RIGTRAIN (Training division of DTL)

Offshore Technology Park

Exploration Drive
Bridge of Don
Aberdeen, AB23 8GX

DISTANCE LEARNING

An Introduction to
SURFACE WELL CONTROL

This Distance Learning Introductory Course on Well Control has been designed for new recruits into
the oil and gas industry.
The objective is to gain a basic understanding of the fundamentals of well control.
This course should be used as a self-teaching Workbook. Worked examples and exercises are included
in each section.

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1
 Contents

CONTENTS

SECTION 1 – PRESSURES
Learning Objectives
At the end of this section the student should be able to determine the following:
• Understand the factors that affect the static pressure of a column of fluid
• Convert a mud weight into a pressure gradient and a gradient into a mud weight
• Calculate hydrostatic pressure
• Calculate dynamic bottom hole pressure
• Calculate equivalent circulating density
• Describe the factors that influence ECD

SECTION 2 – CALCULATIONS
Learning Objectives
At the end of this section the student should have gained a fundamental understanding of how
to determine the following:
• Calculate the volumes and capacities of tanks and open hole sections
• Calculate annular volumes
• Calculate the total volume of the well bore
• Calculate the fluid reduction due to pulling dry or wet pipe
• Convert volumes into pump strokes
• Complete kick sheets

SECTION 3 – PRIMARY WELL CONTROL

Learning Objectives
Gain an understanding of the importance of controlling formation fluid pressures without
damaging weak formations.
• Formation fluid pressure
• Calculate mud weights that will control formation fluid pressures
• Formation breakdown pressure
• Leak off test methods
• Data from leak off tests
• Conditions that must exist before a kick can occur
• Causes of kicks
• Prevention of kicks

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SECTION 4 – LOSS OF PRIMARY WELL CONTROL

Learning Objectives
The student should be able to recognise when a kick occurs and take the appropriate action.
• Recognise kicks when they occur when drilling or tripping
• Shut-in procedures when drilling or tripping
• Calculate kill mud weight
• Understand why kicks are circulated from a well at a slow pump speed
• Kill methods:
• Describe the Drillers Method and the Weight & Wait Method

SECTION 5 – EQUIPMENT
Learning Objectives
Basic understanding of well control equipment.

SECTION 6 - GLOSSARY
6.1 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
6.2 WELL CONTROL FORMULAE (API AND COMMON UNITS)
6.3 WELL CONTROL FORMULAE (SI)
6.4 APPROPRIATE CONVERSIONS
6.5 OTHER USEFUL FORMULAE
6.6 VOLUMES AND CAPACITIES
6.7 GLOSSARY

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1 PRESSURES

1.1 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE

Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a column of fluid. The pressure exerted will
depend on the weight or density of the fluid and its vertical length or depth.

Hydrostatic pressure = The weight of the fluid x The vertical length of the fluid.

Units of weight normally in pounds per gallon (ppg) or in specific gravity (sg).
Depth is measured in feet or in meters. True vertical depth (tvd) is used when calculating
pressure.
Pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi), therefore it is convenient to change
mud weights to a pressure gradient (psi/ft).
Hydrostatic pressure = Mud weight x Constant x Vertical depth.
The constant used will depend on weight unit used.
If the mud is in pounds per gallon (ppg), then the constant is 0.052.

This constant is derived as follows:

• A cube, having a capacity of one cubic foot, will contain 7.48 US Gallons.
• If each gallon weighed 1 ppg, then the weight of this cubic foot of fluid would be 7.48
Pounds.
• The cube has a base area of 144 square inches, therefore the pressure exerted by this
fluid on 1 square inch would be 7.48 lb ÷ 144 sq/ins.
= 0.0519 psi/ft
Rounded up = 0.052 psi/ft

This constant is therefore a pressure gradient of a 1 ppg fluid and can be used to convert mud
weights in ppg into pressure gradients.

Example: To find the gradient of a 10 ppg mud

= 10 x 0.052 = 0.52 psi/ft
1 foot of 10 ppg mud will exert 0.52 psi

Hydrostatic pressure = mud wt (ppg) x 0.052 x vertical depth (ft)

Example: A well has a true vertical depth of 10,000 ft

The mud in the well is 10 ppg
Hydrostatic pressure = 10 x 0.052 x 10,000 ft Figure 1:1
= 5,200 psi

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Figure 1-1 – Hydrostatic Pressure

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Figure 1-2 – Well In Balance

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NOTE: If the mud weight is in specific gravity, the constant will be 0.433.

This is the gradient of one foot of water. Specific gravity is a comparison between the weight
of a volume of mud and the weight of a like volume of water. A mud that has an sg of 1.2
means that it is 1.2 times heavier than a like volume of water. The pressure gradient = 1.2 x
0.433 = 0.519 psi/ft or;
Rounded up = 0.52 psi/ft

Exercise 1: Convert the following mud weights into pressure gradients.

9.8 ppg Answer:

10.5 ppg Answer:

12 ppg Answer:

14 ppg Answer:

15 ppg Answer:

Convert the following gradients into mud weights ppg.

0.468 psi/ft Answer:

0.494 psi/ft Answer:

0.78 psi/ft Answer:

0.832 psi/ft Answer:

0.910 psi/ft Answer:

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When calculating pressure, true vertical depths (tvd) must be used.

Exercise 2: A well has a true vertical depth of 7,500 ft, calculate the hydrostatic pressure
for the following mud weights.
a) 12 ppg mud Answer:

b) 12.8 ppg mud Answer:

c) 13 ppg mud Answer:

Exercise 3: A well has a true vertical depth of 9,800 ft. If the measured depth of the well
is 14,505 ft, calculate the hydrostatic pressure for the following mud weights.
a) 12.3 ppg Answer:

b) 12.6 ppg Answer:

c) 13.4 ppg Answer:

d) 14.4 ppg Answer:

Exercise 4: A well has a true vertical depth of 11,800 ft. The casing shoe is at 9,150 ft
TVD.
The mud in the well is 11.6 ppg.
a) What is the static pressure at the shoe?

Answer:
b) What is the pressure at the bottom of the hole?

Answer:

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1.2 CIRCULATING PUMP PRESSURE

Pump pressure is produced by the pump to move the required volume of mud from the pump
through the drill string, the bit and up the annulus to the surface. All the pressure produced by
the pump is expended in this process, overcoming friction losses between the mud and
whatever it is in contact with.

Example: Pumping at 80 spm with a 10 ppg mud. In a 10,000 ft well, pump pressure is
3,000 psi.
If we assume the friction losses through the pipe and collars = 1,200 psi
Friction losses across the nozzles of the bit = 1,600 psi
Friction losses in the annulus APL = 200 psi
Total friction losses = 3,000 psi

Annular friction losses or Annular Pressure Losses (APL) is a back pressure acting in the
annulus. This back pressure (APL) is an additional pressure exerted at the bottom of the Hole.

CIRCULATING BOTTOM HOLE PRESSURE or DYNAMIC BOTTOM HOLE

PRESSURE: See Figure 1:3 and Figure 1:4

is the total pressure being exerted at the bottom of the hole.

= APL + Hydrostatic Pressure.
= 200 psi + (10 x 0.052 x 10,000 ft)
Dynamic bottom hole pressure = 5,400 psi

In the above example: If the pump was switched off then: Static Bottom Hole Pressure:
= 10 x 0.052 x 10,000 ft
= 5,200 psi
Bottom Hole Pressure increases when the pump is running.

The annular back pressure (APL) is equivalent to an increase in the mud weight.

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Figure 1-3

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Figure 1-4

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1.3 EQUIVALENT CIRCULATING DENSITY

Annular Pressure Losses
ECD = ÷ 0.052
True Vertical Depth

Using the above example:

200 psi
ECD = 10 ppg + ÷ 0.052
10,000 ft
= 10.38 ppg

Annular pressure losses and Equivalent Circulating Pressure will depend on the density of the
mud being circulated, the pump speed and the profile of the well bore. If the pump speed is
altered, APL will change. If the speed of the pump was increased, then APL will increase.

Exercise 5: Given the following:

Well depth = 8,000 ft. TVD/MD
Mud Wt. = 12 ppg
Pump speed = 85 spm
Pump pressure = 2,850 psi
Annular pressure losses = 250 psi

a) What is bottom hole pressure, with the pump off?

Answer:

b) What is bottom hole pressure, with the pump on?

Answer:

c) What is ECD?

Answer:

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Exercise 6: Given the following:

Well Depth = 6,550 ft TVD/14,300 ft MD
Pump speed = 80 spm
Mud weight = 11.8 ppg
APL = 280 psi

a) What is the Static Bottom Hole Pressure?

Answer:

b) What is the Dynamic Bottom Hole Pressure?

Answer:

c) What is the ECD?

Answer:

Exercise 7: Given the following data:

Depth = 11080 ft TVD
Mud = 12 ppg
With the pump running at 80 spm, APL = 280 psi

a) What is the dynamic bottom hole pressure?

Answer:

b) What is the ECD?

Answer:

c) If the pump speed was reduced to 50 spm, would the ECD:

a) Increase?
b) Decrease?
c) Remain unchanged?

d) If the mud being circulated was 12.6 ppg with the pump @ 80 spm,
would the APL:

a) Increase?
b) Decrease?
c) Remain un-changed?

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Section 1 - ANSWERS:
SECTION 1.1 Exercise 1: 0.509 psi/ft
0.546 psi/ft
0.624 psi/ft
0.728 psi/ft
0.780 psi/ft
9.00 ppg
9.50 ppg
15.0 ppg
16.0 ppg
17.5 ppg
Exercise 2: 4,680 psi
4,992 psi
5,070 psi
Exercise 3: 6,268 psi
6,420 psi
6,828 psi
7,338 psi
Exercise 4: a) 5,519 psi
b) 7,118 psi

SECTION 1.3 Exercise 5: a) 4,992 psi

b) 5,242 psi
c) 12.6 ppg
Exercise 6: a) 4,019 psi
b) 4,299 psi
c) 12.62 ppg
Exercise 7: a) 7,194 psi
b) 12.48 ppg
c) Decrease
d) Increase

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NOTES:

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2 CALCULATIONS

2.1 VOLUMES AND CAPACITIES

USEFUL (FIELD) FORMULAE
• CAPACITY OF PIPE/HOLE (bls/ft) = ID2 inches ÷ 1029.4
• CAPACITY OF ANNULUS (bls/ft) = D2 – d2 ÷ 1029.4
• PUMP OUTPUT (bls/stk) = Cylinder ID2 ÷ 1029.4 x 3
(Triplex Pump with 12” Stroke)

NOTE: A detailed explanation and exercises of how to calculate volumes and

capacities can be found in the glossary.

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2.2 BOREHOLE GEOMETRY - SURFACE

THE GEOMETRY
The volumes of mud in the drill pipe and the annulus will be based on their measured depth
or length.

NOTE: True Vertical Depth (TVD) is used for pressure calculations only.

Figure 2-1

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2.3 CALCULATIONS FOR STRING CAPACITY

DRILL PIPE VOLUME
We will need to know the physical volumes in the drill string and annulus to calculate the
number of pump strokes to circulate the mud around either or both. Lets look at circulating
the drill string volume, as this comes first in the circulation path.
The drill string can be made up of drill pipe, heavy weight drill pipe (HWDP) and drill collars.
These can be of different sizes, depending on the hole size being drilled and the last casing
size set. This means the ID and the volume capacity can differ. Lets look at an average string,
with 5” drill pipe, length 11,250 ft. The internal capacity of the drill pipe is 0.0178 bbl/ft.
So, we will multiply the measured length of the drill pipe in feet by the capacity in bbl/ft to get
the total volume of mud in the drill pipe. Drill pipe volume is therefore: (Refer to Figure 2-2)

Figure 2-2

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HEAVY WEIGHT DRILL PIPE VOLUME

This 5” HWDP has a thicker wall and therefore a smaller ID and capacity per foot than the
drill pipe, so the volume of mud in bbl/ft will be less.
This example has a HWDP capacity of 0.0088 bbl/ft.
As the length of the HWDP is 450 ft, the HWDP volume is therefore: (Refer to Figure 2-3)

Figure 2-3

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DRILL COLLAR VOLUME

The drill collars have a thicker wall again. The OD is 61/2” and the ID capacity is 0.006 bbl/ft.
Drill collar volume is therefore: (Refer to Figure 2-4)

Figure 2-4

NOTE: Stabilizers and Tools included in the drill collar length, MAY be
calculated as having the same capacity as the drill collars, to simplify the
calculation.

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CALCULATE TOTAL VOLUME FOR THE STRING

We now have the totals for the drill pipe, HWDP and drill collars, adding the three together
will give us the total volume for the whole string length.
Drill Pipe = 200.25 bbl
HWDP = 3.96 bbl
Drill Collars = 1.8 bbl
Total = 206.01 bbl
With the total drill string mud volume, we can calculate how many pump strokes it will take to
displace this volume by dividing 206.01 bbl by the pump output in bbl pumped per stroke.
The pump output for this example is 0.117 bbl/stroke.
So, 206.01 bbl ÷ 0.117 bbl/stroke means it will take 1,761 strokes to displace or move the
mud from the top of the string to the bottom of the collars (the bit).
We can now calculate the time it will take by dividing the total strokes 1,761 by the speed the
pump is running in strokes per minute (spm).
As our pump is running at 80 stokes per minute, then to pump a total of 1,761 strokes =
1,760 strokes ÷ 80 spm = 22.01 minutes.
Then it will take approximately 23 minutes to circulate or displace the whole drill string mud
volume.

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2.4 CALCULATIONS FOR ANNULAR VOLUMES

DRILL COLLARS/OPEN HOLE VOLUME
The annular volume in our example is, the volume between the drill collars and the open hole.
The calculated volume for this annulus is 0.0292 bbl/ft.
The volume is therefore: (Refer to Figure 2-5)

Figure 2-5

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DRILL PIPE/OPEN HOLE VOLUME

The next area of annular volume will be in the open hole from the casing shoe to the top of
the drill collars. The drill pipe and the HWDP in this section of open hole are taken as one
length. The OD of 5” drill pipe and 5” HWDP are similar (neglecting tool joints), so the
annular volume area will be same. The annular volume between the drill pipe and the open
hole has been calculated as 0.0459 bbl/ft.
The volume is therefore: (Refer to Figure 2-6)

Figure 2-6

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DRILL PIPE/CASING VOLUME

Now, in our example we have 5” drill pipe inside the casing from the surface to the shoe, so
the annulus volume in the casing will be the area between the OD of the drill pipe and the ID
of the casing. This has been calculated at 0.0485 bbl/ft.
Drill pipe casing volume is therefore: (Refer to Figure 2-7)

Figure 2-7

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2.5 WORKED EXAMPLES

Now, you will see (Refer to Figure 2-8) we have calculated all the volumes of the string and
the annulus in the well.

Figure 2-8

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We can now look at an example of a well control kick sheet (Refer to Figure 2-9), and see how
the mud volumes in the string and annulus can be calculated in barrels (Volume) and in
strokes required to pump the different volumes.

NOTE: Shading in the Kick Sheet matches the corresponding shaded volumes in
Figure 2-2 to Figure 2-8.

NOTE: The annulus data in the open hole section is calculated as bit to shoe.
And, the total annulus is calculated as bit to surface.
Figure 2-9

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GIVEN THE FOLLOWING DATA:

Well depth 7,000 ft
Bit size 12¼”
Casing set at 4,000 ft (internal diameter = 12.515”)
Drill pipe 5” OD x 4.276” ID
Drill collars 8.5” OD x 3” ID

A stand of drill pipe is 94 ft

The total length of collars is 564 ft
The total length of drill pipe is 6,436 ft

Assume pipe is being tripped out. The volume of mud required to keep the
hole full will be equivalent to the volume of steel removed.

Example: 5 stands of pipe pulled dry. Calculate the volume of steel removed.
The volume of steel or pipe metal displacement for 1 ft of pipe.
=(D2 - d2 ) ÷ 1029
=(52 – 4.276 2) ÷1029.4
=(25 – 18.284) ÷ 1029.4
= 0.0065 bbls/ft
5 stands =5 x 94 = 470 ft

Therefore, the metal displacement of 470 ft of 5” pipe

470 ft x 0.0065 bbls/ft = 3.055 barrels

It will require 3 barrels of mud to fill the hole after pulling 5 stands of pipe dry.

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Using the data in the previous example. The metal displacement of 5 stands of drill pipe was
calculated as 3.055 bbls. If 5 stands of drill pipe pulled dry, with no mud going back into the
well, the fluid level in the well would drop.

Example: After pulling 5 stands of pipe dry. No mud returning to the well bore. The fluid
level will have dropped in the annulus and in the pipe.
To calculate the distance-dropped: The total metal displacement in barrels
(volume of steel removed) divided by the annular capacity in bbls/ft, plus the
capacity of the pipe in bbls/ft.
The metal displacement of 5 stands = 3.055 bbls
The annular capacity bbls/ft between pipe and casing
= (D2 – d2) ÷ 1029.4
= (12.5152 – 52) ÷ 1029.4
= (156.625 – 25) ÷ 1029.4
= 0.1279 bbls/ft
The capacity of 5” pipe bbls/ft = D2 ÷ 1029.4
= 4.2762 ÷ 1029.4
= 18.284 ÷ 1029.4
= 0.0178 bbls/ft
The distance the fluid level has dropped
= 3.055 bbls ÷(0.1279 +0.0178)
= 20.96 ft or 21 ft

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The equation used to determine the fluid level drop in feet, when pulling dry pipe and not
filling the hole up = Metal displacement of pipe in bbls, divided by the annular capacity
(bbls/ft) between the pipe and the casing, plus the capacity of the pipe bbls/ft.

This equation can be rearranged:

Fluid level drop in feet pulling dry pipe. Not filling the hole up.
= Metal displacement of the pipe in (bbls) divided by the casing capacity in (bbls/ft)
minus the metal displacement of the pipe in (bbls/ft).

Example: Using the data provided above. 5 stands of pipe pulled dry. Not filling the hole
up. The metal displacement of 5 stands equals 3.055 bbls.
The capacity in bls/ft of casing with an ID of 12.515” = 12.5152 ÷ 1029.4
= 0.1522 bbls/ft

The metal displacement of 5” pipe (from the example above) = 0.0065 bbls/ft
The metal displacement of 5 stands = 5 x 94 x 0.0065 = 3.055 bbls

The fluid level drop in feet after pulling 5 stands dry.

= 3.055 ÷(0.1522 – 0.0065)
= 20.96 ft or 21 ft

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GIVEN THE FOLLOWING DATA:

Well depth 12,000 ft
Hole size 8½”
Casing shoe 7,500 ft
Capacities Drill collars 850 ft Capacity = 0.0077 bbls/ft
Drill pipe Capacity = 0.0178 bbls/ft
Drill pipe metal displacement = 0.0075 bbls/ft
Casing Capacity = 0.0729 bbls/ft
Annular capacities Drill pipe in casing = 0.0476 bbls/ft
Average stand length = 94 ft

Exercise 1: If 5 stands of pipe is pulled dry. No mud returning to the well bore.
How far will the fluid level in the well bore drop?

Answer:

Exercise 2: If 12 stands of pipe pulled dry. No mud returning to the well bore.
How far will the fluid level in the well bore drop?

Answer:

Exercise 3: If 15 stands of pipe pulled dry. No mud returning to the well bore.
How far will the fluid level in the well bore drop?

Answer:

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In the previous examples, when pulling pipe dry and not filling the hole up, the fluid level in
the well bore drops down the annulus and down the pipe.
When pulling wet pipe and no mud returning to the well bore, the fluid level drops down the
annulus.

The displacement of a stand of pipe pulled wet equals:

• Stand length x (pipe metal displacement bbls/ft + capacity of pipe bbls/ft)

Using the data above = 94 ft x (0.0075 + 0.0178)

Displacement = 2.378 bbls

If the annular capacity between the pipe and the casing is 0.0476 bbls/ft

Then the fluid reduction in the annulus = 2.378 bbls ÷ 0.0476 bbls/ft = 50 ft

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Exercise 4: Given the following.

Drill pipe capacity = 0.0178 bbls/ft
Drill pipe metal displacement = 0.0075 bbls/ft
Drill pipe/casing capacity = 0.0476 bbls/ft
A stand of drill pipe = 94 ft

a) If 5 stands of pipe are pulled wet, no mud returning to the well bore:
How far will the fluid level drop?
Answer: ft

b) If 9 stands of pipe are pulled wet, no mud returning to the well bore:
How far will the fluid level drop?
Answer: ft

c) If 9 stands of pipe are pulled dry, no mud returning to the well bore:
How far would the fluid level drop?
Answer: ft

d) If 10 stands of pipe are tripped into the well bore with no float in the
string:
How much mud will be displaced from the well into the trip tank?
Answer:

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2.6 VOLUMES AND PUMP STROKES

GIVEN THE FOLLOWING DATA:
Well depth 10,000 ft
Hole size 8 ½”
Drill pipe 5”
Drill collars 6 ½” x 600 ft
Capacities Drill pipe = 0.0178 bbls/ft
Drill collars = 0.0088 bbls/ft

Example: Find the volume of the drill string = (9,400 ft x 0.0178)+ (600 ft x 0.0088)
= 172.6 bbls.

PUMPS: Pumps produce a volume of mud per cycle or per stroke. The volume
produced will depend on the size and number of liners and the length of the
pump stroke.

Example: Find the output per stroke of a triplex mud pump, with a 12” pump stroke and
5 ½” liners. The volume of the liners = 3 x (5.5² ÷ 1029.4) x 1 ft (1 ft = 12”)
= 3 x (30.25 ÷ 1029.4) x 1 ft
= 3 x 0.0294 x 1 ft
= 0.0881 barrels/stroke at 100% efficiency
Pumping at 97% efficiency = (0.0882 ÷ 100) x 97
= 0.0854 bbls/stk
The number of pump strokes to displace the drill string = string volume ÷
pump output bbls/stroke @ 97% efficiency.
= 172.6 ÷ 0.0854
= 2,021 strokes
Example: If the pump is running at 80 strokes per minute (80 spm), how long will it take
to pump from the surface to the bit?
The volume of the string = 172.6 bbls. With a pump output of 0.0854
bbls/stk, it takes 2021 strokes to displace the string.
Therefore, it will take 2021 ÷ 80 spm = 25.26 minutes to pump from the
surface to the bit.

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Exercise 5: Given the following data.

Well depth 14,000 ft
Hole size 8½”
Casing shoe depth 11,000 ft
Drill pipe 5” One stand of drill pipe = 94 ft
Drill collars 6½” x 580 ft
Capacities:
Drill pipe = 0.0178 bbls/ft (metal displ. = 0.0075 bbls/ft)
Drill collars = 0.0088 bbls/ft (metal displ. = 0.0303 bbls/ft)
Casing = 0.0729 bbls/ft

Annular Capacity:
Collars/open hole = 0.0291 bbls/ft
Pipe/open hole = 0.0459 bbls/ft
Pipe/casing = 0.0476 bbls/ft
Pump output = 0.102 bbls/stk
Pump speed = 85 spm.

a. What is the volume of the drill string?

Answer: bbls

b. How many strokes from surface to bit?

Answer: stks

c. What is the total annular volume?

Answer: bbls

d. How many strokes from the bit to the shoe?

Answer: stks

e. How many strokes from bit to surface?

Answer: stks

f. How long will it take to pump from surface to surface?

Answer: mins

g. How many barrels of mud will it take to fill the hole after pulling 15
stands of pipe dry? No mud returning to the well bore.

Answer: bbls

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h. How many barrels of mud would it take to fill the hole after pulling 15
stands of pipe wet?
No mud returning to the well bore.

Answer: bbls

i. How many barrels would it take to fill the hole after pulling out all the
collars?
Assume the hole had been kept full prior to pulling the collars and the
collars were pulled dry, with no mud returning to the well bore.

Answer: bbls

Annular Velocity: Determining the annular velocity for a particular annular section.
Annular velocity in ft/min = Pump output bbls/min ÷ Annular capacity bbls/ft

Example: Using the data from the above exercise.

What is the annular velocity around the collars with the pump running at 80
spm?
The pump output is 0.102 bbls/stk

Answer: Pump output bbls/min ÷ Annular capacity bbls/ft (around collars)

= (80 x 0.102) ÷ 0.0291
= 280 ft min

Example: If the pump speed was increased to 100 spm, what is the annular velocity around
the collars?

Answer: Pump output bbls/min ÷ Annular capacity bbls/ft

= (100 x 0.102) ÷ 0.0291
= 350 ft/min

EXERCISE 6:
a) Using the data in Exercise 11. What is the annular velocity around the
pipe in the open hole section? Pump running at 80 spm.

Answer:

b) What is the annular velocity around the pipe in the cased section?

Answer:

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Section 2 - ANSWERS:
SECTION 2.1 Exercise 1: 54 ft (rounded up)
Exercise 2: 129 ft
Exercise 3: 161.7 ft
Exercise 4: a) 250 ft
b) 450 ft
c) 97 ft
d) 7 bbls

SECTION 2.2 Exercise 5: a) 244 bbls

b) 2392 stk
c) 651.55 bbls
d) 1254 stks
e) 6388 stks
f) 103.3 mins
g) 10.57 bbls
h) 35.67 bbls
i) 17.57 bbls
Exercise 6: a) 177 ft/min
b) 171 ft/min

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 Calculations

NOTES:

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 Primary Well Control

3 PRIMARY WELL CONTROL

3.1 FORMATION FLUID PRESSURES

Formation Pressure is the pressure of the fluid contained in the pore spaces of sediments or
other rocks. It is also called Pore Pressure.
Normal Hydrostatic Formation Pressure. This pressure depends on the weight of the
column of water saturating the pore spaces of the sediments. The density of this formation
water varies depending on its salinity, depth and area. An average density is assumed to be
0.465 psi/ft. A hydrostatic formation pressure implies a connection between the pore spaces
of the rock and surface or atmosphere.
Abnormal Formation Pressures are pressures which for various reasons are caused by
pressure gradients substantially higher than normal. i.e. having a gradient higher than 0.465
psi/ft that is exerted on the exposed annular formations.
Subnormal Formation Pressures are those which have a fluid pressure gradient that is less
than 0.465 psi/ft.
The primary means of controlling the flow of formation fluid into the well bore is the drilling
fluid.

Example: The formation fluid pressure at 10,000 ft TVD is 5,200 psi See Figure 3.1
A mud weight to balance this pressure = (5,200 ÷ 10,000) ÷ 0.052
= 10 ppg

Exercise 1: At 11,050 ft formation pressure is predicted to be 0.65 psi/ft

What mud weight would be required to give an overbalance of 280 psi?

Answer:

Exercise 2: At 8,900 ft the predicted formation pressure is 5,230 psi

What mud weight would balance this pressure?

Answer:

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 Primary Well Control

Figure 3-1 – Formation Fluid Pressure

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 Primary Well Control

3.2 FORMATION BREAKDOWN PRESSURE

Formations are subjected to varying forces of compressive and tensile stresses. These are
conditions which exist before drilling. When drilling, an induced fracture can occur if the
forces or the pressure exerted by the mud on the walls of the drilled hole exceed the strength
of the rock.
A leak off test (lot) is usually conducted to establish the maximum pressure that can be
applied on the well bore without mud losses into the formations.
The test is usually run after a casing string has been installed and cemented.
Prior to testing. The cement in the bottom section of the casing will be drilled out as will the
cement in the section below the casing shoe plus 10 – 15 ft of new hole. The bit is pulled into
the shoe and circulated until the returning mud weight is the same as the mud being pumped.
A good pressure gauge is required. A check on the true vertical depth of the casing is
necessary. A cement pump will be used as it is high pressure and low volume.
The test is carried out by pumping small volumes of mud into the well with a preventer
closed. During the test a graph will be plotted showing volumes versus pressure.
This test determines the maximum pressure that can be applied on the exposed formations
below the casing shoe.
Formation break down pressure or Maximum shoe pressure (Pmax shoe)

Pmax shoe = Leak off pressure+(Mud wt/ppg x 0.052 x Shoe TVD)

The breakdown pressure or maximum shoe pressure can be expressed as a gradient.

FRACTURE GRADIENT OR LEAK OFF GRADIENT

Fracture gradient = Pmax Shoe ÷ shoe TVD = psi/ft
The fracture gradient can be expressed as fracture mud or maximum mud weight.
Maximum mud weight = Fracture gradient ÷ 0.052 = ppg

Example: A leak off test was performed with the casing shoe set at 4,000 ft Figure 3:2
The test was carried out with a 10 ppg mud
The surface leak off pressure was 1,000 psi

What is the maximum shoe pressure?

Pmax Shoe = 1,000 psi +(10 x 0.052 x 4,000 ft)=3,080 psi

What is the fracture gradient = 3,080 psi ÷ 4,000 ft = 0.77 psi/ft

What is the maximum mud wt = 0.77 psi /ft ÷ 0.052 = 14.8 ppg

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Figure 3-2

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Exercise 3: The maximum shoe pressure at 5,000 ft is 3,900 psi

a) What is the fracture gradient?

Answer:
b) What is the maximum mud wt?

Answer:

Exercise 4: Given the following data:

Shoe depth 4,500 ft TVD
Mud 10 ppg
Leak off occurred with a surface pressure of 1,218 psi.

a) What is the maximum shoe pressure?

Answer:
b) What is the fracture gradient?

Answer:
c) What is the maximum mud weight?

Answer:

When the leak off test is completed surface pressure is removed and the preventer is opened.
The pressure on the exposed formations below the shoe will be the hydrostatic pressure of the
mud in the casing.

Example: The casing shoe is set at 4,000 ft. The mud is 10 ppg
The hydrostatic pressure is 10 x 0.052 x 4,000 ft = 2,080 psi
Assume a leak off test established a maximum shoe pressure of 3,080 psi (that is
a pressure that if exceeded will probably cause losses.) The pressure safety
margin that now exists is Pmax 3,080 psi - Pmud 2,080 psi = 1,000 psi.
The maximum pressure that can be allowed at surface on this column of mud is
1,000 psi. This maximum surface pressure is called MAASP;

Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure.

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 Primary Well Control

3.3 CAUSES OF KICKS AND WARNING SIGNS

Bottom hole pressure must always exceed formation pressure to prevent a fluid inflow into
the well.
Example: An anticipated formation pressure at 10,000 ft is 5,000 psi. The mud
hydrostatic pressure at this depth is 5,200 psi No Flow. Bottom hole pressure
exceeds formation pressure.
A Kick is defined as an intrusion of formation fluids into the well bore as a
result of a formation pressure exceeding bottom hole pressure.
An Influx is an intrusion of formation fluids into the well bore that can be due
to a temporary reduction in bottom hole pressures such as swabbing.
NOTE: After a kick or influx has entered the well bore, the height can be
referred to an ‘INFLUX’ height in both cases.
For a kick to occur certain conditions must exist. (1) The mud hydrostatic
pressure must reduce or (2) Formation pressure must increase, and (3) The
formations must have sufficient permeability to allow flow into the well bore.
The main cause of kicks are:
1) A formation pressure that is greater than anticipated (Insufficient mud weight)
2) Swabbing
3) Not filling the hole properly when tripping out
4) Loss of circulation.

Abnormal Formation Pressure

When drilling into a permeable zone with a mud density that exerts less pressure than the fluid
pressure within that zone, the pressure unbalance or differential pressure will result in a kick.
Detection of formation pressure changes before the well goes underbalanced is therefore an
essential step in maintaining primary control of the well.
A significant increase in the rate of penetration is often indicative of a change in the
formations being drilled. These new formations could have the potential to cause kicks.
A more gradual change in the rate of penetration could signify that an abnormal pressure zone
is being drilled.
When a drilling break is recorded the depth drilled should be kept to a minimum.
Drilling breaks should be flow checked.
Indications or warning signs that formation pressure is increasing.
a) An increase in the rate of penetration can mean a drilling break.
b) An increase in gas levels in the mud, particularly connection gas. Connection Gas is an
increase in gas levels when circulating bottoms up after making a connection. This
increase in the gas level is caused by a reduction in bottom hole pressure due to pump
shutdown giving a loss of APL-therefore connection gas would indicate a near-balance
condition at the bottom of the hole. Consideration should be given to increasing the
mud weight.
c) Other trends may show an increase in the volume and shape of the cuttings.

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Insufficient Mud Weights

Drilling into a permeable zone with mud that exerts less pressure than the fluid pressure
within that zone. This may occur due to the following:
• Drilling with a fluid that has been unintentionally diluted.
Constant monitoring of the mud density being pumped and of the mud returning from
the well must be made.
• Drilling with gas cut mud.
Formations being drilled can release gas into the mud, as the gas is moved up the well
bore, it will expand causing a reduction in the mud weight as it gets to the surface.
Overall the reduction of the bottom hole pressure is generally slight.

