mud.
33559955.. QQuueenncchh
to rapidly cool heat-treated metal by immersion in an oil or water bath.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
520520
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33559966.. QQuueenncchh ooiill
A specially refined oil with a high flash point (q.v.) Used in steel mills to cool
hot metal.
33559977.. QQuuiicckklliimmee
unslaked lime (calcium oxide). Chemical symbol is cao.
33559988.. QQuuiittccllaaiimm
An instrument or document releasing a certain interest in land owned by a
grantor at the time the agreement takes effect. The key phrase of a quitclaim
is " . . . To release, remise, and forever quitclaim all right, title, and interest in
the following described land."
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
521521
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33559999.. RR
degrees rankine. (see rankine temperature scale.)
33660000.. RR&&dd
Research and development; often used to denote a function up to the stage
where the commercial potential of a process or technology can be Evaluated.
See pilot plant.
33660011.. RRaabbbbiitt
A plug put through lease flow fines for the purpose of clearing the lines of
foreign matter, water and to test for obstructions. See pig.
33660022.. RRaacckk ppiippee
1. To place pipe withdrawn from the hole on a pipe rack. 2. To stand pipe on
the derrick floor when coming out of the hole.
33660033.. RRaacckk pprriicciinngg
Selling to petroleum jobbers or other resellers at f.o.b. At the refinery, with
the customer picking up pipeline or other transportation charges. The price of
petroleum products at the refinery loading rack; cash and carry at the
refinery's loading dock.
33660044.. RRaacckkiinngg bbooaarrdd
A platform high in the derrick, on well-service rigs, where the derrick man
Stands when racking tubing being pulled from the well. See also tubing
board.
33660055.. RRaaddiiaall ffllooww
the flow of fluids into a wellbore from the surrounding drainage area.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
522522
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33660066.. RRaaddiiaattiioonn llooggggiinngg
(see radioactivity well log gang.)
33660077.. RRaaddiiaattoorr
an arrangement of pipes containing a circulating fluid used for heating an
external object or cooling an internal substance by radiation.
33660088.. RRaaddiiooaaccttiivvee
exhibiting radioactivity.
33660099.. RRaaddiiooaaccttiivvee ttrraacceerr
a radioactive material (often carnotite) put into a well to allow observation of
fluid or gas movements by means of a tracer survey.
33661100.. RRaaddiiooaaccttiivviittyy
the property possessed by some substances (as radium, uranium, or thorium)
of releasing alpha panicles, beta particles, or gamma particles as the
substance spontaneously disintegrates.
33661111.. RRaaddiiooaaccttiivviittyy lloogg
a record of the natural or induced radioactive characteristics of subsurface
formations. (see radioactivity well logging.)
33661122.. RRaaddiiooaaccttiivviittyy wweellll llooggggiinngg
the recording of the natural or induced radioactive characteristics of
subsurface formations. A radioactivity log, also known as a radiation log,
normally consists of two recorded curves a gamma-ray curve and a neutron
curve. Both indicate the types of rocks in the formation and the types of fluids
contained in the rocks. The two logs may be run simultaneously in
conjunction with a collar locator in a cased or uncased hole.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
523523
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33661133.. RRaaffffiinnaattee
In solvent-refining practice, raffinate is that portion of the oil being treated
that remains undissolved and is not removed by the selective solvent.
33661144.. RRaaiinnbbooww
(1) the irridescence (blues, greens, and reds) imparted to the surface of
water by a thin film of crude oil. (2) the only evidence of oil from an
unsuccessful well- "just a rainbow on a bucket of water."
33661155.. RRaamm
the closing and scaling component on a blowout preventer. One -of three
type-sblind, pipe, or shear-may be installed in several preventers mounted in
a stack on top of the wellbore. Blind rams, when closed, form a seal on a hole
that has no drill pipe in it; pipe rams, when closed, seal around the pipe;
shear rams cut through drill pipe and then form a seal.
33661166.. RRaamm bblloowwoouutt pprreevveenntteerr
a blowout preventer that uses rams to seal off pressure on a hole that is with
or without pipe. It is also called a ram preventer.
33661177.. RRaamm pprreevveenntteerr
ram blowout periventer.
33661188.. RRaamm,,sshheeaarr
A closure mechanism on well's blowout preventer stack fitted with chisel like
jaws that are hydraulically operated. When the ram is closed on the Pipe the
jaws or blades cut the pipe, permitting the upper section to be removed from
the bop stack.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
524524
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33661199.. RRaannggee lleennggtthh
a grouping of pipe lengths. Api designation of range lengths are as follows-
RRaannggee ooff ssttaabbiilliittyy
the maximum angle to which a ship or mobile offshore drilling rig may be
inclined and still be returned to its original upright position.
33662200.. RRaannggee ooiill
Kerosene-type product used in old kerosene stoves or cooking ranges.
33662211.. RRaannkkiinnee tteemmppeerraattuurree ssccaallee
a temperature scale with the degree interval of the fahrenheit scale and the
zero point at absolute zero. On the rankine scale, water freezes at 491.60'
and boils at 671.69'. (see absolute temperature scale.)
33662222.. RRaasspp
a mill used in fishing operations, before running the fishing tool, to reduce the
size of the box or collar on the lost tool.
33662233.. RRaatt hhoollee
(1) a slanted hole drilled near the well's borehole to hold the kelly joint when
not in use. The kelly is unscrewed from the drillstring and lowered into the rat
hole as a pistol into a scabbard. (2) the section of the borehole that is
purposely deviated from the vertical by the use of a whipstock (q.v.).
33662244.. RRaattaabbllee ttaakkee
(1) production of oil and/or gas in such quantities that each landowner whose
property overlies a producing formation will be able to recover an equitable
share of the oil and/or gas originally in place beneath his land. (2) production
in accordance with allowables set by a state regulatory commission. (3) in
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
525525
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
some states, common carriers (q.v.) And common purchasers of gas and oil
are prohibited from discriminating in favor of one supplier over another.
33662255.. RRaattee ooff ppeenneettrraattiioonn
(ROP) a measure of the speed at which the bit drills into formations, usually
expressed in feet per hour.
33662266.. RRaatthhoollee
1. A hole in the rig floor 30 to 35 ft deep, lined with casing that projects
above the floor, into which the kelly and swivel are placed when hoisting
operations are in progress. 2. A hole of a diameter smaller than the main hole
that is drilled in the bottom of the main hole. to reduce the size of the
wellbore and drill ahead.
33662277.. RRaatthhoollee ccoonnnneeccttiioonn
the addition of a length of drill pipe or tubing to the active string. The length
to be added is placed in the rathole, made up to the kelly, pulled out of the
rathole, and made up into the string.
33662288.. RRaaww ccrruuddee
a crude oil before it is refined.
33662299.. RRaaww ggaass
Gas straight from the well before the extraction of the liquefied hydrocarbons
(gasoline, butane); wet gas,
33663300.. RRaaww ggaassoolliinnee
gasoline extracted from wet natural gas.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
526526
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33663311.. RRaaww mmiixx
A stream of mixed components butane, propane, hexane, and others; the
product of gas processing plants that is sent on to fractionating plants for the
separation of the various components. See field butanes.
33663322.. RRddxx
(see cyclonite.)
33663333.. RRee--rreeffiinneedd ooiill
Reclaimed oil (q.v.).
33663344.. RReeaamm
to enlarge the wellbore by drilling it again with a special bit. Often a rathole is
reamed or opened to the same size as the main wellbore.
33663355.. RReeaammeerr
A toot used to enlarge or straighten a borehole; a milling tool used to cut the
casing downhole. Reamers are run on the drillstring and are built with cutting
blades or wheels that can be expanded against the walls of the hole.
33663366.. RReeaammiinngg
An operation to restore a wellbore to its original diameter (occasionally, a
wellbore will cave in).
33663377.. RReebbooiilleerr
A refinery heater that reheats or reboils a part of a process stream drawn off
a distilling column and then is reintroduced to the column as a vapor.
Reboiling is a process of reworking a part of the charge in a distilling column
to ensure more complete fractionating.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
527527
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33663388.. RReecc
recovered; used in drilling reports.
33663399.. RReecciipprrooccaattiinngg ccoommpprreessssoorr
a type of compressor that has a mechanism functioning as a check valve to
separate the high-pressure discharge from the low-pressure suction; a
positive displacement compressor. Reciprocating compressors are used
extensively in the transmission of natural gas through pipelines.
33664400.. RReecciipprrooccaattiinngg ppuummpp
A pump with cylinders and pistons or plungers for moving liquids through a
pipeline a plunger pump (q.v.). The pistons or plungers move forward and
backward alternately drawing in fluid into the cylinders through the suction
valves and discharging the liquid through discharge valves into a pipeline.
Reciprocating pumps are used extensively in the field and at refineries for
moving crude oil and products. They handle relatively small volumes but do
so at high pressures. Large volumes of oils as are moved in trunk or main
lines are pumped with large high-speed centrifugal pumps (q.v.).
33664411.. RReecciipprrooccaattiioonn
a back-and-forth movement (as the movement of a piston in an engine or
pump).
33664422.. RReeccllaaiimmeedd ooiill
Lubricating oil which, after a period of service, is collected, re-refined, and
sold for reuse.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
528528
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33664433.. RReeccoorrddiinngg ggaauuggee
a device that provides a chronological record of gauge indications (as by
tracing values of pressure, vacuum, voltage) on a paper form. It is driven by
a clockwork mechanism.
33664444.. RReeccoovveerraabbllee RReesseerrvveess
That part of the hydrocarbon volumes in a reservoir that can be economically
produced.
33664455.. RReeccoovveerryy
the total volume of hydrocarbons that has been or is anticipated to be
produced from a well or field.
33664466.. RReeccoovveerryy ffaaccttoorr
the percentage of oil or gas in place in a reservoir that ultimately can be
withdrawn by primary and/or secondary techniques; the percentage of the oil
or gas in place (expressed in stock-tank barrels or in thousands of cubic feet)
that will ultimately be recovered.
33664477.. RReeccttiiffiieerr bbeedd
A source of electric current for protection against corrosion of pipelines,
tanks, and other metal installations buried or in contract with the earth. Using
a source of ac electric current, the rectifier installation converts the ac to dc
(direct current) and allows the dc to flow into the metal to be protected. By
reversing the flow of electric current, the corrosion is in. Hibited. Metal
corrosion is a chemical action which produces minute quantities of current
that normally flows away from the metal into the ground.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
529529
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33664488.. RReeccyycclliinngg ((ggaass))
Injecting gas back into a formation to maintain reservoir pressure so as to
produce a larger percentage of oil from the formation.
33664499.. RReedd bbeedd
a layer of sedimentary rock that is predominantly red, especially one of the
permian or triassic age.
33665500.. RReedd--lliimmee mmuudd
a clay, water-base mud containing caustic soda and tannates to which lime
has been added.
333665522.. RReedduucceedd ccrruuddee ooiill
Crude oil that has undergone at least one distillation process to separate
some of the lighter hydrocarbons. Reducing crude towers its api gravity.
33665533.. RReedduucciinngg eellbbooww
a fitting that makes an angle between two joints of pipe and that decreases in
diameter from one end to the other.
33665544.. RReedduucciinngg ffllaannggee
a flange fitting used to join pipes of different diameters.
33665555.. RReedduucciinngg nniippppllee
a pipe fitting that is threaded on both ends and decreases in diameter from
one end to the other.
33665566.. RReedduucciinngg tteeee
a t-shaped pipe fitting with openings of two different sizes.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
530530
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
333665588.. RReeddwwoooodd vviissccoossiittyy
a unit of viscosity measurement obtained when using a redwood viscometer,
expressed in seconds. It is the standard of viscosity measurement in great
britain.
33665599.. RReeeeff
A type of reservoir trap composed of rocks, usually limestone, made up of the
skeletal remains of animals. Reef reservoirs are often characterized by high
initial production which falls off rapidly, requiring pressure maintenance
techniques to sustain production.
33666600.. RReeeell bbaarrggee
A pipe-laying barge equipped with a gigantic reel on which fine pipe up to 12
inches in diameter is spooled at a shore station. To lay the pipe, it is
unspooled, run through straightening mandrels inspected, and paid out over
the stern of the barge in the manner of a hawser.
33666611.. RReeeelleedd ttuubbiinngg
A well-service tool used in well workovers. The one-inch or so flexible tubing
is carried on a larger spool mounted on a specially equipped truck. The tubing
is inserted in the well through the wellhead valves and is used basically for i
rushing out the well and reestablishing a circulating path.
33666622.. RReeeennttrryy
To reestablish contact with the well's borehole in offshore waters, after
having moved off location because of weather or other reasons halting
Drilling operations. A notable example of reentering was that of the deep Sea
drilling program by the scripps institution of oceanography when the crew of
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
531531
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
the drillship glomar challenger reentered the hole nine times while drilling in
14,000 feet of water in the atlantic. See acoustic reentry.
33666633.. RReeeevvee
to pass (as the end of a rope) through a hole or opening in a block or similar
device.
33666644.. RReeeevvee tthhee lliinnee
to string a wire-rope drilling line through the sheaves of the traveling and
crown blocks to the hoisting drum.
33666655.. RReeeevviinngg aa lliinnee
To string up a tubing or other line in preparation for hoisting; to run a fine
from the winch up and over a sheave in the crown block and down to the
derrick floor
33666666.. RReeffiinnee
to manufacture petroleum products from crude oil.
33666677.. RReeffiinneerr--mmaarrkkeetteerr
A marketer of gasoline, and/or heating oils who operates his own refinery.
33666688.. RReeffiinneerryy
the physical plant and attendant equipment used in the process of refining.
33666699.. RReeffiinneerryy ggaass
the gas produced from certain petroleum refinery operations (as cracking or
reforming). The composition of refinery gas varies in accordance with the
process by which it is produced, but it consists essentially of the same
paraffin hydrocarbons as natural gas plus olefins (as propylene, butylene, and
ethylene) not found in natural gas.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
532532
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33667700.. RReeffiinneerryy,, sskkiidd--mmoouunntteedd
A small, basic r(@fining unit that is transportable by lowboy trailer to
locations where low-grade or straight-run gasoline and diesel fuel are needed
and a source of crude oil is available. For example, such a midget "distillation
system" can be trucked to a remote drilling site and can supply fuel for diesel
drilling engines and gasoline for auxiliary equipment.
33667711.. RReeffoorrmmiinngg pprroocceesssseess
The use of heat and catalysts to effect the rearrangement of certain of the
hydrocarbon molecules without altering their composition appreciably; the
conversion of low-octane gasoline fractions into higher octane stocks suitable
for blending into finished gasoline also the conversion of naphthas to obtain
more volatile product or higher octane number.
33667722.. RReeggeenneerraattoorr
A refinery vessel into which inactive or spent catalyst is pumped to egenerate
it, to burn off the coating of carbon or coke. Air at a temperature of 1,100 f.
Is mixed with the spent catalyst, causing the oxidation of the carbon leaving
the catalyst clean and regenerated.
33667733.. RReeggiisstteerreedd bbrreeaaddtthh
the width of the hull of a mobile offshore drilling rig or a ship measured at its
points of greatest width and used to determine its registered tonnage.
33667744.. RReegguullaarr cceemmeenntt
(see common cement.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
533533
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33667755.. RReegguullaattoorr
a device that reduces the pressure or volume of a fluid flowing in a line and
maintains the pressure or volume at a specified rate.
33667766.. RReeiidd vvaappoorr pprreessssuurree
A measure of volatility of a fuel, its ability to vaporize. Reid vapor pressure,
the specific designation, is named after the man who designed the test
apparatus for measuring vapor pressure (q.v.).
33667777.. RReellaattiivvee hhuummiiddiittyy
the ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air to the amount it would
contain if completely saturated (i.e., At absolute humidity) at a given
temperature and pressure.
33667788.. RReellaattiivvee ppeerrmmeeaabbiilliittyy
the effective permeability divided by the absolute permeability. When a rock
is saturated with more than one fluid, relative permeability is used to express
the permeability of the rock to each fluid.
33667799.. RReelleeaassee
a statement filed by the lessee of an oil and gas lease indicating that the
lease has been relinquished.
33668800.. RReelleeaasseedd ooiill
Under the emergency petroleum allocation act of 1973, released oil is old oil
production equal to any volume of new oil produced. Unlike old oil, released
oil could be sold at free market prices.
33668811.. RReelliieeff vvaallvvee
(see pressure-relief valve.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
534534
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33668822.. RReelliieeff wweellll
A directional well drilled near an out-of-control or burning well to kill the well
by flooding the formation with water or drilling mud; a well drilled as close as
possible or prudent to an out-of-control well and into the same formation in
order to vent off or relieve the flowing pressure of the blowout so that the
wild well may be brought under control. In some instances more than one
relief well is drilled to reduce the flow of the blowing well. A killer well (q.v.).
33668833.. RReemmoottee bboopp ppaanneell
a set of controls used to open and close the blowout preventers; placed some
distance away from the rig so that they can be operated without personnel
present on the rig floor.
33668844.. RReemmoottee cchhookkee ppaanneell
a set of controls, usually placed on the rig floor, that is manipulated to control
the amount of drilling fluid being circulated out through the choke manifold.
This procedure is necessary when a kick is being circulated out of a well.
33668855.. RReemmoottee rreeaaddiinngg ggaauuggee
an instrument that provides indications of pressure, vacuum, voltage, and so
forth at a point distant from where the indications are actually taken.
33668866.. RReennttaall,, ddeellaayy
Payment of a sum of money by lessee to the lessor to delay the drilling of a
well.
33668877.. RReeppeeaatteerr ssttaattiioonn
An electronic installation. Part of a surveillance and control system for
offshore or other remote production operations.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
535535
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33668888.. RReepprreessssuurree
to increase or maintain reservoir pressure by injecting a pressurized fluid (as
air, gas, or water) to effect greater ultimate recovery.
33668899.. RReepprreessssuurree ggaass
Gas purchased for injection into an underground formation, a reservoir, for
maintaining reservoir pressure. See recycling (gas).
33669900.. RReepprreessssuurriinngg ooppeerraattiioonn
The injection of fluid into a reservoir whose pressure has been largely
depleted by producing wells in the field. This secondary recovery technique
used to increase the reservoir pressure in order to recover additional
quantities of oil. See service well.
33669911.. RReesseerrvvee bbuuooyyaannccyy
the buoyancy above the waterline that keeps a floating vessel upright or
seaworthy when the vessel is subjected to wind, waves, currents, and other
forces of nature or when the vessel is subjected to accidental flooding.
33669922.. RReesseerrvvee ppiitt
An excavation connected to the working mud pits of a drilling well to hold
excess or reserve drilling mud; a standby pit containing already-mixed drilling
mud for use in an emergency when extra mud is needed.
33669933.. RReesseerrvveess
pl the unproduced but recoverable oil or gas in place in a formation that has
been proved by production.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
536536
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33669944.. RReesseerrvvooiirr
A porous, permeable sedimentary rock formation containing quantities of oil
and/or gas enclosed or surrounded by layers of less permeable or impervious
rock; a structural trap; a stratigraphic trip (q.v.).
33669955.. RReesseerrvvooiirr eennggiinneeeerr
A petroleum engineer; one who advises production people on matters relating
to petroleum reservoirs estimating and determining effects of reservoir
pressure drops, gas and water encroachment, changes in gas-oil ratios, rates
of production, and feasibility of secondary and tertiary recovery programs.
33669966.. RReesseerrvvooiirr mmooddeelleerr
A reservoir engineer or geologist who. By various means, simulates petroleum
reservoirs. Using data from wells in the area, seismic information, test-hole
findings, cores, and rock samples, the modeler projects and expands his
information beyond what is known and provable into 'he realm of the
conjectural. This is accomplished with inferences based on an assumed
continuity of the data in hand. The work of the reservoir modeler is important
in producing a field at the maximum efficient rate (mer) (q.v.). It is necessary
also in projects such as water-flooding, thermal recovery of oil, and hydraulic
fracturing.
33669977.. RReesseerrvvooiirr pprreessssuurree
The pressure at the face of the producing formation when the well is shut in.
It is equal to the shut in pressure (at the wellhead) plus the weight in pounds
of the column of oil in the hole. The hydrostatic pressure exerted by a column
of oil 5,000 feet high, for example, would be several thousand pounds. In a
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
537537
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
flowing well, the reservoir pressure would be sufficient to overcome the
pressure of the hydrostatic head.
33669988.. RReesseerrvvooiirr rroocckkss
Sandstone, limestone and other permeable formations into which petroleum,
formed cons ago, migrated and accumulated in reservoirs.
33669999.. RReesseerrvvooiirr,, wwaatteerr--ddrriivvee
See water-drive reservoir.
33770000.. RReesseerrvvooiirr--ddrriivvee mmeecchhaanniissmm
the natural energy by which reservoir fluids are caused to flow out of the
reservoir rock and into a wellbore. Gas drives depend on the fact that, as the
reservoir is produced, pressure is reduced, allowing the gas to expand and
provide the driving energy. Water-drive reservoirs depend on water pressure
to force the hydrocarbons out of the reservoir and into the wellbore.
33770011.. RReessiidd mmaarrkkeett
The market for residual oils black oils market.
33770022.. RReessiidduuaall ffuueell
(see residuals.)
33770033.. RReessiidduuaallss
A term used to describe oils that are "leftovers" in various refining processes;
heavy black oils used in ships boilers and in heating plants.
33770044.. RReessiidduuee ggaass
Gas that remains after processing in a separator or a plant to remove liquids
contained in the gas when produced. See tail gas.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
538538
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33770055.. RReessiidduuuumm
What is left after crude oil been refined to extinction; a heavy, black, tar-like
substance remaining after all useable fractions have been distilled off. The
"bottom of the barrel," literally.
33770066.. RReessiinn cceemmeenntt
an oil-well cement composed of resins, water, and portland cement that
provides an improved cement bond. It is mainly used in remedial operations,
because its high cost prohibits its use for routine cementing of casing.
33770077.. RReessiissttiivviittyy
the electrical resistance offered to the passage of current; the opposite of
conductivity.
33770088.. RReettaaiinneerr
a cast-iron or magnesium drillable tool consisting of a packing assembly and a
back-pressure valve. It is used to close off the annular space between tubing
or drill pipe and casing to allow the placement of cement or fluid through the
tubing or drill pipe at any predetermined point behind the casing or liner,
around the shoe, or into the open hole around the shoe.
33770099.. RReettaarrddeedd cceemmeenntt
a cement in which the thickening time is extended by adding a chemical
retarder.
33771100.. RReettaarrddeerr
a chemical compound (as gypsum, lime, sodium tannate, etc.) That is used to
prolong the thickening, setting, or hardening time of oil-well cements; the
opposite of an accelerator. (see cementing materials.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
539539
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33771111.. RReettrraaccttaabbllee bbiitt
a bit that can be changed by wireline operations without withdrawing the drill
string. Field tests have indicated its economic feasibility, but its practicability
is undetermined.
33771122.. RReettrrooffiittttiinngg
To modify or add to an engine, item of equipment, or operating plant
something new for the sake of efficiency, better performance, or increased
safety. To retro (go back) and i it or make a change or refinement in the
original item of equipment or plant, e.g., "the ft. Lewis gas plant was
retrofitted with automation . . . ." After years of hand operation the plant was
modernized and made more efficient.
33771133.. RReettrrooggrraaddee ccoonnddeennssaattiioonn
in reservoir mechanics, the formation of liquid droplets in a gas as the well is
produced and the pressure drops. Some hydrocarbons exist naturally above
their critical temperature in the reservoir; as a result, when pressure is
decreased, instead of expanding to form a gas, they condense to form a
liquid.
33771144.. RReettrrooggrraaddee ggaass ccoonnddeennssaattee
A liquid hydrocarbon (condensate) formed in deep formations as the reservoir
pressure is reduced through production of natural gas. As the pressure is
reduced, the gas condenses to form a liquid instead of the usual pattern of
liquid changing to gas. Hence the term "retrograde gas condensate." As
liquefaction occurs, the formation rock is "wet" by the condensate which is
then not as recoverable as when it was in a gaseous state.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
540540
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33771155.. RReettuurrnn bbeenndd
a u-shaped section of piping that connects two other pipes parallel to each
other.
33771166.. RReettuurrnnss
pl the mud, cuttings, and so forth that circulate up the hole to the surface.
33771177.. RReevveerrssee cciirrccuullaattiioonn
A technique used in fishing for "junk" in the bottom of the well's borehole. A
junk basket (q.v.) Is lowered into the hole, just above the junk to be
retrieved, and through ports in the sides of the basket the drilling mud is
jetted to the bottom of the hole and back into the open end of the tool,
washing the junk back up into the junk basket.
33771188.. RReevveerrssee eemmuullssiioonn
a relatively rare oil-field emulsion composed of globules of oil dispersed in
water. Most oil-field emulsions consist of water dispersed in oil.
33771199.. RReevveerrssee oossmmoossiiss
A process used in the industry for removing salt and other contaminants from
water. The process uses the phenomenon of osmosis, the diffusion through a
semipermeable membrane of a solvent leaving behind the solute or dissolved
substance. In reverse osmosis, the solvent (water) diffuses through the man-
made membrane leaving the salt and other contaminants behind.
33772200.. RReevveerrssee--cciirrccuullaattiioonn jjuunnkk bbaasskkeett
a special junk basket that is lowered into the hole to a position over the junk
with normal circulation. A ball is then pumped down to cause the drilling fluid
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
541541
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
to exit through nozzles in the tool so that reverse circulation occurs and
creates a vacuum inside the tool so that the junk is sucked into it.
33772211.. RReevveerrssee--pprreessssuurree ppeerrffoorraattiinngg
(see perforate under-balanced.)
33772222.. RReewwoorrkkiinngg aa wweellll
To restore production where it has fallen off substantially or ceased
altogether; cleaning out an accumulation of sand and silt from the bottom of
the well. In addition to removing or washing out sand and silt accumulations,
the well may be hydraulically fractured to open new cracks and fissures in the
formation. Or, if conditions warrant, a squib shot (q.v.), A small charge of
nitroglycerine, is detonated in the bottom of the hole.
33772233.. RRFFTT
Repeat Formation Tester. A high resolution down hole logging tool which
records reservoir pressures at multiple points in a well and may on occasion
be configured to obtain several small samples of gas, oil and/or other fluids
over a reservoir interval.
33772244.. RRhhaabboooommaaccyy
The "science" of divination by rods, wands. And switches. See doodle bug.
33772255.. RRhheeoollooggyy
the study of the flow of gases and liquids; of special importance to mud
engineers.
33772266.. RRiicchh ggaass
Natural gas containing significant amounts of liquefiable hydrocarbons, i.e.,
Casinghead gasoline, butane. Propane, etc., Wet gas.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
542542
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33772277.. RRiicchh ooiill
a lean oil that has absorbed heavier hydrocarbons from natural gas.
33772288.. RRiicchh--ooiill ddeemmeetthhaanniizzeerr
(rod) a vessel used in gas-processing plants to remove methane from rich oil.
33772299.. RRiigg
(1) a drilling rig (q.v.).
(2) a large tractor-trailer.
33773300.. RRiigg bbuuiillddeerr
(1) a person whose job is to build or (in a modern context) to assemble a
derrick. Steel derricks are erected by bolting parts together.
(2) originally, a person who built derricks on the spot out of rig timbers and
lumber on which he used crosscut saws, augers, axes, hammers, and the adz
to fit the wood to his pattern.
33773311.. RRiigg fflloooorr
the area immediately around the rotary table and extending to each corner of
the derrick or mast; the area immediately above the substructure on which
the drawworks, rotary table, and so forth rest.
33773322.. RRiigg iirroonnss
pl the metal parts (with the exceptions of nails, bolts, guy wires, and sand
lines) used in the construction of the standard cable-tool rig.
33773333.. RRiigg mmaannaaggeerr
One who supervises all aspects of offshore rig operation. Large
semisubmersibles anchored miles at sea with hundreds of workers, are much
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
543543
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
like a small town engaged in drilling a well in hundreds of feet of water. The
rig manager is the resident boss of this floating microcosm.
33773344.. RRiigg rreeggiisstteerr
A roster of offshore drilling equipment-jackups, somisubmersibles, drillships,
platforms, tenders and drilling barges-deployed around the world. The
register, a modern jane's fighting ships as it were, was introduced by the
petroleum engineer magazine. It is kept current and lists the vessel's or
platform's depth capability, equipment, whether self-propelled or towed, and
other pertinent information.
33773355.. RRiigg ssuuppeerriinntteennddeenntt
a tool pusher.
33773366.. RRiigg ttiimmbbeerrss
Large-dimension wooden beams used to support the derrick, drilling engines,
or other heavy equipment; heavy, roughcut timbers used in the trade by rig
builders when derricks were built rather than assembled.
33773377.. RRiigg,, ppuusshh--ddoowwnn
A drilling rig which is a modification of rigs used by the mining industry and
for drilling water wells. The drillpipe is supported within an a-frame, with the
rotary and its pipe-turning mechanism on top of the first joint of drillpipe 30
feet or so up in the a-frame. As the drillpipe and bit are rotated, the pipe is
pushed downward hydraulically until the first joint is in the hole and the
rotary is at floor level. A second joint is then added and the rotary is raised to
the top to turn and push down on the second joint. A push-down rig has a
conventional mud system, but the rig is practical only for drilling holes 10
about 3,500 feet in relatively soft formations.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
544544
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33773388.. RRiigg,, ssss ccllaassss 22000000
See ss class 2000 rig.
33773399.. RRiigg--ddoowwnn
To prepare to move the drilling rig and associated tools and equipment to
another location or to storage, to stack the tools; to disassemble the mud
system, disconnect the engines, lay the derrick down (a jackknife or other
portable rig), fill the mud pits, and load up the pipe and fittings and other
equipment ready for transport to another well site.
33774400.. RRiigg--uupp
To make preparations to drill; to get all equipment in place ready to make
hole dig the cellar and mud pits; set up the derrick, reeve the lines; set
engines and pumps; connect the lines of the mud system and set auxiliary
equipment. Also have necessary bits, tubular goods. Valves, rams, and fittings
on hand.
33774411.. RRiigghhtt--ooff--wwaayy
a strip of land usually 50 to 80 ft wide on which permission has been granted
by the landowner to construct a pipeline.
33774422.. RRiigghhtt--ooff--wwaayy ggaanngg
A work crew that clears brush, timber, and other obstructions from the right
Of way. The crew also installs access gates in fenced property. See dress up
crew.
33774433.. RRiigghhtt--ooff--wwaayy mmaann
A person who contacts landowners, municipal authorities, government agency
representatives for permission to lay a pipeline through their property or
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
545545
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
through the political subdivision. He also arranges for permits to cross
navigable waterways, railroads, and highways from the proper authorities.
333774455.. RRiinngg
(see piston ring.)
33774466.. RRiinnggwwoorrmm ccoorrrroossiioonn
a form of corrosion sometimes found in the tubing of condensate wells. It
occurs in a ring a few inches from the upset. Cause of ringworm corrosion his
been traced to the upsetting process, in which heat required in upsetting
causes the heated end to have a different grain structure from the rest of the
pipe. Normalizing prevents this condition.
33774477.. RRiisseerr
(1) a pipe through which liquid or gas flows upward.
(2) in offshore drilling by semisubmersible, jackup, fixed platform, or drillship,
a riser is the casing extending from the drilling platform through the water to
the sea bed through which drilling is done. See marine riser system.
33774488.. RRiisseerr ppiippee
the pipe and special fittings used on floating offshore drilling rigs to establish
a seal between the top of the wellbore, which is on the ocean floor, and the
drilling equipment, located above the surface of the water. A riser pipe serves
as a guide for the drill stem from the drilling vessel to the wellhead and as a
conductor of drilling fluid from the well to the vessel. The riser consists of
several sections of pipe and includes special devices to compensate for any
movement of the drilling rig caused by waves. It is also called marine riser.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
546546
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33774499.. RRiisseerr tteennssiioonneerr lliinnee
a cable that supports the marine riser while compensating for vessel
movement.
33775500.. RRiisseerr--aannggllee iinnddiiccaattoorr
an acoustic or electronic device used to monitor the angle of the flex joint on
a floating offshore drilling rig. Usually, a small angle should be maintained on
the flex joint to minimize drill-pipe fatigue and wear and damage to the
blowout preventers and to maximize the case with which tools may be run.
33775511.. RRiivveerr ccllaammppss
Heavy steel weights made in two halves bolted on screw pipe at each collar to
strengthen the joints and keep the line lying securely on the river bottom or
in a dredged trench.
33775522.. RRiivveett bbuusstteerr
An air-operated (pneumatic) chisel-like tool for cutting off rivet heads. Used
by tankies when tearing down an old tank or other vessel put together With
rivets.
33775533.. RRmmgg
reaming; used in drilling reports.(see ream.)
33775544.. RRnngg
running; used in drilling reports.
33775555.. RRoocckk
an aggregate of different minerals. Rocks are divided into three groups on the
basis of their mode of origi igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
547547
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33775566.. RRoocckk aa wweellll
to initiate flow by alternatively bleeding pressure from and closing off the
casing and tubing of a well that is loaded up.
33775577.. RRoocckk bbiitt
(see roller-cone bit.)
33775588.. RRoocckk hhoouunndd
(slang) a geologist.
33775599.. RRoocckk pprreessssuurree
An early-day term for a well's shutin or wellhead pressure when all valves are
closed and the pressure is observed at the surface.
