Glossary of Terms

Absorption The process by which one substance draws into itself another substance. Sponge-absorbing moisture; oil-absorbing natural gasoline from wet gas. Absorption oil The absorbing medium used in the absorption process; usually a hydrocarbon product with a boiling range of 175C to 290C. Absorption tower A tower or column which effects contact between a rising gas and a falling liquid so that part of the gas may be taken up by the liquid. Accumulator A vessel for the temporary storage of a gas or liquid; usually used for collecting sufficient material for a continuous charge to some refining process. Acid A member of an important and fundamental category of chemical substances characterized by having an available reactive hydrogen and requiring an alkali to neutralize it. It usually has a sour, biting, and tart taste, like vinegar which is in fact a dilute solution of acetic acid. Acid gas Hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide, both of which are acidic when dissolved in water. Acid sludge See sludge. Acid treatment (Oil well) In limestone formations, freedom of movement of fluid towards the well depends upon fissuring and/or permeability. Hydrochloric acid is employed to enlarge these production channels due to the ease with which it will attack the limestone. Additives Substances which, when added to petroleum fractions, modify or enhance their natural properties. Adsorption The adhesion, in an extremely thin layer, of the molecules of gases, of dissolved substances, or liquids to the surfaces of solid bodies with which they are in contact.

Air Often used synonymously with atmosphere, the latter being preferred as more precise. Air contains by volume the following (approx): 78 - 79% nitrogen; 20.95% oxygen; 0.94% argon; traces of carbon dioxide, helium etc. Aliphatic hydrocarbons Hydrocarbons in which the carbon-hydrogen groupings are arranged in open chains which may be branched. The term includes paraffins and olefins and provides a distinction from aromatics and naphthenes which have at least some of their carbon atoms arranged in closed chains or rings. Alkali In chemistry, any substance having marked basic properties. In its restricted and common sense, the term is applied only to hydroxides of potassium, sodium, lithium, and ammonium. They are soluble in water; have the power of neutralizing acids and forming salts with them; and of turning red litmus blue. In a more general sense, the term is also applied to the hydroxides of the so-called alkaline earth metals - barium, strontium and calcium. An example is household lye which is sodium hydroxide. Alkylation A catalytic process by which hydrocarbons of branched chain or ring structures are combined with unsaturated hydrocarbons. For example, in the presence of sulphuric acid, iso-butane combines with butane to form iso-octane. Ambient air The air surrounding equipment or in a certain area. Analysis The process of determining the composition of a substance by chemical or physical methods. Anhydrous Free of water, especially water of crystallization. Anticline (geological) An earth-fold in which the strata are uplifted in the form of an arch. Antifoam agent A specific agent used for combating and destroying a particular type of foam. Addition of antifoam to soap suds will cause the soap bubbles to collapse. Antiknock value

Premature explosive combustion or detonation of the fuel-air mixture in an internal combustion engine, produces a characteristic knock. The antiknock value of a fuel is a measure of its resistance to the conditions which tend to produce this knock. See also Octane number. Antioxidant A substance which, when added in small amounts to petroleum products, will delay or inhibit undesirable changes such as the formation of gum, sludge, and acidity which are brought about by oxidation. A.P.I. American Petroleum Institute. A.P.I gravity An arbitrary scale expressing the gravity or density of liquid petroleum products. The measuring scale is calibrated in terms of API degrees. It may be calculated in terms of the following formula: deg API = Water has an API gravity of 10. Aqueous Watery; of, pertaining to, or containing water. Aromatics A group of hydrocarbons, of which benzene is the parent. They are called "aromatics" because many of their derivatives have sweet or aromatic odours. These hydrocarbons are of relatively high specific gravity and possess good solvent properties. Certain aromatics have valuable antiknock characteristics. Typical aromatics are: benzene, toluene, xylene. Asphalt Natural or mechanical mixtures in which bitumen is associated with inert mineral matter. The term is normally qualified by indication of type or origin, e.g. lake asphalt, natural asphalt, etc. In the United States this term ' is generally used to describe the material known in the United Kingdom as I asphaltic bitumen or bitumen. Asphaltic bitumen See Bitumen. Asphaltic cement Asphalt or bitumen, or blends of these with one another or with flux oils, I such that the product is a binder having cementing qualities suitable for the manufacture of asphalt pavements, mastics, etc. 141.5 - 131.5 sp gr 60/60F