Swabbing
When pulling the drillstring, bottom hole pressure can be reduced below formation pressure,
allowing an influx of formation fluids in to the wellbore. The pressure reduction is caused by
friction between the mud, the string that is being pulled and the walls of the hole.
When pulling the string there must be a flow of mud past the bit to compensate for the steel
being pulled. Any restriction to a free flow of fluid past the bit will cause a reduction to
bottom hole pressure.
Factors that will influence the swabbing effect or pulling pipe are:
• The speed that the pipe is being pulled at
• The clearance between the tubulars being pulled and the walls of the hole
• The viscosity of the mud
• Tight spots in the hole
• Balled up bit.

A safety overbalance or trip margin is normally applied to the mud to compensate for
swabbing.
Constant monitoring to ensure that; a) the well takes the correct amount of mud, b) the
correct replacement of mud when tripping out and, c) the correct displacement when tripping
in. It is essential that mud volumes be monitored using a trip tank. If the hole fails to take the
correct amount of mud this can be detected at the trip tank.
A trip sheet is used to record the volume of mud put into or displaced from the well. Trip
sheets should be maintained whenever tripping takes place.
It may be necessary prior to tripping to have the mud reconditioned. Circulate the hole clean.
Observe for any tight spots when pulling. If there is any likely hood of swabbing then each
stand should be circulated out until above the potential swab zone.

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Not Keeping The Hole Full

When pulling the drillstring from the well, a volume of steel is being removed. If the hole is
not filled up with mud to compensate for this, a reduction in bottom hole pressure will occur.
If this reduction exceeds the safety overbalance, a kick may occur. The hole must be kept full
when tripping, using a trip tank to monitor that it takes the correct amount.
The following may be used for calculating the pressure reduction per foot of pipe pulled,
without filling the hole up.

Pipe metal displ. x Mud gradient

Pulling Dry Pipe psi/ft =
Casing capacity − Pipe metal displ.

(Pipe metal displ. + Pipe Capacity) x Mud gradient

Pulling Wet pipe psi/ft =
Casing capacity − (Pipe metal displ. + Pipe capacity)

NB: If the drill string has a blank float valve fitted, the string must then be kept full
while tripping in to avoid circulating a volume of air that will reduce
hydrostatics

Loss Circulation
If the mud level in the well drops, a reduction in bottom hole pressure will occur. If this
reduction exceeds the hydrostatic safety overbalance a kick can occur. The maximum
level the mud can fall before going Under Balance can be calculated as follows:

Safety overbalance psi

Maximum mud level drop (ft) =
Mud gradient psi/ft

Types Of Loss Circulation

• Induced losses: Caused by using heavy mud weights that induce
fractures
Running tubulars too fast creating a surge
• Natural occurring losses: Fractured or vugular formations

Precautions To Reduce Losses:

• Use minimum mud weight that can be safely used
• Control speed of tubulars being run into the well
• Break circulation periodically
• Control rate of penetration
• Minimise annular pressure losses

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Section 3 - ANSWERS:
SECTION 3.1 Exercise 1: 12.99 ppg
Exercise 2: 11.3 ppg

SECTION 3.2 Exercise 3: a) 0.78 psi/ft

b) 15 ppg
Exercise 4: a) 3,558 psi
b) 0.79 psi/ft
c) 15.2 ppg

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NOTES:

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4 LOSS OF PRIMARY WELL CONTROL

4.1 SIGNS THAT A KICK IS OCCURRING

Recognising a kick while drilling:
• An increase in the active pit volume
• An increase in the return flow rate from the well
• The well flows when the pumps are off.

Recognising a kick while tripping:

• Well is flowing
• Incorrect replacement or displacement volumes.

4.2 FACTORS THAT CAN MASK THE DETECTION OF KICKS

1) Pump start up and shut down will cause variations in pit levels due to drain back.
2) Mud transfers to or from the active mud system whilst drilling.
3) Slow influx inflow due to low permeability.
4) Small gas influx when using oil base muds.

4.3 KICK DETECTION: THE IMPORTANCE OF AN EARLY

RESPONSE
For a kick to occur, formation pressure must exceed hydrostatic pressure.
If a kick starts to occur whilst drilling, the influx fluids will follow the path into the annulus.
The rate that the fluids flow into the well will be governed by some of the following factors:
• The type of influx fluid: Gas; Oil; Water
• The permeability and porosity of the exposed formations
• The length of exposed formations
• The differential pressure: the pressure difference between formation pressure and mud
hydrostatic pressure.

If the influx fluid coming into the well is gas (assume it has a gradient of 0.12 psi/ft) this light
fluid will eject from the well a like volume of mud; (Assume mud weight is 10 ppg).

Example: A gas influx that occupies 100 ft in the annulus will reduce the hydrostatics in
the annulus by 40 psi.
A gas volume that occupied 600 ft in the annulus would cause a reduction of
240 psi. This reduction would increase the flow rate into the well bore.

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Conclusion
Delays in responding to kick detection will result in large volume kicks. High annular
pressures and, in the worst case scenario, a blow out could occur with possible fatalities due to
fire or poisonous gas hazards, pollution and other environmental problems.
Early kick detection is imperative. When a kick is detected the well should be closed in
immediately.
A large gas kick will result in a high annular pressure initially at shut-in and during the
subsequent kill operation. There is the additional hazard of venting the very large volumes of
gas at surface.
Influx fluids are Gas, Oil and Salt Water.
Often the influx will be a combination of these.
The gradient or density of a gas will vary but will often be between 0.05 to 0.2 psi/ft.
Oil or a combination of gas, oil and salt water could have a gradient that varies from 0.2 to 0.4
psi/ft
Oil or a combination of oil and water could have a gradient that varies from 0.4 to 0.5 psi/ft
Gas kicks, due to their low density, will give higher annular pressures than either oil or salt-
water kicks.
4.4 EXERCISE – CAUSE OF KICKS
Without referring to your manual or notes. Answer the following:
Exercise 1: List 2 conditions that must exist before a kick can occur?

a)

b)

Exercise 2: List 4 factors that will influence swabbing?

a)

b)

c)

d)

Exercise 3: List 3 factors that can make kick detection difficult?

a)

b)

c)

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4.5 SHUT-IN PROCEDURES

SHUT-IN PROCEDURES On a fixed rig while drilling
SOFT SHUT-IN PROCEDURE
a) If the well is flowing, pick up off bottom until spaced out.
b) Stop the pump/stop rotating.
c) Open the hydraulic HCR valve.
d) Close the annular.
e) Close the choke.
f) Inform supervisor.
g) Monitor shut-in pressures, monitor pit gain.

SHUT-IN PROCEDURES On a fixed rig while tripping

SOFT SHUT-IN PROCEDURE
a) If the well is flowing, set slips.
b) Install full opening safety valve. (Kelly Cock)
c) Close safety valve.
d) Slips can be removed.
e) Open the hydraulic HCR valve.
f) Close the annular.
g) Close the choke.
h) Inform the supervisor.
i) Monitor shut-in casing pressures/monitor pit gain.
j) Install non return safety valve. (IBOP)
k) Open safety valve. (Kelly Cock)

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 Loss Of Primary Well Control
SHUT-IN PROCEDURE On a fixed rig while drilling
FAST SHUT-IN PROCEDURE
a) If the well is flowing, pick up off bottom until spaced out.
b) Stop the pump/stop rotating.
c) Open the hydraulic HCR valve.
d) Close the annular. (The choke is already closed)
e) Inform the supervisor.
f) Monitor shut-in pressures/pit gain.

SHUT-IN PROCEDURES On a fixed rig while tripping

FAST SHUT-IN PROCEDURE
a) If the well is flowing, install full opening safety valve. (Kelly Cock)
b) Close safety valve.
c) Open the hydraulic HCR valve.
d) Close the annular. (The choke is already closed).
e) Inform the supervisor.
f) Monitor shut-in casing pressures/pit gain.
g) Install non return safety valve. (IBOP)
h) Open safety valve. (Kelly Cock)

SHUT-IN PROCEDURES On a fixed rig while Drilling

HARD SHUT-IN PROCEDURE
a) If the well is flowing, pick up off bottom until spaced out.
b) Stop the pump/stop rotating.
c) Close an annular or a ram.
d) Open the hydraulic HCR valve.
e) Inform Supervisor.
f) Monitor shut-in pressures/Monitor pit gain.

SHUT-IN PROCEDURES On a fixed rig while tripping

HARD SHUT-IN PROCEDURE
a) If the well is flowing, install full opening safety valve. (Kelly Cock)
b) Close safety valve.
c) Close an annular or a ram.
d) Open the hydraulic HCR valve.
e) Inform the supervisor.
f) Monitor shut-in casing pressures/monitor pit gain.
g) Install non return safety valve. (IBOP)
h) Open safety valve (Kelly Cock)

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 Loss Of Primary Well Control

Exercise 1: A flowing well is shut-in while tripping. Select the correct procedure from the
following.
a) Close a preventer. Install a safety valve. Close the S/V. Install an IBOP.
b) Close a preventer. Install a safety valve. Close the S/V. Install an IBOP.
Open the S/V.
c) Install a safety valve. Close S/V. Install an IBOP. Close a preventer.
Open the S/V.
d) Install a safety valve. Close S/V. Close a preventer. Install an IBOP.
Open the S/V.

Answer:

Exercise 2: Consider the following 3 options:

a) An HCR valve is opened. A preventer is closed. The choke device is
closed.
b) A preventer is closed. An HCR is opened.
c) An HCR is opened. A preventer is closed.

Which of the above best describes a Hard shut-in?

Answer:

Which of the above best describes a Fast shut-in?

Answer:

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 Loss Of Primary Well Control

THE SHUT-IN WELL

Verification of Shut–In
Once the well is shut-in, check the following:
• That shut-in pressures are being monitored
• That the pit gain is recorded
• That the preventer is making the proper seal
Check the flow line for possible leaks
• The choke manifold is lined up and check for leaks
• Close if necessary the valve upstream of the active choke
• The line up to the poor boy de-gasser
• That the redundant choke is closed
• The standpipe manifold is lined up and check for leaks
• The pump pop off valve

A well is shut-in on a kick. Checks were carried out to verify shut-in.

The pit gain was recorded; this gain will normally be taken as the volume of the influx.

Well pressures must be allowed to stabilise.

The main factor that will influence the time it takes for these pressures to finally stabilise is the
permeability of the producing rock formation. When surface pressures have stabilised,
pressures throughout the well will have stabilised.
Example: Assume a kick occurred while drilling at 10,000 TVD. The mud in use is 10
ppg. The well was shut-in. After a period, shut-in Drill Pipe pressure (SIDPP)
and Shut-in Casing Pressure (SICP) both stabilised at:
SIDPP = 500 psi
SICP = 700 psi

Shut-in casing pressure is higher than Shut-in drill pipe pressure because the influx fluid
flowed into the annulus. The influx followed the flow path of the mud into the annulus.
Therefore, the hydrostatics in the annulus was reduced. The hydrostatics in the annulus, in
this example, is 200 psi less than the hydrostatics in the drill string. This difference in pressure
is reflected at surface.

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Bottom hole pressure can now be determined.

BHP = SIDPP + Hydrostatics in string.
= 500 psi +(10 x 0.052 x 10,000 ft)
BHP = 5,700 psi

If surface pressure has stabilised, then bottom hole pressure will be stable.
i.e.: Bottom hole pressure and Formation pressure are stabilised.
Bottom hole pressure = Formation pressure.
BHP = 5,700 psi = Pf = 5,700 psi

A kill mud can now be determined, based on stabilised surface pressures.

Kill mud with no safety factors added.
KILL MUD = Old Mud WT + (SIDPP ÷ TVD) ÷ 0.052
KILL MUD = 10 + (500 psi ÷ 10,000 ft) ÷ 0.052
KILL MUD = 10.97 ppg Rounded up to 2 decimal places (balanced)
or 11 ppg to give a slight over balance of 20 psi

Exercise 3: Well depth = 12,000 ft TVD

Mud = 12 ppg
SIDPP = 800 psi
SICP = 1,200 psi

a) Kill mud required? (round up 1 decimal place)

Answer: ppg

Exercise 4: Well depth = 16,400 ft MD 9,050 ft TVD

Mud = 14 ppg
SIDPP = 480 psi
SICP = 630 psi
a) Kill mud required? (round up 1 decimal place)

Answer: ppg

Exercise 5: Well depth 6,800 ft TVD

Mud = 9.8 ppg
SIDPP = 120 psi
SICP = 180 psi
a) Kill mud required? (rounded up 2 decimal place)

Answer: ppg

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SLOW CIRCULATING RATE DATA

A reduced circulating rate is used in conventional well kill operations.
A slow circulating rate pressure (Pscr.) is recorded for each pump.
Typically the pump is run at 30 spm and the pump pressure recorded. The pump is then run
at 40 spm and the pump pressure recorded. This reduced circulating pressure is re-established
when ever anything in the circulating system is changed. i.e.:
• Mud weight changes
• Mud pump liner change
• Bit nozzle change
• Drilling approx. 500 ft.

Factors to be considered in selecting a slow pump speed to kill a well will be:
• The size and nature of the kick
• The surface pressures
• The pressure safety tolerance
• The condition of the hole.

When a kick is being circulated from a well bore, the choke operator is manipulating the
choke device from the choke panel and maintaining a predetermined bottom hole pressure. A
slow pump rate makes choke control easier. It gives the operator more time to react to any
potential problem. It will minimise pressures in the well bore.

Other considerations are:

• Displacement rates should not exceed the rate that weight material can be mixed
at.
• Displacement rates should not exceed the handling capabilities of the surface
equipment.
• A pump rate should be selected that will reduce or minimise interruptions during
the kill operation.

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KILL METHODS
The objective of a kill method is to circulate out the influx fluids and displace the well to a
suitable kill mud without allowing further influx fluids into the well bore. This should be done
with the minimum damage to the well bore.
The kill mud that is circulated is normally a mud that will balance formation pressure. Safety
factors can be added after the kill operation.

Constant Bottom Hole Pressure Methods

The common CBHPM are:
• The DRILLERS Method.
• The WAIT & WEIGHT Method.
The Drillers method
This operation is split into two stages.
During the first stage, the influx is circulated out using the mud that exists in the well. Once
the influx is out of the well and it is shut-in.
The second stage is displacing the well to kill mud.
The advantage of this method is that it involves the least waiting time. The operation can be
started quickly.
It is less complicated, particularly in high angle hole sections.

The Wait & Weight method

When the well is shut-in a kill mud will be determined. This is a single operation that will
displace the well to kill mud as the influx is being circulated out.

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4.6 STRIPPING OPERATIONS

Should a well flow with the bit off bottom, the first action will be to shut the well in using the
appropriate procedure. The influx is probably due to swabbing when the string was being
pulled or the hole was not being filled up.
The influx will generally be below the bit.
When the well is shut-in initially, surface pressures and pit gain will be recorded.
If the recorded shut-in drill pipe pressure and the shut-in casing pressure are the
same, this will indicate that the influx is below the bit.
The main reason for stripping is to get the bit below the influx, so that the influx can be
circulated out of the well.
The drill pipe that is to be stripped through the closed preventer will have a non-return type
safety valve fitted. As the pipe is being lowered into the closed well, the choke operator will
maintain a surface pressure by bleeding off a volume of mud that will correspond to the
volume of steel being stripped in, this being the closed end displacement of the pipe.
Stripping will take time and will place high levels of stress on the BOP equipment as the pipe
is lowered through the closed preventer

4.7 SHALLOW GAS HAZARDS

Shallow gas is produced from the burial of organic material degrading in buried sediments.
A study of blowouts worldwide shows that the largest and most single cause of all blowouts
occurred as a result of encountering shallow gas.
Probably the most common occurrence for a shallow gas kick would be when drilling to set
20” casing.
Shallow gas kicks can result from any or a combination of the following:
• Drilling into a gas-bearing sand with insufficient mud weight.
• Swabbing gas into the well bore when tripping.
If necessary circulate out of the well to avoid swabbing.
• Not keeping the hole full can lead to a loss of hydrostatics.
Good practices should prevent this from occurring.
• Any reduction in hydrostatics, such as a loss of circulation. Penetration rates should be
controlled to prevent overloading the annulus with cuttings.
• Gas cutting of the mud or any gas influx will reduce hydrostatics.

When a gas starts to enter into the well bore, mud will be displaced at surface from the well
and hydrostatics will be reducing. This reduction in hydrostatics will increase the gas inflow
rates.
As the gas inflow accelerates, more & more mud is being displaced until the remaining mud is
blown from the well.

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Some steps that can be implemented to avoid the hazard of shallow gas would be:
• Check all relevant seismic survey data.
• Check previous off-set well records.
• Consider drilling a pilot hole.
• Control ROP.
• Use a float in the drill string.
• Move pipe slowly. Circulate when tripping.
• Keep hole full at all times.
• Constant monitoring.

If a shallow gas flow is detected, then the guidelines listed could be followed:
• Pump at maximum rate.
• Ensure that the downwind diverter line is open.
• Close the flow line valve.
• Close the diverter.

Most diverter systems incorporate an automatic sequence event that, when the diverter line
valve is open, the flow line valve will be closed.
This operation will occur before the diverter seals on the pipe.
Pumping should continue.
4.8 GASES
Carbon dioxide gas CO2
Hydrogen sulphide H 2S (sour gas)

These gases are extremely corrosive when combined with water and can be very dangerous to
health if vented to atmosphere, particularly H2S
These gases, often referred to as acid gases, will go into solution in water or in oil based muds.
Acid gases will stay in solution in the mud further up the well bore than hydrocarbon gases
such as methane, which is the major component of hydrocarbon gases. A particular danger
with acid gas is it can be virtually at surface before it can be detected.
Early gas detection systems will be installed on the rig to assist in achieving quick response
times to this particular problem.

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4.9 THE GRADIENT OF THE INFLUX

The volume of the influx is normally taken as the pit volume gain. If the influx volume is less
than the annular volume around the collars, then the influx length can be determined

As follows:
Influx length/height in ft = (Kick Vol.÷ Ann cap/ft)

NB Corrections will have to be made if the influx volume exceeds the annular
volume around the collars.

When the length of the influx is determined then the influx gradient can be calculated.

As follows:
Influx gradient = Mud grad. psi/ft – (SICP – SIDPP) ÷ Ht. of Influx

Gas gradient: 0.05 through to 0.2 psi/ft

Oil gradient: 0.25 through to 0.35 psi/ft
Water salt: 0.45 through to 0.465 psi/ft
Water fresh: 0.433 psi/ft

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4.10 GAS KICKS (IN WATER BASED MUDS)

Unlike water, which is almost incompressible, gas is highly compressible.
A water kick with no gas in it will occupy a certain space in the well bore irrespective of
pressure or temperature.
Reducing the pressure or temperature will have little or no effect on the water.
The volume of water will not expand and there will be no noticeable change in the pit volume.
A gas kick is highly compressible; the space the gas occupies will depend on pressure and on
temperature.
Ignoring temperature and other effects, reducing pressure on the gas will allow the gas volume
to expand occupying more space.
If the pressure is increased, then the gas volume will decrease.
If the pressure is maintained, the gas volume will remain unchanged.

Gas, in water based mud, can migrate up the well bore.

Migration will occur if the well is left open or is shut-in.
With the well open, the gas will expand as it migrates displacing mud from the well. The
pressure on the gas will be reducing.
If the well is shut-in and the gas migrates, it cannot expand; no mud is being displaced from
the well to allow expansion. If the gas cannot expand it will retain its original pressure.

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 Loss Of Primary Well Control

Exercise 1: The diagram above shows a well shut-in on a 15 barrel kick.

The SIDDP = 500 psi
The SCIP = 700 psi
Mud weight = 10 ppg
The drill collars are 6 ½” OD x 600 ft
The drill pipe is 5” OD
The hole size is 8 ½”

a) What is the gradient of the influx?

Answer:

b) Is the influx: gas; water; oil?

Answer:

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 Loss Of Primary Well Control

4.11 MIGRATION
THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF NON BLEEDING PRESSURE WHILE GAS IS
MIGRATING UP A WELL THAT IS CLOSED

The well is shut-in on a gas kick. Formation pressure = 5,800 psi

1) The shut-in surface pressure = 400 psi
The mud hydrostatics = 5,400 psi
Gas influx pressure = Bottom hole pressure = 5,800 psi

2) The gas has migrated, it is half way up the hole.

The mud hydrostatics above the gas = 2,700 psi
The mud hydrostatics below the gas = 2,700 psi
Surface pressure has increased by 2,700 psi = 3,100 psi
Gas pressure is maintained at 5,800 psi
There has been no gas expansion
Bottom hole pressure is now 2,700 psi + 5,800 = 8,500 psi

3) The gas has migrated to surface.

Surface pressure is now = 5,800 psi
The mud hydrostatics are now below the influx = 5,400 psi
The bottom hole pressure is 5,800 + 5,400 = 11,200 psi

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 4-15

 Loss Of Primary Well Control

Exercise 1: If gas is not allowed to expand as it migrates up a well that is closed in.
The following will occur:
Select 4 answers
a) Bottom hole pressure increase
b) Bottom hole pressure reduce
c) Bottom hole pressure remain unchanged
d) Shoe pressure increase
e) Shoe pressure reduce
f) Shoe pressure not be affected
g) Surface pressure increase
h) Surface pressure reduce
i) Surface pressure remain unchanged
j) Gas pressure increase
k) Gas pressure reduce
l) Gas pressure remain unchanged

Answer:

Answer:

Answer:

Answer:

Exercise 2: If gas is allowed to expand as it moves up an open well.

The following will occur:
Select 3 answers
a) Bottom hole pressure increase
b) Bottom hole pressure reduce
c) Bottom hole pressure remain unchanged
d) Gas pressure increase
e) Gas pressure reduce
f) Gas pressure remain unchanged
g) Pit levels increase
h) Pit levels Decrease
i) Pit levels remain unchanged

Answer:

Answer:

Answer:

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 Loss Of Primary Well Control

Section 4 - ANSWERS:
SECTION 4.4
Exercise 1: a) Formation pressure must exceed bottom hole pressure
b) Formations must have sufficient permeability
Exercise 2: a) Pulling speed
b) Clearance between collars and hole
c) Mud properties
d) Balled up bit
Exercise 3: a) Drain back from pump shut down
b) Small influx in oil based muds
c) Mud transfers whilst drilling
SECTION 4:5
Exercise 1: ‘D’
Exercise 2: ‘B’ Hard shut-in
‘A’ Fast shut-in
Exercise 3: 13.3 ppg
Exercise 4: 15.1 ppg
Exercise 5: 10.14 ppg

SECTION 4.10
Exercise 1: a) 0.13 psi/ft
b) Gas

SECTION 4.11
Exercise 1: A
D
G
L
Exercise 2: B
E
G

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 4-17

 Loss Of Primary Well Control

NOTES

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5 EQUIPMENT

5.1 PIT LEVELS AND FLOW MONITORS

Two essential pieces of instrumentation on the rig are Pit Level indicators and Flow Rate
indicators.
PIT LEVELS: Mud pit level indicators were originally a piece of string with a nut tied to
the end of it. The Derrickman could notice any changes in level by
adjusting the nut to sit on top of the mud.
This method is still used by the Derrickman today but is backed up by
air/electric/ultra sonic monitors. These monitors register volumes,
losses and gains at the drillers console.
FLOW RATE: Return flow lines are now fitted with Paddle type or Strain Gauge type
sensors to measure flow. Air/electronic signals are sent to a dial at the
drillers console. Variations of flow can be noticed as either a % flow or
bbls/min scale.
Floating rigs generate surge in the flowline which makes the system difficult to read, but
electronic dampers do help to reduce surge and steady the gauge. Computers are now
becoming more popular to analyse important data.

5.2 MUD MIXING SYSTEMS

Mud mixing systems should be capable of handling most kicks with the minimum of mixing
time.
Centrifugal pumps, bulk barite storage, and Jet Hoppers all help to reduce down time.

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 5-1

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© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 5-3

 Equipment

5.3 DRILLING SPOOLS

A drilling spool is a connector placed within the BOP stack, to which are attached the choke
and kill lines. They must have pressure ratings equal to the stack and a bore that will allow the
largest diameter equipment to be lowered into the well. Like all other stack equipment the
spool should be Studded, Flanged or a Clamp on type connection.
Certain rams have integral choke and kill line connections and, therefore, no spool is required.

5.4 SEAL RINGS AND RING GROOVES

To be able to effect a pressure tight seal between each piece of stack and related equipment
Seal Rings are used.
The Seal Ring fits into the Ring Grooves on the equipment. The Ring Grooves and Seal
Rings should be clean and dry.
Common types of Seal Ring are R, RX and BX. The RX and BX are pressure-energised rings,
meaning, well bore pressures will help to effect a seal. However R type ring seals are not, so
flange bolt torque should be checked more often with this type of seal.

5.5 CASING HEADS

The casing head is the link between the casing and the BOP stack. It can be equipped with
flanged, slip on weld, or threaded connections for attachment to casing or preventer stack. It
can also have threaded or flanged side outlets.

Casing Heads should:

• Have a pressure at least equal to the Maximum anticipated surface pressure.
• Have sufficient compressive strength to support subsequent casing and tubing strings.
• Have side outlets to bleed off pressure that may accumulate between inner and outer
casing strings.

Most casing heads are designed to support a hanger for the inner string of casing. The weight
of the string helps to create a pressure seal between the outer and inner string.

5.6 H2S TRIM AND WEAR BUSHINGS

H2S Trim: Hydrogen Sulphide is a gas that is extremely toxic and corrosive. Normal steels
crumble rapidly when exposed to H2S. For this reason, stack equipment must be
manufactured from special steel having a tensile strength of less than 90,000 psi.
Wear Bushings: Routine activity in the hole can cause excessive wear on stack components.
To minimise wear, a bushing or sleeve is installed in the lower part of the wellhead. These
bushings take most of the wear and can be replaced at relatively low cost. To locate or
retrieve the wear bushing a running and retrieving tool is used. Some designs are unsecured,
others are locked in place with external locking screws (tie down bolts).

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5.7 GRAY INSIDE BOP

The Gray inside BOP is a heavy-duty drop check valve with a conical plug to reduce the
cutting action of the mud on the valve seat, ensuring positive closure whenever required.
Installed in the drill string, it protects the rotary swivel, rotary hose, standpipe, and mud
pumps from drill pipe kicks. It may be used along with high-pressure pumps to maintain well
control by preventing high-pressure backflow.
A special release tool allows the valve to be held open to permit stabbing into position against
a backflow of fluid. This optional release tool can be installed on the float valve and the entire
assembly kept ready on the rig floor for quick installation at the first signs of serious backflow
when drill pipe is pulled from the well.
Standard inside BOP units are designed for service pressures up to 10,000 psi, but all sizes
may be supplied on special order for higher service pressures. Size requirements are based on
the box and pin thread, and size of casing or drill pipe.
O-rings normally supplied are limited to use at well temperatures below +250OF, but other
compositions are available to use at extremely high or low temperatures. Special metallurgical
requirements may be met for extremely low temperatures or corrosive environments.

Rod Lock Screw

Release Rod

Release Cap

Upper Sub

Dart Seat
Dart ‘O’ Ring
Dart Valve
Spring
Lower Sub

Gray Inside BOP

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 5-5

 Equipment

5.8 KELLY GUARD VALVES

Hydril’s Kelly guard is a manually operated ball valve used to close the bore of the drill string
to flow. Kelly guards facilitate well control and prevent mud spillage. They are attached
above and below the Kelly to close the bore to upward flow from the wellbore, or downward
flow during a connection. Kelly guard has a one piece, compact body for easy handling and
provides protection up to 15,000 psi. Hydril test all shells at 1 ½ times its rated working
pressure. Kelly guard is a ‘Kelly cock’ valve as defined by API Specification 7 for Rotary
Drilling Equipment.

Cutaway view of Standard Hydril Kelly guard in Open Position

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5.9 DROP-DOWN CHECK-GUARD VALVE

Check guard is a drop-in check valve for the drill string. The check valve remains at surface
until needed and is retrievable by wire line. It provides the driller with a means to control the
drill pipe pressure when required. The check valve prevents upward flow through the drill
pipe, but also allows fluid to be pumped downward to circulate the well. Only the landing sub
is installed as the drill string is run. When control is needed, the valve is pumped down the
string where it latches automatically in the landing sub. The check valve sits in the landing
sleeve, latching positively. The sleeve has recessed areas into which the check valve packer
seals. The valve seals pressure up to 10,000 psi yet is lightweight and easily handled. The valve
can be retrieved by tripping the pipe out of the hole or by wire line.

Landing Sub Check Valve

After the correct size Use the largest size check valve
check valve is determined, that can pass through the drill
choose a matching string to the landing sub to
landing sub. provide the largest flow area
Select a landing sub with for circulation.
threaded connections and Determine the smallest inside
outside diameter compatible diameter through which the
with the mating tool joints check valve must pass.
of the drill string. Verify Kelly, lower Kelly valve,
tool joints, and sometimes drill
collars.
The check valve OD must be at
least 1/16 inch smaller than this
inside diameter. Once smallest
bore is determined, read across
table for correct valve size.

Retrieving Tool

Drop-Down Check-Guard Sub Valve and Retrieving Tool

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 5-7

 Equipment

5.10 DRILL PIPE FLOAT VALVES

Drill pipe float valves are normally installed directly above the drill bit. In the simplest terms
they are NRVs (non-return valves). They enable circulation down the drill string only and
provide instantaneous shut-off from the annulus whenever the pumps are turned off. While
drilling their main function is to prevent backflow while making connections. They also
provide fluid flow control at the bottom of the drill string during tripping or when shut-in.
Two common types are the spring loaded float valves and the flapper type float valve.
The flapper type valve incorporates a built-in latch which allows tripping the drill string into
the hole with the valve in the open position, thus eliminating the need to fill the pipe. This
also has the effect of reducing surge pressure. The latch is automatically released by initial
circulation of mud. As soon as circulation is stopped the valve closes. Some flapper valves are
vented to permit the reading of pressures during shut in conditions.
The spring loaded Baker float valve has similar functions as mentioned above. Some variations
are ‘ported’ with a 5 mm hole drilled through the centre of the valve, enabling drill pipe
pressure to be recorded during shut-in conditions.
The main dis-advantages when running float valves are summarised by higher surge pressures,
inability to read drill pipe pressure or reverse circulate, and having to stop to fill the pipe.

Latch

Closed Position Run-In Position

FLAPPER TYPE FLOAT VALVE SPRING LOADED TYPE

Float Valves

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5.11 DIVERTERS
Diverters are used to direct flow to a safe distance from the rig.
A Diverter System consists of an Annular Type Preventer (i.e. HYDRIL MSP), a large
diameter Vent Line or Lines and Vent Line valves.

API state:
A Diverter is not designed to shut-in or halt flow, but rather permit routing of the flow to a
safe distance away from the rig. At this stage of drilling, if the well is completely shut-in
uncontrolled flow around the outside of the shallow casing could result.
The rate of pressure of the Diverter and vent line(s) is not of prime importance. Rather they
are sized to permit diversion of well fluids MINIMISING wellbore back pressure. Vent Lines
usually vary from 4” to 12”.
Vent Line valves should be fully opening and designed to automatically open whenever the
diverter is closed.
Make regular checks for plugging with drill cuttings or other debris.
Shallow wells that are blowing out usually bleed down or bridge off quite soon.

KFDJ Hydraulic Functions

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 5-9

 Equipment

5.12 ACCUMULATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS

The purpose of an accumulator system is to provide opening and closing power to the BOPs.
The system is hydraulic and is designed to close the BOPs quickly and to be able to maintain
closing pressure. The closing pressure can be adjusted according to the operation
requirements.

Main Components of a System:

Accumulator bottles: These are pre-charged with nitrogen to 1,000 psi and then pressured
with hydraulic fluid to 3,000 psi.
Pumps: These are used to return accumulator bottle pressure back to 3,000 psi. There are
two types of pump, electric and air, so that if one fails the other will act as a back up.
Reservoir: A large tank that contains the hydraulic fluid to replenish the bottles and to allow
the bottles to be drained into.
Manifold and Valves: Lines fitted with pressure regulating valves and opening/closing
valves that supply fluid at a constant pressure to the equipment being operated.

Basic Accumulator Layout

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 Equipment

Typical Set Up Of A Surface Bop Drill Floor Panel

Typical Surface BOP Drill Floor Panel

NOTE: The annular operating pressure can be regulated from 600 psi to 1,500
psi. In this example, the setting is 750 psi.

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 5-11

 Equipment

5.13 ANNULAR PREVENTERS

Commonly known as ‘BAG TYPE PREVENTERS’ or ‘SPHERICAL PREVENTERS’.
As their name implies they are designed to seal off the ANNULUS, but can be used to
completely seal off an OPEN HOLE. One special feature is that the Annular Preventer will
allow for STRIPPING procedures.
NORMAL OPERATING PRESSURES are in the range of 600 - 1,500 psi.
Certain models obtain assistance in sealing from well pressures.
The main advantage of Annular Preventers is that they can seal around any size of pipe and
most shapes (i.e. Kelly). Spiral Drill Collars often require higher closing pressure to get an
effective seal.

