Glossary of Industry Terms
Back Pressure
The pressure that exists at the outlet of a pressure relief device as a result of the pressure in the discharge system. Back pressure is the sum of the superimposed and build-up back pressures.
Balanced Pressure Relief Valve
A spring-loaded pressure relief valve that incorporates a means for minimizing the effect of back pressure on the performance characteristics.
Barrel of Oil Equivalent (BOE)
The volume of natural gas that when burned produces the same amount of heat as a barrel of oil (typical conversion 6,000 cubic feet of gas equals one barrel of oil - sometimes 10,000 is used).
Battery (Oil Battery)
Central location for process and treatment of crude oil from one or more wells. Typically separation and treating and measurement.
Bitumen
Crude Oil in semi-solid or solid forms.
Blowdown
The difference between the set pressure and the closing pressure of a pressure relief valve, expressed as a percentage of the set pressure or in pressure units.
Blowout
The uncontrolled escape of oil, gas, or water from a well due to the release of pressure in a reservoir or the failure of containment systems.
BOP
A device consisting of valves and hydraulic jaws used to stop an uncontrolled escape of gas or oil during the drilling process. The BOP is activated in emergencies and will stop any flow into or out of the well.
Brake Mean Effective Pressure (BMEP)
The work accomplished during one engine cycle divided by the engine swept volume. It is essentially the engine torque normalized by the engine displacement. The word "brake" denotes the actual torque/power available at the engine flywheel as measured on a
Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC)
BSFC is the ratio of the engine fuel consumption to the engine power output (as measured at the flywheel). BSFC has units of grams of fuel per kilowatt-hour (g/kWh) or pounds mass of fuel per brake horsepower-hour (lb/bhp·hr). BSFC is a measure of engine
Built-up Back Pressure
The increase in pressure in the discharge header that develops as a result of flow after the pressure relief device or devices open.
Burst Pressure
The inlet static pressure at which a rupture disk device functions.