33776600.. RRoocckk,, ccllaassttiicc
One of the categories of sedimentary rock; a so-called secondary rock which
consists of particles that are fragments of preexisting rocks. They may range
in size from "blocks the size of boxcars down to colloids so fine as to remain
in suspension almost indefinitely." The three classes of clastic sedimentary
rocks are sandstone, conglomerate, and shale and mud-stone.
33776611.. RRoocckk,, mmeettaammoorrpphhiicc
Rocks formed by the metamorphosis of other rocks. When either igneous or
sedimentary rocks are subjected to enough heat, pressure, and chemi. Cal
action, their character and appearance are changed. These factors act to
cause recrystallization of the minerals of the rock. Granite may become
Gneisses or schists; sandstones become quartzites; shales become slates;
limestone becomes marble.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
548548
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33776622.. RRoocckk,,iiggnneeoouuss
Rocks that have solidified from a molten state deep in the earth. Those rocks
that hive reached the surface while still molten are called lavas; they can form
volcanic cones or spread out in flows or sheets, they can be forcibly thrust up
between beds of other kinds of rocks in what are called sills, or they can fill
crevices and then solidify as "dikes." Rocks that have solidified deep beneath
the earth's crust are referred to as plutonic, from the greek god of the lower
regions, pluto. Granite is an example of plutonic rock.
33776633.. RRoocckkeerrss
A counterbalance installed on a shackle-rod line, operating a pumping jack, to
pull the rod line back after its power stroke. Rod lines can only pull, so on the
return stroke the line is kept taut by a counterbalance. Rockers often are in
the shape of a box or crate filled with rocks. One edge of the box is attached
to a fulcrum bearing on which it moves back and forth like a rocking chair.
33776644.. RRoocckkhhoouunndd
A geologist; a humorous but affectionate colloquialism for a person who
Assiduously pursues rock specimens in a search for evidence of oil and gas
deposits.
33776655.. RRoodd
(1) sixteen and one-half feet; the unit of measure used in buying certain
types of pipeline right of way.
(2) a sucker rod; an engine's connecting rod; a piston rod.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
549549
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33776666.. RRoodd bbaacckk--ooffff wwhheeeell
a device used to unscrew rods when the pump is stuck or sanded up and the
well has to be stripped out.
33776677.. RRoodd bblloowwoouutt pprreevveenntteerr
a ram device used to close the annular space around the polished rod or
sucker rod in a pumping well.
33776688.. RRoodd eelleevvaattoorr
a device used to pull sucker rods. It has a bail attached to the rod hook to
pull or run sucker rods. (see sucker rod.) Rod hanger a device used to hang
the sucker rods on the mast or in the derrick. (see sucker rod.).
33776699.. RRoodd hhooookk
a small, swivel hook having a fast-operating, automatic latch to close the
hook opening when weight is suspended from the hook.
33777700.. RRoodd lliinnee
See shackle-rod line.
33777711.. RRoodd ppuummpp
(see sucker-rod pump.)
33777722.. RRoodd rroottoorr
a ratchet mechanism actuated by a fixed rod or chain connection with the
walking beam of a pumping unit that provides a slow rate of rotation to the
rod string, distributing the wear uniformly on both rods and tubing. (see
sucker rod.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
550550
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33777733.. RRoodd ssttrriippppeerr
a device used when rods are coated with heavy oil or when the well may flow
through the tubing while the rods are being pulled. It is a form of blowout
preventer.
33777744.. RRoodd wwaaxx
a paraffin wax that forms on the sucker-rod string.
33777755.. RRoodd wwhhiipp
the rapid, whiplike motion of the rods in a sucker-rod pumping system caused
by vibration of the rod string.
33777766.. RRoodd--lliinnee ppuummpp
See pump, jek er.
33777777.. RRooddddaaggeeffeeee
The fee paid to a landowner for the easement of a pipeline right of way
across his property. Right of way is measured in rods (16 1/2 feet) hence the
term roddage fee. See right of way.
33777788.. RRooddhhaannggeerr
A rack with finger-like projections on which rods are hung when pulled from
the well; a vertical rack for hanging lengths of pumping rods.
33777799.. RRooddjjoobb
See pulling rods.
33778800.. RRooddppuummpp
See pump, rod.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
551551
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33778811.. RRoollll
the angular motion of a ship or floating offshore drilling rig as its sides move
up and down.
33778822.. RRoollll aattaannkk
To agitate a trank of crude oil with air or gas for the purpose of mixing small
quantities of chemical with the oil to break up emulsions or to settle out
impurities.
33778833.. RRoollll iinn
To include the cost of new facilities, service, and supply as part of the overall
cost of operating a company for the benefit of all customers served by a
pipeline or other common carrier; to roll in the cost of new supplies and
facilities for the purpose of arriving at a new rate structure.
33778844.. RRoollll--ddaammppeenniinngg ttaannkkss
pl the compartments on a floating offshore drilling rig that are filled with
water to offset the tendency of the rig to roll.
33778855.. RRoolllleerr bbiitt
The rock-cutting tool on the bottom of the drillstring made with three or four
shanks welded together to form a tapered body. Each shank supports a cone-
like wheel with case-hardened teeth that rotate on steel bearings.
33778866.. RRoolllleerr--ccoonnee bbiitt
a drilling bit made of three cones, or cutters, that are mounted on extremely
rugged bearings. They are also called rock bits. The surface of each cone is
made up of rows of steel teeth or rows of tungsten carbide inserts.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
552552
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33778877.. RRoolllleerrss,, ccaassiinngg aanndd ttuubbiinngg
A steel tubular device for opening up and reconditioning buckled, dented, or
collapsed casing and tubing in the hole. The long, steel tool with a tapered
end has a series of rollers. The tool is forced into the damaged pipe and, as it
is pushed down and rotated by the drillstring, the series of refers forces the
damaged pipe open and restores it to its original diameter and roundness.
33778888.. RRoolllliinngg ppiippee
Turning a joint of screw pipe into the coupling of the preceding joint by the
use of a rope looped once around the pipe and pulled by a rope crew. This
procedure was used on larger diameter line pipe-10 and 12-inch-to make up
the connection rapidly before the tongs were put on the pipe for the final
tightening.
33778899.. RRoonn
Research octane number, a measure of a gasoline's antiknock quality
determined by tests made on engines running under moderate conditions of
speed and load. Mon, motor octane number, is a measure of gasoline's
antiknock characteristics determined by tests under more severe conditions of
load and speed. See octane rating.
33779900.. RRooooffrroocckk
A layer of impervious rock above a porous and permeable rock formation that
contains oil and gas.
33779911.. RRoooottrruunn
The first course of metal laid on by a welder in joining two lengths of pipe or
other elements of constructio the stringer bead (q.v.).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
553553
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33779922.. RRoopp
rate of penetration.
33779933.. RRooppee ssoocckkeett
A device for securing the end of a steel cable into a connecting piece-a clevis,
hook or chain. A metal cup or socket (like a whip socket) into which The cable
end is inserted and which then is feted with molten lead or babbitt. (p, v,)
33779944.. RRoottaarryy
the machine used to impart rotational power to the drill stem while permitting
vertical movement of the pipe for rotary drilling. Modern rotary machines
have a special component, the rotary bushing, to turn the kelly bushing,
which permits vertical movement of the kelly while the stem is turning.
33779955.. RRoottaarryy bbuusshhiinngg
The metal casting that fits into the master bushing of the rotary table on a
drilling well, and through which the kelly joint moves downward ass drilling
Procedes. The kelly, bushing is turned by the rotary table and the bushing
rotates the kelly and drillstring.
33779966.. RRoottaarryy ddrriilllliinngg
a drilling method in which a hole is drillid by a rotating bit to which a
downward force is applied. The bit is fastened to and rotated by the drill
stem, which also provides a passageway through which the drilling fluid is
circulated. Additional joints of drill pipe are added as drilling progresses.
33779977.. RRoottaarryy hheellppeerr
(see roughneck.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
554554
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33779988.. RRoottaarryy hhoossee
the hose on a rotary drilling rig that conducts the drilling fluid from the mud
pump and standpipe to the swivel and kelly; also called the mud hose or the
kelly hose.
33779999.. RRoottaarryy ppuummpp
a pump that moves fluid by positive displacement, using a system of rotating
vanes, gears, or lobes. The vaned pump has vanes extending radially from a
rotating element mounted in the casing. The geared rotary pump uses
oppositely rotating, meshing gears or lobes.
33880000.. RRoottaarryy rreeaammeerr
A rock-cutting tool inserted in the drill column just above the drill bit for the
purpose of keeping the hole cut to full diameter. Often in drilling deep, hard-
rock formations the bit will become worn or distorted, thus cutting less than a
full hole. The following reamer trims the hole wall, maintaining full diameter.
33880011.. RRoottaarryy rriigg
A derrick equipped with rotary drilling equipment, i.e., Drilling engines. Draw
works, rotary table, mud pumps, and auxiliary equipment; a modern Drilling
unit capable of drilling a borehole with a bit attached to a rotating column of
steel pipe.
33880022.. RRoottaarryy sshhooee
a length of pipe whose bottom edge is serrated or dressed with a hard cutting
material that is run into the wellbore around the outside of stuck casing, pipe,
or tubing to mill away the obstruction.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
555555
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33880033.. RRoottaarryy sslliippss
pl (see slips.)
33880044.. RRoottaarryy ttaabbllee
the principal component of a rotary, or rotary machine, used to turn the drill
stem and support the drilling assembly. It has a beveled-gear arrangement to
create the rotational motion and an opening into which bushings are fitted to
drive and support the drilling assembly.
33880055.. RRoottaarryy ttoonnggss
pl (see tongs.)
33880066.. RRoottaattiinngg bblloowwoouutt pprreesseenntteerr
(see rotating head.)
33880077.. RRoottaattiinngg hheeaadd
a sealing device used to close off the annular space around the kelly when
drilling with pressure at the surface, usually installed above the main blowout
preventers. A rotating head makes it possible to drill ahead even when there
is pressure in the annulus that the weight of the drilling fluid is not
overcoming; the head prevents the well from blowing out. It is used mainly in
the drilling of formations that have low-pressure, high-volume fluids. The rate
of penetration through such formations is usually rapid.
33880088.. RRoottaattiioonn ggaass lliifftt
a gas-lift system in which the gas that is injected and subsequently produced
is recompressed and reinjected into the well, effecting a continuous, closed
system that does not require the introduction of additional gas from an
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
556556
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
extraneous source for operation, except that needed to make up losses in the
system.
33880099.. RRoouugghhnneecckk
a worker on a drilling or workover rig, subordinate to the driller; sometimes
called a rotary helper, floorman, or rig crewman.
33881100.. RRoouugghhnneecckkss
Members of the drilling crew; the driller's assistants who work on the derrick
floor, up in the derrick racking pipe, tend the drilling engines and mud Pumps,
and on "trips" operate the pipe tongs breaking out or unscrewing the stands
of drillpipe.
33881111.. RRoouunndd ttrriipp
Pulling the drillpipe from the hole to change the bit and running the drillpipe
and new bit back in the hole. On deep wells, round trips or "a trip," as it is
more commonly called, may take 24 hours, three 8-hour shifts.
33881122.. RRoouunndd--ppooiinntt sshhoovveell
A digging tool whose blade is rounded and tapers to a point in the center of
The cutting edge. A long-handled shovel, standard equipment for digging
ditches by hand.
33881133.. RRoouunnddttrriipp
the action of pulling out and subsequently running back into the hole a string
of drill pipe or tubing. It is also called tripping the pipe.
33881144.. RRoouussttaabboouutt
a worker who assists the foreman in the general work around producing oil
wells, usually on the property of the oil company. A roustabout may also be a
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
557557
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
helper on a well-servicing unit or one who does utility work on an offshore
drilling rig.
33881155.. RRooyyaallttyy
A share of the minerals (oil and gas) produced from a property by the owner
of the property. Originally, the right or prerequisite of the king to receive a
percentage of the gold or silver taken from the mines of his realm. Today, the
sovereign is the landowner who traditionally receives 12 1/2 percent or one-
eighth of the oil and gas produced from his land. This is the basic form of
royalty. But as you will note there are variations and "refinements" to the
concept of what belongs to the king. See landowners royalty.
33881166.. RRooyyaallttyy bbiiddddiinngg
An uncommon practice of bidding on federal leases by offering a high royalty
interest to the government on any production discovered on the tract in lieu
of the traditional cash bonus. Royalty interests as high as 70 and 80 percent
of gross production have been offered. The advantages to a company bidding
royalty interests instead of cash could be a savings in millions of dollar; of
front money. In case the lease is unproductive, the company is out only the
cost of the well and any seismic or other exploratory expenses.
33881177.. RRooyyaallttyy bboonnuuss
Describes an overriding royalty or oil payment reserves by the lessor, the
1andowner usually any consideration received or to a lessor on the execution
of a lease in excess of the customary one-eighth royalty is called a bonus or
royalty bonus.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
558558
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33881188.. RRooyyaallttyy iinntteerreesstt,, tteerrmm
A royally not in perpetuity but for a definite period of time. Most royally
interests are created for a fixed period and so long thereafter as oil and gas
are produced. But there are such interests that run only for a specified, fixed
length of time with no qualifying 'thereafter" clause.
33881199.. RRooyyaallttyy ooiill
Oil owned by the government, federal, slate or local. Oil on the outer
continental shelf and on federal land is royalty oil; also oil on land owned by a
state or a municipality is royally oil.
33882200.. RRooyyaallttyy,, ccoommppeennssaattoorryy
Payments to royalty owners as compensation for loss of income which they
may suffer due to the failure of the operator to develop a lease properly.
33882211.. RRooyyaallttyy,, ffeeee
The lessor's share of oil and gas production, landowner's royalty traditionally
one-eighth of gross production free of any cost.
33882222.. RRooyyaallttyy,, ffiixxeedd--rraattee
Royalty calculated on the basis of a fixed rate per unit of production, without
regard for the actual proceeds from the sale of the production.
33882233.. RRooyyaallttyy,, gguuaarraanntteeeedd..
The minimum amount of royalty income a royalty owner is to receive under
the lease agreement, regardless of his share of actual proceeds from the sale
of the lease's production.
33882244.. RRooyyaallttyy,, iinnnnoovvaattoorr''ss
See innovator's royalty.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
559559
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33882255.. RRooyyaallttyy,, llaannddoowwnneerr''ss
A share of the gross production of the oil and gas on a property by the
landowner without bearing any of the cost of producing the oil or gas. The
usual landowner's royalty is one-eighth of gross production.
33882266.. RRooyyaallttyy,, sshhoott--iinn
Payment to royalty owners under the terms of a mineral lease which allows
the operator or lessee to defer production from a well which is shut in for lack
of a market or pipeline connection.
33882277.. RRooyyaallttyy,, sslliiddiinngg--ssccaallee
Royalty paid to the federal government on oil and gas production from a
government lease, usually offshore, which varies from the normal 16@
percent up to 110 percent of the value of the production. As the value of
production increases the percentage of royally also increases to a maximum
of 50 percent.
33882288.. RRpp
rock pressure; used in drilling reports.
33882299.. RRppmm
revolutions per minute.
33883300.. RRtt
rotary table; used in drilling reports.
33883311.. RRuucctt
rigging up and cable tools; used in drilling reports.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
560560
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33883322.. RRuunn
A transfer of crude oil from a stock tank on a production lease to a pipeline
gathering system for transportation to the buyer's facilities; running oil from a
tank into a pipeline for delivery to a purchaser.
33883333.. RRuunn aa ttaannkk
to transfer oil from a stock tank into a pipeline.
333883355.. RRuunn iinn
to go into the hole with tubing, drill pipe, and so forth.
33883366.. RRuunn ppiippee
to lower a string of casing into the hole.
33883377.. RRuunn ttiicckkeett
a record of the oil transferred from the producer's storage tank to the
pipeline. It is the basic legal instrument by which the lease operator is paid
for oil produced and sold.
33883388.. RRuunn--aarroouunndd
a platform encircling the top of the derrick
33883399.. RRuunnnniinngg tthhee ttoooollss
Putting the drillpipe, with the bit attached, into the hole in preparation for
drilling.
33884400.. RRuuppttuurree ddiisskk
A thin, metal plug or membrane in a fitting on a pressure line made so as to
blow out or rupture when the pressure exceeds a predetermined level; a
safety plug. See soft plug.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
561561
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33884411.. RRuurr
rigging up rotary rig; used in drilling reports.
33884422.. RRww
This symbol is used in petrophysical calculations to represent the electrical
resistivity of formation water.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
563563
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33884433.. SS
second.
33884444.. SS..EE..GG..
The society of exploration geophysicists, a professional organization of
geophysicists engaged in exploration for oil and gas.
333884466.. SS//tt
sample to . Ps; used in drilling reports.
33884477.. SSaacckk
(sx) a container for cement, bentonite, ilmenite, barite, caustic, and so forth.
Sacks (bags) contain the following amounts
33884488.. SSaaddddllee
A clamp, fitted with a gasket, for stopping the flow of oil or gas from holes or
spies in a pipeline; a devise for making temporary repairs to a line. The clamp
conforms to the curve of the pipe and is held in place by u-bolts that fit
around the pipe and extend through the clamp.
33884499.. SSaaddddllee bbeeaarriinngg
A broad, heavy bearing located on top of the samson post to support the
walking beam on a circle tool drilling rig or an oil @veil pumping jack
33885500.. SSAAEE
Society of Automotive Engineers.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
564564
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33885511.. SSaaee nnuummbbeerr
A classification of lubricating oils in terms of viscosity only. A standard
established by the society of automotive engineers. Sae 20; sae 1ow. 30,
multiviscosity lubricating oil (q.v.).
33885522.. SSaaffeettyy ccllaammpp
a device used to suspend a rod string after the pump has been spaced or
when the weight of the rod string must be taken off the pumping equipment.
33885533.. SSaaffeettyy ggoogggglleess
a protective eye covering worn by oil-field workers to minimize the danger to
the eyes of being struck by flying objects or harmed by corrosive substances.
33885544.. SSaaffeettyy hhaatt
(see hard hat.)
33885555.. SSaaffeettyy jjooiinntt
an accessory to the fishing tool, placed above it. If the tool cannot be
disengaged from the fish, the safety joint permits easy disengagement of the
string of pipe above the safety joint. Thus, part of the safety joint as well as
the tool attached to the @isa remain in the hole and become part of the fish.
33885566.. SSaaffeettyy llaattcchh
a latch provided on a hook or swivel to prevent it from becoming detached
prematurely.
33885577.. SSaaffeettyy ppllaattffoorrmm
the monkeyboard or platform on a derrick or mast on which the derrickman
works. He also wears a safety harness (attached to the mast or derrick) to
prevent him from failing.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
565565
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33885588.. SSaaffeettyy sshhooeess
metal-toed shoes or boots with nonskid, corrosion-resistant soles worn by oil-
field workers to minimize falls and injury to their feet.
33885599.. SSaaffeettyy sslliiddee
a device normally mounted near the safety platform to afford the derrickman
a means of quick exit to the surface in case an emergency arises. It is usually
affixed to a wireline, one end of which is attached to the derrick and the other
end to the surface. To exit by the safety slide, the derrickman grasps a handle
on it and rides it down to the ground. Also called a geronimo.
33886600.. SSaaffeettyy vvaallvvee
See relief valve.
33886611.. SSaaggggiinngg
the distortion of the hull of a vessel when the middle is lower than either end
because of excessively heavy or unbalanced loads; the opposite of hogging.
33886622.. SSaalliinniittyy lloogg
a special radioactivity well log that is electronically adjusted to reflect gamma-
ray emissions resulting from the collision of neutrons with chlorine atoms in
the formations. Salinity, or chlorine, logs provide an estimate of the relative
amounts of oil, gas, or salt water in a formation.
33886633.. SSaalltt
dome/salt-plug pool Structural or stratigraphic traps (q.v.) Associated with
rock-salt intrusions; pools formed by the intrusion of underlying salt
formations into overlying Porous and permeable sedimentary layers creating
traps favorable to the presence of oil and gas.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
566566
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33886644.. SSaalltt ddoommee
a dome that is formed by the intrusion of rock salt into overlying sediments. A
piercement salt dome is one that has pushed up so it penetrates the overlying
sediments, leaving them truncated. Formations above the salt plug are
usually arched so that they dip in all directions away from the center of the
dome, forming traps for petroleum.
33886655.. SSaalltt wwaatteerr
a water that contains a large quantity of salt; brine.
33886666.. SSaalltt--bbeedd ssttoorraaggee
Thick formations or underground layers of salt in which cavities are mined or
leached out with super-heated water for the storage of petroleum products,
e.g., Healing oils, butane, propane, and other lp-gases.
33886677.. SSaalltt--bbrriinnee cceemmeenntt
a cementing slurry whose liquid phase contains sodium chloride.
33886688.. SSaalltt--ddoommee ssttoorraaggee
Cavities leached out of underground salt formations by the use of
superheated water for the storage of petroleum products. Especially lp gases.
33886699.. SSaallttpplluugg
See salt dome.
33887700.. SSaallttwwaatteerr ddiissppoossaall
the method and system for the disposal of salt water produced with crude oil.
A typical system is composed of collection centers (in which salt water from
several wells is gathered), a central treating plant (in which salt water is
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
567567
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
conditioned to remove scale- or corrosion-forming substances), and disposal
wells (in which. Treated salt waste is injected into a suitable formation).
33887711.. SSaallttwwaatteerr mmuudd
a drilling mud in which the water has appreciable amounts of salt (usually
sodium chloride) dissolved in it.
33887722.. SSaammppllee
Cuttings of a rock formation broken up by the drill bit and brought to the
surface by the drilling mud. Rock samples are collected from the shale shaker
(q.v.) And examined by the geologist to identity the formation, the type of
rock being drilled.
33887733.. SSaammppllee bbaagg
A small cotton bag with a drawstring to hold rock cutting samples. Each bag
with its sample is tagged with identifying information, well name, lease,
location, depth at which cuttings were taken, etc.
33887744.. SSaammppllee lloogg
A record of rock cuttings as a well is being drilled, especially in cable-tool
drilling. The cuttings, brought to the surface by the bailer, are saved and the
depth where obtained is recorded. This record shows the characteristics of
various strata drilled through.
33887755.. SSaammpplleerr
a device attached to a flow line to permit continuous sampling of the oil or
gas flowing in the line.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
568568
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33887766.. SSaammpplleess
n pi 1. The well cuttings obtained at designated footage intervals during
drilling. From an examination of these cuttings, the geologist determines the
type of rock and the type of formation being drilled and estimates oil and gas
content. 2. Small quantities of well fluids obtained for analysis.
33887777.. SSaammpplliinngg
the taking of a representative sample of fluid from a tank to measure its
temperature, specific gravity, and bs&w content
33887788.. SSaammssoonn ppoosstt
A heavy, vertical limber that supports the well's walking beam (q.v.). On a
cable-tool rig, the samson post is located just ahead of the band wheel. The
walking beam rests on the samson post on a broad paddle bearing and moves
up and down like a child's teeter-totter.
33887799.. SSaanndd
Short for sandstone; one of the more prolific sedimentary rock formations. In
informal usage. Other sedimentary rocks are referred to as "sands."
33888800.. SSaanndd bbooddyy
A sand or sandstone formation defined by upper and lower layers of
impervious rock. Sandstone formation, sometimes in the shape of a lens,
sandwiched between two impervious layers of rock; a geologic trap favorable
to the accumulation of oil and gas.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
569569
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33888811.. SSaanndd ccoonnssoolliiddaattiioonn
any one of several methods by which the loose, unconsolidated grains of a
producing formation are made to adhere to prevent a well from producing
sand but permit it to produce oil and gas.
33888822.. SSaanndd ccoonnttrrooll
A technique for coping with sand from unconsolidated (loose, unpacked)
formations that migrate (drift or wash) into downhole pumping equipment or
into the borehole. See gravel packing.
33888833.. SSaanndd ffiillll
a column of sand that has entered and accumulated in the wellbore.
33888844.. SSaanndd lleennss
(see lens.)
33888855.. SSaanndd lliinnee
a wire rope used on well-servicing rigs to operate a swab or bailer. It is
usually 9/16 in. In diameter and several thousand feet long.
33888866.. SSaanndd oouutt
to plug a well inadvertently with proppants during formation fracturing.
Sanding out is usually the result of a slowed fracture-fluid velocity, or
screening effect, that allows the proppants to become separated from the
fluid instead of being carried away from the wellbore. It is also called
screening out.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
570570
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33888877.. SSaanndd ppuummpp
A cylinder with a plunger and valve arrangement used for sucking up the
pulverized rock, sand, and water from the bottom of the well bore. More
effective than a simple bailer. Shell pump; sludger.
33888888.. SSaanndd rreeeell
a metal drum on a drilling rig or workover unit around which the sand line is
wound.
33888899.. SSaanndd sseeppaarraattoorr
A device for removing "drilled solids," pulverized rock and sand, from drilling
mud. The sand separator is used in addition to the shale shaker (q.v.) And by
removing most of the abrasive material reduces wear on mud pumps and
bits.
33889900.. SSaannddeedd--uupp
1. Of a well, under restricted production because of sand accumulation in the
wellbore. 2. Impeded or hindered, especially because of sand accumulation.
33889911.. SSaannddss
Common terminology for oil-bearing sandstone formations. (oil is also found
in limestone, shales, dolomite, and other porous rock.) In informal or loose
usage, other sedimentary rocks are referred to as "sands."
33889922.. SSaannddssttoonnee
a detrital, sedimentary rock composed of individual grains of sand (commonly
quartz) that are cemented together by silica, calcium carbonate, iron oxide,
and so forth. Sandstone is a common rock in which petroleum and water
accumulate.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
571571
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33889933.. SSaatt
saturated or saturation; used in drilling reports.
33889944.. SSaatteelllliittee ppllaanntt
A facility that supports the main processing plant; a plant that derives its feed
stock or raw material from the main processing unit.
33889955.. SSaatteelllliittee ppllaattffoorrmm
Production platform (q.v.).
33889966.. SSaatteelllliittee WWeellllss
Subsea wells located remote from the production facility and connected to the
facility by flowlines.
33889977.. SSaattss ggaass ppllaanntt
A refiner's term for the part of the refinery that processes gas streams
carrying saturates (q.v.) To be stripped out of the gases.
33889988.. SSaattuurraatteess
Components of refinery-process gas streams methane, ethane, propane,
butanes, and others. Saturates is a synonym for hydrocarbons whose carbon
atoms are "saturated with hydrogen atoms." These gas streams are further
refined in a facility called by refinery engineers the sats gas plant.
33889999.. SSaattuurraattiioonn
(1) the extent to which the pore space in a formation contains hydrocarbons
or connate water (q.v.).
(2) the extent to which gas is dissolved in the liquid hydrocarbons in a
formation.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
572572
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33990000.. SSaattuurraattiioonn pprreessssuurree
The pressure at which gas begins to be released from solution in oil. See
bubble point.
33990011.. SSaavveerr ssuubb
a device made up in the drill stem to absorb much of the wear between
frequently broken joints (as the kelly and drill pipe.)
33990022.. SSaayybboolltt sseeccoonnddss
See seconds saybolt furol; also seconds saybolt universal.
33990033.. SSaayybboolltt vviissccoommeetteerr
an instrument used to measure the viscosity of fluids, consisting basically of a
container with a hole or jet of a standard size in the bottom. The time
required for the flow of a specific volume of fluid is recorded in seconds at
three different temperatures (100 f, 130 f, and 210 f).-it is referred to as the
saybolt viscosity and written as saybolt second universal (ssu).
33990044.. SSbbmm ssyysstteemm
Single-buoy mooring system (q.v.).
33990055.. SSbbrr
Initials for synthetic butadiene rubber, the main ingredients of which are
derived from petroleum. Sbr is used in the manufacture of tires, hose, shoes,
other heavy-duty products.
33990066.. SSccaannttlliinnggss
pi (nautical) the dimensions of the structural members in the hull.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
573573
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33990077.. SSccaatt ((wweellddiinngg)) rriigg
A rack that carries welding generators, gas bottles (c02), and spools of
welding wire along the pipe being welded. The rig is powered by a small
diesel engine. Automatic welding heads ("bugs") are moved ahead on the
pipe as the joints are welded.
33990088.. SSccff
standard cubic feet of gas.
33990099.. SSccff//dd
standard cubic feet of gas per day.
33991100.. SScchheedduulleerr
A person in an oil-dispatching office who plans the future movement of
batches of crude oil or product in a pipeline system, keeping batches
separated and making arrangements for product input and downstream
deliveries. See dispatcher.
33991111.. SScchhlluummbbeerrggeerr
one of the pioneer companies in electric well logging, named for the french
scientists who first developed the method; pronounced "slumberjay". Today,
many companies provide logging services of all kinds.
33991122.. SSccooppee
the ratio of the total length of a mooring line (as on a mobile offshore drilling
rig) to the depth of the water.
33991133.. SSccoouurr
Erosion of the seabed caused by the action of waves and currents.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
574574
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33991144.. SSccoouurriinngg
The erosion or washing away of the sand/clay covering of a buried subsea
pipeline. Scouring caused by sea currents is a serious problem for under. Sea
lines. Excessive scouring causes spanning; the hanging of a section of the line
one to several feet off bottom. If allowed to go uncorrected the Pipeline welds
crack or the pipe ruptures from its unsupported weight. Subsea lines are
inspected for scouring and spanning by side-scan sonar devices or by diver
inspection.
33991155.. SSccoouutt
A person hired by an operator or a company to seek out information about
activities of drilling wells in an area, survey data, drilling rates and depths,
and well potentials.
33991166.. SSccoouuttiinngg aa wweellll
Gathering information, by all available means, about a competitor's well the
depth. Formations encountered, well logs, drilling rates, leasing, and
geophysical reports.
33991177.. SSccrraappeerr
any device (as a line scraper) that is used to remove deposits (as scale or
paraffin) from tubing, casing, rods, or flow lines.
33991188.. SSccrraappeerr ttrraapp
a specially designed piece of equipment that is installed in a pipeline to launch
or receive a pipeline scraper.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
575575
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33991199.. SSccrraappeerr,, ppiippeelliinnee
A pig; a cylindrical, plug-like device equipped with scraper blades, wire
Brushes, and toothed rollers used to clean accumulations of wax, rust, and
Other foreign matter from pipelines. The scraper is inserted in the fine at a
"trap" (q.v.) And is pushed along by the pressure of the moving column of
Oil.
33992200.. SSccrraattcchheerr
a device fastened to the outside of casing that removes the mud cake from
the wall of the hole to condition the hole for cementing. By rotating or moving
the casing string up and down as it is being run into the hole, the scratchier,
formed of stiff wire, removes the cake so that the cement can bond solidly to
the formation.
33992211.. SSccrreeeenn lliinneerr
a liner that is perforated and arranged with a wire wrapping to act as a sieve
to prevent or minimize the entry of sand particles into the wellbore. It is also
called a screen pipe.
33992222.. SSccrreeeenn oouutt
(see sand out.)
33992233.. SSccrreeeenn ppiippee
a perforated pipe with a straining or filtering device (usually closely wound
coils of wire wrapped around the pipe) to allow the flow of well fluids but
exclude sand; a screen liner.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
576576
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33992244.. SSccrreeww ccoonnvveeyyoorr
A mechanism for moving dry, solid material pelletized plastics, sulfur, cement,
etc.-from one location to another by means of a helix or screw rotating in a
cylindrical conduit. Archimedes thought of it first.
33992255.. SSccrreeww ppaacckkeerr
a packer in which the packing element is expanded by rotating the pipe; used
when it is not desirable to put tubing weight on the packer.
33992266.. SSccrreeww ppuummpp
A rotary pump made with one, two, or three screws or spiral members. When
rotated on their shafts, the screws closely mesh and take in fluid at the
suction end of the pump and force it out the discharge port in a continuous
stream. Screw pumps, which are small, usually are driven by electric motors
but can be hooked up to gas engines. Screw pumps and other types of rotary
pumps are used in refineries, and chemical plants to handle highly viscous
fluids and as transfer pumps for small volumes of liquid at high pressures.
33992277.. SSccrruubbbbeerr
a vessel through which fluids are passed to remove dirt and other foreign
matter.
33992288.. SSccrruubbbbiinngg
Purifying a gas by putting it, through a water or chemical wash; also the
Removal of entrained water. Natural gas when it is produced or when it Flows
from the well under pressure usually contains impurities, traces of other
gases and microscopic droplets of water, as well as liquid hydrocarbons.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
577577
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
Before it can be accepted by a gas transmission line, a trunk line, the gas
must be stripped of the liquid hydrocarbons, scrubbed and dried out.
33992299.. SSccrruubbbbiinngg ppllaanntt
A facility for purifying or treating natural gas for the removal of hydrogen
sulfide or other impurities.
33993300.. SSdd
sand or sandstone; used in drilling reports.
33993311.. SSddoo
shut down for orders; used in drilling reports.
33993322.. SSddyy
sandy; used in drilling reports.
33993333.. SSeeaall
to close off or secure against a flow of fluid.
33993344.. SSeeaall--ooffff
the penetration of a drilling fluid into a potentially productive formation', thus
restricting or preventing the formation from producing.
33993355.. SSeeaalliinneess
Submarine pipelines lines laid on the ocean floor from offshore wells to a
production platform and to receiving stations onshore.