Annular Preventer

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5.14 RAMS

Pipe Rams
Pipe Rams are designed to seal around a specific size of pipe body (not tool joints) i.e. 5”
Rams for 5” pipe.
Closure on open hole is not recommended as the rubber packing element will be extruded and
possibly damaged. Reciprocating the pipe will also wear the element.
Pipe Rams are considered more suitable for high pressure use. They are easier to service and
are installed below Annulars.
They can be locked in the closed position and are designed to support the weight of the drill
string when hung off.
Rams normal operating pressure 1,500 psi.
During most kill operations the uppermost Pipe Rams are used to seal off the annulus. Choke
and kill lines are therefore always found below Top Rams.

Blind and Shear Rams

Blind Rams are designed to seal the well if no pipe is in the hole. They have flat edges, so will
not cut through the pipe if accidentally closed.
Shear Rams are a type of Blind Ram. Their function is cut the pipe and then seal off the
wellbore. Because this action will cause the drill string to drop, the tool joint of the pipe
should be set on a lower set of pipe rams.
‘Hang Off’ before shearing the pipe.

Variable Bore Rams

Variable Bore Rams are designed to seal on a variety of pipe body sizes, they have a front
packing element similar to that of an Annular Preventer.

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 5-13

 Equipment

‘U’ BOP COMPONENTS

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 Equipment

U BOP – Pipe Rams

Cameron pipe rams are available for use in Cameron ram-type BOPs to fill all commonly used
sizes of tubing, drill pipe, drill collars and casing. Sealing elements are pressure energised and
self feeding, incorporating a large reservoir of feedable rubber.

Shear Blind Rams

Shearing blind rams shear the pipe in the hole, then bend the lower section of sheared pipe,
allowing the rams to close and seal. They can be used as blind rams during normal operations.
The operating pressure required to shear pipe is 3,000 psi and the maximum size of pipe that
can be sheared is 5½” OD. Shearing blind rams will shear pipe numerous times without
damage to the cutting edge. The ram incorporates a single piece body with an integrated
cutting edge.

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 5-15

 Equipment

5.15 MUD GAS SEPARATOR (POOR BOY DEGASSER)

The height and diameter of an atmospheric separator are critical dimensions which affect the
volume of gas and fluid the separator can efficiently handle. As the mud and gas mixture
enters the separator, the operating pressure is atmospheric plus pressure due to friction in the
gas vent line. The vertical distance for the inlet to the static fluid level allows time for
additional gas break-out and provides an allowance for the fluid to rise somewhat during the
operation to overcome friction loss in the mud outlet lines. As shown, the gas-fluid inlet
should be located approximately at the midpoint of the vertical height. This provides the top
half for a gas chamber and the bottom half for gas separation and fluid retention. The 30 in.
diameter and 16 ft minimum vessel height requirements have proven adequate to handle the
majority of gas kicks. The separator inlet should have at least the same ID as the largest line
from the choke manifold which is usually 4 in. Some separators use tangential inlet, which
creates a small centrifugal effect on the gas-fluid mixture which causes faster gas break-out.
The baffle system causes the mud to flow in thin sheets which assists the separation process.
There are numerous arrangements and shapes of baffles used. It is important that each plate
be securely welded to the body of the separator with angle braces.
A 8 in. minimum ID gas outlet is usually recommended to allow a large volume of low
pressure gas to be released from the separator with minimum restriction. Care should be
taken to ensure minimum back pressure in the vent line. On most offshore rigs, the vent line
is extended straight up and supported to a derrick leg. The ideal line would be restricted to 30
ft in length and top of the line should be bent outward about 30 degrees to direct gas flow
away from the rig floor. If it is intended that the gas should be flared, flame arresters should
be installed at the discharge end of the vent line.
As stated previously, when the gas pressure in the separator exceeds the hydrostatic head of
the mud in the U-tube, the fluid seal in the bottom is lost and gas starts flowing into the mud
system. The mud outlet downstream of the U-tube should be designed to maintain a
minimum vessel fluid level of approximately 3 1/2 ft in a 16 ft high separator. Assuming a 9.8
ppg mud and total U-tube height of 10 ft the fluid seal would have a hydrostatic pressure
equal to 5.096 psi. This points out the importance for providing a large diameter gas vent line
with the fewest possible turns to minimise line frictional losses.
The mud outlet line must be designed to handle viscous, contaminated mud returns. As
shown an 8 in. line is recommended to minimise frictional losses. This line is recommended
to minimise frictional losses. The line usually discharges into the mud ditch in order that good
mud can be directed over the shakers and untreatable mud routed to the waste pit.
During well control operations, the main purpose of a mud gas separator is to vent the gas
and save the drilling fluid. This is important not only economic reasons, but also to minimise
the risk of circulating out a gas kick without having to shut down to mix additional mud
volume. In some situations the amount of mud lost can be critical when surface volume is
marginal and on-site mud supplies are limited. When a gas kick is properly shut in and
circulated out, the mud gas separator should be capable of saving most of the mud.

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There are a number of design features which affect the volume of gas and fluid that the
separator can safely handle. For production operations, gas oil separators can be sized and
internally designed to efficiently separate gas from the fluid. This is possible because the fluid
and gas characteristics are known and design flow rates can be readily established. It is
apparent that 'gas busters' for drilling rigs cannot be designed on the same basis since the
properties of circulated fluids from gas are unpredictable and a wide range of mixing
conditions occur downhole. In addition, mud rheological properties vary widely and have a
strong effect on gas environment. For both practical and cost reasons, rig mud gas separators
are not designed for maximum possible gas release rates which might be needed; however,
they should not handle most kicks when recommended shut-in procedures and well control
practises are followed. When gas low rates exceed the separator capacity, the flow must be
bypassed around the separator directly to the flare line. This will prevent the hazardous
situation of blowing the liquid from the bottom of the separator and discharging gas into the
mud system.
The Diagram illustrates the basic design features for atmospheric mud gas separators. Since
most drilling rigs have their own separator designs, the Drilling Supervisor must analyse and
compare the contractor's equipment with the recommended design to ensure the essential
requirements are met.
The atmospheric type separator operates on the gravity or hydrostatic pressure principle. The
essential design features are:
• Height and diameter of separator
• Internal baffle arrangement to assist in additional gas break-out
• Diameter and length of gas outlet
• A target plate to minimise erosion where inlet mud gas mixture contacts the internal
wall of the separator, which provides a method of inspecting plate wear
• A U-tube arrangement properly sized to maintain fluid head in the separator.

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5-18
Kill Line Gauge To Atmosphere
HYDRAULIC CHOKE Pump Stroke or Flare Booms
PANEL Counter
Gas Outlet
Pump Stroke Totaliser 8” ID Minimum

Drill Pipe Gauge Casing Gauge Back Pressure Gas Back Pressure Registered At
This Gauge (Typically 0 to 20 psi)
Choke Position Indicator
Air Off/On Lever Choke Open/Close Adjustment
Choke Open/Close
30” OD

LOW A A
PRESSURE
To Degasser
Approximately ½ of Height

Rig Floor
CLOSED

OPEN
Inspection Cover
Brace
Half Circle Baffles Arranged
In a ‘Spiral’ Configuration
To Shaker
From Well Bore Header Tank
HIGH

10 ft Minimum Height
PRESSURE Max. Head Available Developed
Methanol/Glycol by this Height of Fluid
Injection e.g. 10 ft Head at 1.5 SG
Gives 6.5 psi Max. Capacity
10 ft Approx.

Mud Gas Separator

Max. Operating Pressure

8” Nominal ‘U’ Tube

4” Clean-Out Plug 2” Drain or Flush Line

Steel
Target Plate
Rig Floor

Inspection
Cover

SECTION A - A
TANGENTIAL INLET
c DTL 2001

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1

Equipment
 Equipment

NOTES:

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 5-19

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 Glossary

6 GLOSSARY

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
HMUD = Head of Mud or Hydrostatic Pressure of Mud (usually psi).
GMUD = Pressure gradient of mud (usually psi/foot).
PF = Formation (Fluid) Pressure (usually psi).
PFB = Formation Breakdown Pressure or Formation Fracture Pressure or
Formation Strength (usually psi).
GFB = Formation Breakdown Pressure Gradient (usually psi/foot).
MAX EMW = Maximum Equivalent Mud Weight, to produce Formation Breakdown
Pressure at Shoe.
MAASP = Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure (usually psi). Surface
Pressure, which if exceeded may cause leakage of whole mud into
formation of the casing shoe.
SIDPP = Shut-in Drill Pipe Pressure (usually psi).
SICP = Shut-in Casing Pressure (usually psi).
ICP = Initial Circulating Pressure (usually psi).
FCP = Final Circulating Pressure (usually psi).
SCRP = Slow Circulating Rate Pressure or Kill Rate Pressure, sometimes
written PSCR (usually psi).
BHP = Bottom Hole Pressure, the pressure exerted within the hole by mud
head and surface applied pressures (usually psi).
PLO = Leak Off Pressure (usually psi).
APL = Annulus Pressure Loss (usually psi).
ECD = Equivalent Circulating Density or Equivalent Circulating Mud Weight
(usually ppg).
PPG = Pounds per U.S. Gallon sometimes written lb/US gal.
MW = Mud Weight (usually ppg).
KMW = Kill Mud Weight (usually ppg).
OMW = Original Mud Weight (usually ppg).

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-1

 Glossary

WELL CONTROL FORMULAE (API AND COMMON

UNITS)
HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE
Hydrostatic Pressure = ppg x 0.052 x Depth (True vertical)
(psi) (ft)

Hydrostatic Pressure = SG x 0.433 x Depth (True vertical)

(psi) (ft)

PRESSURE GRADIENT
psi/foot = ppg x 0.052
psi/foot = SG x 0.433

CIRCULATING BOTTOM HOLE PRESSURE

Circulating BHP = Static BHP + Annulus Pressure Loss
(psi) (psi) (psi)

EQUIVALENT CIRCULATING DENSITY

ECD AnnulusPressureLoss
= Static Mud Weight +
(ppg) Depth (True Vertical)x 0.052

FORMATION BREAKDOWN PRESSURE

PFB = Leak-off Pressure + Static Pressure of Mud to Shoe
(psi) Note ‘Static Pressure of Mud’ is often written as ‘Head of Mud’.

FORMATION BREAKDOWN GRADIENT

GradientFB PFB
=
(psi/ft) Shoe Depth (True Vertical)

MAXIMUM EQUIVALENT MUD WEIGHT

Max. [Link] Weight PFB
=
(ppg) Shoe Depth (True Vertical)x 0.052

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE ANNULAR SURFACE PRESSURE

MAASP = PFB – Head of Mud to Shoe
(psi)
MAASP = GFB – GMUD x Shoe Depth (True vertical)
(psi)
MAASP = (Max [Link] wt – Current Mud wt) x Shoe Depth x 0.052
(psi) (True vertical)

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 Glossary

KILL MUD WEIGHT

Kill Mud Weight Original Mud Weight SIDPP

= +
(ppg) (ppg) Depth (True Vertical)x 0.052

or

Kill Mud Weight Formation Pressure

=
(ppg) Depth (True Vertical)x 0.052

INITIAL CIRCULATING PRESSURE

ICP = Slow Circulating Rate Pressure + SIDPP
(psi)

FINAL CIRCULATING PRESSURE

FCP Kill Mud WT

= Slow Circulating Rate Pressure x
(psi) Original Mud WT

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-3

 Glossary

WELL CONTROL FORMULAE (SI)

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE
Hydrostatic Pressure = Mud Weight ÷ 102 x Depth (True vertical)
(Kpa) (Kg/m3) (Metres)

PRESSURE GRADIENT
KPa/Metre = Kg/m3 ÷ 102
CIRCULATING BOTTOM HOLE PRESSURE
Circulating BHP = Static BHP + Annular Pressure Loss
(Kpa) (Kpa) (Kpa)

EQUIVALENT CIRCULATING DENSITY

ECD Static Mud WT AnnularPressureLoss(Kpa)x 102
= +
(kg/m3 ) (kg/m3 ) Depth (True Vertical)(Metres)
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE ANNULAR SURFACE PRESSURE
MAASP PFB H
= − MUD
(KPa) (KPa) (KPa)

or

MAASP (G FB − G MUD ) Shoe Depth (True Vertical)

= x
(KPa) (KPa/m) (KPa/m) (Metres)

or

MAASP Max Equiv. Mud WT − Current Mud WT ÷ 102 x Shoe Depth (True Vertical)
=
(KPa) (Kg/m3 ) (Kg/m3 ) (Metres)
KILL MUD WEIGHT
Kill Mud WT Original Mud WT SIDPP (KPa)x 102
= +
(Kg/m3 ) 3
(Kg/m ) Depth (True Vertical)(Metres)
INITIAL CIRCULATING PRESSURE
ICP SCRP SIDPP
= +
(KPa) (KPa) (KPa)
FINAL CIRCULATING PRESSURE
FCP SCRP x Kill Mud WT (Kg/m3 )
=
(KPa) (KPa) Old Mud WT (Kg/m3 )

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 Glossary

APPROPRIATE CONVERSIONS
DEPTH
Feet x 0.3048 to give Metres (m)
Metres x 3.2808 to give Feet (ft)
VOLUME
(U.S.) Gallon x 0.003785 to give Cubic Metres (m3)
(U.S.) Barrel x 0.1590 to give Cubic Metres (m3)
Cubic Metre x 6.2905 to give Barrel (U.S.)
PRESSURE
PSI x 6.895 to give Kilo Pascals (Kpa)
KPA x 0.14503 to give pounds per square inch (psi)
Kg/cm2 x 98.1 to give Kilo Pascals (Kpa)
Bar x 100 to give Kilo Pascals (Kpa)
MUD WEIGHT
PPG x 119.8 to give Kilogram per Cubic Metre (Kg/m3)
Kg/m3 x 0.00835 to give (Pounds per Gallon)
PRESSURE GRADIENT
PSI/Foot x 22.62 to give Kilo Pascals per Metre (KPa/m)
KPa/Metre x 0.04421 to give Pounds per Square Inch per Foot (psi/ft)
MUD WEIGHT TO PRESSURE GRADIENT
PPG x 0.052 to give Pounds per Square Inch per Foot (psi/ft)
[Pressure Gradient]
SG x 0.433 to give Pounds per Square Inch per Foot (psi/ft)
lb/ft3
÷ 144 to give Pounds per Square Inch per Foot (psi/ft)
Kg/m 3
x 0.000434 to give Pounds per Square Inch or ÷ 2303 per Foot
(psi/ft)
3
Kg/m x 0.00982 to give Kilo Pascals per Metre (KPa/m)
FLOW RATE
Gallons/Minute x 0.003785 to give Cubic Metres per Minute (m3/min)
Barrels/Minute x 0.159 to give Cubic Metres per Minute (m3/min)
Cubic Metres/Minute x 6.2905 to give Barrels per Minute (bbl/min)
Cubic Metres/Minute x 264.2 to give Gallons per Minute (gals/min)
ANNULAR VELOCITY
Feet/Minute x 0.3048 to give Metres per Minute (m/min)
Metres/Minute x 3.2808 to give Feet per Minute (ft/min)

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-5

 Glossary

FORCE (e.g. WEIGHT ON BIT)

Pound Force x 0.445 to give Decanewtons
Decanewtons x 2.2472 to give Pound Force
MASS
Pounds x 0.454 to give Kilograms (kg)
Tons (Long 2240 lbs) x 1017 to give Kilograms (kg)
Tonnes (Metre 2205 lbs) x 1001 to give Kilograms (kg)
Kilograms x 2.2026 to give Pounds (lbs)
PIPE WEIGHTS
Pound/Foot x 1.49 to give Kilogramme/Metre
Kilogram/Metre x 0.671 to give Pound/Foot

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 Glossary

OTHER USEFUL FORMULAE

APPROXIMATE GAS PRESSURE & VOLUME RELATION
Pressure1 x Volume1 = Pressure2 Volume2 (any units)

NOTE: This disregards Temperature and Gas Compressibility Factor; allowing

for temperature gives:

P = Pressure
P1 x V1 P2 x V2
= V = Volume
T1 T2
T = Temperature, degreesAbsolute

APPROXIMATE RELATION BETWEEN PUMP PRESSURE AND PUMP RATE

2
⎛ New Pump Rate ⎞
New Pump Pressure = Old Pump Pressure x ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ Old Pump Rate ⎠

WEIGHT OF BARITE REQUIRED FOR MUD WEIGHT INCREASE

Pounds of Barite Required 1490 (Final Mud WT − Original Mud WT)

=
per bbl of Mud 35.5 − Final Mud WT
(Mud Weights in ppg)

VOLUME INCREASE DUE TO BARITE ADDITION

Final Mud WT − Original Mud WT
VolumeIncrease=
35.5 − Final Mud WT
(Mud Weightsin ppg)

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE EXERTED BY MUD IN ANNULUS

Hydrostatic Pressureper Barrel Mud Weight x 0.052

=
(psi) Annular Volume

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-7

 Glossary

VOLUMES AND CAPACITIES

To calculate the volume of a tank, first find the base area of the tank:

Example: To find the area of a square or a rectangle.

Multiply the length by the width.

Example: To find the area of a square tank that is 4 ft long by 4 ft wide.

Area = 4 ft x 4 ft = 16 square feet.

Example: To calculate the volume of a tank.

The base area is multiplied by the height or depth of the tank.
If the tank was 1 ft high.
The volume would be Area x Height.
Volume = 16 sqft, x 1 ft = 16 cubic feet.
If the tank was 4 ft high the volume would be = 16 x 4 = 64 cubic feet.

UNITS OF CAPACITY: Common units are:

• U.S. GALLONS
• BARRELS
• CUBIC FEET

To convert gallons to barrels, divide by 42 since there are 42 gallons in one barrel.
To convert cubic feet to barrels, divide by 5.6146 since there are 5.6146 cuft in one barrel.

The capacity of the above tank in barrels = 16 cuft. ÷ 5.6146

= 2.85 barrels per foot or
= 0.237 barrels per inch.

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 Glossary

To find a volume or capacity of a cylinder or hole:

Capacity = Base area x Length or Depth

The Radius (R) of a circle is the distance from

the centre to the outer edge. The Diameter
(D) of a circle is the distance through the
centre from edge to edge. The
Circumference of a circle is the distance
round the edge and is equal to 3.1416 times
the diameter (3.1416) is a constant.

The ratio 3.1416 between the diameter and

the circumference is called Pi (π) The
circumference is also equal to 2 x π x R or
2πR (leaving out the multiplication signs.)

Therefore;
The diameter = 2R
The circumference = 2πR or πD
The area of a circle = πR2 or (π÷4)D2 As (π÷4 ) = 0.7854
Therefore the area of a circle using the diameter = 0.7854 x D2

Example: To find the area of a 12 ¼” diameter circle

Area = 0.7854 x D2
Area = 0.7854 x 12 ¼2
Area = 117.858 square inches (sq/in)

NOTE: πR2 is seldom used in the oil field. Hole sizes and pipe etc. is measured
using the diameter rather than radius.

To find the capacity of a 12 ¼” hole.

Capacity = Area multiplied by length or depth.
The area of a 12 ¼” diameter hole = 117.858 sq/ins
As the depth is in feet the square inches must be converted to square feet.
There are 144 square inches in 1 square foot:
117.858 sq/ins ÷ 144 = 0.8185 square feet (sq/ft)
Capacity = Area x Depth If the depth is 1 foot then;
Capacity = 0.8185 x 1 ft = 0.8185 cubic feet

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-9

 Glossary

To convert cubic feet to barrels divide by 5.6146.

Therefore the above capacity 0.8185 cu/ft / ft ÷ 5.6146 = 0.1458 bbls/ft

The capacity of a 12 ¼” hole = 0.1458 bbls per foot of depth.

Note the equation used to determine barrels per foot was as follows:
(0.7854 x D2 ) ÷(144 x 5.6146) x 1 ft

This equation can be rearranged: (144 x 5.6146 x 1 ft x D2) ÷ 0.7854

= D2 ÷ 1029.4

The capacity of a 12 ¼” hole = 12.252 ÷1029.4 = 0.1458 bbls/ft

Example: To find the capacity of 1,000 ft of an open hole that has a diameter of 12 ¼”
Capacity in barrels = (D2 ÷ 1029.4) x depth
= (12.252 ÷1029.4) x 1,000 ft
= 145.8 bbls
Example: Find the capacity of 9” casing that has internal diameter of 8.681”
Capacity in barrels/foot = (D2 ÷ 1029.4) x 1 ft
= (8.6812 ÷ 1029.4) x 1 ft
= (75.3598 ÷ 1029.4) x 1 ft
= 0.0732 barrels per foot
Exercise 1: A rectangular tank measures 5.5 ft long by 4.8 ft wide by 6 ft deep.
a) What is the capacity in barrels per inch?

Answer:
b) What is the effective capacity of the tank?

Answer: bbls

Exercise 2: A cylindrical tank has a diameter of 6 ft 6” It is 8 ft high.

a) What is the capacity in bbls/ft?

Answer: bbls/ft
b) What is the effective capacity of this tank?

Answer: bbls

Exercise 3: Well depth is 10,000 ft

The 9” casing is set at 7,000 ft. The casing ID = 8.835”
The open hole size is 8 ½”
What is the total well volume in barrels?

Answer: bbls

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 Glossary

Annular Area
The area between two concentric circles is referred to as the annulus.

Where D = the large diameter circle.

Where d = the smaller diameter circle.

The area between the circles could be

found by calculating the area of each circle,
then subtracting area of the small circle
from the large one.

The area of a circle in square inches = 0.7854 x D2 ,

therefore the area between the circles = 0.7854 x (D2 - d2)

Example: To find the annular area between a 12 ¼” circle and a 9” circle.

Area = 0.7854 x (12.252 – 92)
Area = 0.07854 x (150 – 81)
Area = 54.2417 sq/ins

To convert square inches to square feet, divide by 144

sq ft x depth (ft)
Equals a capacity in cubic feet.
Cubic feet divided by 5.6146 equals barrels.
Annular capacity in barrels per foot = (D2 - d2) ÷ 1029.4
Example: The open hole diameter is 12 ¼” and the drill collar Diameter is 9”.
The annular capacity = (12.252 – 92) ÷ 1029.4
Annular capacity = (150 – 81) ÷ 1029.4
Annular capacity = 0.0671 bbls/ft

Example: Find the annular capacity between the 5” drill pipe and the 8.5” open hole.
Annular capacity = (8.52 – 52) ÷1029.4
Annular capacity = 0.0459 bbls/ft

Exercise 4: Well depth is 10,000 ft

The 9” casing is set at 7,000 ft. The casing ID =8.835”
The open hole size is 8 ½”
The drill pipe size is 5” (neglect collars)
What is the total annular volume? (10,000 ft of pipe in the hole)

Answer: bbls

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-11

 Glossary

Exercise 5: Assume the well described in Exercise 4 had 1,000 ft of 6½” collars.
(9,000 ft of 5” pipe)
What is the total annular volume?

Answer: bbls

Exercise 6: In the above exercise the 5” drill pipe has an internal

Diameter of 4.276”
What is the internal capacity of a stand of pipe 94 ft long?

Answer: bbls

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 Glossary

ANSWERS:
Exercise 1: a) 0.39 bbls/inch
b) 28.2 bbls
Exercise 2: a) 5.91 bbls/ft
b) 47.28 bbls
Exercise 3: 741.35 bbls
Exercise 4: 498.5 bbls
Exercise 5: 481.74 bbls
Exercise 6: 1.67 bbls/std

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-13

 Glossary

A GLOSSARY OF PETROLEUM TERMS

abandon v: to cease producing oil and gas from a well when it accumulator n: 1. A vessel or tank that receives and
becomes unprofitable. a wildcat well may be abandoned after it temporarily stores a liquid used in a continuous process in a gas
has proven non-productive. Several steps are involved in plant. N: 2. On a drilling rig, the storage device for nitrogen-
abandoning a well: part of the casing may be removed and pressurised hydraulic fluid, which is used in closing the Blowout
salvaged; one or more cement plugs placed in the borehole to Preventers. See Blowout Preventer control unit.
prevent migration of fluids between the different formations
penetrated by the borehole. In many countries it is necessary to accumulator bank n: an assemblage of multiple accumulators
secure permission form official agencies before a well may be sharing a common manifold.
abandoned. (API Recommended Practice 16E)

abnormal pressure n: pressure exceeding or falling below the accumulator precharge n: an initial nitrogen charge in an
normal pressure to be expected at a given depth. Normal accumulator which is further compressed when the hydraulic
pressure increases approximately 0.465 psi per foot of depth fluid is pumped into the accumulator storing potential energy.
(10.5 kPa per metre of depth). Thus, normal pressure at 10,000 (API Recommended Practice 16E)
feet is 4,650 psi.; abnormal pressure at this depth would be
higher or lower than 4,650 psi. See pressure gradient. acidity n: the quality of being an acid. Relative acid strength
of a liquid is measured by pH. a liquid with a pH below 7 is an
acid. See pH value
absolute permeability n: a measure of the ability of a single
fluid (such as water, gas, or oil) to flow through a rock acoustic control system n: a subsea control system that uses
formation when the formation is totally filled (saturated) with coded acoustic signals communication. An acoustic control
the single fluid. The permeability measure of the same rock system is normally used as an emergency backup, having
filled with two or more fluids. Compare effective permeability. control of a few selected critical functions.
absolute porosity n: percentage of the total bulk volume of a (API Recommended Practice 16E)
rock sample that is composed of pore spaces or voids. See
porosity.
actuation test, Blowout Preventer n: the closing and
opening of a Blowout Preventer unit to assure mechanical
absolute pressure n: total pressure measured from an functionality.
absolute vacuum. It equals the sum of the gauge pressure and (API Recommended Practice 57).
the atmospheric pressure corresponding to the barometer
(expressed in pound per square inch).
actuator n: a device used to open or close a valve by means
of applied manual, hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical energy.
absolute temperature scale n: a scale temperature (API Recommended Practice 64)
measurement in which zero degrees is absolute zero. On the
Rankine absolute temperature scale, in which degrees
correspond to degrees Fahrenheit, water freezes at 492 degrees adapter n: a pressure containing piece of equipment having
and boils at 672 degrees. On the Kelvin absolute temperature API end connections of different nominal sizes and/or
scale, in which degrees correspond to degrees Celsius, water pressure ratings, used to connect other pieces of equipment of
freezes at 273 degrees and boils at 373 degrees. See absolute zero. different API nominal sizes and/or pressure ratings.
(API Specification 16A)

absolute zero n: a hypothetical temperature at which there is

a total absence of heat. Since heat is a result of energy caused adapter spool n: a joint to connect Blowout Preventers of
by molecular motion, there is no motion of molecules with different sizes or pressure ratings to the casing head.
respect to each other at absolute zero.
adjustable choke n: a choke in which the position of a
conical needle or sleeve may be changed with respect to its sea,
acceptance criteria n: defined limits placed on characteristics to vary the rate of flow; may be manual or automatic. See choke
of materials, products, or services.
(API Specification 16A)
aerated fluid n: drilling fluid injected with air or gas in
varying amounts for the purpose of reducing hydrostatic head.
accumulate v: to amass or collect. When oil and gas migrate (API Recommended Practice 64).
into porus formations, the quantity collected is called an
accumulation. air-actuated adj.: powered by compressed air, for example,
the clutch and the brake system in drilling equipment.

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 Glossary

air drilling n: a method of rotary drilling that uses angle of deviation n: also called drift angle and angle of drift.
compressed air as the circulation medium. The conventional See deviation.
method of removing cuttings from the well bore is to use a
flow of water or drilling fluid. Compressed air removes the
cuttings with equal or greater efficiency. The rate of annular blowout preventer n: a large valve with a generally
penetration is usually increased considerably when air drilling is thyroidal shaped steel reinforced elastomer packing element
used. A principal problem in air drilling, however, is the that is hydraulic operated to close and seal around any drill pipe
penetration of formations containing water, since the entry of size or to provide full closure of the well bore. Usually installed
water into the systems reduces the ability of the air to remove above the ram preventers, it forms a seal in the annular space
the cuttings. between the pipe and the well bore, or, if no pipe is present, on
the well bore itself.
air gap n: the distance from the normal level of the sea
surface to the bottom of the hull or base of an offshore drilling annular packing element n: a rubber/steel torus that effects
platform. a seal in an annular preventer or diverter. The annular packing
element is displaced toward the bore centre by the upward
air/gas drilling v: refer to aerated fluid movement of an annular piston.
air pump/air powered pump n: air driven hydraulic piston (API Recommended practice 64)
pump.
(API Recommended Practice 16E)
annular sealing device n: generally, a torus shaped steel
alkali n: a substance having marked basic (alkaline) properties, housing containing an annular packing element which facilitates
such as a hydroxide of an alkali metal. See base. closure of the annulus by constricting to seal on the pipe or
Kelly in the well bore. Some annular sealing devices also
alkalinity n: the combining power of a base, or alkali as facilitate shutoff of the open hole.
measured by the number of equivalents of an acid with which it (API Recommended Practice 64)
reacts to form a salt. Measured by pH alkalinity is possessed by
any solution that has a pH greater than 7. See pH value. annular space n: 1. The space surrounding a cylindrical
object within a cylinder. 2. The space around a pipe in a well
American Petroleum Institute n: founded in 1920, this bore, the outer wall of which may be the wall of either the
national oil trade organisation is the leading standardising borehole or the casing; sometimes termed the annulus.
organisation for oil field drilling and producing equipment. It
maintains departments of transportation, refining, and
marketing in Washington, DC, and a department of production annular velocity n: the rate at which fluid is travelling in the
in Dallas. Adj.: (slang) indicative of a job being properly or annular space of a drilling well.
thoroughly done (as, "His work is strictly API").

American Society for Testing and Materials n: an annulus n: also called annular space. See annular space.
organisation, based in Philadelphia, which sets guidelines for
testing ad use of equipment and materials. annulus friction pressure n: circulating pressure loss
inherent in the annulus between the drill string and casing or
American Society of Mechanical Engineers n: a New York open hole.
City-based organisation whose equipment standard are
sometimes used by the oil industry. Its official publication is anticline n: an arched, inverted-trough configuration of
Mechanical Engineering. folded and stratified rock layers.

anchor n: any device that secures or fastens equipment. In

down hole equipment, the term often refers to the tail pipe. In anticlinal trap n: a hydrocarbon trap in which petroleum
offshore drilling, floating drilling vessels are often secured over accumulates in the top of an anticline. See anticline.
drill sites by large metal anchors like those used on ships.
API abbr.: American Petroleum Institute.
anchor buoy n: a floating marker used in a spread mooring
system to position each anchor of a semi-submersible rig or
drill ship. API gravity n: the measure of the density or gravity of liquid
petroleum products, derived from specific gravity in accordance
with the following equation:
angle of deflection n: in directional drilling, the angle,
API gravity is expressed in degrees, a specific gravity of 10 being equivalent
expressed in degrees, at which a well is deflected from the
vertical by a whipstock or other deflecting tool. to 10° API.

141.5
API gravity = − 131.5
specific gravity

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-15

 Glossary

artificial lift n: any method used to raise oil to the surface automatic slips n: a device, operated by air or hydraulic fluid,
through a well after reservoir pressure has declined to the point that fits into the opening in the rotary table when the drill stem
at which the well no longer produces by means of natural must be suspended in the well bore (as when a connection or
energy. Sucker rod pumps, gas lifts, hydraulic pumps, and trip is being made). Automatic slips, also called power slips,
submersible electric pumps are the most common forms of eliminate the need for roughneck's to set and take out slips
artificial lift. manually. See slips.

