Glossary of Industry Terms
Abandonment of a Well
Converting a drilled well to a condition that can be left indefinitely without further attention and which will not damage fresh water supplies or potential petroleum reservoirs.
Absorption
Process for separating mixtures into their constituents, by taking advantage of the fact that some components are more readily absorbed than others.
Accumulation
The pressure increase over the maximum allowable working pressure of a vessel during discharge through the pressure units or as a percentage. Maximum allowable accumulations are established by applicable codes for operating and fire contingencies.
Acidizing
The technique of pumping acid down the wellbore to enlarge the pore space in hydrocarbon bearing rocks, thus increasing hydrocarbon flow and thus overall recovery.
Acoustic Log
A record of the time taken by an acoustic (sound) wave to travel over a certain distance through the geological formations. Also called a sonic log.
Adsorption
A separation process for removing impurities based on the fact that certain highly porous materials fix certain types of molecules onto their surface.
Annulus
The space between the drillstring or casing and the well wall, or between casing strings, or between the casing and the production tubing.
API Gravity
A measurement of the gravity (weight per unit volume) of crude oil and other liquid hydrocarbons by a system recommended by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The measuring scale is calibrated in terms of "API degrees." The lower the API gravity, the
Aromatics
Hydrocarbons with a ring structure, generally with a distinctive aromatic odour, and good solvent properties.
Associated Gas
Natural gas found in association with oil in a reservoir, either dissolved in the oil or as a cap above the oil.
Atmospheric Discharge
The release of vapours and gases from pressure-relieving and depressuring devices to the atmosphere.