33993366.. SSeeaallss
Thin strips of metal, imprinted with serial numbers, used to "seal" a valve in
an open or closed posit on. The metal strip has a locking snap on one end
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
578578
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
Into which the free end is inserted, locking it securely. Seals are used on
Tanks in a battery to prevent the undetected opening or closing of a valve.
33993377.. SSeeaammlleessss ppiippee
Pipe made without an axial seam; pipe made from a billet or solid cylinder of
hot steel and "hot-worked" on a mandrel into a tubular piece without a seam.
See lap-welded pipe.
33993388.. SSeeaatt
the point in the wellbore at which casing is set.
33993399.. SSeeaatteerrmmiinnaall
An offshore loading or unloading facility for large, deep-draft tankers. The
terminal is served by filling lines from shore or by smaller, shallow-draft
vessels,
33994400.. SSeeaattiinngg nniippppllee
a special tube installed in a string of tubing, having machined contours to fit a
matching plug with locking pawls. It is used to regulate or shut off flow,
anchor a pump, or permit installation of a flow regulator.
33994411.. SSeecc
section; used in drilling reports.
33994422.. SSeeccoonnddaarryy cceemmeennttiinngg
any cementing operation after the primary cementing operation. Secondary
cementing includes a plug-back job, in which a plug of cement is positioned
at a specific point in the well and allowed to set. Wells are plugged to shut off
bottom water or to reduce the depth of the well for other reasons. (see
squeeze cementing.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
579579
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33994433.. SSeeccoonnddaarryy rreeccoovveerryy
The extraction of oil from a field beyond what can be recovered by normal
methods of flowing or pumping the use of waterflooding, gas injection, and
other methods to recover additional amounts of oil.
33994444.. SSeeccoonnddss ssaayybboolltt ffuurrooll ((ssssff))
A measurement of the viscosity of a heavy oil. Sixty cubic centimeters of an
oil are put in an instrument known as a "saybolt viscosimeter" and permitted
to flow through a standardized orifice in the bottom at a specified
temperature. The seconds required to flow through is the oil's viscosity its ssf
number. See also seconds saybolt universal.
33994455.. SSeeccoonnddss ssaayybboolltt uunniivveerrssaall ((ssssuu))
A measurement of the viscosity of a light oil. A measured quantity of oil
usually 60 cubic centimeters- is put in an instrument known as a "saybolt
viscosimeter" and permitted to flow through an orifice in the bottom at a
specified temperature. The number of seconds required for the flow through
is the oil's ssu number, its viscosity.
33994466.. SSeeccttiioonn mmiillll
A downhole cutting tool made with expendable arms used to cut sections out
of the casing in the hole. The mill is attached to the end of the drillstring and
lowered into the hole to the point where the casing is to be cut. The Cutter
arms are then expanded, either hydraulically or mechanically, against the
casing wall. As the drillpipe is rotated, the cutters do their work.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
580580
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33994477.. SSeeccttiioonn mmiilllliinngg
the process by which a portion of pipe, usually casing, is actually removed by
cutting with a mill.
33994488.. SSeeccttiioonn ooff llaanndd
One square mile 640 acres; sixteen 40-acre plots.
33994499.. SSeedd
sediment; used in drilling reports.
33995500.. SSeeddiimmeenntt
(1). The matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid; also called tank
bottoms, basic sediment, and so forth.
(2). In geology, buried layers of sedimentary rock.
33995511.. SSeeddiimmeennttaarryy BBaassiinn
A geographical area, such as Scotian Basin, where much of the rock is
sedimentary (as opposed to igneous or metamorphic) and therefore likely to
contain hydrocarbons.
33995522.. SSeeddiimmeennttaarryy rroocckk
a rock composed of materials that were transported to their present position
by wind or water. Sandstone, shale, and limestone are sedimentary rocks.
33995533.. SSeeeepp
the natural surface appearance of oil or gas that results when a reservoir rock
becomes exposed to the surface, thus allowing oil or gas to flow out of
fissures in the rock.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
581581
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33995544.. SSeeggrreeggaattiioonn ddrriivvee
(see gravity drainage.)
33995555.. SSeeiiss
seismograph; used in drilling reports.
33995566.. SSeeiissmmiicc sseeaa ssttrreeaammeerr
A cable, trailed from a geophysical vessel, towing a series of hydrophones
along the sea floor recording seismic "signals" from underwater detonations.
As the vessel moves slowly ahead, harmless electronic or air detonations are
set off which are reflected from rock formations beneath the sea floor and
picked up by the sensitive, sound-detecting hydrophones. See geophone.
33995577.. SSeeiissmmiicc sshhoott hhoollee
See shot hole.
33995588.. SSeeiissmmiicc tthhuuiiwwppeerr
See vibrator vehicle.
33995599.. SSeeiissmmooggrraamm
A device that records vibrations from the earth. As used in the exploration for
oil and gas, a seismograph records shock waves set off by explosions
detonated in shot holes (q.v.) And picked up by geophones (q.v.).
33996600.. SSeeiissmmooggrraammii
The record produced by a seismographic survey.
333996622.. SSeeiissmmooggrraapphh
a device that detects vibrations in the earth, used in prospecting for probable
oil-bearing structures. Vibrations are created by discharging explosives in
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
582582
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
shallow boreholes or by striking the surface with a heavy blow. The type and
velocity of the vibrations (as recorded by the seismograph) indicate the
general characteristics of the section of earth through which the vibrations
pass.
33996633.. SSeeiissmmooggrraapphhiicc ssuurrvveeyy
Geophysical information on subsurface rock formations gathered by means of
a seismograph (q.v.); The investigation of underground strata by recording
and analyzing shock waves artificially produced and reflected from subsurface
bodies of rock.
33996644.. SSeeiissmmoommeetteerr
A device for receiving and recording shock waves setoff by an explosion or
other seismic sources and reflected by underground rock formations; a
seismograph which measures the movements of the ground.
33996655.. SSeeiizzee
To stick together, as two pieces of metal that have become hot from excesive
friction as one piece moves relative to the other; to bond or adhere, as a
button to a cylinder from heat and pressure.
33996666.. SSeellff--eelleevvaattiinngg ddrriilllliinngg uunniitt
an offshore drilling rig, usually with a large hull. It has a mat or legs that are
lowered to the seafloor and a main deck that is raised above the surface of
the water to a distance where it will not be affected by the waves; a jack-up
drilling rig.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
583583
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33996677.. SSeellff--ppootteennttiiaall
(sp) one of the natural electrical characteristics exhibited by a formation as
measured by a logging tool lowered into the wellbore. Also referred to as a
spontaneous potential, it is one of the basic curves obtained by an electrical
well log.
33996688.. SSeemmiiddiieesseell
A misnomer for a diesel-cycle engine whose compression is not highEnough
to create sufficient heat to ignite the injected fuel when starting cold.
Semidiesels or, more correctly, hot-head or hot-plug diesels, are equipped
with a plug that extends into the firing chamber healed by a torch or by
electricity to assist in the ignition of the diesel fuel until the engine is running
and up to operating temperature; a small, low-compression diesel hot-plug
engine.
33996699.. SSeemmiieexxppeennddaabbllee gguunn
a perforating gun that consists of a metallic strip on which encapsulated
shaped charges are mounted. After the gun is fired, the strip is retrieved. (see
gun-perforate.)
33997700.. SSeemmiissuubbmmeerrssiibbllee
(see semisubmersible drilling rig.)
33997711.. SSeemmiissuubbmmeerrssiibbllee ddrriilllliinngg rriigg
a floating offshore drilling structure that has hulls submerged in the water but
not resting on the seafloor. Living quarters, storage space, and so forth are
assembled on the deck. Semisubmersible rigs are either self-propelled or
towed to a drilling site and either anchored or dynamically positioned over the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
584584
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
site or both. Semisubmersibles are more stable than drill ships and are used
extensively to drill wildcat wells in rough waters such as the north sea. (see
dynamic positioning.)
33997722.. SSeenniioorr oorriiffiiccee ffiittttiinngg
a one-piece orifice fitting that allows the orifice plate in it to be changed
without the flow of gas in the line being disturbed.
33997733.. SSeeppaarraattoorr
a cylindrical or spherical vessel used to isolate the components in mixed
streams of fluids. (see oil and gas separator.)
33997744.. SSeeppaarraattoorr ggaass
Natural gas separated out of the oil by a separator at the well.
333997766.. SSeeppaarraattoorr,, llooww--tteemmppeerraattuurree ((ggaass))
See lxt unit.
33997777.. SSeeppaarraattoorr,, ssaanndd
See sand separator;-also decanting centrifuge.
33997788.. SSeeqquueesstteerriinngg aaggeenntt
a chemical used with an acid in a well treatment to inhibit the precipitation of
insoluble iron hydroxides, which form when the acid contacts scales or iron
salts and oxides, such as found in corrosion products on casing.
33997799.. SSeerrppeennttiinnee
an igneous rock composed in part of hydrated magnesium silicate.
Hydrocarbons may be associated with serpentine, but this is unusual.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
585585
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33998800.. SSeerrvviiccee ttoooollss
A variety of downhole equipment used in drilling, completion, and workover of
oil and gas wells; so-called wireline tools such as logging, sampling.
Temperature and pressure gauging fishing, fracturing, acidizing and shooting
are some of the service tools and procedures provided by the numerous
service companies that perform specialized work in the oil field.
33998811.. SSeerrvviiccee wweellll
A non-producing well used for injecting water or gas into the reservoir or
producing formation in pressure maintenance or secondary recovery
programs also a salt-water disposal well.
33998822.. SSeerrvvoo
Short for servomechanism (q.v.).
33998833.. SSeerrvvoommeecchh,,66nniissmm
An automatic device for controlling large amounts of power with a small
amount of force an example of a servomechanism is the power-steering on an
automobile. Any small force on the steering wheel activates a hydraulically
powered mechanism that does the teal work of turning the wheels.
33998844.. SSeerrvvoommoottoorr
A power-driven mechanism that supplements a primary control operated by a
comparatively small force. See servomechanism.
33998855.. SSeett bbaacckk
to place stands of drill pipe and drill collars in a vertical position to one side of
the rotary table in the derrick or mast of the drilling or workover rig.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
586586
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33998866.. SSeett ccaassiinngg
to run and cement casing at a certain depth in the wellbore; to set pipe.
33998877.. SSeett ppiippee
(see set casing.)
33998888.. SSeett uupp
to harden (as cement).
33998899.. SSeettbbaacckk
The space on the derrick floor where stands of drillpipe or tubing are "set
back" and racked in the derrick. Offshore drilling platforms often list the stand
capacity of their setbacks as an indication of their pipe-handling capability and
capacity. On transportable, mast-type derricks used on land, setbacks are
outside the derrick proper.
33999900.. SSeettttlleedd pprroodduuccttiioonn
The lower average production rate of a well after the initial flush production
(q.v.) Tapers off; the production of a well that has ceased flowing and has
been put on the pump.
33999911.. SSeettttlliinngg
the separation of substances because of different sizes and specific gravities
of components in the substances.
33999922.. SSeettttlliinngg ppiitt
the mud pit into which mud flows and in which heavy solids are allowed to
settle out. Often auxiliary equipment (as desanders) must be installed to
speed this process.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
587587
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33999933.. SSeevveenn ssiisstteerrss
A term applied to the seven large international oil companies exxon, texaco,
gulf, standard of califonia, and mobile of the u.s.; and british petroleum and
royal dutch shell. The two overseas sisters. It is slid that these seven
companies control a major portion of production and refinery runs in the free
world. The term was first used by enrico mattei then head of the italian
government oil company ente nazionale ldrocarburi.
33999944.. SSeevveerraanncceettaaxx
A tax levied by some states on each barrel of oil or each thousand cubic feet
of gas produced. Production tax.
33999955.. SSeewwaaggee--ttrreeaattmmeenntt ppllaanntt
a system on offshore locations used to render human and other wastes
biologically inert before the wastes are discharged overboard.
33999966.. SSgg
show of gas; used in drilling reports.
33999977.. SShh
shale; used in drilling reports.
33999988.. SShhaacckkllee rroodd
Jointed steel rods, approximately 25 feet long and 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter,
used to connect a central power (q.v.) With a well's pumping unit or pumping
jack. Shackle-rod lines are supported on metal posts (usually made of 2-inch
line pipe) topped with wooden guide blocks which are lubricated with a heavy
grease.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
588588
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
33999999.. SShhaakkee oouutt
To force the sediment in a sample of oil to the bottom of a test tube by
whirling the sample at high speed in a centrifuge machine. After the sample
has been whirled for three to five minutes, the percent of bs&w (sediment
and water) is read on the graduated test tube.
44000000.. SShhaakkeerr
(see shale shaker.)
44000011.. SShhaakkeerr ppiitt
the mud pit adjacent to the shale shaker, usually the first pit into which the
mud flows after returning from the hole.
44000022.. SShhaallee
A type of sedimentary rock composed of fine particles of older rock laid down
as deposits in the water of takes and seas. Most shales are compacted mud
and consequently do not contain oil or gas in commercial quantities.
44000033.. SShhaallee ooiill
Oil obtained by treating the hydrocarbon kerogen found in certain kinds of
shale deposits. When the shale is heated the resulting vapors are condensed
and then treated in an involved process to form what is called shale oil or
synthetic oil.
44000044.. SShhaallee sshhaakkeerr
a series of trays with sieves that vibrate to remove cuttings from the
circulating fluid in rotary drilling operations. The size of the openings in the
sieve is carefully selected to match the size of the solids in the drilling fluid
and the anticipated size of cuttings. It is also called a shaker.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
589589
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44000055.. SShhaalleess,, kkeerrooggeenn
See kerogen shales.
44000066.. SShhaalleesshhaakkeerr
A vibrating screen for sifting out rock cuttings from drilling mud. Drilling mud
returning from downhole carrying rock chips in suspension flows over and
through the mesh of the shale shaker leaving the small fragments of rocks
which are collected and examined by the geologist for information on the
formation being drilled.
44000077.. SShhaappeedd cchhaarrggee
a relatively small container of high explosive that is loaded into a perforating
gun. Upon detonation, the charge releases a small, high-velocity stream of
particles (a jet) that penetrates the casing, cement,-and formation. (see gun-
perforate.)
44000088.. SShhaappeedd--cchhaarrggee ppeerrffoorraattiioonn
A perforation technique using shaped explosive charges instead of steel
projectiles to make holes in casing. Quantities of explosives are made in
special configurations and detonated at the bottom of the hole against the
casing wall to make the perforations.
44000099.. SShhaarrppsshhooootteerr
A spade; a narrow, square-ended shovel used in digging. Sharpshooters are
one of the pipeliner's digging tools used for squaring up a ditch or the sides of
a bell hole (q.v.).
44001100.. SShhaavvee--ttaaiillss
A skinner's (q.v.) Term for his mules.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
590590
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44001111.. SShheeaarr
action or stress that results from applied forces and that causes or tends to
cause two adjoining parts of a body to slide relative to each other in a
direction parallel to their plane of contact.
44001122.. SShheeaarr ppiinn
A retaining pin or bolt or screw designed to shear or give way before damage
can be done to the item of equipment it is holding in place. A common use for
a shear pin is to secure a propeller to a shaft. Should the propeller strike an
obstruction, the pin will shear, preventing damage to the shaft or other parts
of the power train. In other applications, shear pins or screws are used in
downhole tools or equipment to hold a part in position until the tool is landed
or in place. Then when thrust or torque is applied, the pin or screw shears,
permitting an element of the tool to assume a predetermined attitude.
44001133.. SShheeaarr rraammss
pl the components in a blowout preventer that cut, or shear, through drill
pipe and form a seal against well pressure. Shear rams are used in mobile
offshore drilling operations to provide a quick method of moving the rig away
from the hole when there is no time to trip the drill stem out of the hole.
44001144.. SShheeaarr ssttrreennggtthh
(see gel strength.)
44001155.. SShheeaarroommeetteerr
an instrument used to determine the shear strength, or gel strength, of a
drilling fluid. (see gel)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
591591
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44001166.. SShheeaavvee
(pronounced "shiv") a grooved pulley.
44001177.. SShheellll
the body of a tank.
44001188.. SShheeppaarrdd''ss ccaanneess
an earth-resistivity meter used to measure the resistance of soil to the
passage of electrical current.
44001199.. SShhiippsshhaappee ddrriilllliinngg rriigg
drill ship.
44002200.. SShhiirrttttaaiill
the part of a drilling bit on which the cone is anchored. Shirttails extend below
the threaded pin of the bit and are usually rounded on bottom, thus acquiring
the name.
44002211.. SShhoocckk ssuubb
a trade name for a device positioned in the drill stem between the bit and drill
collars that absorbs impact loads and vibration from the up-and-down motion
of the drill stem. Shock subs are designed to transmit torque while absorbing
reciprocative loads that decrease the efficiency of the drill bit.
44002222.. SShhooeessttrriinngg ssaanndd
a long, narrow sand deposit, usually a buried sandbar or filled channel.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
592592
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44002233.. SShhoooott
(1). To explode nitroglycerine or other high explosives in a hole to shatter the
rock and increase the flow of oil; now largely replaced by formation
fracturing.
(2). In seismographic work, to discharge explosives to create vibrations in the
earth's crust. (see seismograph.)
44002244.. SShhoorrtt ttrriipp
Pulling the drillstring partway out of the hole. Short trips may be necessary to
raise the drill up into the protective string of casing to avoid having the
Drillstring stuck in the hole by a cave-in or sloughing of the wall of the
borehole below the protective casing.
44002255.. SShhoott
1. A charge of high explosive, usually nitroglycerine, detonated in a well to
shatter the formation and expedite the recovery of oil. Shooting has been
almost completely replaced by formation fracturing and acid treatments. (see
shoot and nitro shooting.) 2. A point at which a photograph is made in a
single-shot survey. (see directional survey.)
44002266.. SShhoott hhoollee
A small -diameter hole, usually drilled with a portable. Truck-mounted drill,
for "planting" explosive charges in seismic operations.
44002277.. SShhoott ppooiinntt
The shot hole (q.v.), The point at which a detonation is to be made in a
geophysical survey.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
593593
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44002288.. SShhoottgguunn ttaannkk
A tall, slender tank for separating water and sediment from crude oil. On a
small-production or stripper lease, the shotgun serves as a water and
sediment knockout vessel. As the oil and water are pumped into the tall
column, the water and sediment settles to the bottom; the oil frees itself from
most of the water and floats on top of the water where it gravitates through a
take-off line into the stock tanks. The water is drawn off through a "syphon"
which may be adjusted to take off only the water.
44002299.. SShhooww
the appearance of oil or gas in cuttings, samples, or cores, and so forth of a
drilling well.
44003300.. SShhooww ooff ooiill
A small amount of oil in a well or a rock sample; a show of oil usually signifies
the well will not be a commercial producer.
44003311.. SShhrriinnkk ffiitt
An extremely tight fit as the result of "shrinking" one metal part around
another. A heated part is placed around a companion piece, and as the
heated part cools, a shri fit results. Conversely, an expansion fit may be made
by cooling a part (a valve-seat insert, for example) to extremely low
temperature with "dry ice and placing the part in position. As it returns to
normal temperature, a tight "expansion fit" will result.
44003322.. SShhrriinnkkaaggee
a decrease in oil volume caused by the evaporation of solution gas or by
lowered temperature.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
594594
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44003333.. SShhuutt ddoowwnn
to stop work temporarily or to stop a machine or operation temporarily.
44003344.. SShhuutt ddoowwnn--sshhuutt iinn wweellll
There is a great difference between a shut down and a shut in. A well is shut
down when drilling ceases; which can happen for many reasons failure of
equipment waiting on pipe; waiting on cement; waiting on orders from the
operator etc. A well is shut in when its wellhead valves are closed, shutting
off production. A shut in well often wit! Be waiting on tankage or a pipeline
connection.
44003355.. SShhuutt iinn
To close the valves at the wellhead so that the well stops flowing or
producing; also describes a well on which the valves have been closed.
44003366.. SShhuutt ooffff
to stop or decrease the production of water in an oil well by cementing or
mudding off the. Water-producing interval.
44003377.. SShhuutt--iinn pprreessssuurree
the pressure when the well is completely shut in, as noted on a gauge
installed on the surface control valves. When drilling is in progress, shut-in
pressure should be zero, because the pressure exerted by the drilling fluid
should be equal to or greater than the pressure exerted by the formations
through which the wellbore passes. On a flowing, producing well, however,
shut-in pressure should be above zero.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
595595
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44003388.. SShhuuttddoowwnn rraattee
a rate provision usually contained in a drilling contract that specifies the
compensation to the independent drilling contractor when drilling is
suspended at the request of the operator.
44003399.. SShhuuttiinn pprreessssuurree
Pressure as recorded at the wellhead when the valves p re closed and the
well is shut in. To allow the pressure to buildup to its peak, the well is shut in
for 24 hours or even longer. This permits the gas to move out of the
formation toward the borehole and build its head of pressure. See reservoir
pressure.
44004400.. SShhuuttiinn rrooyyaallttyy
Payments made when a gas well, capable of producing in paying quantities, is
shut in for lack of market for the gas. This type of royalty or some form of
rental is usually required to prevent termination of the lease.
44004411.. SSii
(1). Shut in; used in drilling reports.
(2). Systeme internationale. (see international si metric system.)
44004422.. SSiibbhhpp
shut-in bottom-hole pressure;Used in drilling reports.
44004433.. SSiiccpp
shut-in casin
44004444.. SSiiddee bboooottaaccaattss
See boomcats.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
596596
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44004455.. SSiiddee--ddoooorr eelleevvaattoorrss
Casing or tubing elevators (q.v.) With a hinged latch that opens on one side
to permit it to be fastened around the pipe and secured for hoisting.
44004466.. SSiiddee--ddoooorr mmaannddrreell
(see gas-lift mandrel.) Side-pocket mandrel (see gas-lift mandrel.) Sidetrack
to drill around broken drill pipe or casing that has become lodged
permanently in the hole by the use of a whip-stock, turbodrill, or other mud
motor. (see directional drilling.)
44004477.. SSiiddeettrraacckkiinngg
Drilling of another well beside a non-producing well and using the upper part
of the non-producer. A method of drilling past obstructions in a well, i.e., Lost
tools, pipe or other material blocking the hole. This can be done with the use
of a whipstock (q.v.), A downhole tool which forces the drill bit to drill at a
slight angle from the vertical. By beginning the deviation of the hole several
hundred feet above the junk in the original hole, the new hole %mil bypass
the obstruction and may be taken on down to the pay zone.
44004488.. SSiiddeewwaallll ccoorree//ssaammppllee
A sample of rock taken from the wall of the well's borehole.
44004499.. SSiiddeewwaallll ccoorriinngg
a coring technique especially useful in soft rock areas in which @ore samples
are obtained from a zone that has already been drilled. A hollow bullet is fired
into the formation wall to capture the core and then retrieved on a flexible
steel cable. Core samples of this type usually range from 3/4, to 1 3/16. In. In
diameter and from 3/4 to 1 in. In length.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
597597
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44005500.. SSiiddeewwaallllttaapp oorr ccoocckk
A small-diameter valve inserted in the wall of a tank or other vessel for
drawing samples or bleeding off pressure.
44005511.. SSiiddpppp
shut-in drill-pipe pressure; used in drilling reports.
444005533.. SSiieevvee aannaallyyssiiss
the determination of the percentage of particles that pass through several
screens of graduated fineness.
44005544.. SSiigghhtt ggllaassss
A glass tube in which the height of a liquid in a tank or pressure vessel may
be observed. The glass tube is supported by fittings that extend through the
vessel wall thus allowing the fluid in the tank to assume a corresponding level
in the glass.
44005555.. SSiigghhtt ppuummpp
An "antique" gasoline dispensing system in which the gasoline was pumped
by hand into a ten-gallon glass tank atop the pump in plain sight of the
customer. When the glass cylinder had been pumped full, the attendant
opened the valve on the filling hose which permitted the gasoline to gravitate
into the vehicle's tank. Gravity pump.
44005566.. SSiiggmmaa
Society of independent gasoline marketers of america.
44005577.. SSiilliiccaa fflloouurr
a silica, sio2, ground to a fineness equal to that of portland cement.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
598598
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44005588.. SSiinnggllee
a joint of drill pipe. Compare double, thribble, and fourble.
44005599.. SSiinnggllee--bbuuooyy mmoooorriinngg ssyysstteemm
An offshore floating platform (20 to 35 feet in diameter) connected to
Pipelines from the shore for loading or unloading tankers. The sbm system is
anchored in deep water thus permitting large tankers to off load or "lift" cargo
in areas where it is impractical to build a loading jetty or the close-in water is
too shallow for deep-draft vessels.
44006600.. SSiinnggllee--ppooiinntt mmoooorriinngg
Single-buoy mooring (q.v.).
44006611.. SSiinnggllee--sshhoott ssuurrvveeyy
(see directional survey.)
44006622.. SSiinnkkeerr bbaarr
a heavy weight or bar placed on or near a lightweight wireline tool. It
provides weight so that the tool can be lowered into the well properly.
44006633.. SSiinntteerr
to bond pieces of metal into a mass of metallic powder by heating them.
Tungsten carbide inserts are often bonded to the cones of button bits by
sintering when the bits are being manufactured.
44006644.. SSiipp
shut-in pressure; used in drilling reports.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
599599
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44006655.. SSiipphhoonn
a bent tube of pipe through which a liquid flows, first rising to a higher level
than that of the tube of pipe inlet and then flowing downward and through.
44006666.. SSiittttiinngg oonn aa wweellll
The vigil of the geologist, the operator, and other interested parties who
literally sit waiting for the wells drill to bore into what is expected to be the
producing formation. The geologist examines the cuttings brought up by the
drilling mud to ascertain just when the pay zone is penetrated. On a "big
well," a very good well, everyone knows when the pay is reached; on small or
marginal wells, the geologist may be the only one who recognizes it.
44006677.. SSiizziinngg ssccrraappeerr
A cylindrical, plug-like toot that is pushed or pulled through a length of pipe
to lost for roundness. In casing and tubing which is to be run in a well,
roundness is very important. There are a number of downhole tools which
must be run, e.g. Packers, swabs, pumps, etc., And if the pipe were out of
round the tools and equipment would not go down. Also, out-of-round pipe is
more vulnerable to collapsing pressures encountered in the hole.
44006688.. SSkkiidd
the rig to move a rig with a standard derrick from the location of a lost or
completed hole preparatory to starting a new hole. Skidding the rig allows the
move to be accomplished with little or no dismantling of equipment.
44006699.. SSkkiidd ttaannkk
A product-dispensing tank mounted on skids or runners. Can be pulled or
carried on a truck.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
600600
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44007700.. SSkkiidd--mmoouunntteedd
Refers to a pumping unit or other oil field equipment that has no permanent
or fixed foundation but is welded or bolted to metal runners or timber skids.
Skid-mounted units are usually readily movable by pulling as a sled or by
hoisting onto a truck.
44007711.. SSkkiiddddiinngg tthhee rriigg
Moving the derrick from one location to another without dismantling the
structure; transporting the rig from a completed well to another location
nearby. The use of skids, (heavy timbers), rollers, and a truck or tractor.
Transportable folding or jackknife rigs are seldom skidded; they are folded
down to a horizontal position and moved on a large, flatbed truck.
44007722.. SSkkiimm ppiitt
an earthen pit, often lined with concrete, into which water with small amounts
of oil is pumped. The minute quantities of oil are skimmed off the top of the
water in the pit, and the water is disposed of.
444007744.. SSkkiimmmmeerr
A type of oil-spill clean-up device propelled over the water that sucks or
paddles oil into a tank. The skimmer is mounted on a skiff or small boat. As
the boat is maneuvered to where the oil has been corralled by an oil-spill
boom (q.v.) An engine and suction pump on board takes the oil off the top of
the water much like a vacuum cleaner, and pumps it into a tank on board.
44007755.. SSkkiimmmmiinngg ppllaanntt
(1) a topping plant (q.v.);
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
601601
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
(2) a facility built alongside a creek or small stream to catch and skim off oil
that, in the early days in some fields, was turned into @reeks or accidentally
discharged from lease tanks or from broken pipelines.
44007766.. SSkkiinn
1. The area of the formation that is damaged because of the invasion of
foreign substances into the exposed section of the formation adjacent to the
wellbore during drilling and completion. 2. The pressure drop from the outer
limits of drainage to the wellbore caused by the relatively thin veneer (or
skin) of the affected formation. Skin is expressed in dimensionless units; a
positive value denotes formation damage and a negative value indicates
improvement.
44007777.. SSkkiinn eeffffeecctt
(see skin.)
44007788.. SSkkiinnnneerr
See mule skinner.
44007799.. SSllaabb ppaattcchh
A metal patch made out of a section of pipe welded over a pitted or corroded
section of pipeline. See half sole.
44008800.. SSllaacckk ooffff
to lower a load or ease up on a line. A driller will slack off to put additional
weight on the bit.
44008811.. SSllaanntt rriigg
A drilling derrick designed to drill from offshore platforms at angles of 20 to
35 degrees from the vertical. The slant rig, canted from the vertical, has a
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
602602
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
companion structure for racking the drillpipe vertically when coming out of
the hole on a trip. The rigs traveling equipment-block, hook, swivel, and kelly
joint-moves up and down on rails which are an integral part of the derrick.
With a slant rig it is possible to reach farther out from a drill platform,
particularly in relatively shallow water, than with a conventional rig using
directional drilling techniques.
44008822.. SSllaanntt wweellll
Directional well.
44008833.. SSllaanntt--hhoollee tteecchhnniiqquuee
A procedure for drilling at an angle from the vertical by means of special
downhole drilling tools to guide the drill assembly in the desired direction.
Slant holes are drilled to reach a formation or reservoir under land that can
not be drilled on, such as a town site, beneath a water-supply lake, a
cemetery or industrial property where direct, on-site drilling would be
impractical or unsafe. Slant holes also are drilled to flood a formation with
water or mud to kill a wild or burning well. See killer well.
44008844.. SSlleeeevvee ffiittttiinngg
A collar or nipple that is slipped over a length of pipe to repair a leak caused
by a split or corrosion. When the sleeve is in place, the ends are welded to
the pipe beyond the damaged section.
44008855.. SSlliicckk lliinnee
(see solid wireline.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
603603
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44008866.. SSlliiddee vvaallvveess
Very large, box-like valves for flues and stacks. Made from street steel, the
valves are mechanically or hydraulically operated.
44008877.. SSlliiddiinngg--sslleeeevvee nniippppllee
a special device placed in a string of tubing and operated by a wireline tool to
open or close orifices, thus permitting circulation between the tubing and
annulus, or to open or shut off production from alternate intervals in a well.
44008888.. SSlliimm--hhoollee ddrriilllliinngg
drilling in which the size of the hole is smaller than the conventional hole
diameter for a given depth. This decrease in hole size enables the operator to
run smaller casing, thereby lessening the cost of completion. (set miniaturized
completion.)
44008899.. SSlliinngg,, ppiippeelliinnee
A wide, rubber and fabric sling for lowering-in or handling coated and
wrapped pipe. The slings, at the end of the boom cat's hoisting lines, are
used to minimize scuffing or damaging the pipelines anticorrosion coating,
44009900.. SSlliipp
A horse -drawn, earth-moving scoop. The slip has two handles by which the
teamster guides the metal scoop into the ground at a slight angle to skim oil,
a load of earth. Teams and slips were used to dig slush pits and build tank
dikes before the days of the bulldozer. A full slip would hold about one-half
cubic yard.
44009911.. SSlliipp jjooiinntt
(see telescoping joint.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
604604
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44009922.. SSlliipp llooaadd
The weight of the string of drillpipe, tubing or casing suspended in the
drillhole by the slips (q.v.). When making a trip, coming out of the hole with
drillstring 10,000 feet long, for example, the traveling block and the hook will
be lifting hundreds of thousands of pounds. But when one stand is above the
rotary table and is being unscrewed to be set back into the derrick's pipe
rack, the full weight of the remaining string of pipe is held by the slips. This is
a slip load, and quite a load it is.
44009933.. SSlliipp ssttiicckk
An engineer's slide rule; a log-log rule; an instrument consisting of a ruler and
a medial slide graduated with logarithmic scales used for rapid calculations.
44009944.. SSlliippss
pl wedge-shaped pieces of metal with teeth or other gripping elements that
are used to prevent pipe from slipping down into the hole or to hold pipe in
place. Rotary slips fit around the drill pipe and wedge against the master
bushing to support the pipe. Power slips are pneumatically or hydraulically
actuated devices that allow the crew to dispense with the manual handling of
slips when making a connection. Packers and other downhole equipment are
secured in position by slips that engage the pipe by action directed at the
surface.
444009966.. SSllooppttaannkk
(1) on a products pipeline, a tank where off-specification products or interface
mix is stored.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
605605
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
(2) at a marine terminal. A tank for holding the oil water mix from a vessel
that has washed down its compartments. (3) any vessel used for retaining
contaminated oil or water until it can be properly disposed of.
44009977.. SSlloouugghhiinngg
(pronounced "sluffing"; see caving)
44009988.. SSllooww--sseett cceemmeenntt
a manufactured cement in which the thickening time is extended by the use
of a coarser grind, the elimination of the rapid hydrating components in its
composition, and the addition of a chemical retarder. Api classes n, d, e, and f
are slow-set cements.