Atmosphere Is the mixture of gases and water vapor surrounding the earth. Atmospheric pressure The pressure of air at sea level, exerted equally in all directions. The standard pressure is that under which the mercury barometer stands at 760 mm. It is equivalent to about 101.3 kPa to a std. of 99.3 kPa. Atmospheric pressure in the Calgary area will be about 88.26 kPa. Atom The smallest complete particle of an element which can be obtained, yet which retains all physical and chemical properties of the element. Atomic weight The weight of an elementary atom in relation to the weight of an atom of hydrogen, a hydrogen atom being taken as 1.008. The proportional weights based on hydrogen, of all the known elemental atoms have been accurately determined by direct experiment. This arbitrary system permits the calculation of the proportionate quantities of the elements composing one molecule of any compound. The weight of the molecule is the sum of the weights of the atoms forming that molecule or chemical compound. (The chemist's atomic-weight scale is based on oxygen having a value of 16). Attitude A general term to describe the relation of some directional feature in a rock to a horizontal plane. The attitude of planar features (i.e. bedding, joints, etc.) is described by giving the strike and dip. Back-pressure regulator An automatic valve designed to maintain a constant back pressure in the discharge line of a vessel. Baffle A partial restriction, generally a plate located to change the direction, guide the flow, or promote mixing within the equipment in which it is installed. Barometric pressure The pressure of the atmosphere as registered by the barometer. About 88.26 kPa (normal) at Calgary. Barrel As the standard unit of measurement of liquids in the petroleum industry, it contains 42 US standard gallons, and 35 imperial gallons or 0.1586 m3. Base A compound which reacts with an acid to form a salt. (See alkali).

Benzene A pure aromatic hydrocarbon of characteristic odour occurring in significant proportions in certain Far Eastern crude oils. but usually obtained in the UK as a by-product of the coal-gas industry. Benzine Straight run petroleum spirit boiling within the range 80-130C. Benzole A mixture, predominantly composed of aromatic hydrocarbons obtained as a by-product of the carbonization of coal, either from coal gas by absorption or from coal tar by distillation. This mixture, after washing and rectification to concentrate the benzene and eliminate undesirable constituents to any desired extent, is classified in Great Britain according to purity as "Motor Benzole", "Industrial Benzole", "90's Benzole", "Pure Benzole" and "Pure Benzole for Nitration". Recognized specifications for these British grades are issued by the National Benzole Association. Bitumen or asphaltic bitumen Black to dark brown solid or semi-solid organic material which gradually liquefies when heated. These materials are usually obtained as residues from the vacuum distillation of petroleum. See also Blown bitumen. Bituminous mastic (bitumastic) Mixtures of bitumen with inert fillers of fine mesh. Black oils A general term applied to the heavier and darker colored petroleum products such as heavy diesel fuel, fuel oil and some cylinder stocks. It is used mainly in connection with shipping and storage; a black oil tanker is one used for carrying "black oils" and which would require cleaning before being used for "white oils". Bleeding Diverting from a line or vessel a small portion of the contained material, usually accomplished by slightly "cracking" a valve on the line or vessel. Blending Intimate mixing of the various components in the preparation of a product to meet a given specification. Bloom The bloom of an oil is its color by reflected light when this differs from its color by transmitted light. Many petroleum oils which appear red or yellow by transmitted light exhibit a blue or green bloom. Blowcase

A vessel used on a batch basis for removal of impurities. Blown bitumen A semi-solid or solid oxidized product obtained primarily by bubbling air through hot liquid bitumen, with a resultant increase in the melting point and a modification of other physical properties. Blown oil Fatty oil, of which the viscosity has been increased by blowing with air at an elevated temperature. Blow-out preventer A special hydraulically operated gland-like device, employing synthetic rubber, designed for use when drilling, to maintain pressure control of the drilling fluid. Boiler horsepower One boiler horsepower equals the evaporation per hour of 15.65 kg of water at a temperature of 100C into steam at 100C. Boiling The process by which a liquid is rapidly changed to vapor by the application of heat. Boiling point The temperature at which a substance begins to boil or to be converted into vapor by bubbles forming within its mass. It varies with the atmospheric pressure. Boiling range The range of temperature, usually determined at atmospheric pressure in standard laboratory apparatus, over which the boiling or distillation of an oil commences, proceeds and finishes. Bomb Steel cylinder used as testing device for conducting oil tests under high pressure. Used for tests, such as gum in gasoline, sulphur, and vapor pressure (Reid vapor pressure). Bottoms The liquid which collects in the bottom of a vessel, either during a fractionating process or while in storage (tower bottoms, tank bottoms). Bottom-hole differential pressure The difference between the reservoir pressure and the pressure at the bottom of a producing well is known as the bhdp. The magnitude of this pressure difference determines the rate of flow of fluid towards the well-bore.

Bottom settlings Sludge collected at the bottom of tanks or other oil containers which comprises an emulsified mixture of oil and water and sometimes wax, asphalt and mud. Breathing The movement of gas (oil vapors or air) in and out of the vent lines of storage tanks due to alternate heating and cooling. Bright stock A lubricating oil of high viscosity prepared from a cylinder stock by further refining, e. g. solvent deasphalting, dewaxing, acid treatment and/or earth treatment. Brine Water which is nearly saturated with salts. Bringing in (oil well) On completion of drilling and after withdrawal of the drill pipe, the backpressure on the producing formation is reduced by bailing down the mud or by displacing it with a fluid of lower specific gravity, until the oil can overcome the static head and flow into the well. This is termed bringing the well in. Bs & w "Bottom settlings and water" comprises the solids and aqueous solutions which may be present in an oil and which are separable therefrom by means of gravity or the centrifuge. Btu British formal unit. The heat required to raise the temperature of 1 lb of water through 1F. Bubble cap An inverted cup with a notched or slotted periphery to disperse the vapor in small bubbles beneath the surface of the liquid on the bubble plate in a distillation column. Bubble point The temperature at which the first incipient vaporization of a liquid occurs from a liquid mixture. It corresponds with the equilibrium point of zero per cent vaporization or 100 per cent condensation. The pressure should be specified if not one atmosphere. Bubble tower or column A fractionating tower so constructed that the vapors rising pass up through layers of condensate on a series of plates. The vapor passes from one plate to the next above by bubbling under one or more caps and out through the liquid on the plate. The less volatile portions of vapor condense in bubbling through the liquid on the plate, and overflow to the next lower plate, and ultimately back into the reboiler. Fractionation is thereby effected.