ASME abbr.: American Society of Mechanical Engineers. auxiliary brake n: a braking mechanism, supplemental to the
mechanical brake, that permits the safe lowering of heavy hook
astern adv. or adj.: 1. At or toward the stern of a ship or an loads at retarded rates, without incurring appreciable brake
offshore drilling rig; abaft. 2. Behind the ship or fig. maintenance. There are two types of auxiliary brakes - the
hydrodynamic and the electro-dynamic. In both types, work is
ASTM abbr.: American Society for Testing and Materials. converted in to heat which is dissipated through liquid cooling
Atm abbr.: atmosphere. systems.

atmosphere n: a unit of pressure equal to the atmospheric azimuth n: 1. In directional drilling, the direction of the face
pressure at sea level, 14.7 pounds per square inch (101.325 of the deviation tool with respect to magnet north, as recorded
kPa). One Atmosphere is equal to 14.7 psi or 101.325 kPa. by a deviation instrument. 2. An arc of the horizon measure
between a fixed point (such as true north) and the vertical circle
passing through the centre of an object.
atmosphere absolute n. pl.: total pressure at a depth
underwater, expressed as multiples of normal atmospheric
pressure. back off v: to unscrew one threaded piece (such as a section
of pipe) from another.
atmospheric pressure n: the pressure exerted by the weight
of the atmosphere. At sea level, the pressure is approximately back-off joint n: a section of pipe with left-hand threads on
14.7 psi (101.325 kPa), often referred to as 1 atmosphere. 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-
attapulgite n: a fibrous clay mineral that is viscosity-building
hand rotation.
substance, used principally in saltwater-base drilling fluids.
back-pressure n: 1. The pressure maintained on equipment
automatic choke n: an adjustable choke that is power-
or systems through which a fluid flows. 2. In reference to
operated to control pressure or flow. See adjustable choke.
engines, a term used to describe the resistance to the flow of
exhaust gas through the exhaust pipe.
automatic control n: a device that regulates various factors
(such as flow rate, pressure, or temperature) of a system
back pressure valve n: a valve that permits flow in only one
without supervision or operation by personnel. See
direction (API Recommended Practice 57)
instrumentation.
backup tongs n: the tongs used to back up the drill pipe as it
automatic driller n: a mechanism used to regulate the
is being made up into or taken out of the drill system.
amount of weight on the bit without requiring attendance by
personnel. Automatic Drillers free the driller from the
sometimes tedious task of manipulating the draw-works brake baffle plate n: 1. A partial restriction, generally a plate, placed
in order to maintain correct weight on the bit. Also called an to change the direction, guide the flow, or promote mixing
automatic drilling control unit. within the tank or vessel. 2. A device that is seated on the bit
pin, in a tool joint, or in a drill pipe float, used to centralise the
lower end of a go-devil while permitting the bypass of drilling
automatic fill-up shoe n: a device that is installed on the first
fluid. The go-devil while permitting the bypass of drilling fluid.
joint of casing and that automatically regulates the amount of
The go-devil contains a surveying instrument.
fluid in the casing. The valve in this shoe keeps fluid from
entering the casing until fluid pressure causes the valve to open,
allowing fluid to enter the casing. bail n: a cylindrical steel bar (similar in form to the handle or
bail of a bucket, but much larger) that supports the swivel and
connects it to the hook. Sometimes, the two cylindrical bars
automatic gauge n: an instrument installed on the outside of
that support the elevators and attach them to the hook are also
a tank to permit observation of the depth of the liquid inside.
called bails or links. v: to recover bottomhole fluids, samples,
fluid, sand, or drill cuttings by lowering a cylindrical vessel
called a bailer to the bottom of a well, filling it, and retrieving it.

6-16 © RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1

 Glossary

bailer n: a long cylindrical container, fitted with a valve at its

lower end, used to remove water, sand, fluid, drill cuttings, or battery n: 1. An installation of identical or nearly identical
oil from a well. pieces of equipment (such as a tank battery or a battery of
meters). 2. An electricity storage device.
ball valve n: a valve which employs a rotating ball to open or
close the flow passage. bbl abbr.: barrel
(API Recommended Practice 64)
bbl/d abbr.: barrels per day.
barge n: any one of many types of flat-decked, shallow-draft
vessels, usually towed by a boat. A complete drilling rig may be Bcf abbr.: billion cubic feet.
assembled on a drilling barge, which usually is submersible; that
is, it has a submersible hull or base that is flooded with water at Bcf/d abbr.: billion cubic feet per day
the drilling site. Drilling equipment and crew quarters are
mounted on a superstructure above the water level. b/d abbr.: barrels per day; often used in drilling report.

barite n: barium Sulphate, BaSO4; a mineral frequently used B/D abbr.: barrels per day.
to increase the weight or density of drilling fluid. Its specific
gravity or relative density is 4.2 (i.e. it is 4.2 times heavier or bed n: a specific layer of earth or rock, presenting a contrast
denser than water. See barium Sulphate and fluid. to other layers of different material lying above, below, or
adjacent to it.
barite plug n: a settled volume of barite particles from a
barite slurry placed in the well bore to seal off a pressurised bedding plane n: the surface that separates each successive
zone. layer of a stratified rock from its preceding layer.
(API Recommended Practice 59)
belching v: a slang term to denote flowing by heads
barium sulphate n: a chemical compound of barium, (API Recommended Practice 59).
Sulphur, and oxygen (BaSO4. It may form a tenacious scale
that is very difficult to remove. Also called barite.
bell nipple n: a short length of pipe (a nipple) installed on top
of the Blowout Preventer. The top end of the nipple is
barrel n: a measure of volume of petroleum products in the expanded, or belled, to guide drill tools into the hole and
United States. One barrel is the equivalent of 42 US gallons or usually has side connections for the fill line and fluid line.
0.15899 cubic metres. One cubic metre equals 6.2897 barrels.
bent housing n: a special housing for the positive
barrels per day n: in the United States, a measure of the rate displacement down hole fluid motor that is manufactured with
of flow of a well; the total amount of oil and other fluids a bend of 1-3 degrees to facilitate directional drilling.
produced or processed per day.
bentonite n: a colloidal clay, composed primarily of
baryte n: variation of barite. See barite. montmorillonite, that swells when wet. Because of its gel-
forming properties, bentonite is a major component of drilling
base n: a substance capable of reacting with an acid to form a fluids. See gel.
salt. A typical base is sodium hydroxide (caustic), with the
chemical formula NaOH. For example, sodium hydroxide bent sub n: a short cylindrical device installed in the drill stem
combines with hydrochloric acid to form sodium chloride (a between the bottom most drill collar and a down hole fluid
salt) and water; this reaction is written chemically as motor. The purpose of the bent stub is to defect the fluid
NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H20 motor off vertical to drill a directional hole.

basement rock n: either igneous or metamorphic rock, BFPH abbr.: barrels of fluid per hour; used in drilling reports.
seldom containing petroleum. Ordinarily it lies below
sedimentary rock. When it is encountered in drilling, the well is BHA abbr.: bottom hole assembly.
usually abandoned.
BHP abbr.: bottom hole pressure.
basin n: a cylindrical structure in the subsurface, formerly the
bed of an ancient sea. Because it is composed of sedimentary
rock and because its contours provide traps for petroleum, a BHT abbr.: bottom hole temperature.
basin is a good prospect for exploration. For example, the
Permian Basin in West Texas is a major oil producer.

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-17

 Glossary

bit n: the cutting of boring element used in drilling oil and gas block position n: the centre position of a three-position
wells. The bit consists of a cutting element and a circulating control valve. (API Recommended Practice 16E)
element. The circulating element permits the passage of drilling
fluid and utilises the hydraulic force of the fluid to improve blooey line n: the discharge pipe from a well being drilled by
drilling rates. In rotary drilling ,several drill collars are joined to air drilling. The blooey line is used to conduct the air gas used
the bottom end of the drill pipe column, and the bit is attached for circulation away from the rig to reduce the fire hazard as
to the end of the string of drill collars. Most bits used in rotary well as to transport the cuttings a suitable distance from the
drilling are roller cone bits, but diamond bits are also used well. See formation pressure and kick.
extensively. See roller cone bit and diamond bit.
blowout n: an uncontrolled flow of gas, oil, or other well
bit breaker n: a heavy plate that fits in the rotary table and fluids into the atmosphere. A blowout, or gusher, can occur
holds the drill bit while it is being made up in, or broken out of, when formation pressure exceeds the pressure applied to it by
the drill stem. See bit. the amount of drilling fluid. A kick warns of an impending
blowout. See formation pressure and kick.
bit gauge n: a circular ring used to determine whether a bit is
of the correct outside diameter. Bit gauges are often used to blowout preventer n: one of several valves installed at the
determine whether the bit has been worn down to a diameter wellhead to prevent the escape of pressure, either in the annular
smaller than specifications allow; such a bit is described as space between the casing and drill pipe or in open hole (i.e.,
under-gauge. hole with no drill pipe) during drilling completion operations.
Blowout preventers on land rigs are located beneath the rig at
bit-sub n: a sub inserted between the drill collar and the bit. the land's surface; and on floating offshore rigs, on the sea
floor. See annular blowout preventer, inside blowout
blank casing n: casing without perforations. preventer, and ram blowout preventer.
blank flange n: a solid disk used to dead-end, or close off, a
blowout preventer control panel n: a set of controls, usually
companion flange.
located near the drillers position on the rig floor, that is
blast hole drilling n: the drilling of holes into the earth for manipulated to open and close the Blowout Preventers.
the purpose of placing a blasting charge (such as dynamite) in
them. blowout preventer control unit n: a service that stores
hydraulic fluid under pressure in special containers and
bleed v: to drain off liquid or gas, generally slowly, through a provides a method to open and close the Blowout Preventers
valve called a bleeder. To bleed down, or quickly and reliably. Usually, compressed air and hydraulic
pressure provide the opening and closing force in the unit.
blind drilling n: a drilling operation in which the drilling fluid
is not returned to the surface. Sometimes blind-drilling blowout preventer drill n: a training procedure to determine
techniques are resorted to when lost circulation occurs. that rig crews are familiar with correct operating practices to be
followed in the use of blowout prevention equipment. A "dry
blind ram n: an integral part of a Blowout Preventer that run" of blowout prevention action.
serves as the closing element on an open hole. Its ends do not (API Recommended Practice 53)
fit around the drill pipe but seal against each other and shut off
the space below completely. See ram. BPLD abbr.: barrels of liquid per day, usually used in
reference to total production of oil and water from a well.
blind ram preventer n: a Blowout Preventer in which blind
rams are the closing elements. blowout preventer stack n pl: the assembly of well control
equipment, including preventers, spools, valves and nipples
blind/shear rams n: blind rams with a built-in cutting edge connected to the top of the casing-head
that will shear tubulars that may be in the hole, thus allowing (API Recommended Practice 53)
the blind rams to seal the hole. Used primarily in subsea
systems. blowout preventer test tool n: a tool to allow pressure
(API Recommended Practice 53) testing of the Blowout Preventer stack and accessory
equipment by sealing the well bore immediately below the
block n: any assembly of pulleys, a common framework; in stack. (API Recommended Practice 53)
mechanics, one or more pulleys, or sheaves, mounted to rotate
on a common axis. The crown block is an assembly of sheaves body n: any portion of API equipment between end
mounted on beams at the top of the derrick. The drilling line is connection, with or without internal parts, which contains well
reeved over the sheaves of the crown block alternately with the bore pressure. (API Specification 16A)
sheaves of the travelling block, which is raised and lowered in
the derrick by the drilling line. When elevators are attached to a boiling point n: the temperature at which the vapour
hook on the travelling block and drill pipe latched in the pressure of a liquid becomes equal to the pressure exerted on
elevators, the pipe can be raised or lowered. the liquid by the surrounding atmosphere. The boiling point of
water is 212(F or 100(C at atmospheric pressure (14.7 psig or
101.325 kPa).

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 Glossary

boil weevil n: (slang) an inexperienced rig or oil field worker; bottom hole pressure bomb n: a bomb used to record the
sometimes shortened to weevil. pressure in a well at a point opposite the producing formation.

boil weevil corner n: (slang, obsolete) the work station of an bottom hole temperature n: temperature measured in a well
inexperienced rotary helper, on the opposite side of the rotary at a depth at the midpoint of the thickness of the producing
from the pipe tracker. zone.

bolting n pl: threaded fasteners (studs, nuts, bolts and cap- bottoms up n: a complete trip from the bottom of the well
screws) used to assemble pressure containing parts or join end bore to the top.
or outlet connections. (API Specification 16A)

BOP abbr.: see blowout preventer. bottoms-up gas n: gas that has risen to the surface from
previously drilled gas bearing formations.
BOP closing ratio (Ram BOP) n: a dimension-less factor
equal to the well bore pressure divided by the operating bottom-supported drilling vessels n pl: offshore drilling
pressure necessary to close a Ram BOP against well bore vessels which float to the desired drilling location and are either
pressure. Usually calculated for maximum rated well bore balasted or jacked up so that the vessel is supported by the
pressure. ocean floor while in the drilling mode. Rigs of this type include
platform, submersibles, swamp barges and jack-up drilling rigs.
BOP stack maximum rated well bore pressure n: the (API Recommended Practice 64)
pressure containment rating of the ram Blowout Preventer's in
a stack. In the event that the rams are rated at different bourdon tube n: a flattened metal tube bent in a cure, which
pressures, the Blowout Preventer Stack Maximum Rated Well tends to straighten when pressure is applied internally. By the
bore Pressure is considered equal to the lowest rated ram movements of an indicator over a circular scale, a Bourdon
Blowout Preventer pressure. In stacks which do not contain tube indicates the pressure applied.
any ram Blowout Preventer, the Blowout Preventer stack
maximum rated well bore pressure is considered equal to the box n: the female section of a connection. See tool joint.
lowest rated Blowout Preventer pressure.
(API Recommended Practice 16E) box and pin n: See tool joint.
BOPD abbr.: barrels of oil per day
Boyle's law n: a gas law that concerns pressure. It states that
BOPE abbr.: an abbreviation for Blowout Preventer for any ideal gas or mixture of ideal gases at any definite
equipment. temperature, the product of the absolute pressure times the
volume is a constant (PV = K)
bore n: 1. The inside diameter of a pipe or a drilled hole. 2.
The diameter of the cylinder of an engine. bpd or BPD abbr.: barrels per day

borehole n: the well bore; the hole made by drilling or boring. BPH abbr.: barrels per hour; used in drilling reports.
See well bore.
Bradenhead n: (obsolete) casing head.
borehole pressure n: total pressure exerted in the well bore
by a column of fluid and/or back pressure imposed at the Bradenhead flange n: a flanged connection at the top of the
surface. (API Recommended Practice 57). oil well casing.
bottom hole n: the lowest or deepest part of a well. adj.:
Bradenhead squeezing v: the process by which hydraulic
pertaining to the bottom of the well bore.
pressure is applied to a well to force fluid or cement outside the
well bore without the use of a packer. The Bradenhead, or
bottom hole assembly n: the portion of the drilling assembly
casing head, is closed to shut off the annulus when making a
below the drill pipe. It can be very simple - composed of only
Bradenhead squeeze. Although this term is still used, the term
the bit and drill collars - or it can be very complex and made up
Bradenhead is obsolete. See annular space and casing head and
of several drilling tools.
squeeze.
bottom hole pressure n: 1. the pressure at the bottom of a
borehole. It is caused by the hydrostatic pressure of the drilling brake n: a device for arresting the motion of a mechanism,
fluid in the hole and, sometimes, any back-pressure held at the usually by means of friction, as in the draw-works brake.
surface, as when the well is shut in with a Blowout Preventer.
When fluid is being circulated, bottom hole pressure is the brake band n: a part of the brake mechanism, consisting of a
hydrostatic pressure plus the remaining circulating pressure flexible steel band line with asbestos or a similar material, that
required to move the fluid up the annulus. 2. the pressure in a grips a drum when tightened. On a drilling rig, the brake band
well at a point opposite the producing formation, as recorded acts on the flanges of the draw-works drum to control the
by a bottom hole pressure bomb. lowering of the travelling block and its load of drill pipe, casing,
or tubing.

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-19

 Glossary

brake block n: a section of the lining of a band brake; it is bubble point n: 1. The temperature and pressure at which
shaped to conform to the curvature of the band and is attached part of a liquid begins to convert to gas. For example, if a
to it with countersunk screws. See brake band. certain volume of liquid is held at constant pressure, but its
temperature is increased, a point is reached when bubbles of
break circulation v: to start the fluid pump for restoring gas begin to form in the liquid. That is the bubble point. 2.
circulation column. As the stagnant drilling fluid has thickened The temperature and pressure at which gas, held in solution in
or gelled during the period of no circulation, a high pump crude oil, breaks out of solution as free gas.
pressure is usually required to break circulation.
buckling stress n: bending of the pipe which may occur due
breaking strength n: the load under which a chain or rope to deviation of the hole. The pipe may bend because of the
breaks. angle of the hole or because of an abrupt deviation such as a
dog leg.
break out v: 1. To unscrew one section of pipe from another
section, especially drill pipe while it is being withdrawn from building test n: a test in which a well is shut in for a
the well bore. During this operation, the tongs are used to start prescribed period of time and a bottom hole pressure bomb
the unscrewing operation. 2. To separate, as gas from a liquid run in the well to record the pressure. From this data and
or water from an emulsion. from the knowledge of pressures in a nearby well, the
effectiveness drainage radius or the presence of permeability
breathe v: to move with a slight, regular rhythm. Breathing barriers or other production deterrents surrounding the well
occurs in tanks of vessels when vapours are expelled and air is bore can be estimated.
taken in. For example, a tank of crude oil expands because of
the rise in temperature during the day and contracts as it cools bullet perforator n: a tubular device that, when lowered to a
at night, expelling vapours as it expands and taking in air as it selected depth within a well, fire bullets through the casing to
contracts. Tubing breathes when it moves up and down in provide hole through which the formation fluids may enter the
sequence with a sucker rod pump. well bore.

breather n: a small vent in an otherwise airtight enclosure for bullhead squeezing v: the process by which hydraulic
maintaining equality of pressure within and without. pressure is applied to a well to force fluid such as cement
outside the well bore. Annular flow (returns) is prevented by a
bridge n: 1. An obstruction in the borehole, usually caused packer set in the casing above the perforations and/or in open
by the caving in of the wall of the borehole or by the intrusion hole. (API Recommended Practice 57)
of a larger boulder. 2. A tool placed in the hole to retain
cement or other material that may later be removed, drilled out, bull plug n: a threaded nipple with a rounded closed end,
or permanently. used to stop up a hole or close off the end of a line.

bridge plug n: a down hole tool, composed primarily of slips, bumpless transfer v: the transfer from main electrical supply
a plug mandrel, and a rubber sealing element, that is run and set to an alternate power supply without losing signal and/or
in casing to isolate a lower zone while an upper section is being memory circuit normally associated with poser interruption.
tested or cemented. (API Recommended Practice 16E)

bridging material n: the fibrous, flaky or granular material button-hole assembly n: that part of the drill string located
added to cement slurry or drilling fluid to aid in sealing directly above the drill bit. The components primarily include
formations in which lost circulation has occurred. See lost the drill collars and other speciality tools such as stabilisers,
circulation and lost circulation material. reamers, drilling jars, bumper subs, heavy weight drill pipe, etc.
(API Recommended Practice 64)
brine n: water that has a large quantity of salt, especially
sodium chloride, dissolved in it; salt water. buoyancy n: the apparent loss of weight of an object
immersed in a fluid. If the object is floating, the immersed
bring in a well v: to complete a well and put on producing portion displaces a volume of liquid the weight of which is
status. equal to the weight of the object.

broaching v: venting of fluids to the surface or to the seabed bypass valve n: a valve that permits flow around a control
through channels external to the casing. (API Recommended valve, apiece of equipment, or a system.
Practice 57)
calibration n: comparison and adjustment to a standard of
Bscf/d abbr.: billion standard cubic feet per day. known accuracy. (API Specification 16A)

Btu abbr.: British thermal unit. cap a well v: to control a blowout by placing a very strong
valve on the well head. See blowout.

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 Glossary

cap rock n: 1. Impermeable rock overlying an oil or gas catalyst n: a substance that alters, accelerates, or instigates
reservoir. 2. The porous and permeable strata overlying salt chemical reactions without itself being affected.
domes that may serve as the reservoir rock.
cathode n: 1. One of two electrodes in an electrolytic cell,
carbon dioxide n: a colourless, odourless gaseous compound represented as the positive terminal of a cell. 2. In cathodic
of carbon and oxygen (CO2). A product of combustion and a protection systems, the protected structure that is
filler for fire extinguishers, this heavier-than-air gas can collect representative of the cathode and is protected by having a
in low-lying areas where it may displace oxygen and present the conventional current flow from an anode to the structure
hazard of anoxia. through the electrolyte.

carbon monoxide n: a colourless, odourless gaseous caustic soda n: sodium hydroxide, used to maintain an
compound of carbon and oxygen (CO). A product of alkaline pH in drilling fluid and in petroleum fractions. Its
incomplete combustion, it is extremely poisonous to breathe. formula is NaOH.

cascade system n: in respiratory systems, a series connection caving n: collapsing of the walls of the well bore, also called
of air cylinders in which the output of air from one adds to that sloughing.
of the next.
cavings n pl.: particles that fall off (are sloughed from) the
cased adj.: pertaining to a well bore in which casing has been wall of the well bore. Not the same as cuttings.
run and cemented.
cc abbr.: cubic centimetre.
cased hole n: a well bore in which casing has been run.
Celsius scale n: the metric scale of temperature measurement
case-hardened adj.: hardened (as for a ferrous alloy) so that used universally by scientists. On this scale, 0 degrees
the surface layer is harder than the interior. represents the freezing point of water and 100 degrees its
boiling point at a barometric pressure of 760 mm. Degrees
casing n: steel pipe placed in an oil or gas well as drilling Celsius are converted to degrees Fahrenheit by using the
progresses, to prevent the wall of the hole from caving in following equation:
during drilling, to prevent seepage of fluids, and to provide a (F = 9/5 x (°C) + 32
means of extracting petroleum if the well is productive.
The Celsius scale was formerly called the centigrade scale, now,
casing hanger n: a circular device with a frictional gripping however, the term Celsius is preferred in the International
arrangement, used to suspend casing in a well. System of Units (SI).

casing-head/spool n: a heavy, flanged steel fitting connected cement plug n: a portion of cement placed at some point in
to the first string of casing. It provides a housing for slips and the well bore to seal it.
packing assemblies, allows suspension of intermediate and
production strings of casing and supplies the means for the CFG abbr.: cubic feet of gas, used in drilling reports.
annulus to be sealed off. Also called a spool.
change rams v: to take rams out of a Blowout Preventer and
casing pressure n: the pressure built up in a well between the replace them with rams of a different size or type. When the
casing and tubing or the casing and drill pipe. size of a drill pipe is changed, the size of the pipe rams must be
changed to ensure that they seal around the pipe when closed.
casing seat test n: a procedure whereby the formation
immediately below the casing shoe is subjected to a pressure channelling n: the bypassing of oil in a water-drive field due
equal to the pressure expected to be exerted later by a higher to erratic or uncontrolled water encroachment. The natural
drilling fluid density and back pressure created by a kick. tendency toward channelling is aggravated by excessive
(API Recommended Practice 59) production rates, which encourage premature water
encroachment.
casing shoe n: the rounded concrete bottom end of a string
casing. (API Recommended Practice 64) Charle's law n: a gas law that states that at constant pressure
the volume of a fixed mass or quantity of gas varies directly
casing string n: the entire length of all the joints of casing with the absolute temperature.
run in well. Casing is manufactured in lengths of about 30 feet
(9 metres), each length or joint being joined to another as check valve n: a valve that permits flow in one direction only.
casing is run as well. Commonly referred to as a one-way valve. If the gas or liquid
starts to reverse, the valve automatically closes, preventing
casting n: 1. An object at or near finished shape obtained by reverse movement.
solidification of a substance in a mould. v. 2. Pouring molten
metal into a mould to produce an object of desired shape. chemical analysis n: determination of the chemical
(API Specification 16A) composition of material.
(API Specification 16A)

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-21

 Glossary

chert n: a quartzitic rock with hardness equal to or harder close in v: 1. To temporarily shut in a well that is capable of
than flint. producing oil or gas. 2. To close the Blowout Preventers on a
well to control a kick. The Blowout Preventers close off the
choke n: a device with an orifice installed in a line to restrict annulus so that pressure from below cannot flow to the surface.
the flow of fluids. Surface chokes are a part of the Christmas
tree on a well and contain a choke nipple, or bean, with a small- Closed loop circuit n: a hydraulic control circuit in which
diameter bore that serves to restrict the flow. Chokes are also spent fluid is returned to the reservoir.
used to control the rate of flow of the drilling fluid out of the (API Recommended Practice 16E)
hole when the well is closed in the Blowout Preventer and a
kick is being circulated out of the hole. closing unit (closing system) n pl: the assembly of pumps,
valves, line, accumulators, and other items necessary to open
choke and kill valves n pl.: BOP stack mounted valves which and close the Blowout Preventer equipment.
are connected below the BOPs to allow access to the well bore (API Recommended Practice 59)
to either choke or kill the well.
(API Recommended Practice 16E)
closing ratio n: the ratio between the pressure in the hole and
choke line n: a high pressure line connected below a BOP to the operating-piston pressure needed to close the rams of a
direct well fluids from annulus to the choke manifold during Blowout Preventer.
well control operations.
Closing-unit pump n: term for an electric or hydraulic pump
choke manifold n pl.: the arrangement of piping and special on an accumulator, serving to pump hydraulic fluid under high
valves, called chokes, through which drilling fluid is circulated pressure to the Blowout Preventers so that the preventers may
when the Blowout Preventers are closed and which is used to be closed or opened.
control the pressures encountered during a kick. See Blowout
Preventer. Closure bolting n pl: fasteners used to assemble API Spec
16A equipment other than end and outlet connections.
Christmas tree n: the control valves, pressure gauges and (API Specification 16A)
chokes assembled at the top of a well to control the flow of oil
and gas after the well has been drilled and completed. cm sym: centimetre

circulate v: to pass from one point throughout a system and cm² sym: square centimetre
back to the starting point. For example, drilling fluid is
circulated out of the suction pit, down the drill pipe and drill
collars, out the bit, up the annulus and back to the pits while cm³ sym: cubic centimetre
drilling proceeds.
collapse pressure n: the amount of force needed to crush the
circulate-and-weight method n: a method of killing well sides of pipe until it caves in on itself. Collapse occurs when
pressure in which circulation is commenced immediately and the pressure outside the pipe is greater than the pressure inside
fluid weight is brought up gradually, according to a definite the pipe.
schedule. Also called concurrent method.
come out of the hole v: to pull the drill stem out of the well
circulating device n: a flow control device such as a sliding bore. This withdrawal is necessary to change the bit, change
sleever or side pocket mandrel, which is run on from a core barrel to the bit, run electric logs, prepare for a drill
production/injection tubing for the purpose of establishing stem test, run casing, and so on.
communications between tubing and the tubing annulus.
(API Recommended Practice 57). company man n: also called company representative.

circulating fluid n: also called drilling fluid. See drilling fluid. company representative n: an employee of an operating
company whose job is to represent the company’s interests at
Circulating head n: a device attached to the top drill pipe or the drilling location.
tubing to allow pumping into the well without use of the Kelly.
(API Recommended Practice 59).
compressibility factor n: a factor, usually expressed as Z,
which gives the ratio of the actual volume of gas at a given
Circulating pressure n: the pressure generated by the fluid
temperature and pressure to the volume of gas when calculated
pumps and exerted on the drill stem.
by the ideal gas law without any consideration of the
compressibility factor.
Clamp connection n: a pressure sealing device used to join
two items without using conventional bolted flange joints. The
two items to be sealed are prepared with clamp hubs. These concentric operations n pl: well operations conducted using
hubs are held together by a clamp containing two to four bolts. small diameter tubing inside conventional tubing or tubing-less
(API Recommended Practice 64) completion’s, normally with the Christmas tree in place and
using a small rig or hoisting unit.
closed-in pressure n: See formation pressure. (API Recommended Practice 57).

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 Glossary

conductor casing – onshore and bottom supported control panel n: an enclosure displaying an array of switches,
offshore installations n: a relatively short string of large push buttons, lights and/or valves and various pressure gauges
diameter pipe which is set to keep the top of the hole and or meters to control or monitor functions. Control panel types
provide a means of returning the up-flow drilling fluid from the include: diverter panel, Driller’s panel, master panel and mini
well bore to the surface drilling fluid system onshore and or auxiliary remote panel. All these panels are remote from the
bottom supported offshore installations. main hydraulic manifold and can be pneumatic, electric or
(API Recommended Practice 64) hydraulic powered.
(API Recommended Practice 16E)
conductor casing – floating installations n: the first string a) diverter panel n: a panel that is dedicated to the
of pipe installed below the structural casing on which the well diverter and flow line system functions. It is
head and Blowout Preventer equipment are installed. positioned for easy Driller’s access and visual
(API Recommended Practice 64) observation of the activated functions.
b) driller’s panel n: the BOP control panel
conductor pipe n: 1. A short string of large diameter casing mounted at the Drillers position on the rig floor.
used to keep the well bore open and to provide a means of c) master panel (hydraulic or electric) n: the
conveying the up-flowing drilling fluid from the well bore to panel mounted in close proximity to the main
the fluid pit. 2. A boot. accumulator unit. All control functions are
operable from this panel, including all regulators
and gauges.
conformance n: compliance with specified requirements.
d) mini or auxiliary remote panel – a limited
(API Specification 16A)
function panel mounted in a remote location for
use as an emergency backup. On an offshore rig it
constant choke-pressure method n: a method of killing a is normally located in the Tool pusher’s office, and
well that has kicked, in which the choke size is adjusted to on a land rig, at least 100 feet from the prevailing
maintain a constant casing pressure. This method does not wind.
work unless the kick is all or nearly all salt water, if the kick is
gas , this method will not maintain a constant bottom hole
control pod n pl: the assemblage of valves and pressure
pressure because gas expands as it rises in the annulus.
regulators which respond to control signals to direct hydraulic
power fluid through assigned porting, to operate functions.
constant pit-level method n: a method of killing a well in (API Recommended Practice 16E).
which the fluid level in the pit is held constant while the choke
size is reduced and the pump speed increases to the point
control valve (surface control system) n: a valve mounted
where the formation fractures or casing ruptures, and control
on the hydraulic manifold which directs hydraulic power fluid
of the well is lost.
to the selected function (such as annular BOP close) while
simultaneously venting the opposite function (annular BOP
continental shelf n: a zone, adjacent to a continent, that open).
extends from the low waterline to the point at which the sea (API Recommended Practice 16E).
floor slopes off steeply to 600 feet (183 m) deep or more.
control valve (subsea control system) n: a pilot operated
continuous reeled tubing n pl: tubing stored on a reel that valve in the subsea control pod that directs power fluid pumps,
can be run in and out of a well without making a connection. rotary table and other equipment designed to perform well
(API Recommended Practice 57). Workovers, re-Completions, and other work which requires
removal of the Christmas tree and pulling or manipulation of
control fluid n: hydraulic oil or water-based fluid which, the tubing.
under pressure, pilots the operation of control valves or directly (API Recommended Practice 57)
operates functions.
(API Recommended Practice 16E) core n: a cylindrical sample taken form a formation for
geological analysis. Usually a conventional core barrel is
control hose bundle n pl: a group of pilot and signal hoses substituted for the bit and produces a sample as it penetrates
assembled into a bundle with an outer protective sheath. For the formation. v: to obtain a formation sample for analysis.
subsea applications it may contain a hydraulic supply line.
(API Recommended Practice 16E) core barrel n: a tubular device, usually form 10 to 60 feet
long, run at the bottom of the drill pipe in place of a bit and
control line n: a flexible hose or rigid line that transmits the used to cut a core sample.
hydraulic power fluid to a function.
(API Recommended Practice 16E) corrosion resistant ring grooves n pl: ring grooves lined
with metal resistant to metal-loss corrosion.
control manifold n pl: the assemblage of valves, regulators, (API Specification 16A)
gauges and piping used to regulate pressures and control the
flow of hydraulic power fluid to operate system functions. cp. sym: centipoise.
(API Recommended Practice 16E)

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-23

 Glossary

crew n: the workers on a drilling or workover rig, including cylinder liner n: a removable, replaceable sleeve that fits into
the Driller, Derrickman, and rotary helpers. a cylinder. When the sliding of the piston and rings wears out
the liner, it can be replaced without the block having to be
critical point n: 1. The point at which, in terms of replaced.
temperature and pressure, a fluid cannot be distinguished as
being either a gas or a liquid, the point at which the physical daily drilling report n: a record made each day of the
properties of a liquid and a gas are identical. 2. One of the operations on a working drilling rig.
places along the length of drilling line at which strain is exerted
as pipe is run into or pulled out of the hole.
Darcy n: an unit of measure of permeability. a porous
critical pressure n: the pressure needed to condense a vapour medium has a permeability of 1 darcy when a pressure of 1
at its critical temperature. atmosphere on a sample and 1 cm long an 1 cm² in cross
section will force a liquid of 1-cp. viscosity through the sample
critical temperature n: the highest temperature at which a at the rate of 1 cm³ per second. The permeability of reservoir
substance can be separated into two fluid phases – liquid and rocks is usually so low that it is measured in millidarcy units.
vapour. Above the critical temperature, a gas cannot be
liquefied by pressure alone. dart-type blowout preventer n: an inside preventer that is
installed on top of the drill stem when the well is kicking
crossover sub n: a sub used between two sizes or types of though the drill stem. It is stabbed in the open position and
threads in the drill stem assembly. then closed against the pressure. The valve that closes is dart
shaped, therefore the name.
crude oil n: unrefined liquid petroleum. It ranges in gravity
from 9( API to 55( API and in colour from yellow to black, and date of manufacture n: the date of manufacturer’s final
it may have a paraffin, asphalt, or mixed base. If a crude oil, or acceptance of finished equipment.
crude, contains a sizeable amount of sulphur or sulphur (API Specification 16A)
compounds, it is called a sour crude, if it has little or no
sulphur, it is called a sweet crude. In addition, crude oils may
dead well n: 1. a well that has ceased to produce oil or gas,
be referred to as heavy or light according to API gravity, the
either temporarily or permanently. 2. a well that has kicked
lighter oils having the higher gravity’s.
and has been killed.
cubic centimetres n: a commonly used unit of volume
measurement in the metric system equal to 10-6 cubic metre, or de-foamer n: any chemical that prevents or lessens frothing
1 millilitre. The symbol for cubic centimetre is cm³. or foaming in another agent.

cubic foot n: the volume of a cube, all edges of which degasser n: the device used to remove unwanted gas from a
measure 1 foot. Natural gas is usually measure in cubic feet, liquid, especially from drilling fluid.
with most common standard cubic metre being measure at
60ºF and 14.65 psi. degree API n: a unit of measurement of the American
Petroleum Institute that indicates the weight, or density, of oil.
cubic metre n: a unit of volume measurement in the metric See API gravity.
system, replacing the previous standard unit known as the
barrel, which was equivalent to 35 imperial gallons or 42 United
States gallons. The cubic foot metre equals approximately dehydrate v: to remove water from a substance. Dehydration
6.2898 barrels. of crude oil is normally accomplished by emulsion treating with
emulsion breakers. The water vapour in natural gas must be
current method n: also called circulate-and weight method. removed to meet pipeline requirements, a typical maximum
See circulate-and-weight method. allowable water vapour content is 7 lb per MMcf.

cut drilling fluid n: well control fluid which has been reduced density n: the mass or weight of a substance per unit volume.
in density or unit weight as a result of entrainment of less dense For instance, the density of a drilling fluid may be 10 pounds
formation fluids or air. per gallon (ppg), 74.8 pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³). Specific
(API Recommended Practice 59). gravity, relative density, and API gravity are other units of
density. See API gravity, relative density, and specific gravity.
cuttings n pl: the fragments of rock dislodged by the bit and
brought to the surface in the drilling fluid. They are not the depth n: 1. the distance to which the well is drilled, stipulated
same as cavings, which are particles that fall off the wall of the in a drilling contract as contract depth. Total depth is the depth
hole. Washed and dried samples of the cuttings are analysed by after drilling is finished. 2. on offshore drilling rigs, the
geologists to obtain information about the formations drilled. distance from the baseline of a rig or a ship to the uppermost
continuous deck. 3. the maximum pressure that a diver attains
cylinder head n: the device used to seal the top of a cylinder. during a dive, expressed in feet (metres) of sea water.
In modern drilling rig engines, it also houses the valves and has
exhaust passages. In four-cycle operation, the cylinder head
also has intake passages.