44009999.. SSLLOOWWIINNGG AA WWEELLLL
Opening a well to let it blow for a short period to free the well tubing or
casing of accumulations of water, sand, or other deposits.
44110000.. SSlluuddggee
An oleo-like substance caused by the oxidation of oil or by contamination with
other material a thick, heavy emulsion containing water, carbon, grit, and
oxidized oil.
44110011.. SSlluuddggeerr
See sand pump.
44110022.. SSlluugg
A measured amount of liquid injected into a pipeline; a batch., A pipeline
scraper or pig.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
606606
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44110033.. SSlluugg tthhee ppiippee
to pump a quantity of heavy mud into the drill pipe. Before hoisting drill pipe,
it is desirable (if possible) to pump into its top section a quantity of heavy
mud, or a slug, that causes the level of the fluid in the pipe to fall; thus, when
a stand of pipe is unscrewed, the drilling fluid has been emptied out of it so
that the crew members and the rig floor are not contaminated with the fluid.
44110044.. SSlluuggggiinngg
(1) intermittent flow in a pipeline. When gas and oil are pumped in the same
line, the oil will accumulate in low places until sufficient gas pressure builds
behind it to push it out forcibly as a slug.
(2) a small slug of acid pumped into a pumping well to open up the formation
as part of a well workover operation.
44110055.. SSlluuggggiinngg ccoommppoouunndd
a special chemical demulsifier that is often added to the emulsion samples to
determine the total amount of sediment and water in the samples; also called
knockout drops.
44110066.. SSlluurrrryy
a plastic mixture of cement and water that is pumped into a well to harden;
there it supports the casing and provides a seal in the wellbore to prevent
migration of underground fluids.
44110077.. SSlluurrrryy ppiippeelliinnee
A pipeline whose primary service is carrying a mixture of crushed solids in a
water or oil medium. The common use of the term refers to a pipeline
carrying pulverized coal in water. A pipeline is the cheapest and most efficient
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
607607
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
form of transportation for liquids. In recent years the pumping of small-
particle solids, notably coil in water, has gained favor with shippers who are
attracted by the pipeline's economics and safety, as well as environmental
acceptance.
44110088.. SSlluurrrryy vviissccoossiittyy
the consistency of a slurry, measured in poise.
44110099.. SSlluurrrryy vvoolluummee
the sum of the absolute volumes of solids and liquids that constitute a slurry.
44111100.. SSlluurrrryy wweeiigghhtt
the density of a cement slurry, expressed in pounds per gallon (ppg), pounds
per cubic foot (lb/ft3), kilograms per liter (kg/liter), etc.
44111111.. SSlluurrrryy yyiieelldd
the volume of slurry obtained when one sack of cement is mixed with the
desired amount of water and additives (as accelerators, fluid-loss control
agents, etc.).
44111122.. SSlluusshh ppiitt
the Mud pit in which rotary drilling cuttings are separated from the mud
stream or in which mud is treated with additives or temporarily stored before
being pumped back into the well. Modern rotary drilling rigs are generally
provided with three or more pits, usually fabricated steel tanks fitted with
built-in piping, valves, and mud agitators.
44111133.. SSlluusshh ppuummpp
(see mud pump.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
608608
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44111144.. SSlluusshh--ppiitt llaauunnddeerr
A wooden or metal square-sided conduit or sluice box where the bailer is
dumped, the water, mud, and rock chips flushing down the launder into the
slush pit. This device, a cousin to the launder used in washing ore from a
mine, is part of a cable-tool drilling scene.
44111155.. SSlluusshhppuummpp
Mud pump (q.v.).
44111166.. SSmmookkee ppooiinntt
One of the specifications on jet-engine fuel. Kerosene or jet fuel with a low
smoke point is not as desirable as fuel with a high smoke point. Hydrotreating
the fuel reduces the smoke or gives it a higher smoke point. This is not a
contradiction, as it appears. The high and low smoke points indicate the high
and low points on the wick of a testing device made like an old fashioned
kerosene lamp. The higher the wick can be turned up while burning the
sample of jet fuel without producing smoke, the cleaner burning it is; thus the
high smoke point.
44111177.. SSmmookkeelleessss ffllaarree
A specially constructed vertical pipe or stack for the safe disposal of
hydrocarbon vapors or, in an emergency, process feed that must be disposed
of. Smokeless flares are equipped with steam jets at the mouth of the stack
to promote the complete combustion of the vented gases. The jets of steam
induce greater air i low and cool the flame resulting in complete combustion
without smoke or ash.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
609609
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44111188.. SSnnaappggrraabbbbeerr
A member of a work gang who manages to find easy jobs to keep himself
busy while the heavy work is being done by his companions. A fully occupied
loafer.
44111199.. SSnnaattcchh bblloocckk
a block that can be opened up to put a line over a roller or sheave.
44112200.. SSnngg
Synthetic natural gas; gas manufactured by various processes from coal, tar
sands, or kerogen shales (q.v.). Substitute natural gas.
44112211.. SSnniiffffeerr
(see explosimeter.)
44112222.. SSnnooww--bbaannkk ddiiggggiinngg
Colloquial expression for the relatively soft, easy drilling in sand, shales, or
gumbo.
44112233.. SSnnuubb
To check a running line by taking a turn around a post or fixed object; to take
up and hold fast the slack in a line to secure or hold on object from moving
with an attached rope turned around an anchoring piece.
44112244.. SSnnuubbbbeerrss
An ingenious rig-up of lines and blocks to push down on joints of pipe that
must be put into the well through the blowout preventer stack against very
high well pressure. With a special hookup, the upward pull of the rig's
traveling block and hook is transmitted to lines and a yoke that push down on
a joint of drillpipe, forcing it by the packing of the rams in the bop stack while
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
610610
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
the rams are holding the well pressure leak-light. After a number of joints of
pipe are forced in (the joints are screwed together), their weight equals the
up thrust of the well's pressure so the snubbers may be removed and the
remainder of the pipe
44112255.. SSnnuubbbbiinngg
A procedure for servicing wells that are under pressure. Tubing, packers, and
other downhole tools are withdrawn from the well through a stack of rams
(valve-like devices that close around pipe or tubing being withdrawn and seal
off the well pressure). As each joint of tubing is withdrawn, it is unscrewed.
44112266.. SSnnuuffffeerr
a tank safety device that seals the vapor vent manually and prevents vapor
from escaping into a fire, thus snuffing out the flame.
44112277.. SSoo
show of oil; used in drilling reports.
44112288.. SSoo&&gg
show of oil and gas; used in drilling reports.
44112299.. SSoo&&ww
show of oil and water; used in drilling reports.
44113300.. SSoocckkeett
(1). A hollow object or open device that fits or holds an object.
(2). Any of several fishing tools used to grip the outside of a lost tool or a
joint of pipe.
44113311.. SSooddiiuumm ccaarrbbooxxyymmeetthhyyll cceelllluulloossee
(see carboxymethyl cellulose.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
611611
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44113322.. SSooddiiuumm cchhlloorriiddee
common table salt; sometimes used in cement slurries as an accelerator or a
retarder, depending on the concentration. Chemical symbol is NaCl.
44113333.. SSOOEEPP
Sable Offshore Energy Project
44113344.. SSoofftt rrooppee
Rope made of hemp, sisal. Jute, or nylon, as distinguished from wire rope
which is a steel cable.
44113355.. SSoofftt wwaatteerr
(see hard water.)
44113366.. SSooffttpplluugg
A safety plug in a steam boiler, soft enough to give way or blow before the
boiler does from excessive high pressure; the plug in an engine block that will
be pushed out in case the cooling water in the block should freeze, thus
preventing the ice from cracking the block.
44113377.. SSooffttwwaarree
The collection of programs used in a particular application for use in a
computer. Tapes, cards, disk packs containing programs designed for a
process or series of processes.
44113388.. SSoolleennooiidd
An electrical unit consisting of a coil of wire in the shape of a hollow cylinder
and a moveable core. When energized by an electric current, the coil acts as
a bar magnet, instantly drawing in the moveable core, a solenoid on an
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
612612
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
automobile's starting mechanism causes the starter-motor gear to engage the
toothed ring on
44113399.. SSoolluuttiioonn
a uniform mixture of two or more substances. The dissolved substance is the
solute; the substance in which the solute is dissolved is the solvent.
44114400.. SSoolluuttiioonn ggaass
Natural gas dissolved and held under pressure in crude oil in a reservoir.See
solution-gas field.
44114411.. SSoolluuttiioonn ggaass--ooiill rraattiioo
(see gas-oil ratio.)
44114422.. SSoolluuttiioonn--ggaass ddrriivvee
a source of natural reservoir energy, in which the solution gas coming out of
the oil expands to force the oil into the wellbore.
44114433.. SSoolluuttiioonn--ggaass ffiieelldd
An oil reservoir deriving its energy for production from the expansion of the
natural gas in solution in the oil. As wells are drilled into the reservoir. The
gas in solution drives the oil into the well bore and up to the surface.
44114444.. SSoollvveenntt
A liquid capable of absorbing another liquid, gas, or solid to form a
homogeneous mixture a liquid used to dilute or thin a solution.
44114455.. SSoonnddee
a logging tool assembly, especially the device in the logging assembly that
senses and transmits formation data.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
613613
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44114466.. SSoonniicc iinntteerrffaaccee--ddeetteeccttoorr
A pipeline sensing "probe" for detecting the approach of a product interface
by identifying the change in sound velocities between the two products being
pumped. The electronic device has a probe inserted through the wall of the
pipeline. Protruding into the fluid stream. The probe picks up the variations in
sound velocities, and through the proper linkage proper give an audible alarm
or actuate valves when the interface arrives.
44114477.. SSoonniicc llooggggiinngg
the recording of the time required for a sound wave to travel a specific
distance through a formation. Difference in observed travel times is largely
caused by variations in porosities of the medium, an important determination.
The sonic log, which may be run simultaneously with a spontaneous potential
log or a gamma-ray log, is useful for correlation and often is used in
conjunction with other logging services for substantiation of porosities. It is
run in an uncased hole.
44114488.. SSoouupp
Nitroglycerine used in "shooting" a well. Nitro in its pure form is a heavy,
colorless, oily liquid made by treating glycerin with a mixture of nitric and
sulfuric acids. It is usually mixed with absorbents for easier handling. Nitro,
when used in well shooting, is put in tin "torpedos," 4 to 6 inches in diameter,
and lowered into the well on a line. The bottom of each torpedo can is made
to nest in the top of the preceding one, so as many cans as necessary for the
shot can be lowered in and stacked up, nitro is measured in quarts the size of
the shot depends upon the thickness and hardness of the formation to be
fractured.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
614614
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44114499.. SSoouurr
containing hydrogen sulfide or caused by hydrogen sulfur or another sulfur
compound.
44115500.. SSoouurr ccoorrrroossiioonn
embrittlement and subsequent wearing away of metal, caused by contact of
the metal with hydrogen sulfide or another sulfur compound.
44115511.. SSoouurr ccrruuddee
sour crude oil.
44115522.. SSoouurr ccrruuddee ooiill
oil containing hydrogen sulfide or another sulfur compound.
44115533.. SSoouurr ggaass
natural gas containing hydrogen sulfide.
44115544.. SSoouurr pprroodduuccttss
Gasolines, naphthas, and refined oils which contain hydrogen sulfide (h2s) or
other sulfur compounds. Sourness is directly connected with odor.
44115555.. SSoouurr--sseerrvviiccee ttrriimm
A designation by manufacturers of oil field fittings and equipment that their
products have finishes resistant to corrosion by hydrogen sulfide (h2s) and
other corrosive a agents in "sour" oil and gas. See sour gas.
44115566.. SSoouurrccee rroocckkss
Sedimentary formations where nearly all the world's petroleum has been
found. Nearly 60 percent of the world's petroleum reserves are in sandstone
the other 40 percent are in limestone, dolomite, et al.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
615615
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44115577.. SSoouurrccee ssttaattiioonn
a pump station at a pipeline junction by which oil is pumped from a main line
into a branch or lateral line.
44115588.. SSpp
self-potential or spontaneous potential.
44115599.. SSppaacceerrss aanndd wwaasshheess
Specially formulated fluids for removing drilling mud from a well's borehole
just ahead of the cement in a downhole cementing job. It is essential to a
good cement job that the mud be removed and the wall of the hole be clean
to ensure a good bond between cement and the wall. Spacers are thick fluids
which displace the drilling mud ahead of the cement in a slug or piston-like
manner, owing to the fluid's high viscosity and weight differential. Washes are
much thinner fluids which separate the drilling mud from the cement being
purred downhole and simultaneously remove the coating of mud left on the
formations. This is accomplished through a combination of turbulent and
surfactant action.
44116600.. SSppaacciinngg
(see well spacing.)
44116611.. SSppaacciinngg ccllaammpp
a clamp used to hold the rod string in pumping position when the well is in
the final stages of being put back on the pump.
44116622.. SSppaacciinngg ppaatttteerrnn
Geographic subdivision established by government authority, usually state,
defining the number of acres to be allotted to each well drilled in a reservoir.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
616616
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
This is a conservation measure for it is generally agreed that increased
recovery from a reservoir is not a function of the number of wells drilled. One
oil well on 40 acres is a general rule, in some states. But there are many
exceptions. Gas wells, one or two to a section (640 acres), depending upon
well depth, producing formation, and other factors.
44116633.. SSppaagghheettttii
tubing or pipe with a very small diameter.
44116644.. SSppdd
spudded; used in drilling reports.
44116655.. SSppee
society of petroleum engineers. (see aime.)
Spear
a fishing tool used to retrieve pipe lost in a well. The spear is lowered down
the hole and into the lost pipe, and, when weight, torque, or both are applied
to the string to which the spear is attached, the slips in the spear expand and
tightly grip the inside of the wall of the lost pipe. Then the string, spear, and
lost pipe are pulled to the surface.
44116666.. SSppeeaarrhheeaadd
(see preflush.)
44116677.. SSppeeaarrss
Fishing tools for retrieving pipe or cable lost in the borehole. Some spears
resemble harpoons with fixed spurs, others have retractable or releasing type
spurs.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
617617
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44116688.. SSppeecciiffiicc ggrraavviittyy
the ratio of the weight of a given volume of a substance at a given
temperature to the weight of an equal volume of a standard substance at the
same temperature. For example, if 1 in3 of water at 39 f weighs 1 unit and 1
in.' of another solid or liquid at 39 f weighs 0.95 unit, then the specific gravity
of the substance is 0.95. In determining the specific gravity of gases, the
comparison is made with the standard of air or hydrogen. (see gravity.)
44116699.. SSppeecciiffiicc hheeaatt
the amount of heat required to cause a unit increase in temperature in a unit
mass of a substance, expressed as numerically equal to the number of
calories needed to raise the temperature of 1 g of a substance by 1 c.
44117700.. SSppeeeedd ddrroooopp
the number of revolutions per minute that an engine slows down from
running at maximum, no-load speed to running at maximum, full-load speed.
Usually expressed as a percentage, speed droop should not exceed 7 percent.
44117711.. SSppeenntt
of a substance whose strength or merit has been exhausted in a process. For
example, after a well has been acidized, any acid that remains in the well is
said to be a spent acid because its strength has been used up in the acidizing
process.
44117722.. SSpphheerriiccaall bblloowwoouutt pprreevveenntteerr
A large, barrel-shaped well closure mechanism attached to the top of the
well's casing. Its purpose is to close around the drillpipe in the event of a
severe gas kick or threatened blowout. When the preventer's closing
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
618618
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
mechanism is hydraulically actuated, pressure is applied to a piston which
moves upward, forcing the packing element to extend into the well bore and
around the drillpipe in a pressure-tight seal. Should the spherical preventer be
damaged or for some reason not hold pressure, rams in the bop stack below
can also be closed on the pipe to hold the pressure until the well is killed (the
pressure is equalized) by the injection of heavier drilling mud.
44117733.. SSpphheerrooiidd
As it applies to the industry, a spheroid is a steel storage tank in the shape of
a sphere flattened at both "poles," designed to store petroleum products,
mainly lp-gases, under pressure. See hortonsphere.
44117744.. SSppiiddeerr
a circular steel device that holds slips supporting a suspended string of drill
pipe, casing, or tubing.
44117755.. SSppiiddeerrss
The hinged, latching device attached to the elevators (the hoisting arms that
lift pipe and casing in the derrick). An elevator spider is a unit attached to the
travelling-block hook for hoisting pipe, casing, and tubing out of the hole and
lowered in. The spider is manually locked around a length of tubing just
below the tool joint. Some advanced types of elevator spiders are air
operated.
44117766.. SSppiinn--uupp
To screw one stand of drillpipe or tubing rapidly into another with a spinning
Chain (q.v.). After making up the joint in this manner, the heavy pipe tongs
are applied to make the joint fight.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
619619
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44117777.. SSppiinnddlleettoopp
The name of the gusher brought in by capt. Anthony lucas, near beaumont,
texas, in 1902. The well, the first important producer ever drilled with Rotary
tools, blew in (literary) and produced, at the rate of 75.000 to 100,0000
barrels day.
44117788.. SSppiinnnneerr ssuurrvveeyy
a production-logging method that uses a small propeller turned by fluid
movement. By use of a recording arrangement, the number of turns of the
propeller can be related to the fluid quantity flowing past the instrument to
obtain a production log.
44117799.. SSppiinnnniinngg ccaatthheeaadd
a spooling attachment on the makeup cathead to permit use of a spinning
chain to spin up or make up drill pipe.
44118800.. SSppiinnnniinngg cchhaaiinn
a y-shaped chain used to spin up (tighten) one joint of drill pipe into another.
In use, one end of the chain is attached to the tongs, another end to the
spinning cathead, and the third end is free. The free end is wrapped around
the tool-joint and the cathead pulls the chain off the joint, causing the joint to
spin (turn) rapidly and tighten up. After the chain is pulled off the joint, the
tongs are secured in the same spot, and continued pull on the chain (and
thus on the tongs) by the cathead makes the joint up to final tightness.
44118811.. SSppiinnnniinngg ttoonnggss
See spinning wrench.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
620620
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44118822.. SSppiinnnniinngg wwrreenncchh
An air-operated drillpipe or tubing wrench used in place of the spinning chain
(q.v.) And the winch-powered tongs. After the joint of pipe is stabbed into the
toot joint or collar, the air wrench is latched on and spins the pipe in and
applies a measured or fixed amount of torque, thus ensuring the equal
tightening of all joints.
44118833.. SSppiirraallllyy ggrroooovveedd ddrriillll ccoollllaarr
a drill collar with a round cross section that has a long continuous groove or
flute machined helically into its outer surface. The spiraled groove provides
space between the wall of the hole and the body of the collar, minimizing the
area of contact between the hole wall and collar; thus the possibility of
differential pressure sticking is reduced.
44118844.. SSppllaasshh bbooxx
(see mother hubbard.)
44118855.. SSppllaasshh zzoonnee
the area on an offshore structure that is regularly wetted by seawater but is
not continuously submerged. Metal in the splash zone must be well-protected
from the corrosive action of seawater and air.
44118866.. SSpplliiccee
to join two parts of a rope or wireline by interweaving individual strands of
the line together. Unlike a knot, a splice does not significantly increase the
diameter of the line at the point where the parts are joined.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
621621
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44118877.. SSpplliitt sslleeeevvee
A type of pipeline repair clamp made in two halves that bolt together to form
a pressure tight seal over a hole or split in the pipe. Split sleeves also are
made to enclose leaking valves and flanges until they can be permanently
repaired.
44118888.. SSpplliitt--lleevveell ddrriilllliinngg rriigg
See drilling rig, split- level
44118899.. SSppmm
Strokes per minute; indicates the speed or pumping rate of reciprocating
pumps.
44119900.. SSppoonnggee ooiill
A type of lean oil (q.v.) Used in refinery absorber columns to absorb light
petroleum fractions or a fighter lean oil that has vaporized in an upstream
process.
44119911.. SSppoonnssoonn
An air chamber along the sides of a barge or small ship to increase buoyancy
and stability. Sponsons are used on crane barges for additional buoyancy and
to minimize listing when heavy, off-side lifts are being made with the crane.
44119922.. SSppoonnttaanneeoouuss ppootteennttiiaall
(sp) one of the basic electric-logging curves obtained by measuring natural
earth currents; also called self-potential but referred to as 'sp'.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
622622
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44119933.. SSppooooll
1. A flanged joint placed between two blowout preventers to provide a space
for a tool joint. 2. A cylindrical device with a rim at each end on which
wireline is wound; a drum. to wind or roll onto a spool or drum.
44119944.. SSppooooll ppiieeccee
A short section of piping specially cut to join the ends of two pipelines lying at
unusual attitudes to each other in tight. Difficult-to-reach places. In undersea
work, spoof pieces are used to connect a seabed i low line to a platform riser,
or two undersea lines. Spool pieces are difficult to measure and cut because
of the pitch and yaw angle of the pipes to be joined. Spool pieces may either
be a simple nipple with the ends cut a, the proper angles or they may include
a valve or other fittings.
44119955.. SSppoooollss,, ccaassiinngg aanndd ttuubbiinngg
Short-length castings, flanged on both ends, used in christmas tree
assemblies to separate and support the various valves iii the stack. Spools act
as spacers for the valves in the blowout preventer.
44119966.. SSppoott
to pump a designated quantity of a substance (as acid or cement) into a
specific interval in the well. For example, 10 bbl of diesel oil may be spotted
around an area in the hole in which drill collars are stuck against the wall of
the hole in an effort to free the collars.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
623623
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44119977.. SSppoott cchhaarrtteerr ttaannkkeerr rraatteess
The cost per ton to move crude oil product by tanker from one port to
another on a one-time basis, as compared to long-term charter rates. Spot
charter rates fluctuate, widely with demand and availability of tonnage.
44119988.. SSppoott mmaarrkkeett ssaalleess
(1) the term applied to sales of crude oil or products on one time basis and
usually at prices above the going rite or world prices. Often these sales are
arranged by an oil broker (q.v.) Who can obtain certain quantities of oil for a
price and for a one-time sale.
(2) sales of domestic crude oil by major produces to independent refiners
from the majors temporary over production or surplus. These spot sales
usually are intermittent and often at prices somewhat below the posted
prices.
44119999.. SSpprreeaadd
A contractor's men and equipment assembled to do a major construction job,
a "spread' may be literal. As the men and equipment are strung out along the
right of way for several miles. On well workover, or other jobs, the spread is a
concentration of the equipment for the work.
44220000.. SSpprreeaadd bboossss
The person in charge of men and equipment on a large pipeline or other
construction project; the stud duck.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
624624
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44220011.. SSpprreeaadd mmoooorriinngg ssyysstteemm
a system of rope, chain, or combination of the two attached to anchors on
the ocean floor and winches on the structure to keep a floating vessel near a
fixed location on the sea surface.
44220022.. SSpprriinngg llooaaddeedd
Refers to an item of equipment, machinery, or valve incorporating one or
more springs to effect an action or motion. A spring , (spiral, coil, or leaf)
which. When compressed, exerts a pressure or force against whatever is
compressing it equal to the compressive force. This stored-up energy of the,
compressed spring is to close a valve after being opened by a momentary
greater force (a pop-off or relief valve); a machine's working part to assume
its original position after being acted upon for a split instant by a larger force,
e.g., The instantaneous closing of an ,automobile's exhaust and intake valves
after being opened by the engine's push rods and rocker arms.
44220033.. SSppuudd
to move the drill stem up and down in the hole over a short distance without
rotation. Careless execution of this operation creates pressure surges that can
cause a formation to break down, which results in lost circulation. (see spud
in.)
44220044.. SSppuudd bbiitt
a special kind of drilling bit with sharp blades, rather than teeth. It is
sometimes used for drilling soft, sticky formations.
44220055.. SSppuudd iinn
to begin drilling; to start the hole.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
625625
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44220066.. SSppuuddddeerr
a portable cable-tool drilling rig, sometimes mounted on a truck or trailer.
44220077.. SSppuurr lliinnee
an oil pipeline that picks up oil from the gathering lines of several oil fields
and delivers it to a main line or trunk line.
44220088.. SSqq
square.
44220099.. SSqqeeeezzee
a cementing operation in which cement is pumped behind the casing under
high pressure to recement channeled areas or to block off an uncemented
zone.
44221100.. SSqquu
squeeze; used in drilling reports.
44221111.. SSqquuaarree ddrriillll ccoollllaarr
a special drill collar,Square but with rounded edges, used to control the
straightness or direction of the hole; often part of a packed-hole assembly.
44221122.. SSqquuaarree mmeetteerr
(m2)a unit of metric measure of an area equal to a square that measures 1 m
on each side.
44221133.. SSqquueeeezzee aa wweellll
A technique to seal off with cement a section of the well bore where a leak or
incursion of water or gas occurs; forcing cement to the bottom of the casing
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
626626
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
and up the annular space between the casing and the will of the borehole to
seal off a formation or plug a leak in the casinghead a, squeeze job.
44221144.. SSqquueeeezzee cceemmeennttiinngg
the forcing of cement slurry by pressure to specified points in a well to cause
seals at the points of squeeze. It is a secondary-cementing method, used to
isolate a producing formation, seal off water, repair casing leaks, and so
forth. (see cementing.)
44221155.. SSqquueeeezzee jjoobb
See squeeze a will.
44221166.. SSqquuiibb sshhoott
A small charge of nitroglycerin set off in the bottom of a well as part of a
workover operation after cleaning out a well, freeing the producing interval of
sand and silt, a small explosive charge may be set of,' to 'wake up the well."
44221177.. SSqquunncchh jjooiinntt
a special threadless tool joint for large-diameter pipe, especially conductor
pipe, sometimes used on offshore drilling rigs. When the box is brought down
over the pin and weight is applied, a locking device is actuated to seat the
joints. Because no rotation is required to make up these joints, their use can
save time when the conductor pipe is being run.
44221188.. SSss
sand or sandstone; used in drilling reports.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
627627
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44221199.. SSss..22000000
The designation for the class of semisubmersible drilling platforms (the
largest built to date 1979) which are of 18,000-ton displacement; 2,000ton
deck-load capacity; and capable of drilling in 2,000 feet of water.
44222200.. SSssoo
slight show of oil; used in drillingReports.
44222211.. SSsstttt
subsea test tree.
44222222.. SSssuu
saybolt seconds universal. (see saybolt viscometer.)
44222233.. SSssuu && ssssff
Seconds saybolf universal and seconds saybolt furol (q.v.).
44222244.. SSttaabb
to guide the end of a pipe into a coupling or tool joint when making up a
connection.
44222255.. SSttaabb--iinn cceemmeennttiinngg ((ooff aa wweellll))
A method of cementing large-diameter casing in the borehole in which
cement is pumped down through the drillpipe. The drilipipe is landed in a
special casing shoe at the bottom of the casing. When the drillpipe is locked
into the casing shoe, pumping of the cement downhole begins. When the
cement works its way up the outside of the casing, filling the annular space,
and reaches the surface, cement pumping is stopped and water and drilling
mud are started down the pipe behind the cement. This displaces the cement
to the bottom of the tubing. Stab-in cementing uses less cement than
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
628628
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
pumping down the casing and minimizes contamination at the cement/drilling
mud interface.
44222266.. SSttaabbbbeerr
(1) a pipeline worker who holds one end of a joint of pipe and aligns it so that
it may be screwed into the collar of the preceding joint. Before the days of
the welded line, the pipeline stabber worked only half a day because of the
exhausting nature of his work.
(2) on a pipe-welding crew, the stabber works the line-up clamps or line-up
mandrel.
(3) on a drilling rig. The floorman (roughneck) centers the joint of pipe being
lowered into the tool joint (q.v.).
44222277.. SSttaabbbbiinngg bbooaarrdd
a temporary platform erected in the derrick or mast 20 to 40 ft above the
derrick floor. The derrickman or another crew member works on the board
while casing is being run in a well. The board may be wooden or fabricated of
steel girders floored with antiskid material and powered electrically to raise or
lower it to the desired level. A stabbing board serves the same purpose as a
monkeyboard or safety platform but is temporary instead of permanent.
44222288.. SSttaabbbbiinngg jjaacckk
(see jack board.)
44222299.. SSttaabbiilliittyy
the ability of a ship or mobile offshore drilling rig to return to an upright
position when it has rolled to either side by an external force (as waves).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
629629
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44223300.. SSttaabbiilliizzeerr
(1). A tool placed near the bit and often above it in the drilling assembly and
used to change the deviation angle in a well by controlling the location of the
contact point between the hole and drill collars. Conversely, stabilizers are
used to maintain correct hole angle. (see packed-hole assembly.)
(2). A vessel in which hydrocarbon vapors are separated from liquids.
44223311.. SSttaabbiilliizzeerr sslleeeevvee
A bushing the size of the borehole inserted in the drill column to help
maintain a vertical hole, to hold the bit on course. The bushing or sleeve can
be the fixed or rotating type with permanent or replaceable wings or lugs.
(the lugs protrude from the body of the sleeve, making contact with the wall
of the hole.)
44223322.. SSttaabbllee eemmuullssiioonn
(see emulsion.)
44223333.. SSttaacckk
(see blowout premier.)
44223344.. SSttaacckk aa rriigg
to store a drilling rig on completion of a job when the rig is to be withdrawn
from operation for a time.
44223355.. SSttaacckk tthhee ttoooollss
Pulling the drillpipe and laying it down (stacking outside the derrick) in
preparation for skidding or dismantling the derrick. If the rig is transportable,
it is folded down and made ready to move.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
630630
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44223366.. SSttaaggee sseeppaarraattiioonn
an operation in which well fluids, usually under pressure, are separated into
liquid and gaseous components by passing consecutively through two or more
separators. The operating pressure of each succeeding separator is lower
than the one preceding it. Stage separation is an efficient process in that a
high percentage of the light ends of the fluid are conserved.
44223377.. SSttaaggiinngg
the placement of compressors, pumps, cooling systems, treating systems, and
so forth, in a series with another unit or units of like design to improve
operating efficiency and results.
44223388.. SSttaakkee aa wweellll
to precisely locate on the surface the point at which a well is to be drilled.
After exploration techniques have revealed the possibility of the existence of a
subsurface hydrocarbon-bearing formation, a certified and registered land
surveyor drives a stake into the ground to mark the spot where the well is to
be drilled.
44223399.. SSttaakkeedd lliimmee
(see hydrated lime.)
44224400.. SSttaallkkss
Colloquialism for joints of line pipe, tubing, or drillpipe.
44224411.. SSttaanndd ooff ppiippee
A section of drillpipe or tubing (one, two, or three-sometimes four joints)
unscrewed from the string as a unit and racked in the derrick. The height of
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
631631
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
the derrick determines the number of joints that can be unscrewed in one
"stand of pipe." See doubles.
44224422.. SSttaanndd ttuubbiinngg
to support tubing in the derrick or mast when it is out of the well rather than
laying it on a rack. Portable workover rigs are usually fitted with a mast that
holds stands about 60 ft long (doubles).
44224433.. SSttaannddaarrdd ccuubbiicc ffoooott ooff ggaass
The volume of gas contained in one cubic foot of space at a pressure of 14.65
pounds per square inch absolute and a temperature of 60'f. Volumes of gas re
bought and sold corrected to the standard pressure and temperature.
44224444.. SSttaannddaarrdd ddeerrrriicckk
a derrick that is built piece by piece at the drilling location as opposed to a
jackknife mast, which is pre-assembled. Standard derricks have been replaced
almost totally by jackknife masts.
44224455.. SSttaannddaarrdd pprreessssuurree
the pressure exerted by a column of mercury 760 mm high; equivalent to
14.7 psia.
44224466.. SSttaannddaarrdd ppuummppiinngg rriigg
A conventional pumping unit consisting of an engine or electric motor
operating a walking beam which raises and lowers the sucker rods in an up
and down pumping action.
44224477.. SSttaannddaarrdd tteemmppeerraattuurree
a predetermined temperature used as a basic measurement. The petroleum
industry uses 60 f (1 5. 5 c) as its standard temperature during measurement
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
632632
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
of oil. The volume of a quantity of oil at its actual temperature (assuming it is
not 60 f) is converted to the volume the oil would occupy at 60 f. Conversion
is aided by the use of api conversion tables.
44224488.. SSttaannddaarrdd ttoooollss
See cable tools.
44224499.. SSttaannddbbyy rriigg ttiimmee
Payment made during the period of time when the drilling rig is shut down
awaiting a decision from the lease owner and other interested parties whether
or not drilling is to continue.
44225500.. SSttaannddiinngg vvaallvvee
a fixed ball and scat valve at the lower end of the working barrel of a sucker-
rod pump. The standing valve and its cage do not move as does the traveling
valve.
44225511.. SSttaannddooffff
in perforating, the distance a jet or bullet must travel in the wellbore before
encountering the wall of the hole.
44225522.. SSttaannddppiippee
The pipe that conveys the drilling mud form the mud pump to the swivel
(q.v.) The standpipe extends part way up the derrick and connects to the
mud hose which is connected to he gooseneck (a curved pipe) of the swivel.
44225533.. SSttaannddss
the connected joints of pipe racked in the derrick or mast when making a trip.
On a rig, the usual stand is 90 ft long (three lengths of pipe screwed
together) or a thribble. Compare double and fourble.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
633633
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44225544.. SSttaarrbbooaarrdd
(nautical) the right side of a vessel (determined by looking toward the bow).
44225555.. SSttaarrcchh
a complex carbohydrate sometimes added to drilling fluids to reduce filtration
loss.
44225566.. SSttaarrvvee aa ppuummpp
To have insufficient suction head at the pump's intake connection. A pump
whose capacity or pumping rate is greater in volume of fluid being fed into it
is being "starved", which can cause cavitation (q.v.) Particularly in rotary and
centrifugal pumps. See suction head, net positive.
44225577.. SSttaattiicc fflluuiidd lleevveell
the level to which fluid rises in a well when the well is shut in. Static pressure
the force exerted by a fluid that is at rest and confined within a tank or line as
measured by a gauge.
44225588.. SSttaattiicc lliinnee
(1) a wire line to drain off or ground static electricity that may have built up
from friction in a vehicle or its content, a grounding line for gasoline
transports to prevent arcing or static charges when unloading.
(2) a line used to actuate part of a device or mechanism when the line is
pulled, as the static line which is attached to jumper's parachute and to the
plane to open the chute.
(3) a guy wire; an anchored line for stabilizing a pole, rig, or a-frame, any
wire or line; one end anchored to a deadman (q.v.), the other end attacted to
an upright construction for support.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
634634
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44225599.. SSttaattiioonn kkeeeeppiinngg
See dynamic stationing.
44226600.. SSttbb
stock tank barrel.
44226611.. SSttbb//dd
stock tank barrels per day.
44226622.. SSttdd
standard.
44226633.. SSttddss
stands; used in drilling reports.
44226644.. SStteeaamm
water in its gaseous state.
44226655.. SStteeaamm ffllooooddiinngg
A secondary or tertiary oil recovery method in which superheated high.
Pressure steam is injected into an oil formation to heat the oil, to reduce its
viscosity so it will separate from the oil sand and drain into the well bore. The
water from the coded and condensed steam is pumped out of the well with
the oil and separated at e surface, see heavy oil process(hop),
44226666.. SStteeaamm ppuummpp
A reciprocating pump that receives its poweer from big -pressure steam.
Steam is piped into the pump's steam chest an from there it is admitted to
the power cylinder where it arts upon the pump's power pistons, driving them
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
635635
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
to and fro as the steam valves open and close. The fluid end of the pump is
driven by the steam pistons, see pump simplex.
44226677.. SStteeaamm rriigg
a rotary drilling rig on which steam engines operate as prime movers. High-
pressure steam is furnished by a boiler plant located near the rig. Steam rigs
have been replaced almost totally by mechanical or electric rigs.
44226688.. SStteeaamm ssooaakk
See steam flooding,
44226699.. SStteeaamm ttrraapp
A device on a steam line designed to trap air and water condensate and
automatically bleed the air and drain the water from the system with a
minimum loss of steam pressure.
44227700.. SStteeaammiinngg ppllaanntt
See treating plant,
44227711.. SStteeeell
a malleable alloy of iron and carbon that also contains appreciable amounts of
manganese and other elements.
44227722.. SStteeeell rreeeeff
Refers to the artificial "reels" fromed by the substructures of offshore drilling
and production platforms that attract a variety of marine life from barnacles
and algae to many kinds of fish.
44227733.. SStteeeell ssttoorraagg
Refers to the storage of crude oil and products in above-ground steel Tanks.
In the 1920s and 30s vast tank firms of sleet tankage were filled with crude
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
636636
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
oil. The market could not absorb all of the country's production but oil still
flowed from the wells as each operator or company tried to produce as much
oil as possible-- and store it in 55,000-barrel tanks, which was the going size
in those days. In a few years, however, prorationing, the restriction of
production by state regulatory bodies, came into effect sharply reducing the
amount of oil stored on tank farms, where it was set afire by lightning and
suffered great losses through evaporation. Under prorationing, the oil stayed
in the ground until the market could handle it.
44227744.. SStteeeell--ttooootthh bbiitt
(see roller-cone bit.)
44227755.. SStteepp--oouutt wweellll
a well drilled adjacent to or near a proven well to ascertain the limits of the
reservoir; an outpost well.
44227766.. SSttiicckk--eelleeccttrrooddee wweellddiinngg
Electric-arc welding in which the welding rod or electrode is hand-held as
compared to automatic to automatic. See gas welding.
44227777.. SSttiillee
Steps made for walking up and over a fence or other obstruction. Made in the
shape of the letter a, stiles are used on farms and fenced leases to get to the
other side without going through a gate. See cattle guard.
44227788.. SSttiillll
any vessel in which hydrocarbon distillation is effected.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
637637
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44227799.. SSttiillll,, ppiippee
A type of distillation unit in which oil to be heated passes through pipes or
tubes in the form of a flat coil, similar to certain kinds of heat exchangers.
There are two main chambers in a pipe still one where the oil is preheated by
flue gases (the convection chamber), the other, the radiant-heat chamber
where oil is raised to the required temperature. No distillation or fractionation
takes place in the still proper. The hot oil is piped to a bubble tower or
fractionation tower where the oil flashes or vaporizes. The vapors are then
condensed into a liquid product.
44228800.. SSttiillll,, sshheellll
The oldest and simplest form of a distillation sti11 a closed vessel in which
crude oil is heated and the resulting vapors conducted away to be condensed
into a liquid product.
44228811.. SSttiimmuullaattiioonn
any process undertaken to enlarge old channels or create new ones in the
producing formation of a well (e.g., Acidizing, formation fracturing, or nitro
shooting). (see acidize.)
44228822.. SSttiinnggeerr
The pipe guide at the laying-end of a lay barge (q.v.). On a reel-type lay
barge where the coiled pipe is straightened before being laid over the end of
the barge, the stinger controls the conformation of the pipe as it leaves the
barge.
44228833.. SSttnn
stain; used in drilling reports.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
638638
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44228844.. SSttoocckk aanndd ddiieess
A device for making threads on the end of a joint of pipe or length of rod; an
adjustable frame holding a set of steel dies or cutting teeth that is clamped
over the end of the pipe to be threaded. When properly aligned the dies are
Rotated clockwise in the flame, cutting away excess metal, leaving course of
threads.
44228855.. SSttoocckk ttaannkk
a crude oil storage tank.
44228866.. SSttoocckk--ttaannkk ooiill
oil as it exists at atmospheric conditions in a stock tank. Stock-tank oil lacks
much of the dissolved gas present at reservoir pressure and temperatures.
44228877.. SSttoopp
A common term for a type of plug valve used on lease tanks an d low-
pressure gravity systems.
44228888.. SSttoopp--aanndd--wwaassttee vvaallvvee
A type of plug valve that when in a closed position drains the piping above or
beyond it. When the valve is turned a quarter turn to shut it off, a small port
or hole in the valve body is uncovered. Permitting water above the valve to
drain out, preventing a freeze up in cold weather. Stop-and-waste valves are
used mainly on small-diameter water piping.
44228899.. SSttooppccoocckk
A type of plug valve usually installed on a small-diameter piping pet cock.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
639639
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44229900.. SSttooppccoocckkiinngg
Shutting in wells periodically to permit a buildup of gas pressure in the
formations and then opening the wells for production at intervals.
44229911.. SSttooppppeell
A plug inserted in a pipeline to stop the flow of oil while repairs are being
made a specially designed plug inserted in a pipeline through the use of a
tapping machine (q.v.). In making a pipeline repair, cutting out a short
section of the pipe, for example, the pump is shut down and the line is
drained as completely as possible. But when the pipe is cut some oil may still
be draining from a higher level of the line. To block this drainage a stoppel or
plug is put in. On small-diameter lines. 12-inch or smaller mud is packed in
the end of the line to dim up the drainage, when the line is repaired the pump
is started and the mud plug is pushed along inside the line. It disintegrates
and will end up either in a storage tank or at a scraper trap. On large-
diameter lines, an inflatable rubber sphere is inserted in the cut line and
inflated with compressed air. The sphere effectively fills the line and makes a
good dam. When the repair is made, pumping is resumed and the inflated
sphere is pushed ahead to take-off point just as a batching sphere (q.v.).
44229922.. SSttoorraaggee FFaacciilliittiieess
Facilities used for storing natural gas. They generally come in two forms
gaseous storage facilities and liquified natural gas (LNG) storage facilities.
Gaseous storage facilities are usually salt caverns or depleted natural gas or
crude oil reservoirs.
44229933.. SSttoorraaggee ggaass
gas that is stored in an underground reservoir.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
640640
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44229944.. SSttoorraaggee jjuugg
The name applied to underground salt cavities for the storage of lp-gases and
other petroleum products. Jug-shaped cavities are leached or washed out of
salt beds using super-heated water under pressure, the resulting
underground caverns, some are 100 feet in diameter and 900 feet deep, are
ideal storage wells for petroleum products. See salt-bed storage.
44229955.. SSttoorraaggee ttaannkk
a tank in which oil is stored pending transfer to a pipeline or purchase.
44229966.. SSttoorraaggee,, ssaalltt--bbeedd
See salt-bed storage.
44229977.. SSttoorreelleeaassee
A preprinted lease form (bought at the store) with blanks to be filled in by the
parties to the lease.
44229988.. SSttoorrmm cchhookkee
A safety valve installed in the wells tubing below the surface to shut the well
in when the flow of oil reaches a predetermined rate. Primarily used on
offshore, bay. Or town site locations, the tubing valve acts as an automatic
shut-off in the event there is damage to the control valve or the christmas
tree. Should the flow valves be damaged or be torn away by a storm or other
cause, the well is wide open. Flowing full stream. It is at this moment that the
high-pressure stream activates the storm choke, shutting the well in
completely.
44229999.. SSttoorrmm ccoonnddiittiioonnss,, hhuunnddrreedd--yyeeaarr
See hundred-year storm conditions.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
641641
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44330000.. SSttoovvee ooiill
A fight fuel oil or kerosene used in certain kinds of wickless-burner stoves.
44330011.. SSttoovveeppiippee mmeetthhoodd ((llaayyiinngg ppiippee))
Adding one joint at a time (as in building a stovepipe) in laying an offshore
pipeline from a weld-and-lay barge. In contrast, reel-barge pipe laying is done
by unreeling a spool of pipe over the stern of the reel barge, over the stinger
(q.v.) And onto the sea floor. On some of the largest reel barges 12,000 feet
of 10-inch pipe can be carried on the massive reel and payed out like a giant
hawser as the barge moves through the water at about a mile an hour. A reel
barge can lay as much pipe in an hour or so as can be welded and laid from a
conventional lay barge in a day. This capability is very important where
"weather windows" (q.v.) May be of short duration as in the north sea or in
the extremely hostile environment of arctic waters.
44330022.. SSttrraaddddllee ppaacckkeerr
two packers separated by a spacer of variable length. A straddle packer may
be used to isolate sections of open hole to be treated or tested or to isolate
certain areas of perforated casing from the rest of the perforated section.
(see packer.)
44330033.. SSttrraaddddllee ppllaanntt
See on-line plant.
44330044.. SSttrraaddddllee tteesstt
selective testing of an interval or formation by the use of two packers, one
above and one below the zone being tested.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
642642
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44330055.. SSttrraaiigghhtt hhoollee
a hole that is drilled vertically or nearly vertically so that no part of the hole is
more than 3 degrees off the vertical per 100 ft of hole.
44330066.. SSttrraaiigghhtt rruunn
Refers to a petroleum product produced by the primary distillation of crude
oil; the simple vaporization and condensation of a petroleum fraction, without
the use of pressure or catalysts.
44330077.. SSttrraaiinn
to effect a change of form or size as a result of the application of a stress.
44330088.. SSttrraaiinn ggaauuggee
an instrument used to measure minute distortions caused by stress forces in
mechanical components.
44330099.. SSttrraaiinneerr,, ppoott
An inline strainer used to catch and hold debris being pumped through a
pipeline in a products line, a refinery, or processing plants. The strainer is
flanged and is bolted into a pipeline.
44331100.. SSttrraapp
to measure and record the dimensions of oil tanks to prepare a tank table to
determine accurately the volume of oil in a tank at any measured depth. (see
gauging tables.)
44331111.. SSttrraapp iinn
to measure a length of pipe as it is run into the hole.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
643643
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44331122.. SSttrraappppiinngg
Measuring a tank with the use of a steel tape to arrive at its volume Strapping
involves measuring the circumference at intervals, top to bottom; height,
steel thickness, and computing deadwood (q.v.). Tank tables (q.v.) Are made
from these- measurements.
44331133.. SSttrraatt tteesstt
a well that is drilled primarily to obtain geological information and that is
usually not completed even if commercial quantities of petroleum are found.
44331144.. SSttrraattaa
distinct, usually parallel beds of rock. An individual bed is a stratum.
44331155.. SSttrraatteeggiicc PPeettrroolleeuumm rreesseerrvveess
Crude oil stored in underground formations and scaled caverns as a fuel
reserve in the event of a national emergency or a prolonged oil embargo by
foreign suppliers. The caches of crude are located in various areas across the
country.
44331166.. SSttrraattiiffiiccaattiioonn
natural layering or lamination characteristic of sediments and sedimentary
rocks. (see strata.)
44331177.. SSttrraattiiggppaapphhiicc tteesstt hhoollee
A hole drilled to gather information about a stratigraphic formation, the
general character of the rocks, their porosity, and permeability.
44331188.. SSttrraattiiggrraapphhiicc tteesstt
(see strat test.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
644644
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44331199.. SSttrraattiiggrraapphhiicc ttrraapp
A type of reservoir (q.v.) Capable of holding oil or gas, formed by a change in
the characteristics of the formation-loss of porosity and permeability, or a
break in its continuity--which forms the trap or reservoir.
44332200.. SSttrraattiiggrraapphhyy
Geology that deals with the origin, composition, distribution, and succession
of rock strata.
44332211.. SSttrraattuumm
(see strata.)
44332222.. SSttrraaww iinn tthhee cciiddeerr bbaarrrreell
To have a well in a producing reservoir; or to have an interest in a well in a
producing field.
44332233.. SSttrreeaamm ddaayy
An operating day on a process unit as opposed to a calendar day. Stream day
includes an allowance for regular downtime. In computing a plant's
throughput on a daily basis, calendar days would include lime not on the line
and therefore give a distorted result. Stream day computations include only
days the plant was on stream, ignoring regular downtime for turnarounds or
for other reasons.
44332244.. SSttrreessss
a force that, when applied to an object, distorts or deforms it. Strike (see
formation strike.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
645645
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44332255.. SSttrriikkee
(1) the angle of inclination from the horizontal of an exposed strata of rock.
(2) a good well; to make a strike is to find oil in commercial quantities; a hit.
44332266.. SSttrriikkee ppllaattee
an extra piece of metal placed on the bottom of an oil storage tank to protect
it from the repeated striking of the plumb bob at the end of the gauger's
tape.
44332277.. SSttrriinngg
the entire length of casing, tubing, or drill pipe run into a hole; the casing
string. Compare drill string and drill stem.
44332288.. SSttrriinngg sshhoott
an explosive device that uses primacord, a textile-covered fuse with a core of
very high explosive, to create an explosive jar inside stuck pipe or tubing to
back off the pipe at the joint immediately above the stuck point. (see shot.)
44332299.. SSttrriinngg uupp
to thread the drilling line through the sheaves of the crown block and
traveling block. One end of the line is secured to the hoisting drum and the
other to the derrick substructure.
44333300.. SSttrriinngg--sshhoott bbaacckk--ooffff
(see string shot.)
44333311.. SSttrriinnggeerr bbeeaadd
A welding term that refers to the first bead or course of molten metal put on
by the welder as two joints of line pipe are welded together. See pipeline
welding.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
646646
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44333322.. SSttrriinnggiinngg ppiippee
Placing joints of pipe end to end along a pipeline right of way in preparation
for laying, i.e., Screwing or welding the joints together to form a pipeline. On
large-diameter pipelines two joints are welded together in a "doubling yard"
(q.v.), An area convenient to a large pipeline construction project Where the
pipe is unloaded from railway flatcars, coated and wrapped and two joints
welded together. After "doubling" the sections of pipe are hauled to the job
and strung along the right of way.
44333333.. SSttrriipp
To disassemble; to dismantle for the purpose of inspection and repair; to
remove liquid components from a gas stream. See also stripping the pipe.
44333344.. SSttrriipp aa wweellll
to pull rods and tubing from a well at the same time. Tubing must be stripped
over the rods a joint at a time, and the exposed sucker rod is then backed off
and removed.
44333355.. SSttrriipp cchhaarrtt
In lieu of the circular chart for recording gas flow through an orifice meter,
Strip charts are sometimes used. Strip charts, as long as 35 to 40 feet, need
not be changed more than once a month it the operator desires. Also, the
speed at which the long chart moves through the meter is adjustable so the
recording of fluctuations in gas flow may be spread out, permitting more
accurate readings.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
647647
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44333366.. SSttrriipp ppiippee
(1). To remove the drill stem from the hole while the blowout preventers are
closed.
(2). To pull the drill stem and the washover pipe out of the hole at the same
time.
44333377.. SSttrriippppeedd ggaass
a processed gas from which liquefied hydrocarbons have been removed.
44333388.. SSttrriippppeerr
An oil well in the final stages of production; a well producing less than 10
barrels a day. Most stripper wells are pumped only a few hours a day. In
1978 there were nearly 400,000 stripper wells in the u.s. producing 20
percent of the country's oil.
44333399.. SSttrriippppeerr hheeaadd
a blowout prevention device consisting of a gland and packing arrangement
bolted to the wellhead. It is often used to seal the annular space between
tubing and casing.
44334400.. SSttrriippppeerr rruubbbbeerr
(1). A rubber disk surrounding drill pipe or tubing that removes mud as the
pipe is brought out of hole.
(2). The pressure-sealing element of a stripper blowout preventer. (see
stripper head.)
44334411.. SSttrriippppeerr ttoowweerr,, ssoouurr--wwaatteerr
A refinery vessel, a tower for the physical removal of contaminants from “sour
water,” water from knockout drums, condensates from accumulators, and
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
648648
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
other processing units, before it undergoes biological treatment or is
discharged in the plant’s waste-water system.
44334422.. SSttrriippppeerr wwhheeeell
A hand wheel which is attached to the upper rod in a string of sucker rods in
the well to unscrew them.
44334433.. SSttrriippppiinngg jjoobb
the simultaneous pulling of rods and tubing when the sucker-rod pump or
rods are frozen in the tubing string.
44334444.. SSttrriippppiinngg ppllaanntt
See gasol no plant.
44334455.. SSttrriippppiinngg tthhee ppiippee
The job of removing drillpipe or tubing from a well under pressure, while
maintaining control of the well. The pipe is “stripped” by withdrawing it, a
stand” at a time, through a wellhead plug equipped with a hydraulic closure
mechanism (ram) that maintains pressure contact with the pipe being
withdrawn.
44334466.. SSttrriippppiinngg tthhee wweellll
To pull the rods and tubing from the well at the same time. The tubing must
be “stripped” over the rods, a joint at a time.
44334477.. SSttrrkkss
streaks; used in drilling reports.
44334488.. SSttrruuccttuurraall mmaasstt
a portable mast constructed of angular as opposed to tubular steel members.
(see jackknife mart.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
649649
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44334499.. SSttrruuccttuurraall ttrraapp
A type of reservoir containing oil and/or gas formed by movements of the
earth’s crust which seal off the oil and gas accumulation in the reservoir
forming a trap. Anticlines, salt domes, and faulting of different kinds form
structural traps. See stratigraphic trap.
44335500.. SSttrruuccttuurree
Subsurface folds or fractures of rock layers which may form a reservoir
capable of holding oil or gas.
44335511.. SSttrruuccttuurree ccoonnttoouurr mmaapp
See contour map.
44335522.. SSttuubb lliinnee
An auxiliary fine attached to an existing fine by use of a tap saddle (q.v.) Or
by welding on a nipple or other fitting.
44335533.. SSttuucckk ppiippee
drill pipe, drill collars, casing, or tubing that has inadvertently become lodged
immovably in the hole. It may occur when drilling is in progress, when casing
is being run in the hole, or when the drill pipe is being hoisted.
44335544.. SSttuucckk ppooiinntt
the depth in the hole at which the drill stem, tubing, or casing is stuck.
44335555.. SSttuudd ddrriivveerr
A mechanical device for driving or screwing stud bolts into a bored and
threaded hole; a wrench-like device attached to one threaded end of a stud
bolt without damaging the threads. When torque is applied, the other end of
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
650650
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
the bolt screws into the hole. Simple stud drivers are hand held. But for large
jobs they can be adaoted for impact wrenches (q.v.), Drill-press or air motors.
44335566.. SSttuudd dduucckk
Top man; the big boss.
44335577.. SSttuudd--lliinnkk cchhaaiinn
(nautical) an anchor chain on which each link has a bar, or stud, across the
shorter dimension of the link to prevent kinking and deformation under load.
44335588.. SSttuuddiinn
To attach a line (usually of smaller diameter) to an existing line, manifold or
vessel and make the connection by cutting a hole in the existing installation
and welding on a nipple or other fitting.
44335599.. SSttuuffffiinngg bbooxx
A packing gland a chamber or “box” to hold packing material compressed
around a moving pump rod or valve stem by a “follower” to prevent the
escape or gas or liquid.
44336600.. SSuubb
(1). A short, threaded piece of pipe used to adapt parts of the drill stem that
otherwise cannot be screwed together because of differences in thread size or
design.
(2). A threaded device made up in the drill stem that serves some special
purpose. (see junk sub, bent sub, bumper sub, lifting nipple, saver sub, and
kelly saver sub.)
44336611.. SSuubbmmeerrssiibbllee
(see submersible drilling rig.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
651651
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44336622.. SSuubbmmeerrssiibbllee bbaarrggee ppllaattffoorrmm
A type of drilling rig mounted on a barge-like vessel used in shallow coastal
Waters. When on location, the vessels hull is submerged by flooding its
compartments leaving the derrick and its equipment well above the water
line.
44336633.. SSuubbmmeerrssiibbllee ddrriilllliinngg rriigg
an offshore drilling structure that has several compartments that are flooded
to cause the structure to submerge and rest on the ocean floor. Of necessity,
most submersible rigs are used only in shallow waters.
44336644.. SSuubbmmeerrssiibbllee ppuummpp
See pump, submersible.
44336655.. SSuubbsseeaa ccoommpplleettiioonn ssyysstteemm
A self-contained unit resembling a bathysphere to carry men to the ocean
bottom to install, repair, or adjust wellhead connections. One type of modular
unit is lowered from a tender and fastened to a special steel. Wellhead cellar.
Men work in a dry. Normal atmosphere. The underwater wellhead system was
developed by lockheed petroleum services ltd. In cooperation with shell oil
company.
44336666.. SSuubbsseeaa tteesstt ttrreeee
(sstt) a device designed to be landed in a subsea wellhead or blowout-
preventer stack to provide a means of closing in the well on the ocean floor
so that a drill-stem test of an offshore well can be obtained. (see formation
testing.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
652652
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44336677.. SSuubbssttiittuuttee nnaattuurraall ggaass
(sng) see synthetic (substitute) natural gas.
44336688.. SSuubbssttrruuccttuurree
the foundations on which the derrick or mast and (sometimes) engines sit,
containing space for storage and well control equipment.
44336699.. SSuubbssuurrffaaccee
below the surface of the earth (as subsurface rocks).
44337700.. SSuubbssuurrffaaccee ggeeoollooggyy
the study of rocks that lie beneath the surface of the earth.
44337711.. SSuubbssuurrffaaccee ssaaffeettyy vvaallvvee
(see tubing safety valve.)
44337722.. SSuubbssuurrffaaccee ssaammpplliinngg
a procedure in which a bottom-hole sampler is lowered into the well and filled
with a sample that is representative of the reservoir conditions and that
contains all the constituents of the fluid in their true proportions. Tests run on
this sample help to obtain an accurate knowledge of the physical properties of
the reservoir fluid under actual conditions.
44337733.. SSuucckkeerr rroodd
a special steel rod; several rods screwed together make up the mechanical
link from beam-pumping unit on the surface to the sucker-rod pump at the
bottom of a well. Sucker rods are threaded on each end and manufactured to
exact dimension standards and metal specifications set by api. Lengths are 25
or 30 ft; diameter varies from 1/2 to 1 'a in.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
653653
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44337744.. SSuucckkeerr rrooddss,, hhoollllooww
In certain applications, slim-hole pumping, hollow sucker rods are used,
serving the dual purpose of rod and production tubing in the same string.
Traveling-barrel pumps are most often used with hollow-rod pumping. The
rods are attached to the cage or pull tube (traveling barrel); the pump is
installed in the seating nipple or a packer-type pump anchor is used.
44337755.. SSuucckkeerr--rroodd ccoouupplliinngg
an internally threaded fitting used to join sucker rods.
44337766.. SSuucckkeerr--rroodd gguuiiddeess
Small washer-like devices attached to a pumping well's sucker rods to confer
the rods in the tubing as the rods move up and down. The guides prevent
excessive wear of the tubing and the rods as well.
44337777.. SSuucckkeerr--rroodd ppuummpp
the downhole assembly used to lift fluid to the surface by the reciprocating
action of the sucker-rod string. Basic components are the barrel, plunger,
valves, and hold-down. Two types of sucker-rod pumps are the tubing pump,
in which the barrel is attached to the tubing, and the rod, or insert, pump,
which is run into the well as a complete unit.
44337788.. SSuucckkeerr--rroodd ppuummppiinngg
a method of articifical lift in which a subsurface pump located at or near the
bottom of the well and connected to a string of sucker rods is used to lift the
well fluid to the surface. The weight of the rod string and fluid is
counterbalanced by weights attached to a reciprocating beam or to the crank
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
654654
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
member of a beam-pumping unit or by air pressure in a cylinder attached to
the beam.
44337799.. SSuucckkeerr--rroodd ssccrraappeerrss
Perforated disks attached to the string of sucker rods of a pumping well to
prevent the build up of paraffin on the inside of the tubing. As the rods move
up and down, the perforated disks (several to each rod) scrape off the
paraffin attempting to coat and then build up on the tubing, reducing the
amount of oil that can be pumped from the well.
44338800.. SSuucckkeerrrroodd
Steel rods that are screwed together to form a "string" that connects the
pump inside a well's tubing downhole to the pumping jack on the surface;
pumping rods.
44338811.. SSUUCCKKIINNGG TTHHEE TTOONNGGSS
Working in a pipeline gang laying screw pipe; hitting the hooks (q.v.).
44338822.. SSuuccttiioonn hheeaadd,, nneett ppoossiittiivvee
The hydrostatic head, the height of the column of liquid required to ensure
that the liquid its above its bubble point (q.v.) Pressure at the impeller eye of
a centrifugal pump, if a pump requires 1 0 foot of not positive suction head to
fill properly and prevent cavitation, then the minimum liquid level above the
pumps immediate intake connection should be 12 feet. The additional two
feet of liquid level are needed to overcome the friction of connecting piping.
44338833.. SSuuccttiioonn lliinnee
the line that carries a product out of a tank to the suction side of the pumps;
also called the loading line.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
655655
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44338844.. SSuuccttiioonn ppiitt
the mud pit from which mud is picked up by the suction of the mud pumps;
also called a sump pit.
44338855.. SSuuiittccaassee ssaanndd
a formation found to be nonproductive. When such a formation is
encountered, operations are suspended, and the crews pack their suitcases
and move to another job; hence, the name.
44338866.. SSuull wwttrr
sulfur water; used in drilling reports.
44338877.. SSuullffaattee rreessiissttaannccee
the ability of a cement to resist deterioration by sulfate ions.
44338888.. SSuullffaattee--rreedduucciinngg bbaacctteerriiaa
bacteria that digest sulfate present in water, causing the release of hydrogen
sulfide, which combines with iron to form iron sulfide, a troublesome scale.
44338899.. SSUULLLL NNOOSSEE
A screw-end pipeline plug a pipeline fitting one end of which is closed and
tapered to resemble a bull's nose; a nipple-like fitting, one end threaded, the
other end closed.
44339900.. SSuummpp
a low place in a vessel or tank used to accumulate settlings that are later
removed through an opening in the bottom of the vessel.
44339911.. SSuummpp ppiitt
A suction pit
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
656656
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44339922.. SSuuppeerrcchhaarrggee
To supply air to an engine's intake or suction valves at a pressure higher than
the surrounding atmosphere. See supercharger.
44339933.. SSuuppeerrcchhaarrggeerr
A mechanism such as a blower or compressor for increasing the volume of air
charge to an engine over that which can normally be drawn into the cylinders
through the action of the pistons on the suction strokes. Superchargers are
operated or powered by an exhaust-gas turbine in the engine's exhaust
stream.
44339944.. SSuuppeerrppoorrtt
A terminal or oil-handling facility located offshore in water deep enough to
accommodate the largest, deep-draft oil tankers.
44339955.. SSuuppeerrttaannkkeerr
The largest crude oil carrier yet designed.
44339966.. SSuuppppllyy--bbooaatt mmoooorriinngg ssyysstteemm ((ssssmmss))
A type of sea terminal for tinkers and supply boats featuring a single log
securely fixed to the ocean floor with a truss-like yoke which attaches to the
bow of the vessel being loaded. Loading fines are supported by the yoke
which is hinged to the boat allowing free articulation to accommodate any
kind of sea condition during loading. The leg of the mooring system is
equipped with a universal joint and is able to rotate as the ship
weathervanes.
44339977.. SSuurr
survey; used in drilling reports.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
657657
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44339988.. SSuurrffaaccee ccaassiinngg
(see surface pipe.)
44339999.. SSuurrffaaccee ppiippee
the first string of casing set in a well after the conductor pipe, varying in
length from a few hundred feet to several thousand. Some states require a
minimum length to protect fresh-water sands. Compare conductor pipe.
44440000.. SSuurrffaaccee pprreessssuurree
the formation pressure measured at the wellhead.
44440011.. SSuurrffaaccee ssaaffeettyy vvaallvvee
a valve mounted in the christmas tree assembly that stops the flow of fluids
from the well if damage occurs to the assembly.
44440022.. SSuurrffaaccee wwaassttee
waste incurred by line leaks, seepage, inexpedient storage, and so forth.
Usually such waste is regulated by federal or state agencies.
44440033.. SSuurrffaaccee--aaccttiivvee aaggeenntt
(see surfactant.) Surface drilling unit an offshore drilling rig that is either a
drill ship or a drilling barge; so called because the rig floats on the surface of
the water.
44440044.. SSuurrffaaccee--mmoottiioonn ccoommppeennssaattoorr
a heave compensator.
44440055.. SSuurrffaaccee--rreeaaddoouutt ddeevviiccee
an electronic device in which a probe is inserted into the drill stem near a
directional-drilling deflection tool. The probe sends to the surface continuous
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
658658
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
signals that show the direction and angle at which the bit is drilling. Readout
devices greatly simplify the accurate orientation of the drilling assembly so
that numerous directional surveys can be eliminated. (see directional drilling.)
44440066.. SSuurrffaaccttaanntt
a substance that affects the properties of the surface of a liquid or solid by
concentrating on the surface layer. Surfactants are useful in that their use can
ensure that the surface of one substance or object is in thorough contact with
the surface of another substance.
44440077.. SSuurrffaaccttaanntt ffllooooddiinngg
See micellar-surfactant flooding.
44440088.. SSuurrffaaccttaanntt mmuudd
a drilling mud prepared by adding a surfactant to a water-base mud to
change the colloidal state of the clay from that of complete dispersion to one
of controlled flocculation. These muds were originally designed for use in
deep, high-temperature wells, but their many advantages (high chemical and
thermal stability, minimum swelling effect on clay-bearing zones, lower plastic
viscosity, etc.) Extend their applicability.
44440099.. SSuurrggee
the motion of a mobile offshore drilling rig in a direction in line with the
centerline of the rig, especially the front-to-back motion of the rig when it is
moored in a seaway.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
659659
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44441100.. SSuurrggee eeffffeecctt
a rapid increase in pressure downhole that occurs when the drill stem is
lowered rapidly or when the mud pump is rapidly brought up to speed after
starting.
44441111.. SSuurrggee ttaannkk
a tank or vessel through which liquids or gases are passed to steady flow and
eliminate pressure surges.
44441122.. SSuurrggeettaannkk
A vessel on a flow line whose function is to receive and neutralize sudden,
transient rises or surges in the stream of liquid. Surge tanks often are used on
systems where fluids flow by heads (q.v.) Owing to entrained gas.
44441133.. SSuurrvveeyy
(see directional).
44441144.. SSuussppeennssiioonn//SSuussppeenndd
The temporary cessation of drilling or production operations in a well.
survey
44441155.. SSuussppeennssee mmoonneeyy
The term applied to revenue or money collected by a regulated gas pipe. Line
company after filing a rate increase, which is subject to an obligation to
refund the money to purchasers it the regulatory agency, controlling such
increases, fails to approve the increase. Escrow money.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
660660
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44441166.. SSuurrvveeyy ssttaakkeess
Wooden markers driven into the earth by a survey crew identifying the
boundaries of a right of way, the route of a pipeline, or a well location. Survey
stakes may bear notations indicating elevation or location.
44441177.. SSuurrvveeyyoorr''ss cchhaaiinn
A measuring instrument; a chain of 100 links, each link equaling 7.92 inches.