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 Glossary

de-sander n: a centrifugal device for removing sand from diverter packer n: refer to Annular Sealing Device
drilling fluid to prevent abrasion of the pumps. It may be
operated mechanically or by a fast-moving stream of fluid diverter piping n: refer to Vent Line
inside a special cone shaped vessel, in which case it is
sometimes called a hydro-cyclone. diverter unit n: the device that embodies the annular sealing
device and its actuating means.
de-silter n: a centrifugal device for removing very fine
particles, or silt, from drilling fluid to keep the amounts of doghouse n: 1. a small enclosure on the rig floor, used as
solids in the fluid at the lowest possible point. Usually, the office for the Driller or as a storehouse for small objects. 2.
lower the solids content of fluid, the faster is the rate of any small building used as an office, a change house, or a place
penetration. The de-silter works on the same principle as a de- for storage.
sander.
dogleg n: 1. a short change of direction in the well bore,
deviation n: the inclination of the well bore from the vertical. frequently resulting in the formation of a key seat. See key seat.
The angle of deviation, angle of drift, or drift angle is the angle 2. a sharp bend permanently put in an object such as a pipe.
in degrees that shows the variation from the vertical as revealed
by a deviation survey. dome n: a geological structure resembling an inverted bowl, a
short anticline that plunges on all sides.
diameter n: the distance across a circle, measured through its
centre. In the measurement of pipe diameters, the inside down-hole fluid motor n: also called a turbo-drill or Dyna–
diameter is that of the interior circle and the outside diameter Drill. See turbo-drill and Dyna-Drill.
that of the exterior circle.
downtime n: time during which rig operations are temporarily
differential n: the difference in quantity or degree between suspended because of repairs or maintenance.
two measurement of units. For example, the pressure
differential across a choke is the variation between the pressure DP abbr.: drill pipe, used in drilling reports.
on one side to that on the other.
Drake well n: the first US well drilled in search of oil. Some
differential pressure n: the difference between two fluid 69 feet deep, it was drilled near Titusville, PA., and completed
pressures, for example, the difference between the pressure in a in 1859.
reservoir and in a well bore drilled in the reservoir, or between
atmospheric pressure at sea level and at 10.000 feet. also called drill v: to bore a hole in the earth, usually to find and remove
pressure differential. subsurface formation fluids such as oil and gas.

directional drilling n: intentional deviation of a well bore drill ahead v: to continue drilling operations.
from the vertical. although well bores are normally drilled
vertically, it is sometimes necessary or advantageous to drill at drill bit n: the cutting or boring element used for drilling. See
an angle from the vertical. controlled directional drilling makes bit.
it possible to reach subsurface areas laterally remote from the
point where the bit enters the earth. It often involves the use drill collar n: a heavy, thick-walled tube, usually steel, used
of turbo-drills, Dyna-Drills whipstocks, or other deflecting between the drill pipe and the bit in the drill stem to provide a
tools. pendulum effect to the drill stem and weight to the bit.

displacement n: the weight of a fluid (such as water) drill collar sub n: a sub used between the drill string and the
displaced by a freely floating or submerged body (such as an drill collars.
offshore drilling rig). If the body floats, the displacement
equals the weight of the body. drill floor substructure n: the foundation structure on which
the derrick, rotary table, draw-works and other drilling
diverter n: a system used to control well blowouts equipment are supported.
encountered at relatively shallow depths and to protect floating
rigs during blowouts encountered at relatively shallow depths drill pipe n: heavy seamless tubing in the drill stem that
and to protect floating rigs during blowouts by directing the allows fluid to be pumped down the drill stem but prevents
flow away from the rig. Diverters differ from Blowout flow back up the drill stem, a check valve.
Preventers in that flow is not stopped, but rather the flow is
redirected away from the rig. drill pipe float n: a valve installed in the drill stem that allows
fluid to be pumped down the drill stem but prevents flow back
diverter control system n: the assemblage of pumps, up the drill stem, a check valve.
accumulators, manifolds, control panels, valves, lines etc., used
to operate the diverter system. drill pipe pressure n: the amount of pressure exerted inside
(API Recommended Practice 64) the drill pipe as a result of circulating pressure, entry of
formation pressure into the well, or both.
diverter housing n: a permanent installation under the rotary
table which houses the diverter unit.
(API Recommended Practice 64).

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 Glossary

drill pipe pressure gauge n: an indicator, mounted in the drilling fluid n: circulating fluid, one function of which is to
fluid circulating system, that measures and indicates the amount force cuttings out of the well bore and to the surface. Other
of pressure in the drill stem. functions are to cool the bit and to counteract down hole
formation pressure. While a mixture of barite, clay, water and
drill pipe safety valve n: a special valve used to close off the chemical additives is the most common drilling fluid, wells can
drill pipe to prevent back-flow during a kick. It has threads to also be drilled by using air, gas, water, or oil-based fluid as the
match the drill pipe in use. drilling fluid.

drill ship n: a self-propelled, ocean-going, floating, ship- drilling fluid additive n: any material added to drilling fluid
shaped vessel, equipped with drilling equipment. to change some of its characteristics or properties.
(API Recommended Practice 64)
drilling fluid balance n: a beam balance consisting of a cup
drill stem test (DST) n: the conventional method of and a graduated arm carrying a sliding weight and resting on a
formation testing. The basic drill stem test tool consists of a fulcrum, used to determine the density or weight of drilling
packer or packers, valves or ports that may be opened and fluid.
closed from the surface, and two or more pressure-recording
devices. The tool is lowered on the drill string to the zone to drilling fluid cake n: the sheath of fluid solids that forms on
be tested. The packer or packers are set to isolate the zone the wall of the hole when liquid from fluid filters into the
from the drilling fluid column. The valves or ports are then formation; also called wall cake or filter cake.
opened, to allow for formation flow while the recorders chart
flow pressures, and are then closed, to shut in the formation drilling fluid circulation n: the process of pumping fluid
while the recorders chart static pressures. A sampling chamber downward to the bit and backup to the surface in a drilling or
traps clean formation fluids at the end of the test. Analysis of workover operation. See normal circulation and reverse
the pressure charts is an important part of formation testing. circulation.

drill string float n: a check valve in the drill string that will drilling fluid conditioning n: the treatment and control of
allow fluid to be pumped into the well, but will prevent flow drilling fluid to ensure that it has the correct properties.
from the well through the drill pipe. conditioning may include the use of additives, the removal of
(API Recommended Practice 53) sand or other solids, the removal of gas, the addition of water,
and other measures to prepare the fluid for conditions
drill under pressure v: to carry on drilling operations while encountered in s specific well.
maintaining a seal (usually with a rotating head) to prevent the
well fluids from blowing out. Drilling under pressure is drilling fluid density n: a measure of the density of a drilling
advantageous in that the rate of penetration is relatively fast, fluid expressed as pounds per gallon (ppg), pounds per cubic
however, the technique requires extreme caution. foot (lb/ft³), or kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m³). Fluid
weight is directly related to the amount of pressure the column
driller n: the employee directly in charge of a drilling or of drilling fluid exerts at the bottom of the hole.
workover rig and crew. His main duty is operation of the
drilling and hoisting equipment, but he is also responsible for drilling fluid density recorder n: an instrument in the
down-hole condition of the well operation of down-hole tools, drilling fluid system which continuously measures drilling fluid
and pipe measurements. density. (API Recommended Practice 53).

driller’s BOP control panel n: also called driller’s console. drilling fluid engineer n: a person whose duty is to test and
maintain the properties of the drilling fluid that are specified by
driller’s method n: a well-killing method involving two the operator.
complete and separate circulation’s, the first circulates the kick
out of the well and the second circulates heavier fluid through drilling fluid flow indicator n: a device that continually
the well bore. measures and may record the flow rate of fluid returning from
the annulus and flowing out of the fluid return line. If the fluid
drilling break n: a sudden increase in the rate of penetration does not flow at a fairly constant rate, a kick or lost circulation
by the drill bit. It sometimes indicates that the bit has may have occurred.
penetrated a high-pressure zone and thus warns of the
possibility of a blowout. drilling fluid flow sensor n: also called fluid-flow indicator.

drilling contractor n: an individual or group of individuals drilling fluid level recorder n: a device that measures and
that own a drilling rig and contract their services for drilling records the height (level) of the drilling fluid in the fluid pits.
wells. The level of the fluid in the pits should remain fairly constant
during the drilling of a well. If the level rises, however, then the
drilling crew n: a Driller, a Derrickman, and two or more possibility of a kick or a blowout exists. Conversely, if the level
helpers who operate a drilling or workover rig for one tour each falls, then loss of circulation may have occurred. See Pit Level
day. Recorder.

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 Glossary

drilling fluid logging n: the recording of information derived dynamically positioned drilling vessels n pl: drill-ships and
from examination and analysis of formation cuttings made by semi-submersible drilling rigs equipped with computer
the bit and of fluid circulated out of the hole. A portion of the controlled thrusters which enable them to maintain a constant
fluid is diverted through a gas-detecting device. Cuttings position relative to the sea floor without the use of anchors and
brought up by the fluid are examined under ultraviolet light mooring lines while conducting floating drilling operations.
detect the presence of oil or gas. Fluid logging is often carried (API Recommended Practice 64).
out in a portable laboratory set up at the well.
effective permeability n: a measure of the ability of a single
drilling fluid motor n: See Dyna-Drill and turbodrill. fluid through a rock when the pore spaces of the rock are not
completely filled or saturated with the fluid.
drilling fluid pit n: an open pit dug in the ground to hold
drilling fluid or waste materials discarded after the treatment of effective porosity n: the percentage of the bulk volume of a
drilling fluid. For some drilling operations, fluid pits are used rock ample that is composed of inter-connected pore spaces
for suction to the fluid pumps, settling of fluid sediments, and which allow the passage of fluid s through the sample. See
storage of reserve fluid. Steel tanks are much more commonly porosity.
used for these purposes now, but they are still sometimes
referred to as pits. electric line n: single or multiple electrical conductor housed,
within a braided wireline.
drilling fluid pump n: a large, high-pressure reciprocating (API Recommended Practice 57).
pump used to circulate the fluid on drilling rig. A typical fluid
pump is a two cylinder, double-acting or three-cylinder, single- electric pump n: an electrically driven hydraulic pump,
acting piston pump whose pistons travel in replaceable liners usually a 3-piston (triplex) pump.
and are driven by a crankshaft actuated by an engine or motor. (API Recommended Practice 16E).
Also called a slush pump. electro-hydraulic (EH) system n: a control system that uses
drilling fluid return line n: refer to flow line. an electrical signal to actuate a solenoid operated hydraulic
valve to hydraulically pilot a control valve to operate a function.
drilling fluid tank n: one of a series of open tanks, usually (API Recommended Practice 16E).
made of steel plate, through which the drilling fluid is cycled to
allow sand and fine sediments to be removed. Additives are end and outlet connections n pl: integral flanges, studded or
mixed with the fluid in the tanks, and the fluid is temporarily open faced, and hub connections used to join together
stored there before being pumped back into the well. Modern equipment that contains or controls pressure.
rotary drilling rigs are generally provided with three or more (API Specification 16A).
tanks, fitted with built-in piping, valves, and fluid agitators. equipment n: any single completed unit that can be used for
Also called fluid pits. its intended purpose without further processing or assembly.
drilling spool n: a connection component with ends either (API Specification 16A).
flanged or hubbed. it must have an internal diameter at least equivalent circulating density (ECD) n: the sum of
equal to the bore of the Blowout Preventer and can have pressure exerted by hydrostatic head of fluid, drilled solids and
smaller side outlets for connecting auxiliary lines. friction pressure losses in the annulus, divided by the depth of
(API Recommended Practice 53). interest and by 0.052, if ECD is to be expressed in pounds per
drive pipe n: a relatively short string of large diameter pipe gallon (lbs/gal).
driven or forced into the ground to function as “conductor (API Recommended Practice 59).
pipe”. (API Recommended Practice 53). erosion n: the process by which material (such as rock or soil)
dry hole n: any well that does not produce oil or gas in is worn away or removed (as by wind or water).
commercial quantities. A dry hole may flow water, gas or exploitation well n: a well drilled to permit more effective
even oil, but not enough to justify production. extraction of oil from a reservoir. sometimes called a
duplex pump n: a reciprocating pump having two pistons or development well.
plungers, used extensively as a fluid pump on drilling rigs. exploration well n: also called a wildcat.
Dyna-Drill n: a down hole motor driven by drilling fluid that Fahrenheit scale n: a temperature scale devised by Gabriel
imparts rotary motion to a drilling bit connected to the tool, Fahrenheit, in which 32 degrees represents the freezing point
thus eliminating the need to turn the entire drill stem to make and 212 degrees the boiling point of water at standard sea-level
hole. The Dyna-Drill, a trade name, is used in straight and pressure. Fahrenheit degrees may be converted to Celsius
directional drilling. degrees by using the following formula:
dynamic well kill procedure n: a planned operation to C = 5/9 x (F – 32)
control a flowing well by injecting fluid of a sufficient density
and at a sufficient rate into the well bore to effect a kill without fault n: a break in subsurface strata. Often strata on one side
completely closing in the well with the surface containing of the fault line have been displaced (upward, downward, or
equipment. (API Recommended Practice 64) laterally) relative to their original positions.

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-27

 Glossary

fault n: a break in subsurface strata. Often strata on one side flange n: a projecting rim or edge (as on pipe fittings and
of the fault line have been displaced (upward, downward, or openings in pumps and vessels) usually drilled with holes and
laterally) relative to their original positions. having a sealing mechanism, used to join pressure containing
equipment by bolting to other flanged fittings.
fault plane n: a surface along which faulting has occurred. (API Specification 16A).

fault trap n: a surface hydrocarbon trap created by faulting, flange, blind n: a flange with no centre bore, used to close
which causes an impermeable rock layer to be moved opposite off completely a flanged end or outlet connection.
the reservoir bed.
flare n pl: an arrangement of piping and burners used to
feed-in (influx, inflow) n: the flow of fluids from the dispose (by burning) of surplus combustible vapours, usually
formation into the well bore. situated near a gasoline plant, refinery, or producing well. v: to
(API Recommended Practice 59). dispose of surplus combustible vapours by igniting them in the
atmosphere. Currently, flaring is rarely used because of the
fill the hole v: to pump drilling fluid into the well bore while high value of gas as well as the stringent air pollution controls.
the pipe is being withdrawn, in order to ensure that the well
bore remains full or fluid even though the pipe is withdrawn. flash point n: the minimum temperature at which a product
Filling the hole lessens the danger of blowout or of caving of momentarily ignites, but does not burn continuously.
the wall of the well bore. (API Recommended Practice 57).

fill-up (flood valve) n: a differentially set valve, installed on flex/ball joint n: a device installed directly above the subsea
marine risers that automatically permits sea water to enter the Blowout Preventer stack and at the top of the telescopic riser
riser to prevent collapse under hydrostatic pressure after joint to permit relative angular movement of the riser to reduce
evacuation caused by lost circulation or by gas circulated into stresses due to vessel motions and environmental forces. (API
the riser. (API Recommended Practice 53). Recommended Practice 64)

filter cake n: 1. compacted solid or semisolid material float n: an element of a level-control assembly designed to
remaining on a filter after pressure filtration of fluid with a operate while partially or completely submerged in a liquid, the
standard filter press. Thickness of the cake is reported in level of which is controlled by the assembly. the buoyancy of
thirty-seconds of an inch or in millimetres. 2. the layer of the liquid activates the float and the control valve to which it is
concentrated solids from the drilling fluid or cement slurry that linked and modifies the rate of the inflow or the outflow of the
forms on the walls of the borehole opposite permeable vessel to maintain a pre-set level. Sometimes a drill pipe float is
formations, also called wall cake or fluid cake. called simply a float.

filter loss n: the amount of fluid that can be delivered through float valve n: a drill pipe float.
a permeable filter medium after being subjected to a set
differential pressure for a set length of time. flow coupling n: a heavy walled nipple or fitting designed to
resist erosion that can result from turbulence created by a
final circulating pressure n: drill pressure required to restriction in the flow string.
circulate at the selected kill rate adjusted for increase in kill (API Recommended Practice 57).
drilling fluid density over the original drilling fluid density.
Used from the time kill drilling fluid reaches the bottom of the flow line n: the piping which exits the bell nipple and
drill string until kill operations are completed, or a change in conducts drilling fluid and cuttings to the shale shaker and
either kill drilling fluid density or kill rate is effected. drilling fluid pits. (API Recommended Practice 64).
(API Recommended Practice 59).
flow line sensor n: a device to monitor rate of fluid flow
fish n: an object that is left in the well bore during drilling or from the annulus.
workover operations and that must be recovered before work (API Recommended Practice 59).
can proceed. It can be anything from a piece of scrap metal to
a part of the drill stem. v: 1. to recover from a well any
flow line valve n: a valve which controls the flow of drilling
equipment left there during drilling operations, such as a lost bit
fluid through the flow line.
or drill collar or part of the drill string. 2. to remove from an
(API Recommended Practice 64)
older well certain pieces of equipment (such as packers, liners,
or screen pipe) to allow reconditioning of the well.
fluid density n: the unit weight of fluid, e.g. pounds per
fixed choke n: a choke, whose opening is one size only, its gallon (lbs/gal). (API Recommended Practice 59).
opening is not adjustable.
forging n: plastically deforming metal, usually hot, into
flammable liquid n: any liquid having a flash point of 100(F desired shapes with compressive force, with open or closed
(37.78(C) or less. these liquids are easily ignited. dies. n: a shaped metal part formed by the forging method.
(API Recommended Practice 57) (API Specification 16A)

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 Glossary

formation n: a bed or deposit composed throughout of gallon n: a unit of measure of liquid capacity that equals 3.785
substantially the same kind of rock, a lithologic unit. Each litres and has a volume of 231 in³. A gallon of water weighs
different formation is given a name, frequently as a result of the 8.34 lb at 60ºF. T he imperial gallon, used in Great Britain, is
study of the formation outcrop at surface and sometimes based equal to approximately 1.2 U.S. gallons.
on fossils found in the formation.
gas n: a compressible fluid that completely fills any container
formation breakdown n: an event occurring when borehole in which it is confined. Technically, a gas will not condense
pressure is a magnitude that the exposed formation accepts when it is compressed and cooled, because a gas can exist only
whole fluid from the borehole. above the critical temperature for its particular composition.
(API Recommended Practice 59) Below the critical temperature, this form of matter is known as
a vapour, because liquid can exist and condensation can occur.
formation competency test (formation integrity test) n: Sometimes the terms gas and vapour are used interchangeably.
application of pressure by superimposing a surface pressure on However, the term vapour should be only used for those
a fluid column in order to determine ability of a subsurface streams in which condensation can occur and which originate
zone to withstand a certain hydrostatic pressure. from or are in equilibrium with, a liquid phase.
(API Recommended Practice 59)
gas buster n sl.: a slang term to denote a mud-gas separator.
formation fluid n: fluid (such as gas, oil or water) that exists
in a subsurface rock formation.
gas constant n: a constant number, mathematically the
formation fracture gradient n: the hydrostatic value product of the total volume and the total pressure divided by
expressed in psi./ft that is required to initiate a fracture in the absolute temperature for 1 mole of any ideal gas or mixture
subsurface formation. (API Recommended Practice 64) of ideal gases at any temperature.

formation pressure n: the force exerted by fluids in a gas-cut fluid n: a drilling fluid that has entrained formation
formation, recorded in the hole at the level of the formation gas giving the fluid a characteristically fluffy texture. When
with the well shut in. Also called reservoir pressure or shut-in entrained gas is not released before the fluid returns to the well,
bottom-hole pressure. the weight or density of the fluid column. Because a large
amount of gas in fluid lowers its density, gas cut fluid must be
formation water n: the water originally in place in a treated to reduce the change of a blowout.
formation.
gas drilling n: See air drilling.
fracture gradient n: the pressure gradient (psi./ft) at which
the formation accepts whole fluid from the well bore. gas reservoir n: a geological formation containing a single
gaseous phase. when produced, the surface equipment may or
ft abbr.: foot may not contain condensed liquid, depending on the
temperature, pressure and composition of the single reservoir
ft² abbr.: square foot. phase.
ft³ abbr.: cubic foot. gate valve n: a valve which employs a sliding gate to open or
close the flow passage. The valve may or may not be full-
ft³/bbl abbr: cubic feet per barrel. opening. (API Recommended Practice 53).
ft³/d abbr.: cubic feet per day.
gauge pressure n: the amount of pressure exerted on the
ft-lb abbr.: foot-pound. interior walls of a vessel by the fluid contained in it (as
indicated by a pressure gauge), it is expressed in psig (pounds
ft/min abbr.: feet per minute. per square inch gauge) or in kilopascals. Gauge pressure plus
atmospheric pressure equals absolute pressure. See absolute
ft³/min abbr.: cubic feet per minute pressure.

ft/s abbr.: feet per second. gel n: a semisolid. jelly like state assumed by some colloidal
dispersions at rest. When agitated, the gel converts to a fluid
ft³/s abbr.: cubic feet per second. state. Also a nickname for bentonite. v: to take the from of a
gel, to set.
function n: operation of a BOP, choke or kill valve or other
component, in one direction (example, closing the blind rams is gel strength n: a measure of the ability of a colloidal
a function, opening the blind rams is a separate function). dispersion to develop and retain a gel form, based on its
(API Recommended Practice 16E). resistance to shear. The gel strength, or shear strength of a
drilling fluid determines its ability to hold solids in suspension.
gal abbr.: gallon Sometimes bentonite and other colloidal clays are added to
drilling fluid to increase its gel strength.

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 Glossary

glycol n: a group of compounds used to dehydrate gaseous or heave v: the vertical motion of a ship or a floating offshore
liquid hydrocarbons or to inhibit the formation of hydrates. drilling rig.
Commonly used glycol’s are ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol,
and triethylene glycol. heave compensator n: a device that moves with the heave of
a floating offshore drilling rig to prevent the bit from being
go in the hole n: to lower the drill stem into the well bore. lifted off the bottom of the hole and then dropped back down
(i.e., to maintain constant weight on the bit). It is used with
gpm abbr.: gallons per minute. devices such as bumper subs. See motion compensator.

graben n: a block of the earth’s crust that has slid downward heavyweight drill pipe n: drill pipe having thicker walls and
between two faults, the opposite of a horst. longer tool joints than usual and also an integral wear pad in the
middle. Several joints of this pipe may be placed in the drill
gunk plug n: a volume of gunk slurry placed in the well bore. stem between drill collars and regular drill pipe to reduce the
(API Recommended Practice 59) chances of drill pipe fatigue or failure. (Also known as heavy
wall drill pipe.)
gunk-slurry n: a slang term to denote a mixture of diesel oil
and bentonite. (API Recommended Practice 59) heel n: the inclination of a ship or a floating offshore drilling
rig to one side, caused by wind, waves, or shifting weights on
gunk squeeze n: procedure whereby a gunk slurry is pumped board.
into a subsurface zone.
(API Recommended Practice 59) high-pressure squeeze cementing n: the forcing of cement
slurry into a well at the points to be sealed with a final pressure
hanger plug n: a device placed or hung in the casing below equal to or greater than the formation breakdown pressure. See
the Blowout Preventer stack to form a pressure-tight seal. squeeze cementing.
Pressure is then applied to the Blowout Preventer stack in order
to test it for leaks. hole n: 1. in drilling operations, the well bore or borehole.
See well bore and borehole. 2. an opening that us made purposely
hard shut-in v: to close in a well by closing a Blowout or accidentally in any solid substance.
Preventer with the choke and/or choke line valve closed.
(API Recommended Practice 59) hole opener n: a device used to enlarge the size of an existing
borehole, having teeth arranged on its outside circumference to
hazardous substance n: a substance which by reason of cut the formation as it rotates.
being explosive, flammable, toxic, corrosive, oxidising, irritating
or otherwise harmful, has the potential to cause injury, illness or hook n: a large, hook-shaped device from which the swivel is
death. (API Recommended Practice 57) suspended. It is designed to carry maximum loads ranging
from 100 to 650 tons (90 to 590 tonnes) and turns on bearings
head n: 1. the height of a column of liquid required to in its supporting housing. A strong spring within the assembly
produce a specific pressure. See hydraulic head. 2. for cushions the weight of a stand (90 feet or about 27 metres) of
centrifugal pumps, the velocity of flowing fluid converted into drill pipe, thus permitting the pipe to be made up and broken
pressure expressed in feet or metres of flowing fluid. Also out with less damage to the tool joint threads. Smaller hooks
called velocity head. 3. That part of a machine (such as a without the spring are used for handling tubing and sucker
pump or an engine) that is one the end of the cylinder opposite rods.
the crankshaft.
hopper n: a large funnel or cone-shaped device into which dry
heat affected zone (HAZ) n: that portion of the base metal components (such as powdered clay or cement) can be poured
which has not been melted, but whose mechanical properties or in order to uniformly mix the components with water or other
microstructure has been altered by the heat of welding or liquids. the liquid is injected through a nozzle at the bottom of
cutting. (API Specification 16A) the hopper. The resulting mixture of dry material and liquid
may be drilling fluid to be used as the circulating fluid in a
heat (cast lot) n pl: material originating from a final melt. rotary drilling operation, or it may be cement slurry to be used
For re-melted alloys, a heat shall be defined as the raw material in bonding casing to the borehole.
originating from a single re-melted ingot.
(API Specification 16A) horsepower n: a unit of measure of work done by a machine.
One horsepower equals 33.000 foot-pounds per minute.
heat treatment (heat treating) n: alternate steps of
controlled heating and cooling of materials for the purpose of horst n: a block of the earth’s crust that has been raised up
changing physical or mechanical properties. between two faults, the opposite of a graben.
(API Specification 16A)
hose bundle n: see control hose bundle.
heat treatment load n: that material placed on loading or
carrying devices moved as a batch through one heat treatment hot working v: deforming metal plastically at such a
cycles. (API Specification 16A). temperature and rate that hardness and strength do not
increase. (API Specification 16A)

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 Glossary

hp abbr.: horsepower hydrocarbons n pl: organic compounds of hydrogen and

carbon, whose densities, boiling points, and freezing points
hp-h abbr.: horsepower-hour increase as their molecular weights increase. Although
composed of only two elements, hydrocarbons exist in a variety
HPNS abbr.: high-pressure nervous syndrome. of compounds because of the strong affinity of the carbon
atom for other atoms and for itself. The smallest molecules of
hydrocarbons are gaseous, the largest are solids. Petroleum is a
H 2S form: hydrogen sulphide.
mixture of many different hydrocarbons.
hull n: the framework of a vessel including all decks, plating, hydrochloric acid n: an acid compound commonly used to
and columns, but excluding machinery. acidize carbonate rocks, prepared by mixing hydrogen chloride
gas in water. Also known as muriatic acid. its chemical
Hydrafrac n: the copyrighted name of a method of hydraulic formula is HCl.
fracturing for increasing productivity.
hydroclone n: a cone-shaped separator for separating various
hydrate n: a hydrocarbon and water compound that is formed sizes of particles and liquid by centrifugal force. See desander and
under reduced temperature and pressure in gathering, desilter.
compression, and transmission facilities for gas. Hydrates often
accumulate in troublesome snow or ice. v: to enlarge by taking hydrodynamic brake n: a device mounted on the end of the
water on or in. draw-works shaft of a drilling rig. The hydrodynamic brake
serves as an auxiliary to the mechanical brake when pipe is
hydration n: reaction of cement with water. The powdered lowered into the well. The braking effect of a hydrodynamic
cement gradually sets to a soldi as hydration continues. brake is achieved by means of an impeller turning in a housing
filled with water. Sometimes called hydraulic brake or
Hydromatic (a manufacturer’s term) brake.
hydraulic connector n: a mechanical connector that is
activated hydraulically and connects the BOP stack to the well-
hydrogen sulphide (H2S) n: a flammable, colourless gaseous
head or the LMRP to the BOP stack. See Lower marine Riser
compound of hydrogen and sulphur (H2S) with the odour of
Package.
rotten eggs. Commonly found in petroleum, it causes the foul
(API Recommended Practice 16E).
smell of petroleum fractions. It is extremely corrosive and
poisonous, causing damage to skin, eyes, breathing passages,
hydraulic control pod n: a device used on offshore drilling and lungs and attacking and paralysing the nervous system,
rigs to provide a way to actuate and control subsea Blowout particularly that part controlling the lungs and heart. Also
Preventers from the rig. Hydraulic lines from the rig enter the called hepatic gas or sulphured hydrogen.
pods, through which fluid is sent toward the preventer. Usually
two pods, painted different colours, are used, each to safeguard hydrogen sulphide service n: refers to equipment designed
and back up the other. to resist corrosion and hydrogen embattlement caused by
exposure to hydrogen sulphide.
hydraulic fluid n: a liquid of low viscosity (such as light oil) (API Recommended Practice 64).
that is used in systems actuated by liquid (such as the brake
system in a modern passenger car.) hydrophone n: an underwater listening device that converts
acoustic energy to electrical signals.
hydraulic fracturing n: an operation in which a specially (API Recommended Practice 16E).
blended liquid is pumped down a well and into a formation
under pressure high enough to cause the formation to crack hydrostatic head n: the true vertical length of fluid column,
open. The resulting cracks or fractures serve as passages normally in feet. (API Recommended Practice 59).
through which oil can flow into the well bore.
hydrostatic pressure n: the force exerted by a body of fluid
hydraulic head n: the force exerted by a column of liquid at rest, it increases directly with the density and depth of the
expressed by the height of the liquid above the point at which fluid and is expressed in psi or kPa. The hydrostatic pressure
the pressure is measured. Although head refers to distance or of fresh water is 0.433 psi per foot of depth (9.792 kPa/m). In
height, it is used to express pressure, since the force of the drilling, the term refers to the pressure exerted by the drilling
liquid column is directly proportional to its height. Also called fluid in the well bore. In a water-drive field, the term refers to
head or hydrostatic head the pressure that may furnish the primary energy for
production.
hydraulics n: the branch of science that deals with practical
IADC abbr.: International Association of Drilling
applications of water or other liquid in motion.
Contractors, formerly the American Association of Oilwell
Drilling Contractors (AAODC).
Hydril n: the registered trademark of a prominent
manufacturer of oil field equipment, especially the annular idle v: to operate an engine without applying a load to it.
Blowout Preventer.