44441188.. SSuurrvveeyyoorr''ss ttrraannssiitt
A telescope mounted on a calibrated base, on a tripod, for measuring
horizontal as well as vertical angles; a theodolite. A transit is commonly used
by surveyors for running levels.
44441199.. SSuussppeennddeedd ddiissccoovveerryy
An oil or gas field that has been identified by a discovery well but is yet to be
developed.
44442200.. SSuussppeennssee mmoonneeyy
The term applied to revenue or money collected by a regulated gas pipe. Line
company after filing a rate increase, which is subject to an obligation to
refund the money to purchasers it the regulatory agency, controlling such
increases, fails to approve the increase. Escrow money.
44442211.. SSuussppeennssiioonn//SSuussppeenndd
The temporary cessation of drilling or production operations in a well.
44442222.. SSww
salt water; used in drilling reports.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
661661
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44442233.. SSwwaabb
a hollow, rubber-faced cylinder mounted on a hollow mandrel with a pin joint
on the upper end to connect to the swab line. A check valve that opens
upward on the lower end provides a way to remove the fluid from the well
when pressure is insufficient to support flow. to operate a swab on a wireline
to bring well fluids to the surface when the well does not flow naturally.
Swabbing is a temporary operation to determine whether or not the well can
be m
44442244.. SSwwaaggee
A heavy, steel tool, tapered at one end, used to force open casing that has
collapsed downhole in a well.
44442255.. SSwwaaggee nniippppllee
An adapter; a short pipe fitting, a nipple, that is a different size on each end,
e.g. 2-inch to 3-inch 2-inch to 4-inch.
44442266.. SSwwaammppeerr
(slang) a helper on a truck, tractor, or other machine.
44442277.. SSwwaayy
the motion of a mobile offshore drilling rig in a linear direction from side to
side or perpendicular to a line through the centerline of the rig; especially, the
side-to-side motion when the rig is moored in a seaway.
44442288.. SSwwaayybbrraacceess
The diagonal support braces on a rig structure. Along with the horizontal
girts, sway braces hold the legs (the corner members) of the rig in place.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
662662
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44442299.. SSwwbbdd
swabbed; used in drilling reports.
44443300.. SSwweeeett
Having a good odor a product testing negative to the "doctor test"-free of
sulfur compounds.
44443311.. SSwweeeett ccoorrrroossiioonn
the deterioration )فسد أو تلف تدريجي( of metal caused by contact with carbon
dioxide and acids.
44443322.. SSwweeeett ccrruuddee
sweet crude oil.
44443333.. SSwweeeett ccrruuddee ooiill
oil containing little or no sulfur and especially little or no hydrogen sulfide.
44443344.. SSwweeeett ggaass
Natural gas free of significant amounts of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) when
produced.
44443355.. SSwweeeett OOiill aanndd GGaass
Petroleum containing little or no hydrogen sulphide.
44443366.. SSwweeeettccrruuddee
Crude oil containing very little sulfur and having a good odor.
44443377.. SSwweeeetteenn
to remove sulfur or sulfur compounds from gas or oil. Sweet gas a natural gas
containing little or no hydrogen sulfide.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
663663
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44443388.. SSwweepptt--ffrreeqquueennccyy eexxpplloossiioonn
A type of controlled explosion used in seismic work in which a string of small
detonations are set off in sequence instead of the more conventional single,
large explosion. In oil and gas exploration, swept-frequency explosions are a
vibration or shock source in conducting seismographic surveys.
44443399.. SSwwiinngg jjooiinntt
A combination of pipe fittings that permits a limited amount of movement in
the connection without straining the lines, flanges, and valves.
44444400.. SSwwiinngg lliinnee
an extension of the suction line that pivots vertically inside an oil tank. It
reduces stratification by allowing an operator to withdraw product from
varying heights in the tank. A swing line may be used in place of a mixing
nozzle or other circulating system.
44444411.. SSwwiinngg mmaann
One whose job is working in place of other employee son their days off. In a
refinery or pump station operating 24 hours a day, there are three shifts of
workers, and a swing shift. The swing shift covers the days off of the other so
the swing man works two day shifts, two evening shifts, and one graveyard
or hoot-owl shift. The other graveyard shift is worked either by another swing
man or another plant worker who is not a regular shift worker.
44444422.. SSwwiinngg sshhiifftt
See swing man.
44444433.. SSwwiinnggcchheecckk
A check valve (q.v.).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
666464
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44444444.. SSwwiittcchheerr
A person who works on an oil lease overseeing the filling of lease stock tanks.
When a tank is full he switches valves, turning the production into other
tanks. A switches works on a lease with flowing production. If the lease had
only pumping wells, he would be called a pumper.
44444455.. SSwwiittiicchheerr
(obsolete) a pumper or lease operator.
44444466.. SSwwiivveell
a rotary tool that is hung from the rotary hook and trailing block to suspend
and permit free rotation of the drill stem. It also provides a connection for the
rotary hose and passageway for the flow of drilling fluid into the drill stem.
44444477.. SSxx
sacks; used in drilling and mud reports.
44444488.. SSyynncclliinnee
a downwarped, trough-shaped configuration of folded, stratified rocks; the
reverse of an anticline.
44444499.. SSyynnffuueell
Short for synthetic gas or oil (q.v.).
44445500.. SSyynntthhaannee ppllaanntt
A coal-to-gas pilot plant operated by the energy research and development
administration in Pennsylvania. Designed to produce 1.2 mmcfd of pipeline
gas, designated as synthane, synthetic methane.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
665665
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44445511.. SSyynntthheettiicc
(substitute) natural gas (sng) A gas that is obtained either by heating coal or
by refining heavier hydrocarbons. Hydrogen must be added to the product to
make up for deficiencies in the original hydrocarbon source.
44445522.. SSyynntthheettiicc ggaass
Commercial gas made by the reduction or gasification of solid hydrocarbons
coal, oil shale and tar sand. See gasification.
44445533.. SSyynntthheettiicc ooiill
A term applied to oil recovered from coat, oil shales, and tar sands (q.v.).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
666666
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44445544.. TT
top of; used in drilling reports.
44445555.. TT.. DD..
Total depth. Said of a well drilled to the depth intended.
44445566.. TTAA
temporarily abandoned.
44445577.. ttaacchhoommeetteerr
an instrument that measures the speed of an engine; abbreviated tach.
44445588.. TTAACCKK WWEELLDD
Spot weld temporarily joining two joints of pipe to hold them in position for
complete welding.
44445599.. ttaagg
to touch an object downhole with the drill stem as to tag bottom (of the hole)
or to tag the top of the fish.
44446600.. ttaagg lliinnee
a utility rope or cable that is attached to unwieldy loads being hoisted by a
crane to allow a load handler better control of the movement of the load.
44446611.. TTAAIILL
To carry the light end of a load; to extricate a vehicle from a ditch or mud.
44446622.. TTAAIILL CCHHAAIINN
The short length of chain, with a hook attached. on the end of a winch line.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
667667
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44446633.. TTAAIILL GGAASS
Residue gas from a sulfur recovery unit; any gas from a processing
unittreated as residue.
44446644.. ttaaiill oouutt rrooddss
to pull the bottom end of a sucker rod away from a well when laying rods
down.
44446655.. ttaaiill ppiippee
a pipe run in a well below a packer.
44446666.. ttaaiill rroolllleerr
a large roller located across the stern of an anchor-handling boat, over which
pendant lines travel when an anchor is being brought in or dropped.
44446677.. TTAAIILLIINNGG--OOUUTT RROODDSS
Unscrewing and stacking rods horizontally outside the derrick. As a rod is
unscrewed, a worker takes the free end and, as the elevator holding the other
end is stacked off, he "walks" the rod to a rack where it is laid down.
44446688.. TTAAIILLIINNGGSS
Leftovers from a refining process; refuse material separated as residue.
44446699.. TTAAIILLSS EENNDDSS
In a distillation column at a refinery, tail ends are the overlapping ends of the
distillation curves of two products. For example, when naphtha and kerosene
are being distilled, the end point (q.v.) of naphtha is about 325'F. but the
initial boiling point of kerosene is about 305'F. So before naphtha reaches its
end point, kerosene has begun to boil or vaporize. This unavoidable overlap
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
668668
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
results in tail ends; the high end of one product and low end of a closely
related product.
44447700.. ttaakkee oouutt
to remove a joint or stand of pipe from the drill stem.
44447711.. ttaallllyy
to measure and record the total length of pipe, casing, or tubing that is to be
run in a well.
44447722.. TTAALLLLYYIINNGG TTHHEE PPIIPPEE
In setting pipe, casing a well, it is important to keep tab on the footage of
pipe run in the hole. So before lowering a joint it is carefully tallied
(measured) so the operator, by counting the number of joints run, knows to
the foot where the bottom of the casing is downhole.
44447733.. TTAALLUUSS
Rock fragments at the base of a cliff, sometimes forming a slope of chips and
larger fragments one-fourth to one-third the way up the face of the
disintegrating rock cliff.
44447744.. TTAANNDDEEMM
A heavy-duty, flat-bed truck with two closely coupled pairs of axles in the
rear; a ten-wheeler.
44447755.. ttaannkk
a metal, plastic, or wooden container used to store a liquid. Two types include
production tanks and storage tanks; the latter are, in general, larger and of
stronger construction.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
669669
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44447766.. ttaannkk bbaarrggee
a large, flat-bottomed vessel divided into compartments and used to carry
crude or fuel oil.
44447777.. TTAANNKK BBAATTTTEEIIIIYY
See Battery.
44447788.. ttaannkk bbaatttteerryy
a group of production tanks located in the field that store crude oil.
44447799.. ttaannkk bboottttoommss
pl the settlings in the bottom of a storage tank. (See basic sediment and
water and bottoms.)
44448800.. ttaannkk ccaarr
a railroad car used to transport petroleum or petroleum products.
44448811.. TTAANNKK DDIIKKEE
A mound of earth surrounding an oil tank to contain the oil in the event of a
rupture in the tank, a fire, or the tank running over.
444448833.. ttaannkk ffaarrmm
a group of large tanks maintained by a pipeline used to store oil after it has
been transferred from the production tanks before transportation to the
refinery.
44448844.. TTAANNKK MMIIXXEERR
Motor-driven propeller installed on the shell of a storage tank to stir up and
mix tank sediments with the crude. The propeller shaft, protrudes through the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
670670
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
shell, with the motor mounted on the outside. Turbulence created by the prop
thrust causes the BS&W to remain suspended in the oil as it is pumped out.
44448855.. ttaannkk sshhiipp
(See tanker.)
44448866.. ttaannkk ssttrraappppeerr
the person who measures a tank at various levels to see how much it will
hold.
44448877.. ttaannkk ttaabbllee
a table giving the barrels of fluid contained in a storage tank corresponding to
the linear measurement on a gauge line. Tank tables are prepared from tank
strapping measurements. (See strap.)
44448888.. TTAANNKK TTAABBLLEESS
A printed table showing the capacity in barrels for each one-eighth inch or
one-quarter inch of tank height, from bottom to the top gauge point of the
tank, Tank tables are made from dimensions furnished by tank strappings
(q.v.). See Strapping.
44448899.. TTAANNKK TTRRAAIINN
A new concept in the rail shipment of crude oil, products, and other liquids
developed by General American Transportation (GATX). "Tank Train" tank
cars are interconnected which permits loading and unloading of the entire
train of cars from one track connection. This arrangement does away with the
need for the conventional loading rack (q.v.), and vapors from the filing
operation can be more easily contained. See Densmore, Amos.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
671671
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44449900.. ttaannkk ttrruucckk
a truck designed to transport petroleum or petroleum products.
44449911.. TTAANNKK,, BBUULLLLEETT
See Bullet Tanks.
44449922.. ttaannkkaaggee
the total capacity of a number of tanks in a field.
44449933.. ttaannkkeerr
a ship designed to transport oil, LPG, LNG, or SNG; also called a tank ship.
Tankers whose capacity is 100,000 deadweight tons or more are
supertankers, either very large crude carriers or ultralarge crude carriers.
44449944.. TTAANNKKEERR RRAATTEESS,, SSPPOOTT CCHHAARRTTEERR
See Spot Charter Tanker Rates.
44449955.. TTAANNKKEERR TTEERRMMIINNAALL
A jetty or pier equipped to load and unload oil tankers. See Sea Terminal.
44449966.. ttaapp
a hole or opening in a line or vessel in which a gauge or valve may be
inserted and screwed tight.
44449977.. TTAAPP SSAADDDDLLEE
A type of pipeline clamp with a threaded hole in one of the two halves of the
bolt-on clamp for use when a pipeline is to be tapped; to have a hole made in
it for drawing off gas or liquid. Tap saddles are used on field lines, 2" to 10";
for tapping larger lines, nipples are welded to the pipe and a tapping machine
(q.v.) is used.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
672672
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44449988.. TTAAPPEERR MMIILLLL
A type of junk mill (q.v.); an elongated, tapered grinding and pulverizing bit
(tapered from several inches to one or two inches in diameter) whose surface
had been hard-faced with super-hard, durable cutting material.
44449999.. ttaappeerr ttaapp
a fishing tool that is run into a hollow fish (as a drill collar) and rotated to cut
sufficient threads to provide a firm grip, permitting the fish to be pulled and
recovered.
44550000.. ttaappeerreedd ssttrriinngg
drill pipe, tubing, sucker rods, and so forth with a diameter larger near the
top of the well than that below.
44550011.. TTAAPPPPEEDD OORR FFLLAANNGGEEDD CCOONNNNEECCTTIIOONNSS
Indicates the two types of pump or process unit connections available from
suppliers. Tapped is an internally threaded (female) connection into which an
externally threaded piece may be, screwed; a flanged connection is one
furnished with a screw or weld flange.
444550033.. TTAAPPPPIINNGG AANNDD PPLLUUGGGGIINNGG MMAACCHHIINNEE
A device used for cutting a hole in a pipeline under pressure. A nipple, with a
full-opening valve attached, is welded to the line. The tapping machine is
screwed onto the valve and, working through the open valve, bores a hole in
the line. The tapping drill is withdraw, the valve is closed, and the tapping
machine is unscrewed from the valve. A connection can then be made to the
pipeline at the valve.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
673673
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44550044.. TTAAPPSS
Trans-Alaska Pipeline System; a large-diameter pipeline built from the oil rich
North Slope of Alaska to the warm-water port of Valdez on the state's south
shore. The 48-inch, 800-mile pipeline was completed in the summer of 1977.
Its designed throughput is 1.2 million barrels a day. The Valdez crude oil
terminal covers 1,000 acres and is one of the world's largest. The terminal
has four loading berths for tankers up to 200,000 deadweight tons
displacement.
44550055.. ttaarr ssaanndd
a sandstone that contains mostly very heavy, tarlike hydrocarbons. Tar sands
are difficult to produce by ordinary methods; thus it is costly to obtain usable
hydrocarbons from them.
44550066.. TTAARRIIFFFF
A schedule of rates or charges permitted a common carrier or utility pipeline
tariffs, are the charges made by common carrier pipelines for moving crude
oil or products.
44550077.. ttaauutt--lliinnee rreeffeerreennccee ssyysstteemm
a system for monitoring the position of a floating offshore drilling rig in
relation to the subsea wellhead by stretching a taut steel line from the rig to
the ocean floor. An inclinometer measures the slope of the line at the rig,
and, because the line is assumed to be straight from the rig to the ocean
floor, any angle in the lines indicates that the rig has moved. The system's
weakness is that the taut line can be distorted by currents and thus give
inaccurate readings. Compare acoustic past reference and position-reference
system.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
674674
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44550088.. TTBBAA
Among marketing department people, TBA stands for tires, batteries, and
accessories.
44550099.. TTccff
(Trillium Cubic Feet) A volume measurement of natural gas, approximately
equivalent to one Quad.
44551100.. TTccfflldd
trillion cubic feet of gas per day.
44551111.. TTDD
total depth.
44551122.. TTDDCC
top dead center.
44551133.. TTEEAAMMIINNGG CCOONNTTRRAACCTTOORR
A person who furnished teams of horses and mules and oil field wagons for
construction and earth work in the oil fields. Some large teaming contractors
in the early days kept stables with 600 teams (1,200 horse and mules), In the
days of drt roads in the booming oil fields, the horse and wagon was the most
dependable mode of transportation.
44551144.. TTEEAAMMSSTTEERR
See Mule Skinner.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
675675
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44551155.. TTEEAAPPOOTT DDOOMMEE
Part of the Naval Petroleum Reserves set aside by Congress in 1923. Teapot
Dome in Wyoming was the center of controversy and scandal in the 19205
during the presidency of Warren G. Harding.
44551166.. tteeaarr ddoowwnn
to dismantle a rig at the completion of a well and prepare it to be moved to
the next location.
44551177.. TTEECCTTOONNIICC MMAAPP
A geological map structural map showing the folding and faulting of
subsurface formations.
44551188.. TTEEGG
triethylene glycol.
44551199.. TTEELLEEGGRRAAPPHH
A device for the remote control of a steam drilling engine on a cable-tool rig.
The "telegraph" consisted of a wire or a small cable running between the
pulleys, one at the drillers stand, the other mounted on the steam valve of
the engine. By turning his wheel, the driller regulated the speed of the engine
by opening or closing the steam valve.
44552200.. TTEELLEEGGRRAAPPHH KKEEYY
A Morse code sending instrument made with a spring loaded lever on a
fulcrum. When the lever is depressed, the brass lever or key makes contact
with a fixed terminal, closing the electric circuit which energizes two small
coils into magnets. The magnets draw down a small bar on the telegraph
sounder, making a dot or a dash sound depending upon the length of time
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
676676
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
(split seconds) contact is made by the telegrapher. Dots are short, dashes are
slightly longer.
44552211.. TTEELLEEGGRRAAPPHHEERR''SS BBUUGG
An automatic Morse code sending machine operated by pressure from the
telegrapher's thumb and forefinger. The advantage of the bug is that it makes
dots in rapid succession by a slight pressure on the thumb lever; dashes are
made one at a time with the forefinger. A popular, patented bug is the
Vibroplex which has a beetle on the nameplate, hence the name,
44552222.. tteelleemmeettrryy
data that is gathered by electronic or other sensing devices and is transmitted
to points remote from the place where the data was collected.
44552233.. tteelleessccooppiinngg ddeerrrriicckk
a portable mast that is capable of being erected as a unit, usually by a tackle
that hoists the wireline or by hydraulic pistons. Generally the upper section of
a telescoping derrick is nested (telescoped) inside the lower section of the
structure and raised to full height either by the wireline or hydraulically. (See
production n . g, portable mast, and pole mart.)
44552244.. tteelleessccooppiinngg JJooiinntt
a device used in the marine riser system of a mobile offshore drilling rig to
compensate for the vertical motion of the rig caused by wind, waves, or
weather. It consists of an inner barrel attached beneath the rig floor and an
outer barrel attached to the riser pipe and is an integrated part of the riser
system. (See riser pipe.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
677677
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44552255.. tteellllttaallee hhoollee
a hole drilled into the space between rings of packing material used with a
liner in a mud pump. When the liner packing fails, fluid spurts out of the
telltale hole with each stroke of the piston, indicating that the packing must
be renewed.
44552266.. tteemmppeerr oorr tteemmppllee ssccrreeww
a part on a cable-tool rig used to regulate the force of the blow delivered to
the drill bit. Attached to the walking beam, it controls the feed rate of the
drilling tools.
44552277.. TTEEMMPPEERR SSCCRREEWW
A device on the cable of a string of cable fools ,hat permits the driller to
adjust tension on the drilling fine. A temper screw is made in the general form
of a turnbuckle" (q.v.)
44552288.. tteemmppeerraattuurree
a measure of heat or the absence of heat, expressed in degrees Fahrenheit or
centigrade. The latter is the standard used in countries on the metric system.
44552299.. TTEEMMPPEERRAATTUURREE BBOOMMBB
A device used downhole to measure bottom-hole and circulating temperatures
on a drilling well. One technique involves attaining a temperature sensitive
probe in a Protective sleeve attached to a carrier mounted on the drillpipe.
44553300.. TTEEMMPPEERRAATTUURREE CCOONNVVEERRSSIIOONN
('F. to 'C.) 'C. = 5/9 ('F - 32'); ('C. to 'F) 'F. = 9/5 ('C.)+ 32'.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
678678
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
444553322.. tteemmppeerraattuurree ggrraaddiieenntt
1. the rate of change of temperature with displacement in a given direction.
2. the increase in temperature of a well as its depth increases.
44553333.. TTEEMMPPEERRAATTUURREE LLOOGG
Recording temperature variations downhole by the use of an electrode
containing a length of platinum wire that readily assumes the temperature of
drilling mud, gas, or water leaking into the hole. One important use of the
logging device is to determine the location of cement in the annular space
between casing and well bore after a cement job. The curing or hardening
cement gives off heat which alters the flow of electric current observable at
the surface.
44553344.. tteemmppeerraattuurree ssuurrvveeyy
an operation to determine temperatures at various depths in the wellbore. In
addition, it is used to determine the height of cement behind the casing and
to locate the source of water influx into the wellbore.
444553366.. tteemmppllaattee
(See temporary guide base.)
44553377.. TTEEMMPPLLAATTEE PPLLAATTFFOORRMM
An offshore platform whose supporting legs fit into a frame previously
constructed and anchored to the sea floor. The platform, constructed on.
shore, is taken out to location by a crane barge where it is into the frame.
44553388.. tteemmppoorraarriillyy aabbaannddoonneedd
temporarily shut in but not plugged.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
679679
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44553399.. tteemmppoorraarryy gguuiiddee bbaassee
the initial piece of equipment lowered to the ocean floor once a mobile
offshore drilling rig has been positioned on location. It serves as an anchor for
the guidelines and as a foundation for the permanent guide base and has an
opening in the center through which the bit passes. It is also called a
template.
44554400.. tteennddeerr
1. the barge anchored alongside a relatively small offshore drilling platform,
usually containing living quarters, storage space, and the mud system. 2. a
shipment of oil presented by a shipper to a pipeline for movement.
44554411.. TTEENNDDEERRSS
A quantity of crude oil or refined product delivered to a pipeline for
transportation. Regulations set the minimum amount of oil that will be
accepted for transportation.
44554422.. tteennssiillee ssttrreennggtthh
a measure of the load required to part metal. Tensile strength is greater than
yield strength. (See yield point.)
44554433.. TTEENNSSIIOOMMEETTEERR
A gauge attached to a cable or wire rope to detect the tension being applied.
From two positions on a section of the cable a sensitive gauge measures the
stretch and twist of the cable under load, indicating the tension on a scale a
strain gauge.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
680680
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44554444.. TTEENNSSIIOONN--LLEEGG PPLLAATTFFOORRMM
A semisubumersible drilling platform held in position by multiple cables
anchored to the ocean floor. The constant tension of the cables makes the
platform immune to heave, pitch, and roll caused by wave action, conditions
that affect conventional semisubmersibles.
44554455.. tteennssiioonneerr ssyysstteemm
devices installed on a floating offshore drilling rig to maintain a constant
tension on the riser pipe despite any vertical motion the rig makes. The
guidelines must also be tensioned, and a separate tensioner system is
provided for them.
44554466.. TTEENNSSIIOONNEERR SSYYSSTTEEMMSS
Tensioner systems are installed on deep water floating drilling platforms to
maintain a constant tension on the marine riser (q.v.). Two types of systems
are used the deadweight system and the pneumatic system. Tensioning
systems serve the dual purpose of compensating for the vertical motion of the
drilling vessel or platform and maintaining a constant tension or lifting force
on the riser.
44554477.. tteerrmmiinnaall
a point to which oil is transported through-pipelines. It usually includes a tank
farm and may include tanker-loading facilities.
44554488.. TTEERRTTIIAARRYY RREECCOOVVEERRYY
The third major phase of crude oil recovery. The primary phase is flowing and
finally pumping down the reservoir until it is "depleted" or no longer
economical to operate. Secondary recovery usually involves re-pressuring or
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
681681
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
simple water-flooding. The third or tertiary phase employs more sophisticated
techniques of altering one or more of the properties of crude oil, e.g.,
reducing surface tension. This is accomplished by flooding the formation with
water mixed with certain chemicals that "free" the oil adhering to the porous
rock so it may be taken into solution and pumped to the surface. See Micellar-
surfactant Flooding.
44554499.. TTEESSTT CCOOUUPPOONNSS
Small samples of materials-metals, alloys, coatings, plastics and ceramics-
which are subjected to heat, cold, pressure, humidity and other conditions of
stress to test durability and performance under simulated operating
conditions.
44555500.. tteesstt sseeppaarraattoorr
an oil and gas separator that is used to separate relatively small quantities of
oil and gas, which are diverted through the testing devices on a lease. test
well a wildcat well.
44555511.. TTEESSTT SSEETT ((TTEELLEEPPHHOONNEE))
A lineman's portable equipment for testing the circuit on a telephone line. The
test includes a hand-cranked telephone instrument whose lead wires are
clipped to the phone lines, when the lineman wants to call in to the
switchboard.
44555522.. TTEESSTTIINNGG,, HHYYDDRROOSSTTAATTIICC
See Hydrostatic Testing.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
682682
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44555533.. TTEETTRRAAEETTHHYYLL LLEEAADD
A lead compound added, in small amounts, to gasoline to improve
itsantiknock quality. Tetraethyl lead (TEL) is manufactured from ethyl chloride
which is derived from ethylene, a petrochemical gas.
44555544.. TTEEXXAASS DDEECCKK
The top deck of a large semisubmersible drilling platform. The upper deck of
any offshore drilling rig that has two or more platform levels.
44555555.. TTEEXXAASS TTOOWWEERR
A radar or microwave platform supported on caissons anchored to the ocean
floor, The tower resembles an offshore drilling platform in the Texas Gulf,
hence the name.
44555566.. TTHHEEOODDOOLLIITTEE
A surveyor's transit (q.v.).
44555577.. TTHHEERRMMAALL CCRRAACCKKIINNGG ))التكسير الحراريالتكسير الحراري((
A refining process in which heat and pressure are used to break down,
rearrange, or combine hydrocarbon molecules. Thermal cracking is used to
increase the yield of gasoline obtainable from crude oil.
44555588.. TThheerrmmaall DDeeccaayy TTiimmee
(TDT) Log a proprietary name for a type of pulsed-neutron survey.
44555599.. TTHHEERRMMAALL OOXXIIDDIIZZEERRSS
A large, cylindrical furnace, with refractory lining and banks of burners at
various levels, for burning refinery gases before they are vented to the I la re
tower (q. v.).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
683683
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44556600.. TTHHEERRMMOOCCOOUUPPLLEE
A pyrometer; a temperature-measuring device used extensively in refining.
The thermocouple is based upon the principle that a small electric current will
flow through two dissimilar wires properly welded together at the ends, when
one junction is at a higher temperature than the other. The welded ends are
known as the "hot junction" which is placed where the temperature is to be
measured. The two free ends are carried through leads to the electromotive
force detector, known as the "cold junction." When the hot junction is heated,
the millivolts can be measured on a temperature scale.
44556611.. tthheerrmmoommeetteerr
an instrument that measures temperature. Thermometers provide a way to
estimate temperature from its effect on a substance with known
characteristics (as a gas that expands when heated). Various types of
thermometers measure temperature by measuring the change in pressure of
a gas kept at a constant volume, the change in electrical resistance of metals,
or the galvanic effect of dissimilar metals in contact. The most common
thermometer is the mercury-filled glass tube that indicates temperature by
the expansion of the liquid mercury.
44556622.. TTHHEERRMMOOMMEETTRRIICC HHYYDDRROOMMEETTEERR
A hydrometer (q.v.) which has a thermometer as an integral part of the
instrument to show the temperature of the liquid. This is of first importance
as the density or API gravity varies with the temperature. Hydrometers used
by pipeline gaugers are thermometric hydrometers.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
684684
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44556633.. tthhiicckkeenniinngg ttiimmee
the length of time a slurry is pumpable, up to 1 00 poise as measured on the
consistometer; also called pumping time. (See pumpability.)
44556644.. TTHHIIEEFF
A metal or glass cylinder with a spring-actuated closing device that is lowered
into a tank to obtain a sample of oil, or to the bottom of the tank to take a
column of heavy sediment. The thief is lowered into the tank on a line that
when jerked will trip the spring valve enabling the operator to obtain a
sample at any desired level.
44556655.. tthhiieeff ffoorrmmaattiioonn
a formation that absorbs drilling fluid as the fluid is circulated in the well; also
called a thief sand or a thief zone. Lost circulation is caused by a thief
formation.
44556666.. TTHHIIEEFF HHAATTCCHH
An opening in the top-of a tank large enough to admit a thief and other
oil.sampling equipment.
44556677.. tthhiieeff ssaanndd
(See thief formation.)
44556688.. TTHHIIEEFF ZZOONNEE
A very porous formation downhole into which drilling mud is lost.Thief zones,
which also include crevices and caverns, must be sealed off with a liner or
plugged with special cements or fibrous clogging agents before drilling can
resume.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
685685
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44556699.. TTHHIIEEFFIINNGG AATTAANNKK
Taking samples of oil from different levels in a tank of crude oil and from the
bottom to determine the presence of sediment and water with the use of a
thief (q.v.).
44557700.. tthhiinn
to add a substance such as water or a chemical to drilling mud to reduce its
viscosity.
44557711.. tthhiinnnniinngg aaggeenntt
a special chemical or combination of chemicals that, when added to a drilling
mud, reduces its viscosity.
44557722.. TTHHIIRRDD--GGEENNEERRAATTIIOONN HHAARRDDWWAARREE
Equipment developed from earlier, less sophisticated models or prototypes;
the latest in the evolution of specialized equipment.
44557733.. tthhiixxoottrroopphhyy
the property exhibited by a fluid that is in a liquid state when flowing and in a
semisolid, gelled state when at rest. Most drilling fluids must be thixotrophic
so that the cuttings in the fluid will remain in suspension when circulation is
stopped.
44557744.. TTHHIIXXOOTTRROOPPIICC
The property of certain specially formulated cement slurries-used in
cementing jobs downhole-that causes them to "set," become rigid when
pumping ceases. But when force is again applied (pumping is resumed) the
cement again becomes a pumpable slurry. This procedure may be repeated
until the predetermined setting time of the cement is reached.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
686686
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44557755.. TTHHRREEAADD PPRROOTTEECCTTOORR
A threaded cap or lightweight collar screwed onto the ends of tubular goods
(pipe, casing. And tubing) to protect the threads from damage as the pipe is
being handled.
44557766.. tthhrriibbbbllee
a stand of pipe made up of three joints and handled as a unit.
44557777.. tthhrriibbbbllee bbooaarrdd
the monkeyboard when it is located at a height in the derrick equal to the
length of three lengths of pipe joined together. Compare double board and
fourble board.
44557788.. tthhrroottttlliinngg
the choking or failing that occurs when a mud pump fails to deliver a full
amount of fluid through one or more of its valves. Throttling is usually caused
by improper lift of the valve.
444558800.. tthhrrooww tthhee cchhaaiinn
to flip the spinning chain up from a tool-joint box so that the chain wraps
around the tool-joint pin after it is stabbed into the box. The stand or joint of
drill pipe to be made up is turned or spun by a pull on the spinning chain from
the cathead on the drawworks.
44558811.. TTHHRROOWWIINNGG TTHHEE CCHHAAIINN
Wrapping the spinning chain (q.v.) around the drillpipe in preparation for
running the pipe up or backing it out. Crew members become proficient at
throwing the chain in such a way as to put several wraps on the pipe with
one deft motion.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
687687
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44558822.. tthhrruusstteerr
(See dynamic positioning.)
44558833.. TTHHRRUUSSTTEERRSS
Jets or propellers on large tinkers, driliships, and deep water drilling platforms
that provide a means to move the vessel sideways-at right angles to the
ship's normal line of travel-when docking or in maintaining position in water
too deep for conventional anchors. See Dynamic Stationing.
44558844.. TTHHUUMMPPEERR
See Vibrator Vehicle.
44558855.. TTIIDDEELLAANNDDSS
Land submerged during high tide. The term also refers to that portion of the
continental shelf between the shore and the boundaries claimed by states.
The Federal government now has the right to produce oil and gas from this
area of the continental shelf.
44558866.. ttiiee--ddoowwnn
a device to which a guy wire or brace may be attached; the anchoring device
for the deadline of a hoisting-block arrangement.
44558877.. TTIIEE--IINN
An operation in pipeline construction in which two sections of line are
connected a loop lied into the main line a lateral line to a trunk line.
444558899.. ttiigghhtt ffoorrmmaattiioonn
a petroleum- or waterbearing formation of relatively low porosity and
permeability.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
688688
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44559900.. TTIIGGHHTT GGAASS
Natural gas produced from a tight formation, one that will not give up its gas
readily or in large volumes. The production of tight gas is more costly and
therefore less attractive to producers owing to the need for fracturing.
acidizing. and other expensive treatments to free the gas from the relatively
impermeable formations. In view of these constraints, such g as has been
given an incentive price of 150 percent of the price of gas from new.
conventional onshore gas wells by the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.
44559911.. TTIIGGHHTT HHOOLLEE
A drilling well about which all information-depth, formations encountered,
drilling rate. logs-is kept secret by the operator.
44559922.. ttiigghhtt ssppoott
a section of a borehole in which excessive wall cake has built up, reducing the
hole diameter and making it difficult to run the tools in and out. Compare key
seat.
44559933.. TTIINN HHAATT
The metal. derby-like, safety hat worn by all workers in the oil fields,
refineries, and plants to protect their heads.
44559944.. TTLLPP
Term-limit pricing an agreement on price between a supplier and a wholesaler
or jobber that runs for a specified length of time.
44559955.. TTOO LLAAYY OOFFFF AANN IINNTTEERREESSTT
To sell off a portion of one's interest in a well to another person to reduce the
financial loss should the well be noncommercial or dry. For example, an
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
689689
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
investor who has a 30 percent interest in a well to be drilled may lay off five
or 10 percent of his interest for cash he needs to minimize his risk or to
reduce his "exposed position."
44559966.. TTOOEEBBOOAARRDD
The enclosure at toe height around a platform or on a catwalk to prevent
tools or other objects on the platforms from being kicked off accidentally.
44559977.. TTOOLLUUEENNEE
An aromatic hydrocarbon resembling benzene but less volatile and flammable.
It is used as a solvent and as an antiknock agent in gasoline.
44559988.. ttoonn
(1). (nautical) a volume measure equal to 100 ft' applied to mobile offshore
drilling rigs.
(2). a measure of weight equal to 2,000 lb.
(3). (metric) a measure of weight equal to 1,000 kg. (See tonnage.)
44559999.. TTOONN OOFF CCRRUUDDEE OOIILL
A ton of crude oil is, 6.5 to 8.5 barrels, depending on the oils specific gravity.
For rough approximation. 7.5 barrels equals a metric ton or long to 1,000
kilograms or 2,204.6 pounds.
44660000.. ttoonn--mmiillee
a measurement of the amount of use a wireline has received. If a wireline has
moved a 1-ton load a distance of 1 mile, the line has received 1 ton-mile of
usage.
44660011.. ttoonnggmmaann
the member of the drilling crew who handles the tongs.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
690690
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44660022.. ttoonnggss
pl the large wrenches used for turning when making up or breaking out drill
pipe, casing, tubing, or other pipe; variously called casing tongs, rotary tongs,
and so forth according to the specific use. Power tongs are pneumatically or
hydraulically operated tools that serve to spin the pipe up tight, and, in some
instances, to apply the final makeup torque. (See also chain tongs.)
44660033.. TTOONNGGSS,, DDRRIILLLLPPIIPPEE AANNDD CCAASSIINNGG
Large wrenches for making up or breaking out (tightening ox loosening) joints
of pipe or casing. The tongs are counterbalanced because of their weight and
size. Where a joint of pipe is to be tightened, the two tongs (one for applying
torque, the other for backup) are swung toward the pipe by the floormen,
and upon making contact with the pipe a latching device clamps the tongs
onto the pipe. A chain and rope lanyard attached to the handle of the torque
tongs is bulled by a friction turn or two around the cat head (operated by the
driller), The backup tongs are anchored by a rope or chain secured to a
substantial rig member,
44660044.. ttoonnnnaaggee
(nautical) the size of a ship or spaces within a ship as measured in tons.
44660055.. ttooooll ddrreesssseerr
a driller's helper on a cable-tool rig, once responsible for sharpening or
dressing the drill bit; sometimes called a toolie.
44660066.. ttooooll jjooiinntt
a heavy coupling element for drill pipe made of special alloy steel. Tool joints
have coarse, tapered threads and seating shoulders designed to sustain the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
691691
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
weight of the drill stem, withstand the strain of frequent coupling and
uncoupling, and provide a leakproof seal. The male section of the joint, or the
pin, is attached to one end of a length of drill pipe, and the female section, or
box, is attached to the other end. The tool joint may be welded to the end of
the pipe or screwed on or both. A hard metal facing is often applied in a band
around the outside of the tool joint to enable it to resist abrasion from the
walls of the borehole.
44660077.. TTOOOOLL JJOOIINNTT LLEEAAKK DDEETTEECCTTOORR
A hydraulic testing device which is clamped around a tool joint after it is made
up light in the drillstring and before it is lowered in the hole. The leak
detector puts a 1,000-psi pressure or more on the outside circumference of
the joint and holds the pressure for a few seconds. The smallest leak in the
connection is indicated on a gauge by a drop in pressure.
44660088.. ttooooll ppuusshheerr
a drilling foreman or rig superintendent.
44660099.. TTOOOOLLIIEE
A tool -dresser (q.v.) on a cable-tool rig.
444661111.. TTOOOOLLJJOOIINNTT
Heavy-duty, threaded joints specially designed to couple and uncouple
drillpipe into "stands" (q.v.) of such length that they can be racked in the
derrick. intermediate couplings between the tool joints are made with regular
pipe collars.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
692692
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44661122.. ttoopp ddeeaadd cceenntteerr
(TDC) the position of a piston when it is at the highest point possible in the
cylinder of an engine, often marked on the flywheel.
44661133.. TTOOPP OOUUTT
To finish filling a tank to put in an additional amount that will fill the tank to
the top.
44661144.. TTOOPPPPEEDD CCRRUUDDEE OOIILL
Oil from which the fight ends (q.v.) have been removed by a simple refining
process.
44661155.. TTOOPPPPIINNGG PPLLAANNTT
An oil refinery designed to remove and finish only the lighter constituents of
crude oil, such as gasoline and kerosene. In such a plant the oil remaining
after these products are taken off is usually sold as fuel oil.
44661166.. TTOOPPSS
The "tops" in a refinery operation are the fractions or products distilled or
flashed off at the top of a tower or distillation unit.
44661177.. TTOORRPPEEDDOO
An explosive device used in shooting (q.v.) a well. The well-shooting torpedo
was invented and used by Col. E. A. L. Roberts, a Civil War veteran, in 1865.
The first torpedoes used black powder as an explosive; later, nitroglycerin
was substituted for the powder.
44661188.. TTOORRQQUUEE
A turning or twisting force; a force that produces a rotation or torsion, or
tends to.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
693693
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44661199.. TTOORRQQUUEE CCOONNVVEERRTTEERR
An item of hydraulic equipment which is installed between the prime movers
(drilling engines, for example) and the driven components (mud pumps and
rotary) to transmit a smooth, continuous flow of power.
44662200.. TTOORRSSIIOONN BBAALLAANNCCEE
A delicate instrument used by early-day geophysical crews to measure the
minute variations in magnetic attraction of subsurface rock formations. As
minute variations in magnetic of the subsurface features were plotted over a
wide area, the geophysicist had some idea as to where sedimentary
formations that might contain oil were located in relation to non-sedimentary
rocks. The forsion balance has been superceded by the less complicated (to
use) gravity meter or gravimeter. See The torque
44662211.. ttoottaall ddeepptthh
(TD) the maximum depth reached in a well.
44662222.. ttoouurr
(pronounced "tower") an 8-hr shift worked by a drilling crew or other oil-field
workers. Sometimes 12-hour tours are used, especially on offshore rigs. The
most common divisions of tours are daylight, evening, and graveyard, if 8-hr
tours are employed.
44662233.. TTOOWWEERR HHAANNDD
A member of the drilling crew who works up in the derrick derrick man.
44662244.. TTooxxiicciittyy
The degree to which a toxin is harmful.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
694694
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44662255.. TTooxxiinn
Any substance, which in sufficient quantity is harmful to biota.
44662266.. TTPP
tubing pressure; used in drilling reports.
44662277.. ttrraacceerr
a substance added to reservoir fluids to permit the movements of the fluid to
be followed or traced. Dyes and radioactive substances are used as tracers in
underground water flows and sometimes helium is used in gas. When
samples of the water or gas taken some distance from the point of injection
reveal signs of the tracer, the route of the fluids can be mapped.
44662288.. TTRRAACCEERR LLIINNEESS
Small-diameter tubing paralleling and in contact with process or
instrumentation piping in a refinery or other plant to provide heat or cooling
for the fluid or gases in transit. More often tracer lines carry steam. In the
field, larger diameter tracer lines are used to heat low-gravity, viscous crude
oils so they may be pumped. See also Heat Tape.
44662299.. ttrraacceerr ssuurrvveeyy
a survey used in an oil well to obtain a reading of radioactivity from a quantity
of special material injected into the well. Radioactive tracers may be gas,
liquid, or solid.
44663300.. TTRRAACCTT BBOOOOKK
A record book maintained by the district land offices of the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM), listing all entries affecting described land.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
695695
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44663311.. TTRRAACCTTOORR FFUUEELL
A low-octane fuel, less volatile than motor gasoline, used in low compression
farm tractors.
44663322.. TTRRAADDEERR
One who deals in bulk petroleum or products both domestic and foreign; one
who operates in the international oil market, arranging for supplies and
trading surpluses of one product for others; an oil broker.
44663333.. ttrraammmmeell
a metal rod of precise length used to measure distance between two points
where accessibility is limited; abbreviated tram. It is often used to mark
crankshaft positions on engines.
44663344.. TTRRAANNSSDDUUCCEERR
A device or instrument actuated by power from one kind of system and in
turn supplies power to another system. A Classic example of a transducer is
the telephone receiver which is actuated by electric power and supplies
acoustic power to the atmosphere. A form of transducer is an air or hydraulic
system that will actuate an electric system by pressure on a contact switch.
Another and true form of transducer is the thermocouple (q.v.) wherein heat
on two dissimilar pieces of metal will create a small, measure. able electric
current.
44663355.. TTRRAANNSSIITTEE PPIIPPEE
A patented, composition pipe for handling corrosive liquids and salt water.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
696696
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44663366.. TTRRAANNSSIITTIIOONN FFIITTTTIINNGGSS
When using plastic pipe in the field or at a plant, it is usually necessary to
make connection with steel tank fittings or a pipeline. If so, special transition
fittings, made with one end acceptable to the plastic pipe and the other end a
standard thread end or weld end, are installed.
44663377.. ttrraannssiittiioonn zzoonnee
(1). the area in which underground pressures begin to change from normal to
abnormally high as a well is being deepened.
(2). the areas in the drill stem near the point where drill pipe is made up on
drill collars.
44663388.. ttrraannssmmiissssiioonn
the gear or chain arrangement by which power is transmitted from the prime
mover to the drawworks, mud pump, or rotary table of a drilling rig.
44663399.. ttrraannssmmiissssiioonn lliinnee
1. a high-voltage line used to transmit electric power from one place to
another. 2. a pipeline used to transmit natural gas or other fluids.
44664400.. TTRRAANNSSPPOONNDDEERR
A radio or other electronic device that, upon receiving a designated signal,
emits a signal of its own.
44664411.. TTRRAANNSSSSHHIIPPMMEENNTT TTEERRMMIINNAALL
A large, deep-water terminal where crude oil and products are delivered by ..
"super-tanker" (LCCV) (q.v.) and transshipment of product is by smaller
tankers. Such terminals have large storage capacities and high-volume
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
697697
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
unloading facilities to accommodate the mammoth vessels that carry more
than two million barrels of oil each trip.
44664422.. TTRRAAPP
A type of geological structure that retards the free migration of oil and
concentrates the oil in a limited space. A mass of porous, permeable rock
which is sealed on top and down both flanks by nonporous, impermeable rock
thus forming a trap. See Anticline.
44664433.. ttrraavveelliinngg bbaarrrreell ppuummpp
a sucker-rod insert pump in which the working barrel travels and the plunger
remains stationary. 'Re working barrel is connected to the sucker-rod string
through a connector and the traveling valve; the standing valve is connected
to the top of the plunger, which in turn is connected to the bottom hold-
down.
44664444.. ttrraavveelliinngg bblloocckk
an arrangement of pulleys, or sheaves, through which drilling cable is reeved,
which moves up and down in the derrick or mast. (See block and crown
block.)
44664455.. ttrraavveelliinngg vvaallvvee
one of the two valves in a sucker-rod pumping system. The traveling valve
moves with the movement of the sucker-rod string. On the upstroke, the ball
member of the valve is seated, supporting the fluid load. On the downstroke,
the ball is unseated, allowing fluid to enter into the production column.
Compare standing valve.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
698698
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44664466.. TTRRAAYYEEDD CCOOLLUUMMNNSS
Any of several kinds of vertical, cylindrical refining or processing columns
fitted with internal, horizontal trays or baffles over which charge stock flows
from top to bottom in a vaporization or absorption process. See Bubble Cap
Trays.
44664477.. ttrreeaatt
to subject a substance to a process or to a chemical reagent to improve its
quality or remove a contaminant.
44664488.. ttrreeaatteerr
a vessel in which oil is treated for the removal of BS& W, by the addition of
chemicals, heat, electricity, or all three.
44664499.. TTRREEAATTEERR,, EELLEECCTTRROOSSTTAATTIICC
An oil treater that uses AC and DC electrical force fields to cause the water
droplets in the oil-water emulsion to come together, coalesce, and then drop
out by gravity. The patented dehydrator uses some heat in its process,
particularly on low-gravity crude oils.
44665500.. TTRREEAATTIINNGG PPLLAANNTT
A facility for heating oil containing water, emulsions, and other impurities and
with the addition of chemicals causing the water and oil to separate. The
water and other foreign matter settle to the bottom of the tank and are then
drawn off.
44665511.. TTRREEEE SSAAVVEERR
A patented, mandrel-like piping made to slip into and through the valves and
connecting spools of a Christmas tree when a well is to be stimulated,
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
699699
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
acidized, or hydrofracked under high pressure. The mandrel or inner sleeve
takes the pressure, protecting the tree both from the high pressure and any
corrosive or abrasive fluids during the stimulation operation.
44665522.. TTRREENNCCHHEERR
A ditching machine; a large, self-propelled machine with digging buckets fixed
to an "endless" chain bolt or circular frame that, when rotated, scoops out a
ditch to predetermined width and depth.
44665533.. TTRRIICCKK
See Tour.
44665544.. TTRRIICCKKLLEE--CCHHAARRGGEEDD BBAATTTTEERRYY
A storage battery, usually for standby, emergency service, kept charged by a
small amount of current from a primary electrical source. Should the main
source of power fail, the battery. fully charged. is ready for use.
44665555.. ttrriiccoonnee bbiitt
a type of bit in which each of three toothed and conical cutters is mounted on
friction-reducing bearings and is forced into the formation by the weight and
rotary motion of the drill stem. The bit body is often fitted with nozzles, or
jets, through which the drilling fluid is discharged. A one-eye bit is used in
soft formations to drill a deviated hole. (See bit and directional drilling.)
44665566.. ttrriieetthhyylleennee ggllyyccooll
(TEG) a liquid chemical used in gas processing to remove water from the gas.
(See glycol dehydration.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
700700
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44665577.. ttrriimm
(nautical) the difference between the draft forward and the draft aft on a
mobile offshore drilling rig.
44665588.. TTRRIIMM,, SSOOUURR SSEERRVVIICCEE
See Sour Service Trim.
44665599.. TTRRIIPP
See Round Trip.
44666600.. TTRRIIPP GGAASS
High-pressure gas encountered in drilling deep wells that can cause serious
problems of control when the tools are pulled out of the hole in making a trip.
The driller must exercise extreme care to prevent loss of control or a blowout.
Sufficient mud must be in the hole to provide the hydrostatic head necessary
to contain the downhole gas pressure. Sometimes. in order to come out of
the hole under high-pressure conditions, the crew must resort to stripping the
pipe (q.v.), i.e., removing the drillstring through the wells stack of control
valves, the blowout preventer, on the wellhead.
44666611.. ttrriipp iinn
(See go in the hole.)
44666622.. ttrriipp oouutt
(See come out of the hole.)
44666633.. ttrriipp ttaannkk
a small mud pit with a capacity of 10 to 15 bbl, usually with 1 bbl divisions,
used exclusively to ascertain the amount of mud necessary to keep the
wellbore full with the exact amount of mud that is displaced by drill pipe.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
701701
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
When the bit comes out of the hole, a volume of mud equal to that which the
drill pipe occupied while in the hole must be pumped into the hole to replace
the pipe. When the bit goes back in the hole, the drill pipe displaces a certain
amount of mud, and a trip tank again can be used to keep track of this
volume.
44666644.. TTRRIIPPLLEEXX PPUUMMPP
A reciprocating pump with three plungers or pistons working in three
cylinders. The triplex pump discharges fluid more evenly than a duplex or two
plunger pump, as it has a power stroke every one-third or a revolution of the
crankshaft compares] to every half revolution for the duplex pump.
44666655.. TTRRIIPPPPIINNGG DDOOUUBBLLEESS
An expression meaning pulling the drillpipe out of the hole (or going in) in
two-joint stands (q.v.). Tripping doubles requires one-third more pipe
connections to make up and break out by the floor men than if they were
tripping "thribbles," three -joint stands. Handling thribbles calls for a large, tall
derrick, as three-joint stands are 90 feet high and can present problems in
windy areas.
44666666.. TTRRIIPPPPIINNGG TTHHEE BBIITT
Removing the bit from the hole and running it in again. (In removing the bit,
the drillpipe must be pulled a stand at a time in order to reach the bit.) See
Round Trip.
44666677.. ttrruunnkk lliinnee
a main line.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
702702
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44666688.. TTRRUUNNNNIIOONN VVAALLVVEE
A type of butterfly valve whose orifice is opened and closed by a disk rotating
on trunnions or pins seated in the valve body. Trunnion valves are opened
and closed by a quarter turn of the handle.
44666699.. ttssttgg
testing; used in drilling reports.
44667700.. ttuubbee
to run tubing in a well.
44667711.. TTUUBBEE BBUUNNDDLLEE
The name given to the tubes in the core of a heat exchanger (q.v.). The
tubes or pipes, aft the same length, are spaced equidistance apart in parallel
rows and are supported by perforated endplates thus forming a "bundle."
44667722.. ttuubbee sshheeeett
a metal plate through which the tubes in the tube bundles are placed for
support, effecting a pressure-tight connection between the tubes and the
heads of a condenser or heat exchanger.
44667733.. TTUUBBEE SSTTIILLLL
A pipe still (q.v.).
44667744.. TTUUBBEE TTUURRNN
A weld or flanged fitting in the shape of a U used in construction of manifolds,
exchanger bundles, and other close pipe work.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
703703
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44667755.. ttuubbiinngg
small-diameter pipe that is run into a well to serve as a conduit for the
passage of oil and gas to the surface.
44667766.. TTUUBBIINNGG AANNCCHHOORR
A downhole, packer-like device run in a string of tubing that clamps against
the wall of the casing. The tubing anchor prevents the "breathing" of the
tubing, the cyclic up and down movement of the lower section of tubing as
the well is pumped by a rod pump.
44667777.. TTUUBBIINNGG AANNDD CCAASSIINNGG RROOLLLLEERRSS
A downhole tool for reconditioning buckled, dented or collapsed well tubing or
casing. The tool is lowered into the hole, entering the small, deformed
diameter of the damaged pipe. As the cylindrical tool is forced lower and
rotated it pushes out dents and restores the pipe to its original diameter.
44667788.. TTUUBBIINNGG BBOOAARRDD
A small platform high in the derrick where a "derrick man" (a member of the
drilling crews who is not affected with acrophobia) stands to rack drillpipe or
tubing as it is being pulled and set back (q.v.).
44667799.. ttuubbiinngg eelleevvaattoorrss
pl a clamping apparatus used to pull tubing. The elevators latch onto the pipe
just below the top collar. The elevators are attached by steel links or bails to
the hook.
44668800.. ttuubbiinngg hhaannggeerr
an arrangement of slips built into a steel housing and engaged in the upper
end of the wellhead that serves as a support for the suspended tubing string.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
704704
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44668811.. TTUUBBIINNGG HHEEAADD
The top of the string of tubing with control and flow valves attached. Similar
in design and function to the casinghead, the tubing head supports the string
of tubing in the well, seals off pressure between casing and the inside of the
tubing, and provides connections at the surface to control the production of
gas or oil.
44668822.. ttuubbiinngg jjoobb
the act of pulling tubing out of and running it back into a well.
44668833.. ttuubbiinngg pprreessssuurree
the formation pressure on the tubing in a well at the wellhead.
44668844.. TTUUBBIINNGG PPUUMMPPSS
See Pump, Tubing.
44668855.. ttuubbiinngg ssaaffeettyy vvaallvvee
a device installed in the tubing string of a producing well to shut in the flow of
production if the flow exceeds a preset rate. Tubing safety valves are widely
used in offshore wells to prevent pollution if the wellhead fails for any reason.
44668866.. ttuubbiinngg ssppiiddeerr
a device used with slips to prevent tubing from failing into the hole when a
joint of pipe is being unscrewed and racked.
44668877.. TTUUBBIINNGG SSPPOOOOLL
A heavy, forged-steel fitting that is flanged to the casinghead and intowhich
the tubing hangers fit; an element of the above-ground well completion
hookup.tubing tongs n pl the large wrenches used to break out and make up
tubing. They may be operated manually, hydraulically, or pneumatically.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
705705
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44668888.. ttuubbiinngglleessss ccoommpplleettiioonn
a method of producing a well in which only a small diameter production
casing is set through the pay zone, with no tubing or inner production string
used to bring formation fluids to the surface. This type of completion has
limited application in small volume, dry-gas reservoirs.
44668899.. ttuubbuullaarr
tubular goods.
44669900.. ttuubbuullaarr ggooooddss
any kind of pipe; also called tubular. Oil-filed tubular goods include tubing,
casing, drill pipe, and line pipe. (See pipe.)
44669911.. TTUUNNDDRRAA
A vast area in the Arctic lying between the permanent ice cap and the m' ore
southerly forested region. Even in the warmest months of summer, the
subsoil remains frozen, the top few inches supporting only limited vegetation.
44669922.. ttuunnggsstteenn ccaarrbbiiddee bbiitt
a type of roller-cone b'9 or rock bit; also called tungsten carbide insert bits.
44669933.. TTUURRBBIINNEE MMEETTEERR,, LLIIQQUUIIDD
A mechanism inserted into a liquid flow fine that measures volumetric flow
rate and total flow. The meter is constructed with vanes on a spindle inside a
housing that can be flanged into a flow fine. The movement of liquid through
the meter exerts a force on the curved vanes, causing the spindle to turn, as
on a water wheel. The spindle is connected to a counter and readout
mechanism, showing rate of flow and total daily or monthly throughput.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
706706
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44669944.. TTUURRBBIINNEE PPUUMMPP
See Pump, Turbine.
44669955.. TTUURRBBOOCCHHAARRGGEERR
A centrifugal blower driver) by an engine's exhaust-gas turbine to
supercharge the engine. To supercharge (q.v.) is to supply air to the intake of
an engine at a pressure higher than the surrounding atmosphere.
44669966.. ttuurrbbooddrriillll
a drilling tool that rotates a bit attached to it by the action of the drilling mud
on the turbine blades built into the tool. When a turbodrill is used, rotary
motion is imparted only at the bit; thus it is unnecessary to rotate the drill
stem. Although straight holes can be drilled with the tool, it is used most
often in directional drilling.
44669977.. TTUURRBBOODDRRIILLLLIINNGG
A type of rotary drilling in which a fluid-drive turbine (motor) is placed in the
drillstring just above the drill bit. The mud pressure from the pumps at the
surface pumping mud down through the drillpipe turns the turbine that
rotates the drill bit. The drillpipe does not rotate as in conventional drilling,
hence there is no kelly joint being turned by the rotary table.
44669988.. TTUURRBBUULLEENNTT FFLLOOWW
The movement of liquid through a pipeline in eddies and swirls which tends to
keep the column of liquid "together" rather than running like a river with the
center of the stream moving faster than the edges. See Plastic Flow.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
707707
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44669999.. ttuurrnn ttoo tthhee rriigghhtt
on a rotary rig, to rotate the drill stem clockwise. When drilling ahead, the
expression "on bottom and turning to the right" indicates that drilling is
proceeding normally.
44770000.. TTUURRNNAARROOUUNNDD
The planned, periodic inspection and overhaul of the units of a refinery or
processing plant; the preventive maintenance and safety check requiring the
shutting down of a refinery and the cleaning, inspection and repair of piping
and process vessels.
44770011.. TTUURRNNBBUUCCKKLLEE
A link with a screw thread at one end and a swivel at the other; a right-and
left screw link used for tightening a rod, a guy wire, or stay.
44770022.. TTUURRNNKKEEYY
A verb made from the adjective "turnkey," to perform a complete job as
under a turnkey contract (q.v.); to take over and perform all necessary work
of planning, procurement, construction, completion, and testing of a project
before turning it over to the owner for operation.
44770033.. ttuurrnnkkeeyy ccoonnttrraacctt
a drilling contract that calls for the payment of a stipulated amount to the
drilling contractor on completion of the well. In a turnkey contract, the
contractor furnishes all material and labor and controls the entire drilling
operation, independent of supervision by the operator.
44770044.. TTUURRNNKKEEYY WWEELLLL
A well drilled under a turnkey contract (q.v.).
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
708708
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44770055.. TTUURRNNKKEEYYCCOONNTTRRAACCTT
A contract in which a drilling contractor agrees to furnish all materials and
labor and do all that is required to drill and complete a well in a workman like
manner. When on production, he "delivers,, it to the owner ready to "turn the
key" and start the oil running into the lease tank, all for an amount specified
in the contract.
44770066.. TTUURRNNTTAABBLLEE,, RROOTTAARRYY DDRRIILLLLIINNGG
See Rotary Table.
44770077.. TTUURRRREETT
MOORED ICE-DRILLING BARGE A drilling barge of new concept developed by
Dome Petroleum Ltd. for use in Arctic waters where floating or moving ice is a
danger to conventional drillships or barges. The new barge has a 16-anchor
mooring system attached to a swivel directly beneath the drilling derrick. At
the approach of advancing ice on the barge's beam, the vessel weathervanes
until its bow is headed into the ice flow. This maneuver reduces the tension
on the mooring lines to a small fraction of that on a vessel moored in a fixed
position.
44770088.. ttuurrrreett mmoooorriinngg
a system of mooring a drill ship on the drilling site in which mooring lines are
spooled onto winches mounted on a turret in the center of the vessel.
Because all mooring lines are connected to the turret, the vessel is free to
rotate around the turret axis and head into oncoming seas, regardless of
direction.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
709709
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44770099.. TTUURRTTLLEEBBAACCKK
A two-part clamp for joining lengths of shackle rod (q.v.). The connector is in
the general configuration of an English walnut; the two halves are held
together by a bolt and nut.
44771100.. TTVVDD
Total vertical depth. TVD is always less than a well's total depth (TD) because
of the inevitable deviation from the vertical of the well bore.
44771111.. ttwwiinn
a well drilled on the same location as another well and closely offsetting it but
producing from a different zone.
44771122.. ttwwiisstt ooffff
of drill pipe or drill collars, to part or split primarily because of metal fatigue in
the pipe or because of mishandling.
44771133.. TTWWIISSTTAATTAAIILL
To bring pressure to bear in order to speed up a job or to get action from
someone who is suspected of dragging his feet.
44771144.. TTWWOO--CCYYCCLLEE EENNGGIINNEE
An internal combustion engine that produces one power stroke for each
revolution of the crankshaft intake, compression. power and exhaust stroke
are accomplished in one revolution.
44771155.. TTWWOO--SSTTAAGGEE CCOOMMPPRREESSSSOORR
Two-stage identifies a type of compressor that intakes gas and compresses or
raises the pressure in the first chamber of the compressor and passes the gas
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
710710
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
into the second-stage chamber where it, is further compressed, raising the
pressure to the required level.
44771166.. TTwwpp
township; used in drilling reports.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
711711
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44771177.. UU--bboolltt
A bed in the shape of a u; both ends of which are threaded. A follower or
saddle piece fits over the threaded ends and is held in place by nuts. U-bolts
or u-clamps are used to hold two ends of wire lines together or to make a
loop in a length of wire cable by turning back the running part (the loose end)
on the standing part of the cable and clamping them together.
44771188.. UU--ttuubbee
a u-shaped piece of pipe. The drill stem in the hole is a u-tube configuration;
the drill stem serves as one arm of the u and the annulus as the other. to
cause a fluid to flow in a u-tube.
44771199.. UU--ttuubbiinngg
the action of fluids flowing in a u-tube (as heavy mud forcing lighter mud
down the drill stem and up the annulus).
44772200.. UU..ss..gg..ss..
U.s. geological survey an agency of the federal government that, among its
many service, and duties, regulates the placement of wells in federal offshore
lands.
44772211.. UUllcccc
ultralarge crude carrier.
44772222.. UUllllaaggee
the amount by which a tank or vessel lacks being full, especially on ships.
Ullage in a tank is necessary to allow space for the expansion of the oil in the
tank when the temperature increases.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
712712
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44772233.. UUllttiimmaattee rreeccoovveerryy
total ancipated recovery of oil or gas from a well, lease, or pool.
44772244.. UUllttrraallaarrggee ccrruuddee ccaarrrriieerr
a super-tanker whose capacity is 500,000 deadweight tons or more. Compare
tanker and very large crude carrier.
44772255.. UUllttrraassoonniicc aattoommiizzeerr
A development in burners for heating oils in which high-frequency sound
waves are focused on the stream of fuel, forming a spray of microscopic fuel
droplets. The resulting intimate mixture of fuel and air makes for greater
combustion efficiency.
44772266.. UUnnaassssoocciiaatteedd ggaass
Natural gas occurring alone, not in solution or as free gas with oil or
condensate. See associated gas.
44772277.. UUnnbbrraannddeedd ggaassoolliinnee
Gasoline sold by a major refiner to jobbers and other large distributors
without bearing the name of the refiner.
44772288.. UUnnccoommffoorrmmiittyy
The surface that separates two rock units, if the rock layers on either side
(top and bottom) are parallel, it is a parallel unconformity; if they lie at an
angle to each other, it is an angular unconformity. For example, a layer of
sandstone is lying on a layer of limestone. Where the two dissimilar
formations touch or meet, this surface is an unconformity; the upper layer
does not conform to the lower layer or vice versa.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
713713
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44772299.. UUnnccoonnff
unconformity; used in drilling reports.
44773300.. UUnnccoonnffoorrmmiittyy
1. Lack of continuity in deposition between rock strata in contact with one
another corresponding to a gap in the stratigraphic record. 2. The surface of
contact between rock beds in which there is a discontinuity in the ages of the
rocks. (see angular unconformity and disconformity.)
44773311.. UUnnccoonnffoorrmmiittyy
1. Lack of continuity in deposition between rock strata in contact with one
another corresponding to a gap in the stratigraphic record. 2. The surface of
contact between rock beds in which there is a discontinuity in the ages of the
rocks. (see angular unconformity and disconformity.)
44773322.. UUnnccoonnssoolliiddaatteedd ssaannddssttoonnee
a sand formation in which individual grains do not adhere to one another. If
an unconsolidated sandstone produces oil or gas, it will produce sand as well
if not controlled or corrected. (see sand control and sand consolidation.)
44773333.. UUnnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall nnaattuurraall ggaass
The term applied to natural gas so difficult and expensive to produce that the
sources have been bypassed in favor of more easily obtainable supplies. Such
sources are to be found in tight sandstone reservoirs in the western and
southwestern states, in certain shales in the appalachian basin, and in
geopressurized reservoirs along the gulf coast. Geologists have known of
these sources for many years but, because of the low prices for conventional,
more cheaply producible conventional gas, the unconventional gas supplies
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
714714
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
have remained untouched. Also, to get at these marginal sources advances in
technology have to be developed, and at great cost.
44773344.. UUnnddeerrggaauuggee bbiitt
a drilling bit whose outside diameter has been worn down until it is smaller
than the bit specifications allow. A 6 7/8 in. Bit worn down to 6 5/8 in. Is
undergauge.
44773355.. UUnnddeerrggrroouunndd bblloowwoouutt
an uncontrolled flow of gas, salt water, or other fluids out of the wellbore and
into another formation
44773366.. UUnnddeerrggrroouunndd ssttoorraaggee
In certain areas of the country where there are underground caverns
petroleum and products are stored for future use. All caverns are not suitable;
some are not naturally sealed and would permit the stored oil to leak into
subsurface water sources. See salt-dome storage.
44773377.. UUnnddeerrggrroouunndd wwaassttee
loss of recoverable reserves as a result of damage to the reservoir.
44773388.. UUnnddeerrrreeaamm
To enlarge the size of the borehole of the well by the use of an under-reamer
(q.v.). A tool with expanding arms or lugs that, when lowered into the hole,
can be released at any depth to ream the hole with steel or insert
cutters.Often the borehole, which has penetrated the producing formation, is
under-reamed to enlarge the exposed area of the hole and increase the flow
of oil into the hole. A belling tool, a type of under-reamer, is sometimes used
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
715715
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
to excavate a bell-shaped hole just below the production string of tubing or
casing for the same purpose, to enlarge or increase the face area of the hole.
44773399.. UUnnddeerrrreeaammeeff
A type of drilling loot used to enlarge the diameter of the borehole in certain
downhole intervals. The under-reamer is made with expendable arms fitted
with cutters. When in position the expendable arms are released and the
cutters chew away the rock to enlarge the hole. When the reamer is pulled
from the hole the arms fold in toward the body of the tool.
44774400.. UUnnddeerrrreeaammeerr
a device used to underream.
44774411.. UUnniibboolltt ccoouupplliinngg
A patented coupling or flange for joining two lengths of pipe. The two mating
halves of the coupling have tapered shoulders. When torque is applied to the
two halves by a single bolt, drawing the bolt lugs together, the coupling is
tightened. Unibolt couplings are for medium-diameter piping and take up less
space than conventional multibolt flanges.