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-31

 Glossary

igneous rock n: a rock mass formed by the solidification of inside blowout preventer n: a valve installed in the drill stem
material poured (when molten) into the earth’s crust or onto its to prevent a blowout through the stem. Also called an internal
surface. Granite is an igneous rock. Blowout Preventer.

impending blowout n: early manifestation or indication of a instrumentation n: a device or assembly of devices designed
blowout. for one or more of the following functions: to measure
operating variables (such as pressure, temperature, rate of flow,
impermeable adj.: preventing the passage of fluid. a speed of rotation, etc) to indicate these phenomena with visible
formation may be porous yet impermeable if there is an or audible signals, to record them, to control them within a
absence of connecting passages between the voids within it. predetermined range, and to stop operations if the control fails.
See permeability. Simple instrumentation might consist of an indicating pressure
gauge only. In a completely automatic system, desired ranges
impression block n: a block with lead or another relatively of pressure, temperature, and so on are predetermined and
soft material on its bottom. It is made up on drill pipe or preset.
tubing at the surface, fun into a well, and allowed to set on a
tool or other object that has been lost in the well. When the integral valve n: a valve embodied in the diverter unit which
block is retrieved the size, shape, and position of the fish are operates integrally with the annular sealing device.
obtained from the examination of the impression left in the (API Recommended Practice 64)
lead, and an appropriate fishing tool may be selected.
interlock n pl: an arrangement of control system functions
in. abbr.: square inch. designed to require the actuation of one function as a
prerequisite to actuate another.
indicated volume n: the change in meter reading that occurs
during a receipt or delivery of a liquid product. intermediate casing string n: the string of casing set in a
well after the surface casing is set to keep the hole from caving
inert gas n: the part of a breathing medium that serves as a and to seal off troublesome formations. The string is
transport for oxygen and is not used by the body as a life- sometimes called protection casing.
support agent. Its purpose is to dilute the flow of oxygen to
the lungs, thereby preventing oxygen toxicity. internal blowout preventer n: also called inside Blowout
Preventer. See inside blowout preventer.
inflow n: see Feed-in
internal upset n: an extra-thick wall on one end of tubing or
influx n: see Feed-in drill pipe at the point where it is threaded to compensate for
the metal removed in threading. Unlike conventional drill pipe,
inhibitor n: an additive used to retard undesirable chemical which has the extra thickness on the outside, drill pipe with
action in a product, added in small quantity to gasolines to internal upset has the extra thickness inside and a uniform,
prevent oxidation and gum formation, to lubricating oils to straight wall outside.
stop the colour change, and to corrosive environments to
decrease corrosive action. internal-upset pipe n: tubular goods in which the pipe walls
at the threaded end are thickened (upset) on the inside to
initial circulating pressure n: drill pipe pressure required to provide extra strength in the tool joints. Thus the outer wall of
circulate initially at the selected kill rate while holding casing the pipe is the same diameter throughout its length. Upset
pressure at the closed-in value, numerically equal to kill rate casing is normally run at the top of long strings in deep
circulating pressure, plus closed-in drill pipe pressure. (API operations.
Recommended Practice 59).
international system of units n: a system of units
injection n: the process of forcing fluid into something. In a measurement based on the metric system, adopted and
diesel engine, the introduction of high-pressure fuel oil into the described by the Eleventh General Conference of Weights and
cylinders. measures. It provides an international standard of
measurement to be followed when certain customary units,
inland barge rig n: a drilling structure consisting of a barge
both API (Field Units) and metric, are eventually phased out of
upon which the drilling equipment is constructed. When
international trade operations. The symbol SI (le Systeme
moved from one location to another, the barge floats, but, International d’Unites) designates the system, which involves
when stationed on the drill site, the barge is submerged to rest seven base units. 1. metre for length, 2. kilogram for mass, 3.
on the bottom. Typically, inland barge rigs are used to drill second for time, 4. Kelvin for temperature, 5. ampere for
wells in marshes, shallow inland bays, and areas where the water electric current, 6. candela for luminous intensity, and 7. mole
covering the drill site is not too deep. for amount of substance. From these units others are derived
without introducing numerical factors.
inner barrel n: the part of a telescopic slip joint on a marine
riser which is attached to the flexible joint beneath the diverter. interval n: a designated portion of a zone.
(API Recommended Practice 57).
insert type packer n: a diverter element which uses inserts
designed to close and seal on specific ranges of pipe diameter.
(API Recommended Practice 64). intrusive rock n: an igneous rock that, while molten,
penetrated into or between other rocks and solidified.

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 Glossary

invaded zone n: an area within a permeable rock adjacent to jet bit n: a drilling bit having replaceable nozzles through
a well bore into which a filtrate (usually water) from the drilling which the drilling fluid is directed in a velocity stream to the
fluid has passed, with consequent partial or total displacement bottom of the hole to improve the efficiency of the bit. See bit.
of the fluids originally present in the zone.
joint n: a single length (30 feet or 9m) of drill pipe, drill collar,
iron roughneck n: manufacturer’s term for a floor-mounted casing, or tubing that has threaded connections at both ends.
combination of a spinning wrench and a torque wrench. The Several joints screwed together constitute a stand of pipe.
iron roughneck moves into a position hydraulically and
eliminates the manual handling involved with suspended joule n: the unit used to measure heat, work and energy in the
individual tools. metric system. Its symbol is J. It is the amount of energy
iron sponge process n: a method of removing small required to move an object of 1 kilogram mass to a height of 1
concentrations of hydrogen sulphide from natural gas by metre. Also called a newton-metre.
passing the gas over a bed of wood shavings which have been
impregnated with a form of iron oxide. The impregnated wood Joule-Thomson effect n: the change in gas temperature
shavings are called iron sponge. The hydrogen sulphide reacts which occurs when the gas is expanded adiabatically from a
with the iron oxide, forming iron sulphide and water. higher pressure to a lower pressure. The effect for most gases,
except hydrogen and helium, is a cooling of the gas.
isogonic chart n: a map that shows the isogonic lines joining
point of magnetic declination, which is the variation between junction box (J-Box) (electrical) n: an enclosure used to
magnetic north and true north. For example, in Los Angeles, house the termination points of electrical cable and
California, when the compass needle is pointing toward north, components. May also contain electrical components required
true north acutally lies 15° east of magnetic north. for system operation.

isogonic line n: an imaginary line on a map that joins places (API Recommended Practice 16E).
on the earth’s surface at which the variation of a magnetic
compass needle from true north is the same. This variation, junction box (J-Box) (hydraulic of pneumatic) n: a bolt-
which may range from 0 to 30 or more degrees either east or on plate having multiple stab-type terminal fittings used for
west of true north, must be compensated for to obtain an quick connection of the multi-hose bundle to a pod, hose reel
accurate reading of direction. or manifold. (API Recommended Practice 16E).
IWCF n: the International Well Control Forum, established junk n: metal debris lost in a hole. Junk may be a lost bit,
on 1 January 1993, is an industry membership organisation pieces of a bit, milled pieces of pipe, wrenches , or any relatively
whose function is to provide an international competency small object that impedes drilling and must be fished out of the
assessment standard for personnel involved in well operations. hole. v: to abandon (as a non-productive well).
jacket n: tubular piece of steel in a tubing-liner type of sucker
rod pump, inside of which is placed an accurately bored and junk basket n: a device made up on the bottom of the drill
honed liner. In this type of sucker rod pump, the pump stem to catch pieces of junk from the bottom of the hole.
plunger moves up and down within the liner, and liner is inside Fluid circulation forces the junk into a barrel in the tool, where
the jacket. it is held by metal projections, or catchers. When the basket is
brought back to the surface, the junk is removed. Also called a
jack-up drilling rig n: an offshore structure with tubular or junk sub.
derrick legs that support the deck and hull. When positioned
over the drilling site, the bottoms of the legs rest on the sea junk sub n: also called a junk basket. See junk basket.
floor. A jack-up rig is towed or propelled to a location with its
leg up. Once the legs are firmly positioned on the bottom, the kelly n: the heavy steel member, three-, four-, six-, or eight-
deck and hull height are adjusted and levelled. 0sided, suspended from the swivel through the rotary table and
connected to the topmost joint of drill pipe to turn the drill
jar n: a percussion tool operated mechanically or hydraulically stem as the rotary table turns. It has a bored passageway that
to deliver a heavy hammer blow to objects in the borehole. Jars permits fluid to be circulated into the drill stem and up the
are used to free objects. annulus, or vice versa.
jar accelerator n: a hydraulic tool used in conjunction with a
kelly bushing n: a special device that, when fitted into the
jar and made up on the fishing string above the jar to increase
master bushing, transmits torque to the kelly and
the power of the hammer blow.
simultaneously permits vertical movement of the kelly to make
jet n: 1. a hydraulic device operated by pump pressure to hole. It may be shaped to fit the rotary opening or have pins
clean fluid pits and tanks in rotary drilling and to mix fluid for transmitting torque. Also called the drive bushing.
components. 2. in a perforating gun using shaped charges, a
highly penetrating, fast moving stream of exploded particles kelly cock n: a valve installed at one or both ends of the kelly.
that cuts a hole in the casing, cement, and formation. When a high-pressure back-flow begins inside the drill stem,
the valve is closed to keep pressure off the swivel and rotary
hose.

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-33

 Glossary

kelly hose n: also called the fluid hose or rotary hose. See kill rate circulating pressure n: pump pressure required to
rotary hose. circulate kill rate volume under non-kick conditions.
(API Recommended Practice 59).
kelly saver sub n: a sub that fits the drill stem between the
kelly and the drill pipe. Threads on the drill pipe mate with kill sheet n: a printed form that contains blank spaces for
those of the sub, minimising wear on the kelly. recording information about killing an impending blowout,
provided to remind personnel of necessary steps to kill a well.
kelly spinner n: a pneumatically operated device mounted on
top of the kelly that, when actuated, causes the kelly to turn or kill weight fluid n: a fluid whose density creates a hydrostatic
spin. it is useful when the kelly or a joint of pipe is attached to pressure equal to or greater than the pressure of the formations
it must be spun, that is, rotated rapidly for being made up. exposed to the well bore.
(API Recommended Practice 57).
kelly valve, lower n: an essentially full-opening valve installed
immediately below the kelly, with outside diameter equal to the kinematic viscosity n: the absolute viscosity of a fluid
tool joint outside diameter. Valve can be stripped in the hole divided by the density of the fluid at the temperature of
for snubbing operations. viscosity measurement.

(API Recommended Practice 53). knife valve n: a valve using a portal plate or blade to facilitate
open and close operation.
Kelvin temperature scale n: a temperature scale with the (API Recommended Practice 64).
degree interval of the Celsius scale and the zero point at
absolute zero. On the Kelvin scale, water freezes at 273 K and knockout n: A knockout is a type or separator which falls
boils at 373 K. See absolute temperature scale. into one of two categories: Free water and total liquid
knockouts. (API Specification 12J).
key n: 1. a hook-shaped wrench that fits the square shoulder
of a sucker rod and is used when rods are pulled or run into a a) The free water knockout is a vessel used to separate
pumping oilwell. Usually used in pairs; one key backs up and free water from a flow stream of gas, oil and water.
other breaks out or makes up the rod. Also called a rod The gas and oil usually leave the vessel through the
wrench. 2. A slender strip of metal that is used to fasten a same outlet to be processed by other equipment.
wheel or a gear onto a shaft. The key fits into slots in the shaft The water is removed for disposal.
and in the wheel of gear.

key seat n: 1. a channel or groove cut in the side of the hole b) The total liquid knockout is normally used to remove
of a well and parallel to the axis of the hole. A key seat results the combined liquids from a gas stream.
from the dragging of pipe on a sharp bend in the hole. 2. a
groove cut parallel to the axis in a shaft or a pulley bore. kPa sym: kiloPascal.

kg abbr.: kilogram. laminar flow n: a smooth flow of liquid in which no cross

flow of fluid particles occurs between adjacent stream lines.
kick n: an entry of water, gas, or other formation fluid into
the well bore during drilling. It occurs because the pressure land rig n: any drilling rig that is located on dry land.
exerted by the column of drilling fluid is not great enough to
overcome the pressure exerted by the fluids in the formation landing nipple n: a receptacle in a production string with an
drilled. If prompt action is not taken to control the kick or kick internal profile to provide for latching and sealing of various
the well, a blowout may occur. types of plugs or valves.
(API Recommended Practice 157).
kill v: 1. In drilling, to prevent a threatened blowout by taking
suitable preventative measures (e.g., to shut in the well with the latch on v: to attach elevators to section of pipe to pull it out
Blowout Preventer, circulate the kick out ,and increase the of or run it into the hole.
weight of the drilling fluid). 2. In production to stop a well
from producing oil and gas so that reconditioning of the well lay down pipe v: to pull drill pipe or tubing from the hole
and place it in a horizontal position on a pipe rack.
can proceed. Production is stopped by circulating water and
fluid into the hole. lb abbr.: pound
kill drilling fluid density n: the unit weight, e.g., pounds per lb/ft³ abbr.: pounds per cubic foot.
gallon (lbs/gal) selected for the fluid to be used to contain a
kicking formation. leak-off test n: a gradual pressurising of the casing after the
(API Recommended Practice 59). Blowout Preventers have been installed to permit estimation of
the formation fracture pressure at the casing seat.
kill line n: a high-pressure fluid, circulate rate, expressed in
fluid volume per unit time, which is to be used to circulate lens-type trap n: a hydrocarbon reservoir consisting of a
under kick condition, kill rate is usually some selected fraction porous, permeable, irregularly shaped sedimentary deposit
of the circulating rate used while drilling. surrounded by impervious rock.
(API Recommended Practice 59).

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 Glossary

lifting nipple n: a short piece of pipe with a pronounced litre n: a unit of metric measure of capacity equal to the
upset, or shoulder, on the upper end, screwed into drill pipe, volume occupied by 1 kg of water at 4ºC and at the standard
drill collars, or casing to provide a positive grip for the atmospheric pressure of 760 mm.
elevators; also called a lifting sub or a hoisting plug.
location n: the place where a well is drilled; also called well
lifting sup n: also called hoisting plug or lifting nipple. site.

light crude oil n: a crude oil of relatively high API gravity locking mechanism n: a support or restraint device.
(usually 40 degrees or higher).
(API Recommended Practice 64).
lime n: a caustic solid that consists primarily of calcium oxide
(CaO). many forms of CaO are called lime, including the log n: a systematic recording of data, such as a driller’s log,
various chemical and physical forms of quicklime, hydrated fluid log, electrical well log, or radioactivity log. Many different
lime, and even calcium lime. logs are run in the wells to obtain various characteristics of hole
formations. v: to record data.
lime fluid n: a drilling fluid that is treated with lime to
provide a source of soluble calcium in the filtrate in order to longitude n: the arc or portion of the earth’s equator
obtain desirable fluid properties for drilling shale or clay intersected between the meridian of a given place and the prime
formations. meridian (at Greenwich, England) and expressed either in
degrees or in time.
limestone n: a sedimentary rock rich in calcium carbonate
that sometimes serves a s reservoir rock for petroleum. loss of circulation n: See lost circulation

limit switch n: a hydraulic pneumatic or electrical switch that lost circulation n: the quantities of whole fluid lost to a
indicates the motion or position of a device. formation, usually in cavernous, fissured, or coarsely permeable
beds, evidenced by the complete or partial failure of the fluid to
(API Recommended Practice 16E). return to the surface or partial failure of the fluid to return to
the surface as it is being circulated in the hole. Lost circulation
line hanger n: a slip device that attaches the liner to the can lead to a blowout and, in general, reduce the efficiency of
casing. the drilling operation. Also called lost returns.
liquefied natural gas n: a liquid composed chiefly of natural lost circulation material n: a substance added to cement
gas (i.e., mostly methane). Natural gas is liquefied to make it slurries or drilling fluid to prevent the loss of cement or fluid to
easy to transport if a pipeline is not feasible (as across a body of the formation. See bridging material.
water). Not as easily liquefied as LPG, LNG must be put under
low temperature and high pressure or under extremely low lost circulation plug n: cement set across a formation that is
(cryogenic) temperature and close to atmospheric pressure to taking excessively large amounts of drilling fluid during drilling
become liquefied. operations.

liquefied petroleum gas n: a mixture of heavier, gaseous, lost returns n: loss of drilling fluids into the formation,
paraffinic hydrocarbons, principally butane and propane. these resulting in a decrease in pit volume.
gases, easily liquefied at moderate pressure, may be transported (API Recommended Practice 53).
as liquids but converted to gases on release of the pressure.
Thus, liquefied petroleum gas is a portable source of thermal lower ball joint n: a device located above a subsea Blowout
energy that finds wide application in areas where it is Preventer stack that permits relative angular movements of
impractical to distribute natural gas. It is also used as a fuel for marine riser elements to reduce bending stresses caused by the
internal-combustion engines and has many industrial and vessel offset, vessel surge and sway, and environmental forces.
domestic uses. Principal sources are natural and refinery gas, (API Recommended Practice 64).
from which the liquefied petroleum gases are separated by
fractionation. lower kelly cock n: also called drill stem safety valve.

liquid n: a state of matter in which the shape of the given lower marine riser package (LMRP) n: the upper section
mass depends on the containing vessel, but the volume of the of a two-section subsea BOP stack, consisting of the hydraulic
mass is independent of the vessel; a liquid is fluid that is almost connector, annular BOP, ball/flex joint riser adapter, flexible
incompressible. choke and kill lines, and subsea pods. This interfaces with the
lower subsea BOP stack.
liquid-level gauge n: any device connected to a vessel,
coupled with either a float in the vessel or directly with the fluid (API Recommended Practice 16E).
therein, and calibrated to give a visual indication of the liquid lubrication v: alternately pumping a relatively small volume of
level. liquid into a closed well bore system and waiting for the fluid to
lithology n: 1. the study of rocks, usually macroscopic. 2. fall toward the bottom of the well; provides method for sealing
the individual character of a rock in terms of mineral off pressure and thus should be rated for highest anticipated
composition, structure and so forth. pressure.

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-35

 Glossary

m sym: metre. master bushing n: a device that fits into the rotary table. It
accommodates the slips and drives the kelly bushing so that the
macaroni-rig n: a workover rig, usually lightweight, that is rotary motion of the rotary table can be transmitted to the kelly.
specially built to run a string of ¾-inch or 1-inch in diameter. Also called rotary bushing.

magnetic brake n: also called an elector-dynamic brake. mater valve n: normally the lowermost valve(s) in the vertical
run of the Christmas tree.
make a connection v: to attach a joint of drill pipe onto the (API Recommended Practice 57).
drill stem suspended in the well bore to permit deepening the
well bore by the length of the joint added (30 feet or 9 m). material performance bases n pl: capabilities which must be
demonstrated, as a minimum, for material to satisfy the criteria
make a trip v: to hoist the drill stem out of the well bore to of this standard.
perform one of a number of operations such as changing bits, (API Specification 16A)
taking a core, and so forth, and then to return the drill stem to
the well bore. maximum allowable working pressure n: the maximum
allowable working pressure (MAWP) is the maximum pressure,
make-and-break v: To connect and disconnect. permissible by the ASME Code at the top of the separator in its
(API Specification 16A). normal operating position for a designated temperature. (API
Specification 12J).
make hole v: to deepen the hole made by the bit; to drill
ahead. maximum anticipated surface pressure n: the highest
pressure predicted to be encountered at the surface of the well.
(API Recommended Practice 57).
manifold n: an assemblage of pipe, valves and fittings by
which fluid from one or more sources is selectively directed to
various systems or components. Mcf abbr.: 1,000 cubic feet of gas, commonly used to express
(API Recommended Practice 16E). the volume of gas produced, transmitted, or consumed in a
given period.
manipulator valve n: a three-position directional control
valve that has the pressure inlet port blocked and the operator Mcf/d abbr.: 1,000 ft3 of gas per day.
ports vented in the centre position.
(API Recommended Practice 16E) md sym: millidarcy.

manometer n: a U-shaped piece of glass tubing containing a measuring tank n: a calibrated tank that, by means of weirs,
liquid (usually water or mercury) that is used to measure the float switches, pressure switches, or similar devices,
pressure of gases or liquids. When pressure is applied, the automatically measures the volume of liquid run in and then
liquid level in one arm brated markings beside one of the arms released. Measuring tanks are used in LACT systems. Also
permits a pressure reading to be taken, usually in inches or called metering tanks or dump tanks.
millimetres.
meridian n: a north-south line from which longitudes and
marine riser connector n: a fitting on top of the subsea azimuths are reckoned.
Blowout Preventers to which the riser pipe is connected.
meta-centre n: a point located somewhere on a line drawn
marine riser system n: the extension of the well bore from vertically through the centre of buoyancy of the hull of a
the subsea Blowout Preventer stack to the floating drilling floating vessel with the hull in one position (e.g. level) and then
vessel which provides for fluid returns to the drilling vessel, another (e.g. inclined). when the hull inclines slightly to a new
supports the choke, kill and control liens, guides tools into the position, the centre of buoyancy of the hull also moves to a
well and serves as a running string for the Blowout Preventer new position. If a second line is drawn vertically through the
stack. (API Recommended Practice 64). new centre of buoyancy, it intersects the first line at a point
called the meta-centre. Location of the meta-centre is
marl n: a semisolid or unconsolidated clay, silt, or sand. important because it affects the stability of floating vessels
(such as mobile offshore drilling rigs).
March funnel n: a calibrated funnel used in field tests to
determine the viscosity of drilling fluid. metamorphic rock n: a rock derived from pre-existing rocks
by mineralogical, chemical, and structural alterations caused by
processes within the earth’s crust. Marble is a metamorphic
mast n: a portable derrick that is capable of being erected as a rock.
unit, as distinguished from a standard derrick that 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 methane n: a light, gaseous, flammable paraffin hydrocarbon.
excessive length extending from truck beds on the highway. Ch4,that has a boiling point of -258ºF and is the chief
component of natural gas and an important basic hydrocarbon
for petrochemical manufacture.

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 Glossary

metre n: the fundamental unit of length in the metric system. Monel steel n: a nickel-base alloy containing copper, iron,
Its symbol is m. It is equal to about 3.28 feet, 39.37 inches, or manganese, silicon, and carbon. Non-magnetic drill collars are
100 centimetres. often made of this material.

metric ton n: a measurement equal to 1000kg or 2,204.6 lb monkey board n: the Derrickman’s working platform. As
avoirdupois. In many oil-producing countries, production is pipe or tubing is run into or out of the hole, the Derrickman
reported in metric tons. One metric ton is equivalent to about must handle the top end of the pipe, which may be as high as
7.4 barrels (42 US gal = 1 bbl) of crude oil with a specific 90 feet (27 m) in the derrick or mast. The monkey board
gravity of 0.84, or 36º API. In the SI system, it is called a provides a small platform to raise him to the proper height for
tonne. handling the top of the pipe.
mica n: a silicate mineral characterised by sheet cleavage.
Biotite is ferro-magnesian black mica, and muscovite is potassic montmorillonite n: a clay mineral often used as an additive to
white mica. Sometimes mica is used as lost circulation material drilling fluid. It is a hydrous aluminium silicate capable of
in drilling. reacting with such substances as magnesium and calcium. See
bentonite.
micron n: one-millionth of a metre; a metric unit of measure
of length equal to 0.001 mm. moon pool n: a walled round hole or well in the hull of a drill
ship (usually in the centre) through which the drilling assembly
migration n: the movement of oil from the area in which it and other assemblies pass while a well is being drilled,
was formed to a reservoir rock where it can accumulate. completed, or abandoned from the drill ship.

millidarcy n: one-thousandth of a darcy. moored vessels n: offshore floating drilling vessels which rely
on anchors, chains, and mooring lines extended to the ocean
Mine Safety and Health Administration n: a US floor to keep the vessel at a constant location relative to the
government agency that evaluates research in the causes of ocean floor. (API Recommended Practice 64).
occupational diseases and accidents. Head-quarters in
Arlington, Virginia, MSHA is responsible for administration of
the certification of respiratory safety equipment. motion compensator n: any device (such as a bumper sub or
heave compensator) that serves to maintain constant weight on
minimum internal yield pressure n: the lowest pressure at the bit in spite of vertical motion of a floating offshore drilling
which permanent deformation will occur. rig.

(API Recommended Practice 53). motor-generator rig n: a drilling rig driven by electric motors
with current supplied by engine-driven generators at the rig.
mixing system n: a system that mixes a measured amount of
water soluble lubricant and optional glycol to feed water and mousehole n: an opening through the rig floor, usually lined
delivers it to a storage tank or reservoir. with pipe, into which a length of drill pipe is placed temporarily
for later connection to the drill string.
(API Recommended Practice 16E).

mixing tank n: any tank or vessel used to mix components of Mpa sym: megapascal
a substance (as in the mixing of additives with drilling fluid).
Mscf/D abbr: thousand standard cubic feet per day.
MMcf abbr.: million cubic feet; a common unit of
measurement for large quantities of gas. MSHA abbr: Milne Safety and Health Administration.
MMscf abbr.: million standard cubic feet per day.
mud n: See Drilling Fluids
mobile offshore drilling rig n: a drilling rig that is used
exclusively to drill offshore wells and that floats upon the mud-gas separator n: a device that separates gas from the
surface of the water when being moved from one location to fluid coming out of a well when gas cutting has occurred or
another. It may or may not float once drilling begins. The drill when a kick is being circulated out.
ship, semi-submersible drilling rig, and jack-up drilling rig are all
mobile rigs; a platform rig is not. mud hopper n: See hopper.

mol sym: mole multiplex n: a system that uses multiple electronic signals that
are coded and transmitted through a conductor pair. This
mole n: the fundamental unit of mass of a substance. Its eliminates the requirement of a dedicated conductor pair for
symbol is mol. A mole of any substance is the number of each required signal.
grams or pounds indicated by its molecular weight. For (API Recommended Practice 16E).
example, H20 has a molecular weight of approximately 18.
Therefore, a gram mole of water is 18 grams of water; a pound
mole of water is 18 pounds of water. NACE abbr.: National Association of Corrosion Engineers.

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 Glossary

National Association of Corrosion Engineers n: nozzle n: 1. a passageway through jet bits that allows the
organisation whose function is to establish standards and drilling fluid to reach the bottom of the hole and flush the
recommended practices for the field of corrosion control. It is cuttings through the annuls. Nozzles comes in different sizes
based in Houston, Texas. that can be interchanged on the bit to allow more or less flow.
2. the part of the fuel system of an engine that has small holes
natural gas n: a highly compressible, highly expandable in it to permit fuel to enter the cylinder. Properly known as a
mixture of hydrocarbons having a low specific gravity and fuel-injection nozzle. Also called a spray valve. The needle
occurring naturally in gaseous form Besides hydrocarbon gases, valve is directly above the nozzle.
natural gas may contain appreciable quantities of nitrogen,
helium, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, and water vapour. O & G abbr.: oil and gas; used in drilling reports.
Although gaseous at normal temperatures and pressures, the
gases comprising the mixture that is natural gas are variable in offset-well data n: information obtained from wells that are
form and may be found either as gases or as liquids under drilled in an area close to where a well is being drilled or
suitable conditions of temperature and pressure. worked over. Such information can be very helpful in
determining how a particular well will behave or react to certain
natural gas liquids n: those hydrocarbons liquefied at the treatments or techniques applied to it.
surface in field facilities or in gas processing plants. Natural gas
liquids include propane, butane, and natural gasoline. offshore n: the geographic area which lies seaward of the
coastline. In general, the term coastline means the line of
needle valve n: a form of globe valve that contains a sharp- ordinary low water along that portion of the coast that is in
pointed, needle-like plug that is driven into and out of a cone- direct contact with the open sea or the line marking the seaward
shaped seat to accurately control a relatively small rate of flow limit of inland waters.
of a fluid. In a fuel injector, the fuel pressure forces the needle
valve off its seat to allow injection to take place. offshore drilling n: drilling for oil in an ocean, gulf, or sea,
usually on the continental shelf. A drilling unit for offshore
newton n: the unit of force in the metric system; its symbol is operations may be a mobile floating vessel with a ship or barge
N. A Newton is the force required to accelerate an object of 1 hull, a semi-submersible or submersible base, a self-propelled or
kilogram mass to a velocity of 1 metre per second in 1 second. towed structure with jacking legs (jack-up drilling rig), or a
permanent structure used as a production platform when
Newtonian fluid n: a fluid in which the viscosity remains drilling from mobile floating vessels or form a jack-up vessel,
constant for all rates of shear if constant conditions of while development wells are drilled from platforms.
temperature and pressure are maintained. Most drilling fluids
behave as non-Newtonian fluids, as their viscosity is not offshore platform n: permanently installed bottom supported
constant but varies with the rate of shear. or connected offshore structure, equipped with drilling and/or
production equipment for drilling and/or development of
newton-metre n: also called a joule. See joule. offshore oil and gas reservoirs.
(API Recommended Practice 64).
nipple up v: in drilling, to assemble the Blowout Preventer
stack on the well head at the surface. offshore rig n: any of various types of drilling structures
designed for use in drilling wells in oceans, seas, bays, gulfs, and
nominal size n: a designated size that may be different from so forth. Offshore rigs include platforms, jack-up drilling rigs,
the actual size. semi-submersible drilling rigs, submersible drill rigs and drill
non-magnetic drill collar n: a drill collar made of an alloy ships.
that does not affect the readings of a magnetic compass placed OH abbr.: open hole; used in drilling reports.
within it to obtain subsurface indications of the direction of a
deviated well bore. Used in directional drilling. oil and gas separator n: an item of production equipment
used to separate liquid components of the well stream from the
non-porous adj.: containing no interstices; having no pores. gaseous elements. Separators are either vertical or horizontal
non-retrievable control pod n: a pod that is fixed in place on and either cylindrical or spherical in shape. separation is
the LRMP and not retrievable. accomplished principally by gravity, the heavier liquids falling to
the bottom and the gas rising to the top. a float valve or other
(API Recommended Practice 16E). liquid-level control regulates the level of oil in the bottom of
the separator.
normal circulation n: the smooth, uninterrupted circulation
of drilling fluid down the drill stem, out the bit, up the annular oil drilling fluid n: a drilling fluid in which oil is the
space between the pipe and the hole, and back to the surface. continuous phase. Oil-base fluid and invert-emulsion fluid are
types of oil fluids. They are useful in drilling certain formations
normal formation pressure n: formation fluid pressure that may be difficult or costly to drill with water-base fluid.
equivalent to 0.465 psi per foot of depth from the surface. If
the formation pressure is 4,650 psi at 10,000 feet, it is oil-base drilling fluid n: an oil that contains from less that 2
considered normal. percent up to 5 percent water. The water is spread out, or
dispersed, in the oil as small droplets.

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 Glossary

oil-emulsion drilling fluid n: a water-base fluid in which organic theory n: an explanation of the origin of petroleum,
water is the continuous phase and oil is the dispersed phase. which holds that the hydrogen and the carbon that make up
The oil is spread out, or dispersed, in the water in small petroleum come from plants and animals of land and sea.
droplets, which are tightly emulsified so that they do not settle Furthermore, the theory holds that more of this organic
out. Because of its lubricating abilities, an oil-emulsion fluid material comes from very tiny creatures of swamp and sea than
increases the drilling rate and ensures better hole conditions comes from larger creatures of land.
than other fluids.
outer barrel n: the part of a telescopic slip joint on a marine
oil field n: the surface area overlying an oil reservoir or riser which is attached to tension lines. Tension is transferred
reservoirs. Commonly, the term includes not only the surface through the outer barrel into the riser.
area, but also the reservoir, the wells, and the production (API Recommended Practice 64).
equipment.
out-of-gauge hole n: a hole that is not gauge, that is, of a size
oil sand n: 1. a sandstone that yields oil. 2. (by extension) smaller or larger than the diameter of the bit used to drill the
any reservoir that yields oil, whether or not it is sandstone. hole.

oil shale n: a formation containing hydrocarbons that cannot overbalance n: the amount by which pressure exerted by the
be recovered by an ordinary oilwell but cannot be recovered by hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore exceeds formation
an ordinary oilwell but can be mined. After processing, the pressure.
hydrocarbons and treatment of oil shale has until recently been (API Recommended Practice 59).
too great to compete with the cost of oilwell drilling.
overboard (diverter) line n: refer to vent line.
oil-water contact n: the point or plane at which the bottom
of an oil sand contacts the top of a water sand in a reservoir; overburden n: the pressure on a formation due to the weight
the oil-water interface. of the earth material above that formation. For practical
purposes, this pressure can be estimated at 1 psi/ft of depth.
oilwell pump n: any pump, surface or subsurface, that is used (API Recommended Practice 53).
to lift fluids from the reservoir to the surface. See sucker rod
pumping and hydraulic pumping. overburden pressure n: the pressure exerted by the
overburden on the formation targeted for drilling.
on-suction adj.: of a tank, open to pump suction.
over-gauge hole n: a hole whose diameter is larger than the
open-circuit regulator n: also called demand regulator. diameter of the bit used to drill it. An over-gauge hole can
occur when a bit is not properly stabilised or does not have
open formation n: a petroleum-bearing rock with good enough weight put on it.
porosity and permeability.
overshot n: a fishing tool that is attached to tubing or drill
open hole n: 1. any well bore in which casing has not been pipe and lowered over the outside of the wall of pipe or sucker
set. 2. open and cased hole in which no drill pipe or tubing is rods lost or stuck in the well bore. A friction device in the
suspended. 3. the portion of the well bore that has no casing. overshot, usually either a basket or a spiral grapple, firmly grips
the pipe, allowing the lost fish to be pulled from the hole.
opening ratio n: the ratio of the well pressure to the pressure
required to open the Blowout Preventer. packed-hole assembly n: a drill stem that consists of
(API Recommended Practice 53). stabilisers and special drill collars and is used to maintain the
proper angle and course of the hole. This assembly is often
operating company n: See operator. necessary in crooked hole country.

operating pressure n: the operating pressure is the pressure packed pendulum assembly n: a bottom hole assembly in
in the vessel during normal operation. The operating pressure which pendulum-length collars are swung below a regular
shall not exceed the MAWP, and is usually kept at a suitable packed-hole assembly. The pendulum portion of the assembly
level below the setting of the pressure relieving devices to is used to reduce hole angle; it is then removed, and the
prevent their frequent opening. packed-hole assembly is run above the bit.
(API Specification 12J).

operator n: the person or company, either proprietor or

lessee, actually operating an oilwell or lease. Generally, the oil
company by whim the drilling contractor is engaged.

organic rock n: rock materials produced by a plant or animal

life (coal, petroleum, limestone, etc).