44774422.. UUnniioonn
a coupling device that allows pipes to be connected without being rotated.
The mating surfaces are pulled together by a flanged, threaded collar on the
union.
44774433.. UUnniitt
1. A piece or several pieces of equipment performing a complete function (as
a beam-pumping unit). 2. Several leases that are operated by one company.
3. One lease that is operated by several companies.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
716716
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44774444.. UUnniitt ooppeerraattoorr
the oil company in charge of development and producing in an oil field in
which several companies have joined together to produce the field.
44774455.. UUnniittiizzaattiioonn
A term denoting the joint operation of separately owned producing leases in a
pool or reservoir. Unitization makes it economically feasible to undertake
cycling, pressure maintenance, or secondary recovery programs. With the
knowledge that a pool or a reservoir is a unit or an entity, with its own
pressure system and a continuous oil-bearing strata, unitization was the
logical arrangement to maintain as long as possible the productive life of the
pool. In such an arrangement, each lease bears its prorata share of the
expense of any project undertaken, as well as a share of the production. For
another type of joint venture see pooling, which is not the same as
unitization.
44774466.. UUnniittooppeerraattoorr
Head well puller; the man in charge of the pulling unit crew that does routine
subsurface work on producing wells, e.g., Cleaning out, changing pumps,
pulling rods and tubing.
44774477.. UUnniivveerrssaall
A shaft coupling able to transmit rotation to another shaft not directly in line
with the first shaft; a moveable coupling for transmitting power from one
shaft to another when one shaft is at an angle to the other's long axis.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
717717
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44774488.. UUnnlleessss ccllaauussee
The clause in an unless lease that provides for the termination of the lease
interest unless the lessee commences drilling or pays rental during the
primary term of the lease. See delay rental.
44774499.. UUnnlleesssslleeaassee
A type of lease in general use; the other common type is the or lease (q.v.),
There is no single form of the unless lease, but it is known as the unless lease
because of the wording of the delay rental clause (q.v.) Which usually takes
the following form "if no well is commenced on said land on or before the
date hereof, this lease shall terminate as to both parties unless the Lessee on
or before that date shall pay or tender to lessor the sum of--- Dollars ($-----)
which shall operate as rental and cover the privilege of deferring the
commencement of a well for 12 months from said date."
44775500.. UUnnmmaannnneedd ssttaattiioonn
A pipeline pumping station that is started, stopped, and monitored by remote
control. Through telecommunication systems, most intermediate booster
stations on large trunk lines are unmanned and remotely controlled from the
dispatcher's office.
44775511.. UUnnpprroovveenn aarreeaa
a wildcat area.
44775522.. UUnnssaattuurraatteedd hhyyddrrooccaarrbboonn
a straight-chain compound of hydrogen and carbon whose total combining
power has not yet been reached and to which other atoms or radicals can be
added.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
718718
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44775533.. UUppddiipp wweellll
A well located high on a structure where the oil-bearing formation is found at
a shallower depth.
44775544.. UUppsseett
to forge the ends of tubular products so that the pipe wall acquires extra
thickness and strength near the end. Usually upsetting is performed to
provide the thickness needed to form threads so that the tubular good can be
connected.
44775555.. UUppsseettttuubbiinngg
Tubular goods that are "upset" are made thicker in the area of the threads in
order to compensate for the metal cut away in making threads. In the
manufacture of casing and drillpipe, the additional metal is usually put on the
inside, but in well tubing, especially the smaller sizes, the thickening is on the
outside. This is known as exterior-upset tubing.
44775566.. UUppssttrreeaamm
in the direction opposite that of the flow in a line. the point in a line or system
situated opposite the direction of flow.
44775577.. UUssggss
united states geological survey; responsible for the enforcement of rules
pertaining to the drilling and production of oil and gas in offshore areas of the
u.s.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
719719
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44775588.. VV
volt.
44775599.. VV--BBEELLTT
A type of "endless" V-shaped belt used in transmitting power from an
engine's grooved drive pulley to the grooved sheave of a pump, compressor,
or other equipment. The V-belts, bigger and tougher versions of the
automobile fan belt, are used in sets of from two to twenty belts depending
upon the size of the drive pulley.
44776600.. VV--ddoooorr
An opening at floor level in a side of a derrick or mast shaped like an inverted
V. The V-door is opposite the drawworks and is used as an entry to bring in
drill pipe, casing, and other tools from the pipe rack.
44776611.. VV..00..II..CC..EE..
Voluntary Oil Industry Communications Effort; part of a full-scale advertising
information program conducted by the American Petroleum Institute to tell
the oil industry's story to the public. V.O.I.C.E. or VOICE is part of the
Program in which speakers from the industry appear before interested groups
to tell oil's story.
44776622.. VVaaccuuuumm
1. Theoretically, a space that is devoid of all matter and that exerts zero
pressure. 2. A condition that exists in a system when pressure is reduced
below atmospheric pressure.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
720720
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44776633.. VVAACCUUUUMM DDIISSTTIILLLLAATTIIOONN ))التقطير التخلخليالتقطير التخلخلي((
Distillation under reduced pressure (less than atmospheric) which lowers the
boiling temperature of the liquid being distilled. This technique with its
relatively low temperatures prevents cracking or decomposition of the charge
stock. For example water which boils at 212 degrees F. Under the
atmospheric pressure of 14.7 lbs./sq. In. Boils at 102 degrees at a pressure of
one pound. So vacuum distillation saves in refinery fuel costs and may
prevent the breaking down or changing of molecules which might occur at
higher distillation temperatures.
44776644.. VVAACCUUUUMM FFLLAASSHHEERR
A refinery vessel; a large-diameter column where charge stock is distilled at
less than atmospheric pressure. The pressure in some flasher vessels is less
than one-third atmospherics or 5 pounds per square inch. At this reduced
pressure, lighter fractions of the heavy charge stock will flash off or vaporize.
The lower the pressure, the lower the boiling point for all liquids.
44776655.. VVaaccuuuumm ggaauuggee
an instrument used on gas or gasoline engines to indicate the performance
characteristics and load.
44776666.. VVAACCUUUUMM SSTTIILLLL
A refining vessel in which crude oil or other feed-stock is distilled at less than
atmospheric pressure.
44776677.. VVAACCUUUUMM TTAARR
See Asphalt.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
721721
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44776688.. VVaallvvee
a device used to control the rate of flow in a line, to open or shut off a line
completely, or to serve as an automatic or semiautomatic safety device.
Those with extensive usage include the gate valve, plug valve, globe value,
needle valve, check valve, and relief valve.
444777700.. VVAALLVVEE PPOOTTSS
The wells in the body of a reciprocating (plunger) pump where the suction
and discharge valves are located. Valve pots are on the fluid end of the
pump, and are covered and sealed by heavy, threaded plugs or metal caps
bolted over the top of the pots.
44777711.. VVAALLVVEE,, MMUULLTTIIPPLLEE--OORRIIFFIICCEE
A patented orifice valve with two orifice plates or disks in pressure tight
contact. One disk can be rotated through 90'. For full flow through the valve,
the orifices in the two disks are in perfect alignment. To reduce the flow, the
moveable disk is rotated a certain number of degrees which partially covers
the orifice in tile fixed disk, thus restricting the flow through the valve.
44777722.. VVAALLVVEE,, NNEEEEDDLLEE
See Needle Valve.
44777733.. VVAALLVVEE,, PPAACCKKLLEESSSS
A special kind of valve that uses a welded bellows rather than soft packing
around the valve stem. The stem of the packless valve does not rotate; it is
raised and lowered into the valve body by a connecting stem outside the fluid
cavity. Packless or packingless valves usually are for small-diameter piping
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
722722
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
(one-quarter to 2-inch) and are used on piping carrying hazardous or toxic
fluids or gases and for high-pressure steam.
44777744.. VVAALLVVEE,, PPIILLOOTT
A small relief valve that, through a linkage of pressure piping. Controls the
opening of a larger relief or safety valve. A pilot valve is usually employed to
modulate or dampen the action of a larger valve as it opens to relieve the
system pressure.
44777755.. VVAANN SSYYCCKKEELL,, SSAAMMUUEELL
The man who invented and successfully operated the first crude oil pipeline.
The line was two-inch and ran from Pithole City, Pa., To a railroad five Miles
away. It pumped 81 barrels the first day, thus sounding the knell for the
teamster and his wagonload of oil barrels.
44777766.. VVAANNEE PPUUMMPP
A type of rotary pump designed to handle relatively small volumes of liquid
products gasoline and fight oils as well as highly viscous fluids.
44777777.. VVaappoorr
a substance in the gaseous state that is capable of being liquefied by
compression or cooling.
44777788.. VVAAPPOORR LLOOCCKK
A condition that exists when a volatile fuel vaporizes in an engines fuel line or
carburetor preventing the normal flow of liquid fuel to the engine. To handle
gas lock or vapor lock the gas must be bled off the system by removing a line
or loosening a connection, or the fines and carburetor cooled sufficiently to
condense the gas back to a liquid.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
723723
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44777799.. VVaappoorr pphhaassee
of a substance, existence in the gaseous state.
44778800.. VVaappoorr pprreessssuurree
the pressure exerted by the vapor of a substance when the substance and its
vapor are in equilibrium. Equilibrium is established when the rate of
evaporation of a substance is equal to the rate of condensation of its vapor.
44778811.. VVaappoorr pprrooooff aaddjj..
Susceptible to or affected by vapors. For example, an electrical switch is
made vapor proof so that a spark issuing from it will not cause an explosion in
the presence of combustible gases.
44778822.. VVaappoorr rreeccoovveerryy
a system or method by which vapors are retained and conserved.
44778833.. VVAAPPOORR RREECCOOVVEERRYY UUNNIITT
A facility for collecting and condensing vapors of volatile products being
loaded into open tanks at refineries, terminals, and service stations. The
vapors are drawn into a collecting tank and by pressure and cooling are
condensed to a liquid. VR units significantly reduce air pollution by petroleum
vapors.
44778844.. VVaappoorriizzaattiioonn
(1). The act or process of converting a substance into the vapor phase.
(2). The state of substances being in the vapor phase.
44778855.. VVAAPPOORRTTEENNSSIIOONN
See Vapor Pressure.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
724724
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44778866.. VVeenntt
an opening in a vessel, line, or pump to permit the escape of air or gas.
44778877.. VVeennttuurrii ttuubbee
a short tube with a calibrated constriction in it that is used in instruments;
developed according to the principle that a fluid flowing through a constriction
has increased velocity and reduced pressure.
444778899.. VVeennttuurrii--ttuubbee mmeetteerr
a flow meter used to determine the rate of flow that uses a enture tube as
the primary element for creating differential pressures in flowing gases or
liquids. Compare orifice meter.
44779900.. VVEENNTTUURRIIMMEETTEERR
An instrument for measuring the volume of flowing gases and liquids. It
consists of two parts—the tube through which the fluid flows and a set of
indicators which show the Pressures, rate of flow, or quantity discharged. The
tube, in the shape of an elongated hourglass, is flanged into a pipeline
carrying the fluid. The effect of the tube is to increase the velocity and
decrease the pressure at the point where the tube’s diameter is reduced. The
relationship between the line pressure and the pressure at the narrow “waist”
of the tube is used in computing the rate of flow.
44779911.. VVeerrttiiccaall
an imaginary line or shaft drilled at right angles to the plane of the horizon.
Of a wellbore, straight, not deviated.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
725725
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44779922.. VVEERRTTIICCAALL IINNTTEEGGRRAATTIIOONN
Refers to the condition in which a company produces raw material, transports
it, refines or processes it, and markets the product all as one integrated
operation. Specifically, an oil company is said to be vertically integrated when
it finds and produces oil and gas; transports it in its own pipelines; refines it;
and markets its products under its brand name, According to the critics of the
industry, this is not in the country’s best interest. See Horizontal Integration.
44779933.. VVEERRTTIICCAALL--MMOOOORREEDD PPLLAATTFFOORRMM
A buoyant drilling-producing platform moored to the sea floor by flexible
risers cemented into the seabed. Wells are drilled through the risers by
conventional methods and completed at the platform deck. When all wells are
drilled and completed the VMP becomes a producing platform. The buoyancy
of the platform exerts sufficient tension on its mooring systems to stabilize it
in all kinds of weather.
44779944.. VVeerryy llaarrggee ccrruuddee ccaarrrriieerr ((VVLLCCCC))
a super-tanker whose capacity is larger than 100,000 deadweight tons but
less than 500,000 dwt. (See tanker and ultralarge mole carrier.)
44779955.. VViibbrraattiioonn ddaammppeenneerr
(See Shock Sub.)
44779966.. VViibbrraattiioonn ddaammppeerr
a device affixed to an engine crankshaft to minimize stresses that result from
torsional vibration of the crankshaft.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
726726
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44779977.. VVIICCTTAAUULLIICC CCOOUUPPLLIINNGG
A patented pipe coupling made in two halves that wrap around the grooved
ends of two lengths of pipe and are forced together by bolts. Before the
halves of the coupling are put in position, a rubber ring is placed over the
junction of the two lengths of pipe. When the coupling is tightened with the
two bolts. The rubber is compressed, making a pressure tight connection.
44779988.. VViissccoommeetteerr
a device used to determine the viscosity of a substance; also called a
viscosimeter.
44779999.. VViissccoossiimmeetteerr--
(See viscometer.)
44880000.. VViissccoossiittyy
The resistance to flow, or “stickiness,” of a fluid.
44880011.. VViissccoossiittyy iinnddeexx
An index used to establish the tendency of oil to thin out at increasing
temperatures. Reference oils are highly paraffinic Pennsylvania oil, rated 100,
and Gulf Coast naphthenic oil, rated 0.
44880022.. VVIISSRROOSSEEIISS
Producing seismic shockwaves by the use of “thumpers” or vibrator vehicles.
44880033.. VVLLCCCC
Very large crude carrier; a crude oil tanker of 160,000 deadweight tons or
larger, capable of transporting one million barrels or more.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
727727
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44880044.. VVLLPPCC
Very large product carriers (oceangoing tankers).
44880055.. VVooiiddss nn ppll
cavities in a rock that do not contain solid material but may contain fluids.
44880066.. VVoollaattiillee
readily vaporized. (See vapor and vaporization.)
44880077.. VVOOLLAATTIILLIITTYY
The extent to which gasoline or oil vaporizes; the ease with which a liquid is
converted into a gaseous state.
44880088.. VVoollttmmeetteerr
(See positive-displacement meter.)
44880099.. VVoolluummee mmeetteerr
(See positive-displacemmi meter.)
44881100.. VVOOLLUUMMEETTAANNKK
A small cylindrical vessel connected to a gas fine in the oil field to provide an
even flow of gas to an engine and to trap liquids that may have condensed in
the gas line. The volume tank is usually located a few feet away from the gas
engine fuel line takeoff. One reason for volume tank, besides its, being a
small catch vessel for water and drip gasoline (q.v.), Is that gas from the
lease is piped to each gas engine through a small pipe, often one inch, and as
the engine intakes gas the small pipe would not provide a steady and
continuous enough supply.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
728728
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44881111.. VVoolluummeettrriicc eeffffiicciieennccyy
the actual volume of fluid put out by a pump divided by the volume displaced
by a piston or pistons (or other device) in the pump. Volumetric efficiency is
usually expressed as a percentage. For example, if the pump pistons displace
300 cu in. But the fluid put out by the pump is 290 cu in., Then the
volumetric efficiency of the pump is about 97 percent. Pumps are seldom 100
percent efficient.
44881122.. VVss
versus.
44881133.. VVuugg
a cavity in a rock.
44881144.. VVuugguullaarr ffoorrmmaattiioonn
a rock formation that contains vugs; a cavernous formation.
44881155.. VVuugguullaarr ppoorroossiittyy
a secondary rock porosity formed by the dissolving of the more soluble
portions of a rock in waters containing carbonic or other acids.
44881166.. VVUUGGUULLAARR--TTYYPPEE RROOCCKK
Rock with large pits or cavities in its structure. Limestone, which often
contains pits and cavities, is an example of a vugular-type sedimentary rock.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
729729
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44881177.. WW
watt.
44881188.. WW//CC
water cushion; used in drilling reports. (See cushion.)
44881199.. WWaaiill--ssttuucckk ppiippee
(See differential-pressure sticking.)
44882200.. WWaaiittiinngg oonn cceemmeenntt
(WOC) pertaining to or during the time when drilling or completion operations
are suspended so the cement in a well can harden sufficiently.
44882211.. WWaallkkiinngg bbeeaamm
the steel, horizontal member of a beam-pumping unit, usually with rocking or
reciprocating motion. (See sucker-rod pumping.)
44882222.. WWaallll ccaakkee
(See filter cake.)
44882233.. WWaallll hhooookk
a device used in fishing for drill pipe. If the upper end of the lost pipe is
leaning against the side of the wellbore, the wall hook centers it in the hole so
that it may be recovered with an overshot, which is run on the fishing string
and attached to the wall hook.
44882244.. WWaallll ssttiicckkiinngg
(See differential-pressure sticking.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
730730
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44882255.. WWaallll--hhooookk gguuiiddee
(See wall hook.)
44882266.. WWaallll--hhooookk ppaacckkeerr
a packer that supports itself against the wall of the casing in which it is set.
(See hook-wall packer.)
44882277.. WWaasshh oovveerr
to release pipe that is stuck in the hole by running washover pipe. The
washover pipe must have an outside diameter small enough to fit into the
borehole but an inside diameter large enough to fit over the outside diameter
of the stuck pipe. A rotary shoe, which cuts away the formation, mud, or
whatever is sticking the pipe, is made up on the bottom joint of the washover
pipe, and the assembly is lowered into the hole. Rotation of the assembly
frees the stuck pipe. Several washovers may have to be made if the stuck
portion is very long.
44882288.. WWaasshh ppiippee
(1). A short length of surface-hardened pipe that fits inside the swivel and
serves as a conduit for drilling fluid through the swivel.
(2). Washover pipe.
44882299.. WWaasshh ttaannkk
a tank containing heated water,Through which crude-oil emulsion is forced to
flow, used to remove the water from the crude. It is also called a gun barrel.
44883300.. WWaasshhoouutt
1. Excessive wellbore enlargement caused by solvent and erosional action of
the drilling fluid. 2. A fluid-cut opening caused by fluid leakage.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
731731
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44883311.. WWaasshhoovveerr
back-off connector tool a fishing tool that is made up in a length of washover
pipe connected to the top of the fish once the washover is completed and
then backed off the fish, thus enabling the washed-over portion of the fish to
be retrieved. The tool permits washover, back off, and pulling to be carried
out in one round trip (See wash over and back off.)
44883322.. WWaasshhoovveerr aasssseemmbbllyy
(See washover pipe.)
44883333.. WWaasshhoovveerr ppiippee
an accessory used in fishing operations to go over the outside of tubing or
drill pipe that is stuck in the hole because of cuttings, mud, and so forth, that
have collected in the annulus. The washover pipe cleans the annular space
and permits recovery of the pipe. It is sometimes called wash pipe.
44883344.. WWaatteerr bblloocckk
a reduction in the permeability of a formation, caused by the invasion of
water into the pores.
44883355.. WWaatteerr eennccrrooaacchhmmeenntt
the movement of water into a producing formation as the formation is
depleted of oil and gas by production.
44883366.. WWaatteerr lloossss
(See fluid loss.)
44883377.. WWaatteerr mmaakkeerr
(See water-distillation unit.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
732732
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44883388.. WWaatteerr SSaattuurraattiioonn
The percentage of pore space in a formation occupied by water.
44883399.. WWaatteerr ssttrriinngg
a string of casing used to shut off water above an oil sand.
44884400.. WWaatteerr ttaabbllee
(1). The underground level at which water is found.
(2). Underground water supplies used for irrigation and industrial plants.
(3). The top of the drilling derrick or mast that supports the crown block.
44884411.. WWaatteerr--bbaacckk
(1). To reduce the weight or density of a drilling mud by adding water.
(2). To reduce the solids content of a mud by adding water.
44884422.. WWaatteerr--bbaassee mmuudd
a drilling mud in which the continuous phase is water. In water-base muds,
any additives are dispersed in the water. Compare oil-base mud.
44884433.. WWaatteerr--bbaasseedd MMuudd
A drilling mud in which the continuous phase is water.
44884444.. WWaatteerr--cceemmeenntt rraattiioo
the ratio of water to cement in a slurry. It is expressed as a percentage,
indicating the number of pounds of water needed to mix 100 lb of cement.
44884455.. WWaatteerr--ccuutt ppaassttee
a material that changes color (usually to red) in water. The use of water-cut
paste is one method by which the level of water in the bottom of an oil
storage tank can be determined. The paste is applied to a plumb bob, which
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
733733
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
is lowered to the bottom of the tank and then retrieved. The water level is
then measured off the bob by noting the depth of the red portion of the bob.
44884466.. WWaatteerr--ddiissttiillllaattiioonn uunniitt
a system used mostly on offshore or desert locations to convert seawater to
fresh, potable water by distillation.
44884477.. WWaatteerr--ddrriivvee
the reservoir-drive mechanism in which oil is produced by the expansion of
the underlying water, which forces the oil into the wellbore. In general, there
are two types of water drive bottom-water drive, in which the oil is totally
underlain by water, and edgewater drive, in which only the edge of the oil is
in contact with the water. Bottom-water drive is more efficient.
44884488.. WWaatteerr--wweett rroocckk
(See wettability.)
44884499.. WWaatteerreedd--oouutt
of a well, having gone to water.
44885500.. WWaatteerrfflloooodd
a method of secondary recovery in which water is injected into a reservoir in
order to remove additional quantities of oil from the reservoir that have been
left behind after primary recovery. Usually, a waterflood Involves the injection
of water through wells specially set up for water injection and the removal of
the water and oil from the wells drilled adjacent to the injection wells.
44885511.. WWaatteerrttiigghhtt ddoooorr
a door on ships or mobile offshore rigs that, when closed, blocks the passage
of and withstands the pressure of water.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
734734
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44885522.. WWaatteerrzzoonnee
the portion of an oil or gas reservoir occupied by water, usually the lowest
zone in the reservoir.
44885533.. WWaaxx
(See paraffin.)
44885544.. WWCC
wildcat; used in drilling reports.
44885555.. WWeeaarr sslleeeevvee
a hollow, cylindrical device attached to a joint of drill pipe midway between
the tool joints that minimizes wear to the outside of the pipe at points where
the pipe touches the wall of the hole.
44885566.. WWeeeevviill
(See boll weevil.)
44885577.. WWeeiigghhtt iinnddiiccaattoorr
an instrument near the driller's position on a drilling or workover rig that
shows the weight suspended from the hook when the bit is off the bottom.
From this reading, weight on the bit can be estimated during drilling.
44885588.. WWeeiigghhtt oonn tthhee bbiitt
the difference between the net weight of the entire drill stem and the reduced
weight resulting when the bit is resting on bottom.
44885599.. WWeeiigghhtt uupp
to increase the specific gravity, or density, of the drilling fluid by adding
weighting material.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
735735
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44886600.. WWeeiigghhttiinngg mmaatteerriiaall
a material with a specific gravity greater than that of cement; used to
increase the density of drilling fluids or cement scurries.
44886611.. WWeeiirr
a device installed in a separator or treater and used to determine the amount
of liquid flowing over it when the depth of the liquid is known.
44886622.. WWeellll
the hole made by the drilling bit. It can be open, cased, or both.
44886633.. WWeellll ccoommpplleettiioonn
the activities and methods necessary to prepare a well for the production of
oil and gas; the method by which a flow line for hydrocarbons is established
between the reservoir and the surface. The method of well completion used
by the operator depends on the individual characteristics of the producing
formation or formations. These techniques include open-hole completions,
conventional perforated completions, sand-exclusion completions, tubingless
completions, multiple completions, and miniaturized completions.
44886644.. WWeellll llooggggiinngg
the recording of information about subsurface geologic formations. Logging
methods include records kept by the driller, mud and cutting analyses, core
analysis, drill-stem tests, and electric and radioactivity procedures. (See
electric well log, mud logging, radioactivity well logging, and sonic logging.)
44886655.. WWeellll ppeerrmmiitt
authorization, usually by a governmental conservation agency, to drill a well.
A permit is sometimes required for deepening or remedial work also.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
736736
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44886666.. WWeellll ppuulllleerr
a member of a well-servicing crew. (See roustabout and crew chief.)
44886677.. WWeellll sseerrvviicciinngg
the maintenance work performed on an oil or gas well to improve or maintain
the production from a formation already producing. Usually it involves repairs
to the pump, rods, gas-lift valves, tubing, packers, and so forth. relating to
well-servicing work, as a well-servicing company.
44886688.. WWeellll ssppaacciinngg
the regulation of the number and location of wells over a reservoir as a
conservation measure.
44886699.. WWeellll ssttiimmuullaattiioonn
any of several operations used to increase the production of a well. (See
acidize, formation fracturing, and nitro-shooting.)
44887700.. WWeellll ssuurrvveeyyiinngg
(See deviation survey, electric well log, and radioactivity well logging.)
44887711.. WWeellll WWoorrkkoovveerr
A program of work performed on an existing well.
44887722.. WWeellllbboorree
The hole drilled by the drill bit.
44887733.. WWeellllbboorree ssooaakk
an acidizing treatment in which the acid is placed in the wellbore and allowed
to react by merely soaking in it; also called wellbore cleanup. It is a relatively
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
737737
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
slow process because very little of the acid actually comes in contact with the
formation.
44887744.. WWeellllhheeaadd
the equipment used to maintain surface control of a well, including the casing
head, tubing head, and Christmas tree. pertaining to the wellhead (as
wellhead pressure).
44887755.. WWeett bbooxx
a shield set up to prevent oil or mud from splashing over the floor or on
machinery and workmen while tubing or drill pipe is being pulled; a mother
hubbard.
44887766.. WWeett ggaass
a natural gas containing an appreciable amount of heavier hydrocarbons,
which are often liquid.
44887777.. WWeett ooiill
an oil that contains water, either in an emulsion or as free water.
44887788.. WWeettttaabbiilliittyy
the relative affinity between individual grains of rock and each fluid that is
present in the spaces between the grains. If oil and water are both present,
most often the water is in contact with the surface of each grain, and the rock
is called water wet. However, if the oil contacts the surface, the rock is oil
wet.
44887799.. WWeettttiinngg
the adhesion of a liquid to the surface of a solid.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
738738
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44888800.. WWhh
white; used in drilling reports.
44888811.. WWhheellpp
a sprocket tooth in a wildcat.
44888822.. WWhhiippssttoocckk
a long, steel casing that uses an inclined plane to cause the bit to deflect from
the original borehole at a slight angle. Whipstocks are commonly used in
controlled directional drilling, to straighten crooked boreholes, and to
sidetrack to avoid unre-trieved fish.
44888833.. WWiilldd wweellll
a well that has blown out of control and from which oil, water, or gas is
escaping with great force to the surface; also called a gusher.
44888844.. WWiillddccaatt
(1). A well drilled in an area where no oil or gas production exists. With
present-day exploration methods and equipment, about one wildcat out of
every six proves to be productive although not necessarily profitable.
(2). (nautical) a geared sheave of a Windlass used to pull anchor chain. to
drill wildcat wells.
44888855.. WWiillddccaatttteerr
one who drills wildcat wells.
44888866.. WWiinncchh
a machine that pulls or hoists by winding a cable around a spool.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
739739
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44888877.. WWiinndd ggiirrddeerr
(See wind ring.)
44888888.. WWiinndd gguuyy
(See guy line.)
44888899.. WWiinndd rriinngg
a horizontal stiffening and structural member installed near the top of a
floating-roof tank to reinforce the tank wall against wind pressure; also called
a wind girder.
44889900.. WWiinndd--llooaadd rraattiinngg
a specification used to indicate the resistance of a derrick to the force of
wind. The wind-load rating is calculated according to API specifications.
Typical wind resistance in derricks is 75 mph with pipe standing in the derrick
and 115 mph or higher without.
44889911.. WWiinnddllaassss
a device on an anchor-handling boat that propels the anchor chain to and
from a chain locker where it is stored.
44889922.. WWiinnddooww
a slotted opening or a full section removed in the pipe lining (casing) of a
well, usually made to permit sidetracking.
44889933.. WWiinnddwwaarrdd
(nautical) upwind.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
740740
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44889944.. WWiippeerr pplluugg
a rubber-bodied, plastic- or aluminum-cored device used to separate cement
and drilling fluid as they are being pumped down the inside of the casing
during cementing operations. Wiper plugs also remove drilling mud that
adheres to the inside of the casing.
44889955.. WWiirree rrooppee
a rope composed of steel wires twisted into strands that are in turn twisted
around a central core of hemp or other riber to create a rope of great
strength and considerable flexibility. Wire rope is used as drilling line (in
rotary and cable-tool rigs), coring line, servicing line, winch line, and so on. It
is also called wireline or cable.
44889966.. WWiirree--wwrraappppeedd ssccrreeeenn
a type of liner.
44889977.. WWiirreelliinnee
(See wire rope.)
44889988.. WWiirreelliinnee ccoorree bbaarrrreell
(See core barrel.)
44889999.. WWiirreelliinnee ccuuttttiinngg ttooooll
a device usually run on a solid wireline, used to cut another wireline stuck in a
well.
44990000.. WWiirreelliinnee pprreevveenntteerr
a manually operated ram blowout preventer that is specially adapted for
closure around a wireline.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
741741
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44990011.. WWiirreelliinnee ssppeeaarr
a special fishing tool fitted with prongs to catch and recover wireline that has
broken off and been left in a well.
44990022.. WWiirreelliinnee wwiippeerr
a flexible rubber wiper used to scrape mud or oil from a wireline as it is pulled
from a hole.
44990033.. WWOO//OO
waiting on orders; used in drilling reports.
44990044.. WWOOCC
waiting on cement.
44990055.. WWOORR
water-oil ratio.
44990066.. WWoorrkk oovveerr
to perform one or more of a variety of remedial operations on a producing oil
well to try to increase production. Examples of workover operations are
deepening, plugging back, pulling and resetting liner, squeeze cement, and so
on.
44990077.. WWoorrkkiinngg bbaarrrreell
the outer shell of a downhole plunger pump. The pumping cycle starts with
an upward stroke of the rods, which pulls the plunger up through the working
barrel. The traveling valve closes, the standing valve in the working barrel
opens, and fluid enters the barrel. On the stroke of the plunger, the traveling
valve opens, the standing valve closes, and the fluid is forced from the
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
742742
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
working barrel through the plunger and into the tubing. Repeated strokes
bring the fluid to the surface.
44990088.. WWoorrkkiinngg iinntteerreesstt
the portion of oil production money out of which operating and development
costs are paid (i.e., The portion remaining after deduction of royalty interest).
44990099.. WWoorrkkiinngg pprreessssuurree
the maximum pressure at which an item is to be used at a specified
temperature.
44991100.. WWoorrkkiinngg--iinntteerreesstt ooiill
(See net production and working interest.)
44991111.. WWoorrkkoovveerr
Operations on a producing well to restore or increase production.
44991122.. WWoorrkkoovveerr fflluuiidd
a special drilling mud used to keep a well under control when it is being
worked over. A workover fluid is compounded carefully so it will not cause
formation damage.
44991133.. WWoorrkkoovveerr rriigg
(See production rig and pulling unit.)
44991144.. WWoorrmm
(slang) a new and inexperienced oilfield worker.
44991155.. WWrreenncchh ffllaatt
a flat area on an otherwise round fitting to which a wrench can be applied (as
on sucker-rod couplings). It is also called a wrench square.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
743743
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44991166.. WWrreenncchh ssqquuaarree
(See wrench flat.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
744744
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44991177.. xxllnn
crystalline; used in drilling reports.
44991188.. xxyylleennee
any of three flammable hydro- carbons, C6H4,(CH3)2, similar to benzene. A
commercial mixture is used as a solvent when oil-filed emulsions are being
tested.
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
745745
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44991199.. YYaaww
on a mobile offshore drilling rig or ship; the angular motion about a line
perpendicular to a horizontal plane through the rig or ship; the angular
motion as the or stern moves from side to side. to move from side to side (as
a ship).
44992200.. YYdd
yard.
44992211.. YYdd22
square yard.
44992222.. YYdd33
cubic yard.
44992233.. YYiieelldd ppooiinntt
the maximum stress that a solid can withstand without undergoing permanent
deformation either by plastic flow or by rupture. (see tensile strength.)
Glossary of Petroleum Engineering
746746
Petroleum Engineer: M. Z. El-Helu
E-Mail: [email protected]
44992244.. ZZeeoollttttiicc ccaattaallyysstt
Catalyst formulations that contain zeolite (any of various hydrous silicates, a
mineral) for use in catalytic cracking units.
44992255.. ZZoonnee
a rock stratum that is different from or distinguished from another stratum
(as pay zone).
44992266.. ZZoonnee iissoollaattiioonn
A method of scaling off, temporarily, a producing formation while the hole is
being deepened. A special substance is forced into the formation where it
hardens allowing time for the well bore to be taken on down. After a certain
length of time, the substance again turns to a liquid unblocking the producing
formation.
44992277.. ZZoonnee ooff lloosstt cciirrccuullaattiioonn
An interval in a subsurface formation so porous or cut with crevices and
fissures that the drilling mud is lost in the pores, cracks, or even a cavern,
leaving none to circulate back to the surface.