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 Glossary

Packer n: a piece of down hole equipment, consisting of a period of roll n: the time required for a floating offshore
sealing device, and an inside passage for fluids, used to block drilling rig to roll from one side to the other and back.
the flow of fluids through the annular space between the tubing
and the wall of the well bore by sealing off the space between permanent guide base n: a structure attached to and installed
them. It is usually made up in the tubing string some distance with the foundation pile when a well is drilled from an offshore
above the producing zone. A sealing element expands to drilling rig. It is seated in the temporary guide base and serves
prevent fluid flow except through the inside bore of the packer as a well head housing. Also, guidelines are attached to it so
and into the tubing. Packers are classified according to that equipment (such as the Blowout Preventer) may be guided
configuration, use, and method of setting and whether or not into place on the well head.
they are retrievable (that is, whether they can be removed when
necessary, or whether they must be milled or drilled out and permeability n: 1. A measure of the ease in which fluids can
thus destroyed): flow through a porous rock. 2. The fluid conductivity of a
porous medium. 3. The ability of a fluid to flow within the
Packer test n: application of hydraulic pressure either through interconnected pore network of a porous medium. See
the tubing or annulus to assure that the packer is properly set absolute permeability, and effective permeability.
and sealed.
petroleum geology n: the study of oil-and gas bearing rock
packing element n: the annular sealing device in an annular formations. It deals with the origin, occurrence, movement,
Blowout Preventer or diverter. and accumulation of hydrocarbon fuels.
(API Recommend Practice 64)
pH value n: a unit of measure of the acid or alkaline condition
packoff or stripper n: a devise with an elastomer packing of a substance. A neutral solution (such as pure water) has a
element that depends on pressure below the packing to effect a pH of 7; acid solutions are less than 7. The pH scale is a
seal in the annulus. Used primarily to run or pull pipe under logarithmic scale; a substance with a pH 9 is more than twice as
low or moderate pressures. This device is not dependable for alkaline as a substance with a pH of 8.
service under high differential pressures.
(API Recommended Practice 53) piggyback v: (nautical) to install anchors behind each other in
tandem on the same mooring line.
part n: an individual piece used in the assembly of a single
equipment unit. (API Specification 16A) pilot bit n: a bit placed on a special device called a hole opener
that serves to guide the devise into an already existing hole that
partial pressure n: the pressure exerted by one specific is to be opened (made larger in diameter). The pilot bit merely
component of a gaseous mixture. guides, or pilots, the cutters on the hole opener into the existing
hole so that the hole-opening cutters can enlarge the hole to the
Pascal n: the accepted metric unit of measurement for desired size.
pressure and stress and a component in the measurement of
viscosity. A Pascal is equal to a force of 1 Newton acting on an pilot fluid n: hydraulic control fluid that is dedicated to the
area if 1 square metre. It is symbol Pa. pilot supply system.
(API Recommended practice 16E)
pendulum assemble n: a bottom hole assembly composed of
a bit and several large-diameter drill collars; it may have one or pilot line n: a hydraulic line that transmits pilot fluid to a
more stabilisers installed in the drill collar string. The assembly control valve. Pilot lines are normally grouped in a common
works on the principle of the pendulum effect. bundle or umbilical.

pendulum effect n: the tendency of the drill stem - bit, drill pilot response time n: for subsea systems, the time it takes
collars, drill pipe, and Kelly - to hang in a vertical position due when the hydraulic function valve is activated on the surface
to the force of gravity. for the signal to travel through the pilot line and activate a
control panel in the pod.
penetration rate n: See rate of penetration (API Recommended Practise 16E)

percussion drilling n: 1. Cable-tool-drilling. 2. Rotary drilling pin-drive master bushing n: a master bushing that has four
in which a special tool called a hammer drill is used in drive holes corresponding to the four pins on the bottom of
combination with a roller cone bit. the pin-drive kelly bushing.

perforate v: to pierce the casing wall and cement to provide pinion n: 1. A gear with a small number of teeth designed to
holes through which formation fluids may enter or to provide mesh with a larger wheel or rack. 2. The smaller of a pair or the
holes in the casing so that materials may be introduced into the smallest of a train of gear wheels.
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 electricity detonated
bullets or shaped charges from the surface.

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 Glossary

pipe n: a long hollow cylinder, usually steel, through which plug n: any object or device that blocks a hole or passageway
fluids are conducted. Oil field tubular goods are casing (as a cement plug in a borehole).
(including liners), drill pipe, tubing, or line pipe. Casing, tubing,
and drill pipe are designated by external diameter. Because plug and abandon v: to place a cement plug into a dry hole
lengths of pipe are joined by external-diameter couplings and abandon it.
threaded by standard tools, an increase in the wall thickness can
be obtained only by decreasing the internal diameter. Thus, the plug valve n: a valve whose mechanism consists of a plug
external diameter is the same for all weights of the same-size with a hole through it on the same axis as the direction of fluid
pipe. Weight is expressed in pounds per foot or kilograms per flow. Turning the plug 90 degrees opens or closes the valve.
metre. Grading depends on the yield strength of the steel. The valve may or may not be full opening.

(API Recommended Practice 53).

pipe protector n: a protector that prevents drill pipe from
rubbing against the hole or against the casing. pneumatic adj.: operated by air pressure.

pipe rack n: a horizontal support for tubular goods. pneumatic control n: a control valve that is actuated by air.
Several pneumatic controls are used on drilling rigs to actuate
pipe ram n: a sealing component for a Blowout Preventer or rig components (clutches, hoists, engines, pumps, etc.).
well head. Unless special rams accommodating various pipe
sizes are used, separate rams are necessary for each size (outside pod n: see control pod.
diameter) pipe in use
poise n: the viscosity of a liquid in which a force of 1 dyne
(unit of measurement of small amounts of force) exerted
pipe ram BOP n: a hydraulically operated system typically
tangentially on a surface of 1 cm² of either of two parallel
having two opposed ram assemblies that move radically inward
planes 1 cm apart will move one plane at the rate of 1 cm per
to close on pipe in the well bore and seal he annular space.
second in reference to the other plane, with the space between
(API Recommended Practice 16E)
the two planes filled with the liquid.
pipe ram preventer n: a Blowout Preventer that uses pipe polymer n: a substance that consists of large molecules
rams as the closing elements. formed from smaller molecules in repeating structural units. In
petroleum refining, heat and pressure are used to polymerise
pipe upset n: that part of the pipe that has an abrupt increase light hydrocarbons into larger molecules, such as those that
of dimension. make up high-octane gasoline. In oil field operations, various
types of organic polymers are used to thicken drilling fluid,
pipe wiper n: a flexible disk-shaped device, usually made of fracturing fluid, acid, and other liquids. In petrochemical
rubber, with a hole in the centre through which drill pipe or production, polymer hydrocarbons are used as the basis for
tubing passes, used to wipe of fluid, or other liquid from the plastics.
pipe as the pipe is pulled from the hole.
polymer units n: a drilling fluid which has been added a
polymer, a chemical that consists of large molecules that were
pit level n: height of drilling fluid in the fluid pits.
formed from small molecules in repeating structural units, to
increase the viscosity of the fluid.
pit-level indicator n: one of a series of devices that
continuously monitor the level of the drilling fluid in the fluid poppet valve n: a device that controls the rate of flow of fluid
tanks. The indicator usually consists of float devices in the in a line or opens or shuts off the flow of fluid completely .
fluid tanks that sense the fluid level and transmit data to a When open, the sealing surface of the valve is moved away
recording and alarm device (a pit-volume recorder) mounted from a seat; when closed, the sealing surface contacts the seat
near the Driller's position on the rig floor. If the fluid level to shut off flow. Usually, the direction of movement of the
drops too low or rises too high, the alarm sounds to warn the valve is perpendicular to the seat. Poppet valves are used
Driller that he may be either losing circulation or taking a kick. extensively as pneumatic (air) controls on drilling rigs and as
intake and exhaust valves in most internal-combustion engines.
pit-level recorder n: the gauge at the Driller's position that
records data from the pit-level, indicator. pop valve n: a spring-loaded safety valve that opens
automatically when pressure exceeds the limits for which the
Pit Volume Totalizer n: trade name for a type of pit-level valve is set. It is used as a safety device on pressurised vessels
indicator that combines all of the individual pit volume and other equipment to prevent damage for excessive pressure.
indicators and registers the total drilling fluid volume in the It is also called a relief valve or a safety valve.
various tanks. (API Recommended Practice 53).
pore n: an opening or space within rock or mass of rocks,
usually small and often filled with some fluid (water, oil, gas, or
plastic viscosity n: an absolute flow property indicating the all three).
flow resistance of certain types of fluids. Plastic viscosity is a
measure of shearing stress.
pore pressure (formation pressure) n: pressure exerted by
the fluids within the pore space of a formation.

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 Glossary

porosity n: the condition of something that contains pores pressure controlling part(s) or member(s) n pl: those parts
(such as rock formation). intended to control or regulate the movement of well bore
fluids, e.g. packing elements, rams, replaceable seats within a
Portland cement n: the cement most widely used in oil wells. pressure containing member or part(s).
It is made from raw materials such as limestone, clay or shale, (API Specification 16A).
and iron ore.
pressure differential n: See differential pressure.
positive-displacement motor n: usually called a Dyna-drill. pressure-differentially-set valve n: a valve that is operated
See Dyna Drill. when its actuator senses a change in pressure of a pre-set limit.
(API Recommended Practice 64).
post weld heat treatment n: any heat treatment subsequent
to welding, including stress relief. pressure drop n: a loss of pressure, resulting from friction,
sustained by a fluid passing through a line, valve, fitting, or
possum belly n: 1. receiving tank situated at the end of the other device.
fluid return line. The flow of fluid comes into the bottom of
the device and travels over baffles to control fluid over the pressure equalisation valve (dump valve) n: a device used
shale shaker. 2. a metal box under a truck bed that holds to control bottom riser annulus pressure by establishing direct
pipeline repair tools. communication with the sea.

(API Recommended Practice 64).

potable water n. a water supply that is acceptably pure for
human consumption. on an offshore rig, it is usually produced pressure gauge n: an instrument that measures fluid pressure
by water-makers and uses a supply water for mixing control and usually registers the difference between atmospheric
fluid for a subsea control system. pressure and the pressure of the fluid by indicating the effect of
(API Recommended Practice 16E). such pressures on a measuring element ( a column of liquid, a
Bourdon tube, a weighted piston, a diaphragm, ot other
pounds per square inch gauge n: the pressure in a vessel or pressure-sensitive device).
container as registered on a gauge attached to the container.
the pressure reading does not include the pressure of the pressure gradient n: a scale of pressure differences in which
atmosphere outside the container. there is a uniform variation of pressure from point to point.
for example, the pressure gradient of a column of water is
power fluid n: pressurised hydraulic fluid dedicated to the about 0.433 psi/ft of vertical elevation. The normal pressure
direct operation of functions. gradient in a formation is equivalent to the pressure exerted at
(API Recommended Practice 16E). any given depth by a column of 10 percent salt water extending
from that depth to the surface (0.465 psi/ft or 10.518 kPa/m).
power tongs n: a wrench that is used to make up or break out
drill pipe, tubing, or casing on which the torque is provided by pressure loss n: 1. a reduction in the amount of force a fluid
air or fluid pressure. Conventional tongs are operated by exerts against a surface, usually occurring because the fluid is
mechanical pull provided by a jerk line connected to a cat-head. moving against the surface. 2. the amount of pressure gauge
when drilling fluid is being circulated by the fluid pump.
Pressure losses occur as the fluid is circulated.
ppg abbr.: pounds per gallon.
pressure relief valve n: a valve that opens at a preset pressure
ppm abbr.: parts per million. to relieve excessive pressures within a vessel or line. Also called
a relief line, safety valve, or pop valve.
pre-charge n: se accumulator pre-charge.
pressure retaining part(s) or member(s) n pl: those parts not
pressure n: the force that fluid (liquid or gas) exerts uniformly exposed to well bore fluid s whose failure to function as
in all directions within a vessel, pipe, hole in the ground, and so intended would result in a release well bore fluid to the
forth, such as that exerted against the liner wall of a tank or that environment such as closure bolts, clamps.
exerted against the liner wall of a tank or that exerted on the
bottom of the well bore by drilling fluid. Pressure is expressed (API Specification 16A)
in terms of force exerted per unit of area, as pounds per square
pressure test, blowout preventer n: the process of pressure
inch (psi) or grams or kilograms per square centimetre.
testing internally a Blowout Preventer or Blowout preventer
assemble. (API Recommended Practise 57)
pressure containing part(s) or member(s) n pl: those parts
exposed to well bore fluids whose failure to function as pressure vessel quality n: metallic material whose integrity is
intended would result in a release of well bore fluid to the such that it can be used to safety contain pressure without risk
environment, such a bodies, bonnets and stems. of leakage or rupture. (API Specification 16A)
(API Specification 16A).
preventer n: shortened form of Blowout Preventer.
See blowout peventer

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 Glossary

preventive maintenance n: a system conducting regular pump-through tubing plug n: a plug set inside the tubing
checks and testing of equipment to permit replacement or string which will not permit back flow, but will permit pumping
repair of weakened or faulty parts before failure of the through from the top side.
equipment results. (API Recommended Practice 57).

primary cementing n: the cementing operation that takes pup joint n: a length of drill pipe, tubing, or casing shorter
place immediately after the casing has been run into the hole; than 30 feet.
used to provide a protective sheath around the casing, to
segregate the producing formation, and to prevent the PVT abbr.: 1. Pit Volume Totalizer. 2. pressure, volume and
undesirable migration of fluids. See secondary cementing and temperature.
squeeze cementing.
qualified personnel n pl: individuals with characteristics or
primary well control n: prevention of formation fluid flow abilities gained through training, experience, or both, as
by maintaining a hydrostatic pressure equal to or greater than measured against the manufacturers established requirements.
formation pressure. (API Recommended Practice 59) (API Specification 16A).

primary mover n: an internal-combustion engine that is the quartz n: hard mineral composed of silicon dioxide; a
source of power for a drilling rig and oilwell drilling. common component in igneous, metamorphic, and
sedimentary rocks.
production packer n: a devise installed in wells to effect a
R abbr.: Rankine. See Rankine temperature scale.
seal between the tubing string(s) and casing.
rabbit n: 1. a small plug that is run through a flow line to
(API Recommended Practise 57) clean the line or to test for obstructions. 2. any plug left
unintentionally in a pipeline during construction (as, a rabbit
producing zone n: the zone or formation from which oil and that ran into the pipe).
gas is produces.
rack pipe v: 1. to place pipe withdrawn from the hole on a
propping agent n: a granular substance (sand grains, pipe rack. 2. to stand pipe on the derrick floor when coming
aluminium pellets, or other material) that is carried in out of the hole.
suspension by the fracturing fluid and that serves to keep the
cracks open when fracturing fluid is withdrawn after fracture ram n: the closing and sealing component on a Blowout
treatment. Preventer. One of three types – blind, pipe, or shear – may be
installed in several preventers mounted in a stack on top of the
psi abbr.: pounds per square inch. well bore. Blind rams, when closed, form a seal on a hole that
has no drill pipe in ti; pipe rams, when closed, seal around the
psia abbr.: pounds per square inch absolute. Psia is equal to pipe; shear rams cut through drill pipe and then form a seal.
the gauge pressure plus the pressure of the atmosphere at that
point. ram blowout preventer n: a Blowut Preventer that uses rams
to seal off pressure on a hole that is with our without pipe. also
psi-ft. abbr.: pounds per square inch per foot. called a ram preventer.

psig abbr.: pounds per square inch gauge. Ram preventer n: also called a ram Blowout Preventer.

pto abbr.: power take off. Rankine temperature scale n: a temperature scale with the
degree interval of the Fahrenheit scale and the zero point at
pull it green v: to pull a bit from the hole for replacement absolute zero. On the Rankine scale, water freezes at 491.60º
before it is greatly worn. and boils at 671.69º. See absolute temperature scale.

pull out v: See come out of the hole. rate of penetration n: a measure of the speed at which the bit
drills into formations, usually expressed in feet (metres) per
pumping unit n: the machine that imparts reciprocating hour or minutes per foot (metre).
motion to a string of sucker rods extending to the positive-
displacement pump at the bottom of a well; usually a beam rated working pressure n: the maximum internal pressure
arrangement driven by a crank attached to a speed reducer. equipment is designed to contain and/or control. Rated
working pressure is not to be confused with test pressure.
pump liner n: a cylindrical, accurately machined, metallic (API Specification 16A).
section that forms the working barrel of some reciprocating
pumps. Liners are an inexpensive means of replacing worn rat-hole n: 1. a hole in the rig floor, 30-35 feet (9-11 m) deep,
cylinder surfaces, and in some pumps they provide a method of which is lined with casing that projects above the floor and into
conveniently changing the displacement and capacity of the which the kelly and swivel are placed when hoisting operations
pumps. are in progress. 2. a hole of a diameter smaller than the main
hole and drilled in the bottom of the main hole. v: to reduce
the size of the well bore and drill ahead.
pump pressure n: fluid pressure arising from the action of a
pump.

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 Glossary

rat-hole connection n: the addition of a length of drill pipe reservoir n: a subsurface, porous, permeable rock body in
or tubing to the active string. The length to be added is placed which oil and/or gas is stored. Most reservoir rocks are
in the rat-hole, made up to the kelly, pulled out of the rat-hole, limestone’s, dolomites, sandstone’s, or a combination of these.
and made up into the string. The three basic types of hydrocarbon reservoirs are oil, gas and
condensate. An oil reservoir generally contains three fluids –
readback n: an indication of a remote condition. gas, oil, and water – with oil the dominant product. In the
(API Recommended Practice 16E). typical oil reservoir, these fluids occur in different phases
because of the variance in their gravity’s. Gas, the lightest,
ream v: to enlarge the well bore by drilling it again with a occupies the upper part of the reservoir rocks; water, the lower
special bit. Often a rat-hole is reamed or opened to the same part; and oil, the intermediate section. In addition to its
size as the main well bore. See rat-hole. occurrence as a cap or in solution, gas may accumulate
independently of the oil; if so, the reservoir is called a gas
reservoir. Associated with the gas, in most instances, are salt
records n pl: retrievable information.
water and some oil. In a condensate reservoir, the
(API Specification 16A).
hydrocarbons may exist as a gas, but, when brought to the
surface, some of he heavier ones condense to a liquid.
reel (hose of cable) n: a reel, usually power driven, that
stores, pays-out and takes-up umbilicals, either control hose reservoir drive mechanism n: the process in which reservoir
bundles or armoured electrical cables. fluids are caused to flow out of the reservoir rock and into a
(API Recommended Practice 16E) well bore by natural energy. Gas drives depend on the fact that,
as the reservoir is produced, pressure is reduced, allowing the
reference point n: also called gauge point. gas to expand and provide the driving energy. Water-drive
reservoirs depend on water pressure to force the hydrocarbons
regulator (pressure) n: a hydraulic device that reduces out of the reservoirs and into the well bore.
upstream supply pressure to a desired (regulated) pressure. It
may be manual or remotely operated and, once set, will reservoir pressure n: the pressure in a reservoir.
automatically maintain the regulated output pressure unless
reset to a different pressure. reservoir rock n: a permeable rock that contains oil or gas in
(API Recommended Practice 16E) appreciable quantity.

response time n: the time elapsed between activation of a

relative density n: the ration of the mass of a given volume function at the control panel and complete operation of the
of a substance to the mass of a like volume of a standard function. (API Recommended Practice 16E)
substance, such as water or air. In conventional measurement
units, specific gravity is similar to relative density. retarder n: a substance added to cement to prolong the
setting time so that the cement can be pumped into place.
relief valve n: a device that is built into a hydraulic or Retarder's are used for cementing in high-temperature
pneumatic system to relieve (dump) any excess pressure. formations.
(API Recommended Practice 16E).
retrievable control pod n: a subsea pod that is retrievable
relief well n: a well drilled near and deflected into a well that remotely on a wire line. (API Recommended Practice 16E).
is out of control, making it possible to bring the wild well under
control. See wild well. returns n pl.: the fluid, cuttings, and so forth that circulate up
the hole to the surface.
remote BOP control panel n: a device, placed on the rig reverse circulation n: the course of drilling fluid downward
floor, that can be operated by the Driller to direct air pressure through the annulus and upward through the drill stem, in
to actuating cylinders that turn the control valves on the main contrast to normal circulation in which the course is downward
BOP control unit, located at a safe distance from the rig. through the drill stem and upward through the annulus.
Seldom used in open hole, but frequently used in workover
remote choke panel n: a set of controls, usually placed on operations. Also referred to as “circulating the short way”,
the rig floor, that is manipulated to control the amount of since returns from bottom can be obtained more quickly than
drilling fluid being circulated out through the choke manifold. in normal circulation.
This procedure is necessary when a kick is being circulated out
of a well. See choke manifold. reverse-circulation junk basket n: a special device that is
lowered into the hole during normal circulation to a position
remote control valve n: a valve which is controlled from a over the junk to be retrieved. A ball is then pumped down to
remote location. cause the drilling fluid to exit through nozzles in the tool,
producing reverse circulation and creating a vacuum inside the
replacement n: the process whereby a volume of fluid equal tool so that the junk is sucked into it.
to the volume of steel in tubulars and tools withdrawn from the rheology n: the study of the flow of gases and liquids, of
well bore is returned to the well bore. special importance to fluid engineers and reservoir engineers.
(API Recommended Practice 59)

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 Glossary

rig n: the derrick or mast, draw-works, and attendant surface rotary n: the machine used to impart rotational power to the
equipment of a drilling or workover unit. drill stem permitting vertical movement of the pipe for rotary
drilling. Modern rotary machines have a special component,
rig floor n: the area immediately around the rotary table and the rotary bushing, to turn the kelly bushing, which permits
extending to each corner of the derrick or the mast; the area vertical movement of the kelly while the stem is turning.
immediately above the substructure on which the draw-works,
rotary table, and so forth rest. Also called derrick floor and drill rotary bushing n: also called master bushing.
floor.
ring-joint flange n: a special type of flanged connection in rotary drilling n: a drilling method in which a hole is drilled
which a metal ring (resting in a groove in the flange) serves as a by a rotating bit to which a downward force is applied. The bit
pressure seal between the two flanges. is fastened to and rotated by the drill stem, which also provides
a passageway through which the drilling fluid is circulated.
riser n: a pipe through which liquid travels upward; a riser Additional joints of drill pipe are added as drilling progresses.
pipe. See riser pipe.
rotary hose n: a reinforced flexible tube on a rotary drilling rig
riser angle indicator n: an acoustic or electronic device used that conducts the drilling fluid from the fluid pump and
to monitor the angle of the flex joint on a floating offshore standpipe to the swivel and kelly; also called the fluid hose or
drilling rig. Usually, a small angle should be maintained on the the kelly hose.
flex joint to minimise drill pipe fatigue and wear and damage to
the Blowout Preventers and to maximise the ease with which rotary line n: also called drilling line.
tools may be run. Also called azimuth angle indicator.
rotary pump n: a pump that moves fluid by positive
riser connector (LMRP connector) n: a hydraulically displacement, using a system of rotating vanes, gears, or lobes.
operated connector that joins the Lower Marine Riser Package The vaned pump has vanes extending radially from element
to the top of the lower BOP stack. mounted in the casing. The geared rotary pump uses opposite
(API Recommended Practice 16E) rotating, meshing gears or lobes.

riser pipe n: the pipe and special fittings used on floating rotary slips n pl.: also called slips. See slips.
offshore drilling rigs to establish a seal between the top of the
well bore, which is on the ocean floor, and the drilling rotary support beams n: the steel beams of a substructure
equipment, located above the surface of the water. A riser pipe which supports the rotary table.
serves as a guide for the drill stem from the drilling vessel to the (API Recommended Practice 64).
well head 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 rotary table n: the principal component of a rotary, or rotary
the drilling rig caused by waves. It is also called a marine riser. machine, used to turn the drill stem and support the drilling
assembly. It has a bevelled gear arrangement to create the
rotational movement and an opening into which bushings are
riser spider n: equipment used to support the marine riser fitted to drive and support the drilling assembly.
while it is being run or retrieved.
(API Recommended Practice 64)
rotating blowout preventer n: also called a rotating head.
riser tensioned line n: a cable that supports the marine riser
while compensating for vessel movement. rotating drilling head n: a sealing device used to close off
the annular space around the kelly in drilling with pressure at
the surface, usually installed above the main Blowout
rock n: an aggregate of different minerals. Rocks are divided Preventers. A rotating head makes it possible to drill ahead
into three groups on the basis of their mode of origin: igneous, even when there is pressure in the annulus that the weight of
metamorphic, and sedimentary. the drilling fluid is not overcoming; the head prevents the well
from blowing out. It is used mainly in drilling of formations
rock bit n: also called roller cone bit. See roller cone bit. that have low permeability. the rate of penetration through
such formations is usually rapid.
roller cone bit n: a drilling bit made of two, three, or four
cones, or cutters, that are mounted on extremely rugged rotating stripper head n: a sealing device installed above the
bearings. Also called rock bits. The surface of each cone is Blowout Preventers and used to close the annular space about
made up of rows of steel teeth or rows of tungsten carbide the drill pipe or kelly when pulling or running pipe under
inserts. pressure.
(API Recommended Practice 64).
ROP abbr.: rate of penetration.
round trip n: the action of pulling out and subsequently
running back into the hole a string of drill pipe or tubing.
making a round trip is also called tripping.

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 Glossary

sack n: a container for cement, bentonite, illuminate, barite, sea floor n: the bottom of the ocean; the seabed.
caustic, and so forth. Sacks (bags) contain the following
amounts: secondary cementing n: any cementing operation after the
Cement 94 lb (1 cu ft) primary cementing operation. secondary cementing includes a
plug-back job, in which a plug of cement is positioned at a
Bentonite 100 lb specific point in the well and allowed to set. Wells ate plugged
Ilmenite 100 lb to shut off bottom water or to reduce the depth of the well for
Barite 100 lm the other reasons.

safety clamp n: a device used to suspend a rod string after secondary control n: the proper use of blowout prevention
the pump has been spaced or when the weight of the rod string equipment to control the well in the event primary control is
must be taken off the pumping equipment. lost.

safety joint n: an accessory to fishing tool, placed above it. If sediment n: 1. the matter that settles to the bottom of a
the tool cannot be disengaged from the fish, the safety point liquid; also called tank bottoms, basic sediment, and so forth.
permits easy disengagement of the string of pipe above the 2. in geology, buried layers of sedimentary rocks.
safety joint. Thus, part of the safety joint, as well as the tool
attached to the fish remains in the hole and becomes part of the sedimentary rock n: a rock composed of materials that were
fish. transported to their present position by wind or water.
Sandstone, shale, and limestone are sedimentary rocks.
safety valve n: 1. an automatic valve that opens or closes
selector valve n: a three position directional control valve that
when an abnormal condition occurs (e.g., a pressure relief valve
has the pressure inlet port blocked and the operator ports
on a separator that opens if the pressure exceeds the set point,
blocked in the centre position.
or the shutdown valve at the well head that closes if the line
(API Recommended Practice 16E)
pressure becomes too high or too low). 2. a valve installed at
the top of the drill stem to prevent flow out of the drill pipe if a self-elevating drilling unit n: an offshore drilling rig, usually
kick occurs during tripping operations. with a large hull. It ahs a mat or legs that ate lowered to the sea
floor and a main deck that is raised above the surface of the
salt dome n: as dome that is caused by an intrusion of rock water to a distance where it will not be affected by the waves.
salt into overlying sediments. A piercement salt dome is one Also called a jack-up drilling rig.
that has been pushed up so that it penetrates the overlying
sediments, leaving them truncated. The formations above the semi-submersible drilling rig n; a floating offshore drilling
salt plug are usually arched so that they dip in all directions structure that has hulls submerged in the water not resting on
away from the centre of the dome, thus frequently forming the sea floor. Living quarters, storage space, and so forth are
traps for petroleum accumulations. assembled on the deck. Semi-submersible rigs are either self-
propelled or towed to a drilling site and either anchored or
salt water flow n: an influx of formation salt water into the dynamically positioned over the site or both. They are more
well bore. (API Recommended Practice 53). stable than drill ships and are used extensively to drill wells in
deep and rough waters.
sandstone n: a detrital sedimentary rock composed of
individual grains of sand (commonly quartz) that are cemented separator n: a separator is a cylindrical or spherical vessel
together by silica, calcium carbonate, iron oxide, and so forth. used in the field to remove well-stream liquid(s) from gas
Sandstone is a common rock in which petroleum and water components. The separators remove may be either may be
accumulate. either two-phase or three-phase. Two-phase separators also
remove the total liquid form the gas, while three-phase
saturation n: a state of being filled or permeated to capacity. separators also remove free water from the hydrocarbon liquid.
sometimes used to mean the degree or percentage of saturation
(as, the saturation of the pore space in a formation or the Corrosion consideration for separators shall be for the pressure
saturation of gas in a liquid, both in reality meaning the extent containing parts of the vessel only, and as can be identified as
of saturation). falling within the requirements of the applicable sections of the
ASME Code. Corrosion considerations for vessel internals
scf abbr.: standard cubic feet. (non-pressure parts) is the mutual agreement between the
purchaser and the manufacturer.
scf/d abbr.: standard cubic feet per day.
Material selection for corrosive fluids should be selected based
SCR abbr.: Slow Circulating Rate. on a review of related API or NACE publications for materials
that conform to ASME Code. Consideration should be given
SCR abbr.: silicon controlled rectifier. to material selection as it relates to weight loss, sulphide stress
cracking, chloride stress cracking, or other forms of corrosion.
scrubber n: a scrubber is a type of separator which has been It is the responsibility of the user to determine what
designed to handle flow streams with unusually high gas-to- consideration for corrosion should be made to the vessel
liquid ratio. These are commonly used in conjunction with during its intended life (Reference ASME Code as applicable to
dehydrators, extraction plants, instruments or compressors for corrosion). (API Specification 12J)
protection from entrained.
(API Specification 12J)

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 Glossary

serialisation n: assignment of a unique code to individual shut-in pressure n: the pressure when the well is completely
parts and/or pieces of equipment to maintain records. shut in, as noted on a gauge installed on the surface control
(API Specification 16A) valves. When drilling is in progress, shut-in pressure should be
zero, because the pressure exerted by the drilling fluid should
shale n: a fine-grained sedimentary rock composed of be equal to or greater than the pressure exerted by the
consolidated silt and clay or fluid. Shale is the most frequently formation through which the well bore passes. on a flowing,
occurring sedimentary rock. producing well, however, shut-in pressure should be above
zero.
shale shaker n: a vibrating screen used to remove cuttings
from the circulating fluid in rotary drilling operations. The size shutoff valve n: a valve that closes a hydraulic or pneumatic
of the openings in the screen should be carefully selected to be supply line.
the smallest size possible that will allow 100 per cent flow of (API Recommended Practice 16E)
the fluid. Also called a shaker.
shuttle valve n: a valve with two or more supply pressure
shear ram n: the components in a Blowout Preventer that ports and only one outlet port. When fluid is flowing through
cut, or shear, through drill pipe and form a seal against well one of the supply ports the internal shuttle seals off the other
pressure. Shear rams are used in mobile offshore drilling inlet port and allows flow to the outlet port only.
operations to provide a quick method of moving the rig away (API Recommended Practice 16E)
from the hole when there is no time to trip the drill stem out of
the hole. SIBHP abbr.: shut-in bottom-hole pressure; used in drilling
reports.
shear ram (BOP) (blind/shear rams) n: rams have cutting
blades that will shear tubulars that may be in the well bore, SICP abbr.: shut-in casing pressure.
while the rams close and seal against the pressure below.
(API Recommended Practice 16E) side-track v: to drill around drill pipe or casing that has
become lodged permanently in the hole, using whipstock,
sheave n: a wheel or rollers with a cross-section designed to turbo-drill, or other fluid motor.
allow a specific size of rope, cable, wireline or hose bundle to
be routed around it at a fixed bend radius. Normally used to SIDPP abbr.: shut-in drill pipe pressure; used in drilling
change the direction of, and support, the line. reports.
(API Recommended Practice 16E)
silicon controlled rectifier n: a device that changes
shooting nipple assembly n: a fabricated length of pipe alternating current to direct by means of a silicon control gate.
equipped with a wireline Blowout Preventer and pack-off Commonly called SCR or Thyristor.
installed above the Blowout Preventer stack to accommodate
removal of logging or perforating tools and for protection single n: joint of drill pipe.
against unexpected pressure while performing through-casing
wireline operations.
(API Recommended Practice 57) single-shot survey n: a directional survey that provides a
single record of the drift direction and off-vertical orientation
of the hole.
shut in v: 1. to close the valves on a well so that it stops
producing. 2. to close in a well in which a kick has occurred.
See Hard Shut In, Soft Shut In. SIP abbr.: shut-in pressure, used in drilling reports.

shut-in adj.: shut off to prevent flow. Said of a well, plant, skid the rig v: to move a rig with a standard derrick from the
pump, and so forth, when valves are closed at both inlet and location of a lost or completed hole preparatory to starting a
outlet. new hole. Skidding the rig allows the move to be accomplished
with little or no dismantling of equipment.
shut-in bottom-hole pressure n: the pressure at the bottom
of a well when the surface valves on the well are completely slick line n: a smooth, single-strand, high-strength, steel wire
closed. The pressure is caused by fluids that exist in the used in wireline operations.
formation at the bottom of the well. (API Recommended Practice 57)

shut-in casing pressure n: pressure of the annular fluid on slim-hole drilling n: drilling in which the size of the hole is
the casing when a well is shut in. 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.
shut-in drill pipe pressure n: pressure of the drilling fluid on
the inside of the drill stem; used to measure the difference
between hydrostatic pressure and formation pressure when a slip ram preventer n: a ram Blowout Preventer with pipe
slips which, when engaged, prevents movement of the pipe but
well is shut in after a kick and the fluid pump is off.
does not control flow. (API Recommended Practice 57)

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 Glossary

slips n pl.: wedge-shaped pieces of metal with teeth or other sour crude oil n: oil containing hydrogen sulphide or another
gripping elements that are used to prevent pipe from slipping acid gas.
down into the hole or to hold pipe in place. Rotary slips fit
around the drill pipe and wedge against the master bushing to sour gas n: natural gas containing hydrogen sulphide.
support the pipe. Power slips are pneumatically or hydraulically
actuated devices that allow the crew to dispense with the space out v: procedure conducted to position a
manual handling of slips when making a connection. Packers predetermined length pipe above the rotary table so that a tool
and other downhole equipment are secured in position by slips joint is located above the subsea preventer rams on which drill
that engage the pipe by action directed at the surface. pipe is to be suspended (hung-off) and so that no tool joint is
opposite a set of preventer rams after drill pipe is hung-off.
sloughing n: (pronounced “sloughing”). Also called caving. (API Recommended Practice 59)
See caving.
space-our joint n: the joint of drill pipe which is used in hang
Slow Circulating Rate (SCR) n: a predetermined pump rate off operations so that no tool joint is opposite a set of
which can be used to kill a well which has experienced a kick. preventer rams. (API Recommended Practice 59)

slug the pipe v: to pump a quantity of heavy fluid into the SPE abbr.: Society of Petroleum Engineers.
drill pipe. Before hoisting drill pipe, it is desirable (if possible)
to pump into its top section a quantity of heavy fluid, or a slug, specific gravity n: the ratio of the weight of a given volume
that causes the level of the fluid to remain below the rig floor of a substance at a given temperature to the weight of an equal
so that the crew members and the rig floor are not volume of a standard substance at the same temperature. For
contaminated with the fluid when stands are broken out. example, if 1 cubic inch of water at 39ºF weighs 1 unit and 1
cubic inch of another solid or liquid at 39º weights 0.95 unit,
slurry n: a plastic mixture of cement and water that is pumped then the specific gravity of the substance is 0.95. In
into a well to harden, where it supports the casing into a well to determining the specific gravity of gases, the comparison is
harden, where it supports the casing and provides a seal in the made with the standard of air or hydrogen.
well bore to prevent migration of underground fluids.
spent fluid n: hydraulic fluid that is vented from a function
snubbing v: pulling or running tubulars under pressure control port when the opposite function is operated.
through a resilient element where special equipment is used to
apply external force to push the pipe into the well or to control (API Recommended Practice 16E)
pipe movement out of the well. splash zone n: the area on an offshore structure that is
(API Recommended Practice 57) regularly wetted by seawater but is not continuously submerged.
SO2 form: sulphur dioxide. Metal in the splash zone must be well protected from the
corrosive action of seawater and air.
soft shut in v: to close in a well by closing a Blowout
Preventer with the choke and choke lien valve open, then spool n: a pressure containing piece of equipment having API
closing the choke while monitoring the casing pressure gauge end connections, used below or betweeen equipment
for maximum allowable casing pressure. functioning to space apart, adapt or provide outlets in an
(API Recommended Practice 59) equipment assembly. When outlet connections are provided,
they shall be API connections.
solenoid valve n: an electrically operated valve that controls a (API Specification 16A)
hydraulic or pneumatic pilot signal or function.
(API Recommended Practice 16E) spud v: to move the drill stem up and down in the hole over a
short distance without rotation. Careless execution of this
Solution n: a single, homogeneous liquid, solid or gas phase operation creates pressure surges that can cause a formation to
that is a mixture in which the components (liquid, gas, solid, or break down and results in lost circulation. See spud in.
combinations thereof) are uniformly distributed throughout the
mixture. In a solution, the dissolved substance is called the spud in v: to begin drilling, to start the hole.
solute, the substance in which the solute is dissolved is called
the solvent. square drill collar n: a special drill collar, square but with
rounded edges, used to control the straightness or direction of
stored hydraulic fluid volume n: the fluid volume the hole, often part of a packed-hole assembly.
recoverable from the accumulator system between the
maximum designed accumulator operating pressure and the square-drive master bushing n: a master bushing that has a
precharge pressure. (API Recommended Practice 16E) square opening or recess to accept and drive the square that is
on the bottom of the square-drive kelly bushing.
sour adj. Containing or caused by hydrogen sulphide or squeeze n: 1. a cementing operation in which cement is
another acid gas (e.g., sour crude, sour gas, sour corrosion). pumped behind the casing under high pressure to re-cement
channelled areas or to block off an uncemented zone. 2. the
increasing of external pressure upon a diver’s body by improper
diving technique.

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 Glossary

squeeze cementing n: the forcing of cement slurry by standard temperature n: a predetermined temperature used
pressure to specified points in a well to cause seals at the points as a basic measurement. The petroleum industry uses 60ºF
of squeeze. It is a secondary cementing method that is used to (15.5ºC) as its standard temperature during measurement of oil.
isolate a producing formation, seal off water, repair casing leaks, The volume of a quantity of oil at its actual temperature
and so forth. (assuming it is not 60ºF) is converted to the volume the oil
would occupy at 60ºF. Conversion is aided by the use of API
squench joint n: a special thread-less tool joint for large- conversion tables.
diameter pipe, especially conductor pipe, sometimes used on
offshore drilling rigs. When the box is brought down over the standard well kill procedure n: any of industry’s proven
pin and weight is applied, a locking device is required to make techniques to control a flowing well wherein well control is
up these joints, their use can save time when the conductor obtained through pumping drilling fluid of increased density at
pipe is being run. a predetermined pumping rate with Blowout Preventer(s)
closed and simultaneously controlling casing and drill pipe
stab v: to guide the end pipe into coupling or tool joint when surface pressures by varying choke manifold choke settings
making up a connection. until the well is stable and static with zero surface pressure.
(API Recommended Practice 64).
stabbing board n: a temporary platform erected in the
derrick or mast, some 20 to 40 feet (6-12m) above the derrick standpipe n: a vertical pipe rising along the side of the derrick
floor, The Derrickman or another crew member works on the or mast, which joins the discharge line leading from the fluid
board while casing is being run in a well. The board may be pump to the rotary hose and through which fluid is pumped
wooden or fabricated of steel girders floored with anti-skid going into the hole.
material and powered electrically to be raised or lowered to the
desired level. A stabbing board serves the same purpose as a starboard n: (nautical) the right side of a vessel (determined
monkey board but is temporary instead of permanent. by looking toward the bow).

stabiliser n: 1. a tool placed near the bit, and often just above steel-tooth bit n: a roller cone bit which the surface of each
it, in the drilling assembly and used to change the deviation cone is made up of rows of steel teeth. Also called a milled-
angle in a well by controlling the location of the contact point tooth bit or milled bit.
between the hole and the drill collars. Conversely, stabilisers
are used to maintain correct hole angle. See packed hole still drilling assembly n: also called packed-hole assembly.
assembly. 2. a vessel in which hydrocarbon vapours are See packed-hole assembly.
separated from liquids. 3. a fractionation system that reduces
the vapour pressure so that the resulting liquid is less volatile. straight hole n: a hole that is drilled vertically. the total hole
angle is restricted, and the hole does not change direction
stack n: 1. a vertical pile of blowout prevention equipment. rapidly – no more than 3º per 100 feet (30.48 m) of hole.
Also called preventer stack. See Blowout Preventer. 2. The
vertical chimney-like installation that is the waste disposal straight-through function n: a subsea function that is
system for unwanted vapour such as flue gases or tail-gas directly operated by a pilot signal without interface with a pod
streams. mounted pilot operated control valve. Straight-through
functions typically require a low fluid volume to operate and
stack a rig v: to store a drilling rig upon completion of a job the response time is not critical.
when the rig is to be drawn from operation for a time. (API Recommended Practice 16E)

stand n: the connected joints of pipe racked in the derrick or stress relief n: controlled heating of material to a
mast during a trip. The usual stand is 90 feet long (about 27m), predetermined temperature for the purpose of reducing any
which is three lengths of drill pipe screwed together (a treble). residual stresses after welding.
(API Specification 16A)
standard cubic foot n: a gas volume unit of measurement at
a specific temperature and pressure. The temperature and strip a well v: to pull rods and tubing from a well at the same
pressure may be defined in the gas sales contract or by time – for example, when the pump is stuck. Tubing must be
reference to other standard. Its abbreviation is scf. stripped over the rods a joint at a time, and the exposed sucker
rod is then backed off and removed.
standard pressure n: the pressure exerted by a column of
mercury 760 mm high; equivalent to 14.7 psia. stripper head n: a blowout prevention device consisting of a
gland and packing arrangement bolted to the well head. It is
often used to seal the annular space between the tubing and
casing.

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 Glossary

stripping in v: 1. the process of lowering the drill stem into surface-motion compensator n: a heave compensator.
the well bore when the well is shut in on a kick. 2. the process
of putting tubing into a well under pressure. surface pressure n: pressure measure at the well head.
strip pipe v: 1. to remove the drill stem from the hole while
surface safety valve n: a Christmas tree valve and actuator
the Blowout Preventers are closed. 2. to pull the drill stem and
assembly designed to prevent uncontrolled well flow when
the wash over pipe out of the hole at the same time.
actuated. (API Recommended Practice 57)
structural casing n: the outer string of large diameter, heavy-
wall pipe installed in wells drilled from floating installation to surge n: 1. an accumulation of liquid above a normal or
resist the bending movements imposed by the marine riser, and average level, or a sudden increase in its flow rate above a
to help support the well-head installed on the conductor casing. normal flow rate. 2. the motion of a mobile offshore drilling
(API Recommended Practice 64) rig in a direction in line with the centre line of the rig, especially
the front-to-back motion of the rig when it is moored in a sea-
stuck pipe n: drill pipe, drill collars, casing, or tubing having way.
inadvertently become immovable in the hole. Sticking may
occur when drilling is in progress, when casing is being run in surge effect n: a rapid increase in pressure down hole that
the hole, or when the drill pipe is being hoisted. occurs when the drill stem is lowered rapidly or when the fluid
pump is quickly brought up to speed after speeding.
stuck point n: the depth in the hole at which the drill stem,
tubing, or casing is stuck. surging n: a rapid increase in pressure down hole that occurs
when the drill stem is lowered too fast or when the fluid pump
studded connections n: connections in which thread- is brought up to speed after starting.
anchored studs are screwed into tapped holes.
(API Specification 16A) swab n: a hollow, rubber-faced cylinder mounted on a hollow
mandrel with a pin joint on the upper end to connect to the
stuffing box n: a packing gland screwed in the top of the well swab line. A check valve that opens upward on the lower end
head through which the polished rod operates on a pumping provides a way to remove the fluid from the well when pressure
well. It prevents the escape of oil, diverting it into a side outlet is insufficient to support flow. v: to operate a swab on a
to which is connected the flow line, leading to the oil and gas wireline to bring well fluids to the surface when the well does
separator or the field storage tank. not flow naturally. Swabbing is temporary operation to
determine whether or not the well can be made to flow. If the
subsea blowout preventer n: a Blowout Preventer placed on well does not flow after being swabbed, pump is installed as a
the sea floor for use by a floating offshore drilling rig. permanent lifting device to bring the oil to the surface.

subsea test tree n: a device designed to be landed in a subsea swab valve n: the uppermost valve in vertical line on the
well head or Blowout Preventer stack to provide a means of Christmas tree, always above the flow-wing valve.
closing in the well on the ocean floor so that a drill stem test of
an offshore well can be obtained. (API Recommended Practice 57)
subsurface safety valve n: a device installed in the swabbed show n: formation fluid that is pulled into the well
production tubing in a well below the well head and designed to bore because of an underbalance of formation pressure caused
prevent uncontrolled well flow when actuated. These devices by pulling the drill string too fast.
can be installed and retrieved by wireline (wireline retrievable)
and pump down methods, or be an integral part of the tubing swabbing effect n: phenomenon characterised by formation
string (tubing retrievable). fluids being pulled or swabbed into the well bore when the drill
(API Recommended Practice 57) stem and bit are pulled up the well bore fast enough to reduce
the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid below the bit. If enough
suction pit n: also called a suction tank, sump pit, or fluid formation fluid is swabbed into the hole, a kick can result.
suction pit.
sweet crude oil n: oil containing little or no sulphur,
suction tank n: the fluid tank from which fluid is picked up
especially little or no hydrogen sulphide.
by the suction of the fluid pumps.

sulphate-reducing bacteria n: bacteria that digest sulphate sweet gas n: gas that has no more than the maximum sulphur
present in water, causing the release of hydrogen sulphide, content defined by (1) the specifications for the sales gas from
which combines with iron to form iron sulphide, a troublesome a plant or (2) the definition by a legal body such as the Railroad
scale. Commission of Texas.
supercharge v: to supply a charge of air to the intake of an
internal-combustion engine at a pressure higher than that of the switchable three-way target valve n: a device having an
surrounding atmosphere. erosion resistant target with changeable position to enable
selection of flow direction of diverted well fluids.
(API Recommended Practice 64)
surface casing n: also called surface pipe.

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 Glossary

swivel n: a rotary tool that is hung from the rotary hook and tensioner system n: a system of devices installed on a
travelling block to suspend and permit free rotation of the drill floating offshore drilling rig to maintain a constant tension on
stem. It also provides a connection for the rotary hose and a the riser pipe despite any vertical motion made by the rig. The
passageway for the flow of drilling fluid into the drill stem. guidelines must also be tensioned, and a separate tensioner
system is provided for them.
swivel packing n: special rubberised compounds placed in a
swivel to prevent drilling fluid from leaking out under high Texas deck n: the main load-bearing deck of an offshore
pressure. drilling structure and the highest above the water, excluding
auxiliary decks such as the helicopter landing pad.
t sym: tonne

tail pipe n: 1. a pipe run in a well below a packer. 2. pipe thermometer n: an instrument that measures temperature.
used to exhaust gases from the muffler of an engine to the Thermometers provide a way to estimate temperature from its
outside atmosphere. effect on a substance with known characteristics (such as a gas
that expands when heated). Various types of thermometers
take out v: to remove a joint or stand of pipe, casing, or measure temperature by measuring the change in pressure of a
tubing that is to be run in a well. gas kept at a constant volume, the change in electrical resistance
of metals, or the galvanic effect of dissimilar metals in contact.
tapered string n: drill pipe, tubing, sucker rods, and so forth The most common thermometer is the mercury-filled glass
with a diameter near the top of the well larger than the tube that indicates temperature by the expansion of the liquid
diameter below. mercury.

tar sand n: a sandstone that chiefly contains very heavy, tar thermostat n: a control device used to regulate temperature.
like hydrocarbons. Tar sands are difficult to produce by
ordinary methods; thus it is costly to obtain usable hydrocarbon thief formation n: a formation that absorbs drilling fluid as
from them. the fluid is circulated in the well; also called a thief sand or a
thief zone. Lost circulation is cause by a thief formation.
target n: a bull plug or blind flange at the end of a tee to
prevent erosion at a point where change in flow direction
occurs. (API Recommended Practice 53) thixotropic n: the property exhibited by a fluid that is in a
liquid state when flowing and in a semisolid, gelled state when
targeted n pl: refers to a fluid piping system in which flow at rest. Most drilling fluids must be thixotropic so that the
impinges upon a lead-filled end (target) or a piping tee when cuttings in the fluid will remain in suspension when circulation
fluid transits a change in direction. is stopped.
(API Recommended Practice 59)
tie-back string n: casing that is run from the top of a liner to
telescoping joint n: a device used in the marine riser system the surface. A tie-back string is often used to provide a
of a mobile offshore drilling rig to compensate for the vertical production casing that has not been drilled through.
motion of the rig caused by wind, waves, or weather. It
consists of an inner barrel attached beneath the rig floor and an tight formation n: a petroleum or water-bearing formation of
outer barrel attached to the riser pipe and is an integrated part relatively low porosity and permeability.
of the riser system.

telescopic (slip) joint packer n: a torus-shaped hydraulic or tight hole n: 1. a well about which information is restricted
pneumatically actuated, resilient element between the inner and for security or competitive reasons and such information given
outer barrels of the telescopic (slip) joint which serves to retain only to those authorised to receive it. 2. a section of the hole
drilling fluid inside the marine riser. that, for some reason, is under-gauge. For example, a bit that is
worn under-gauge will drill a tight hole.
telltale hole n: a hole drilled into the space between tings of
packing material used with a liner in a fluid pump. When the tight spot n: a section of a borehole in which excessive wall
liner packing fails, fluid spurts out of the telltale hole with each cake has built up, reducing the hole diameter and making it
stroke of the piston, indicating that the packing must be difficult to run the tools in and out. Compare key seat.
renewed.
ton n: 1. (nautical) a volume measure equal to 100 ft³ applied
temporary guide base n: the initial piece of equipment to mobile offshore drilling rigs. 2. (metric) a measure of weight
lowered to the ocean floor once a mobile offshore drilling rig equal to 1000 kg. Usually spelled tonne.
has been positioned on location. It serves as an anchor for the
guidelines and as a foundation for the permanent guide base tonne n: a mass unit in the metric system equal to 1000 kg.
and has an opening in the centre through which the bit passes.
It is also called a template.

tensile strength n: the greatest longitudinal stress that a metal

can bear with out tearing apart. Tensile strength of a metal is
greater than yield strength.

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 Glossary

tool joint n: a heavy coupling element for drill pipe, made of trip gas n: an accumulation of gas which enters the hole while
special alloy steel. Tool joints have coarse, tapered threads and a trip is made. (API Recommended Practice 53)
seating shoulders designed to sustain the weight of the drill
stem, withstand strain of frequent coupling and uncoupling, trip margin n: an incremental increase in drilling fluid density
and provide a leak-proof seal. the male section of the joint, or to provide an increment of overbalance in order to compensate
the pin, is attached to one end of the drill pipe, and the female for effects of swabbing.
section, or the box, is attached to the other end. The tool joint (API Recommended Practice 59)
may be welded to the end of the pipe, screwed on, or both. a
hard-metal facing is often applied in a bas around the outside of trip tank n: a small fluid tank with a capacity of 10 to 15 bbl,
the tool joint to enable it to resist abrasion from the wall of the usually with 1-bbl divisions, used exclusively to ascertain the
borehole. amount of fluid necessary to keep the well bore full with the
exact amount of fluid equal to that which the drill pope
torqu n: the turning force that is applied to a shaft or other occupied while in the hole must be pumped into the hole, the
rotary mechanism to cause it to rotate or tend to do so. Torque drill pipe displaces a certain amount of fluid, and a trip tank
is measure in units of length and force (foot-pounds, Newton- again can be used to keep track of this volume.
metres).

torque indicator n: an instrument that measures the amount true vertical depth n: the depth of a well measure from the
of torque (turning or twisting action) applied to the drill or surface straight down to the bottom of the well. The true
casing string. The amount of torque applied to the string is vertical depth of a well may be quite different from its actual
important when joints are being made up. measured depth, because wells are very seldom drilled exactly
vertical.
torque recorder n: an instrument that measures and makes a
record of the amount of torque (turning or twisting action) tubing n: small-diameter pipe that is run into a well to serve
applied to the drill or casing string. as a conduit for the passage of oil and gas to the surface.

total depth n: the maximum depth reached in a well. tubingless completion n: a method of completing a well in
which a small diameter production is set through the producing
tour n: (pronounced “tower”) a working shift for drilling crew zone with no tubing or inner production string employed to
or other oil field workers. The most common tour is 8 hours bring formation fluids to the surface.
long; the three daily tours are called daylight, evening, and
graveyard (or morning). Sometimes 12-hour tours are used, (API Recommended Practice 57)
especially on offshore tigs; they are called simply day tour or
night tour. tubular goods (tubular) n pl.: any kind of pipe; also called
tubulars. Oil field tubular goods include tubing, casing, drill
toxic substance n: a substance or material which can be pipe, and line pipe.
detrimental to human health or the functional capacity of a
person having exposure to it. tungsten carbide bit n: a type of roller cone bit with inserts
made of tungsten carbide. Also called tungsten carbide insert
(API Recommended Practice 57) bit.

traceability, job lot n: the ability for parts to be identified as tungsten carbide insert bit n: also called tungsten carbide
originating from a job lot which identifies the included hear(s). bit. See tungsten carbide bit.
(API Specification 16A)
turbine motor n: usually called a turbodrill. see turbodrill.
transducer n: a device actuated by power from one system
and supplying power to another system, usually in a different turbodrill n: a drilling tool that rotates a bit that is attached to
form. For example, a telephone receiver receives electric power it by the action of drilling fluid on the turbine blades built into
and supplies acoustic power. the tool. When a turbodrill is used, rotary motion is imparted
only at the bit; therefore, it is unnecessary to rotate the drill
tricone bit n: a type of bit in which three cone shaped cutting stem. Although straight holes can be drilled with the tool, it is
devices are mounted in such a way that they intermesh and used most often in directional drilling.
rotate together as the bit drills. The bit body may be fitted with
nozzles, or jets, through which the frilling fluid is discharged. turbulent flow n: the flow of a fluid in an erratic, non-linear
A one-eye bit is used in soft formations to drill a deviated hole. motion, caused by velocity.

trip n: the operation of hoisting the drill stem out and TVD abbr.: true vertical depth.
returning it to the well bore. v: shortened form of “make a
trip”. See make a trip. twist-off n: a complete break in pipe caused by rotational
force wrenching damaged pipe apart.
tripping v: the operation of hoisting the drill stem out of and
twist off v: to part or split drill pipe or drill collars, primarily
returning it to the well bore; making a trip. See trip.
because of metal fatigue in the pipe or because of mishandling.

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 Glossary

ullage n: the amount by which a tank or a vessel comes short V-door n: an opening at floor level in a side of a derrick or
of being full, especially on ships. Ullage in a tank is necessary mast. The v-door is opposite the draw-works and is used as an
to allow space for the expansion of the oil in the tank when the entry to bring in drill pipe, casing, and other tools from the pipe
temperature increases. Also called outage rack. The name comes from the fact that on the old standard
derrick, the shape of the opening was an inverted V.
umbilcal n: a line that supplies a diver or a diving bell with a
lifeline, a breathing gas, communications, a pneumo- vent n: an opening in a vessel, line, or pump to permit the
fathometer, and if needed, a heat supply. escape of air or gas.

vent line n: the conduit which directs the flow of diverted

under-balance n: the amount by which formation presser well bore fluids away from the drill floor to the atmosphere.
exceeds pressure exerted by the hydrostatic head of fluid in the (API Recommended Practice 64)
well bore. (API Recommended Practice 59)
vent line valve n: a full-opening valve which facilitates the
unconsolidated sandstone n: a sand formation in which shut off of flow or allows passage of diverted well bore fluids
individual grains do not adhere to one another. If an through the vent line. (API Recommended Practice 64)
unconsolidated sandstone produces oil or gas, it will produce
sand as sell, if not controlled or corrected. vent outlet n: the point at which fluids exit the well bore
below the annular sealing device via the vent line.
underground blowout n: an uncontrolled flow of gas, salt (API Recommended Practice 64)
water, or other fluid out of the well bore and into another
formation that the well bore has penetrated. venturi effect n: the drop in pressure resulting from the
increased velocity of a fluid as it flows through a constricted
section of a pipe.
upper kelly cock n: the kelly cock, as distinguished from the
drill stem safety valve, sometimes called the lower kelly cock. vertical n: an imaginary line at right angles to the plane of the
See kelly cock. horizon. adj.: of a well bore, straight, not deviated.
upset v: to forge the ends of tubular products so that the pipe viscosity n: a measure of the resistance of a liquid to flow.
wall acquires extra thickness and strength near the end. Usually Resistance is brought about by the internal friction resulting
upsetting is performed to provide the thickness needed to form from the combined effects of cohesion and adhesion. The
threads so that the tubular goods can be connected. n: the viscosity of petroleum products is commonly expressed in
thickened areas formed by upsetting of tubular goods. terms of the time required for a specific volume of the liquid to
flow through an orifice of a specific size.
upstream adv.: in the direction opposite the flow in a line. n:
the point in a line or system situated opposite the direction of visual examination n: examination of parts and equipment
flow. for visible defects in material and workmanship.
(API Specification 16A)
usable hydraulic fluid n: the hydraulic fluid volume
voids n pl.: cavities in a rock that do not contain solid material
recoverable from the accumulator system between the
but may contain fluid.
maximum designed accumulator operating pressure and the
minimum operating pressure. volumetric efficiency n: actual volume of fluid put out by a
(API Recommended Practice 16E) pump, divided by the volume displaced by a piston or pistons
(or other device) in the pump. Volumetric efficiency is usually
U-tube n: a U-shaped tube. expressed as a percentage. For example, if the pump pistons
displace 300 cubic inches, but the pump puts only 291 cubic
U-tubing n: the action of fluids flowing in a U-tube (as heavy inches per stroke, then the volumetric efficiency of the pump is
fluid forcing lighter down the drill stem and up the annuls). 97 percent.

vacuum n: 1. theoretically, a space that is devoid of all matter volumetric non-destructive examination v: examination for
and that exerts zero pressure. 2. a condition that exists in a internal material defects by radiography acoustic emission or
system when pressure is reduced below atmospheric pressure. ultrasonic testing.

(API Specification 16A)

vacuum degasser n: a device in which gas-cut fluid is
degassed by the action of a vacuum inside a tank. The gas-cut wait-and-weight method n: a well-killing method in which
fluid is pulled into the tank, the gas removed, and the gas-free the well is shut in and the fluid weight is raised the amount
fluid discharged back into the fluid tank. required to kill the well. The heavy fluid is then circulated into
the well, while at the same time the kick fluids are circulated
vapour n: a substance in the gaseous state, capable of being out. So called because one shuts the well in and waits for the
liquefied by compression or cooling. fluid to be weighted before circulation begins.

wall cake n: also called filter cake or fluid cake. See fluid
cake.

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 Glossary

wall sticking n: also called differential-pressure sticking. See well bore n: a borehole, the hole drilled by the bit. A well
differential-pressure. bore may have casing in it or it may be open (uncased); or a
portion of it may be cased, and a portion of it may be open.
washout n: 1. excessive well bore enlargement caused by Also called a borehole or hole.
solvent and erosive action of the drilling fluid. 2. a fluid-cut
opening caused by fluid leakage. WellCAP abbr.: an accredited “well control” training
programme developed by the International Association of
water-base hydraulic fluid n: control fluid mixture Drilling Contractors to ensure a minimum standard of training
composed of water soluble lubricant and water. of personnel employed by member companies.
(API Recommended Practice 16E)
well control n: the methods used to prevent a well from
water-base fluid n: a drilling fluid in which the continuous blowing out. Such techniques include, but are not limited to,
phase is water. In water-base fluids, any additives are dispersed keeping the borehole completely filled with drilling fluid of the
in the water. Compare oil-base fluid. proper weight or density during all operations, exercising
reasonable care when tripping pipe out of the hole to prevent
weight cut n: the amount by which drilling fluid density is swabbing, and keeping careful track of the amount of fluid put
reduced by entrained formation fluids or air. into the hole to replace the volume of pipe removed from the
(API Recommended Practice 59) hole during a trip.

weight indicator n: an instrument near the driller’s position wellhead n: the equipment installed at the surface of the well
on a drilling rig. It shows both the weight of the drill stem that bore. A well head includes such equipment as the casing head
is hanging from the hook (hook load) and the weight that is and tubing head. adj.: pertaining to the well head (e.g. well
placed on the bit by the drill collars (weight on bit). head pressure).
weighting material n: a material that has a high specific
gravity and is used to increase the density of drilling fluids or wellhead connector (stack connector) n: a hydraulically
cement slurries. operated connector that joins the BOP stack to the subsea well
head. (API Recommended Practice 16E)
weight on bit n: the difference between the net weight of the
entire drill stem and the reduced weight resulting when the bit wild well n: a well that has blown out of control and from
is resting on bottom. which oil, water, or gas is escaping with great force to the
surface; also called a gusher.
weight up v: to increase the weight or density of drilling fluid
by adding weighting material. wireline operations n pl.: operations performed in a well
bore by use of tools which are run and pulled on small diameter
weld, fabrication n: a weld joining two or more parts. slick, braided or electric wireline.
(API Specification 16A) (API Recommended Practice 57)

weld, non pressure containing n: a weld, the absence of wireline preventers n pl: preventers installed on top of the
which will not reduce the pressure-containing integrity of the well or drill string as a precautionary measure wile running
component. wireline. The preventer packing will close around the wireline.
(API Specification 16A) (API Recommended Practice 59)

weld, pressure containing n: a weld, the absence of which wireline well logging n: the recording of subsurface
will reduce the pressure-containing integrity of the component. characteristics by wireline tools. Wireline well logs include
(API Specification 16A) acoustic logs, calliper logs, radioactivity logs and resistivity logs.

weld groove n: an area between two metals to be joined that WOR abbr.: water-oil ratio.
has been prepared to receive weld filler metal.
(API Specification 16A) working pressure n: the maximum pressure at which an item
is to be sued as a specified temperature.
weld joint n: a description of the way components are fitted
together in order to facilitate joining by welding. wireline preventer n: preventers installed on top of the well
(API Specification 16A) or drill string as a precautionary measure while running wireline.
The preventer packing will close around the wireline. (API
welding v: the fusion of metals with or without the addition Recommended Practice 53)
of tiller materials.
(API Specification 16A) working pressure rating n: the maximum pressure at which
an item is designed for safe operation.
well n: the hole made by the drilling bit, which can be open, (API Recommended Practice 64)
cased, or both. Also called well bore, borehole, or hole.

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 Glossary
yield point n: the maximum stress that a solid can withstand
without undergoing permanent deformation either by plastic
flow or by rupture. See tensile strength.

yield strength n: the stress level measure at room

temperature, expressed in pounds per square inch of loaded
area, at which material plastically deforms and will not return to
its original dimensions when the load is released. All yield
strengths specified in this standard shall be considered as being
0.2% yield offset strength per ASTM A370.
(API Specification 16A)

zone n: a term used to distinguish different rock strata (e.g

shale zone, sand zone, pay zone, etc).
(API Recommended Practice 57)

© RIGTRAIN 2004 - RT10039 – Rev1 6-55