Bund An earthwork or wall surrounding a tank or tanks to retain the contents in the event of a fracture of the tank. Bunker fuel Any fuel oil or diesel fuel taken into the bunkers of ships. Burette A carefully graduated glass tube used for measuring solutions in the chemical laboratory. Butane Commercial butane is a mixture of gaseous paraffins, mainly normal-butane and iso-butane (both C4H10). When blended into gasoline in small quantities, it improves volatility and octane number. Butane can be stored under pressure as a liquid at atmospheric temperatures and as "bottled gas" it is widely used for cooking and domestic heating. Cable drilling In this system, the rock is penetrated by percussion of a bit on bottom, the bit being suspended on a wire-line and the necessary motion imparted by a beam pivoted at the centre and Calibration 1. The graduation of a measuring instrument. 2. The determination of error in a measuring instrument. Calorie The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water through 1C. The kilogram calorie (i.e., 1,000 calories or 3.97 Btu) is also employed, particularly in engineering. Calorific value The amount of heat obtainable by the complete combustion of a unit weight of fuel. It is normally expressed as calories per gram or Btu per pound, the latter being numerically 1.8 times the former. The higher or gross calorific value represents the total amount of heat of combustion. This total includes the latent heat of condensation of the water vapor produced by the combustion. Owing to the fact that the water vapor is not usually condensed under practical conditions of combustion, the "lower" or net calorific value, which excludes the latent heat of condensation of the water vapor, is a better guide to the amount of useful heat obtainable from the fuel. Capillarity The rising or falling of the surface of a liquid in contact with a solid such as the rocks of producing sands. The fluid actually rises above the normal level due to surface tension. Cap-rock (geological)

An impervious layer, e. g. clay, which overlies a reservoir rock and prevents wholesale leakage of petroleum to the surface. Carbon black A substantially pure form of finely divided carbon usually produced from liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons by controlled combustion with restricted air supply. It is used as a filler in the rubber industry being specially valuable by virtue of the improved wearing quality which it imparts to tire rubbers. Smaller quantities are used as pigment in printing inks and paints. Carbon dioxide A heavy, colorless gas, (CO2) which will not support combustion. Dissolved in water, it forms carbonic acid. It is exhaled by lung-possessing animals as a waste gas, but is inhaled by certain plants which absorb its carbon and release its oxygen as a waste gas. Carbon monoxide A colorless, odorless gas (CO), a product resulting from the incomplete combustion of carbon. Casing The steel lining of a well, the main purposes of which are to prevent caving of the sides of the well, to exclude water or gas from the well and to provide means for the control of well pressures and oil production. Casinghead gas See Natural gas. Casing-shoe A steel sleeve protecting the lower end of the casing string when being inserted into the well. Often provided with a drillable back-pressure valve, when it is called a cement float-shoe. Catalyst A substance which accelerates or changes the course of a reaction without itself undergoing any chemical change. Cat-head (drilling) A small spool rotated by the draw-works on which a manila line is wound and used for making-up or backing-off the tool joints on the derrick floor. The operation is similar to that of a capstan. Cellar (oil well) An excavation, 3.0 to 7.5 metres deep, lined with concrete, designed to accommodate the wellhead fittings (Christmas-tree). Cetane number

An expression of the ignition quality of a diesel fuel. It is the percentage by volume of cetane in a mixture with alpha-methyl-naphthalene which has the same ignition quality as the fuel under test. Charge stock The mixture flowing to a still or fractionator. To charge a vessel is to flow the charge stock into it. Chiller A reboiler type of heat exchanger specially designed so that a boiling liquid on the shell side cools the fluid passing through the tubes. Christmas tree The collection of valves and fittings at the head of an oilwell used to control the flow of oil from the well. Chromatograph A laboratory instrument which separates components in gas and liquid samples. Closure The vertical distance between the top of an anticlinal structure and the lowest level at which a continuous encircling contour can be drawn. Combustion The act or process of burning. Chemically, it is a process of rapid oxidation caused by the union of the oxygen of the air, which is the supporter of combustion, with any material which is capable of oxidation. Compound A substance formed by the combination of two or more ingredients in definite proportions by weight, and possessing physical and chemical properties entirely different from those of the ingredients. Compounding A blending operation usually involving the addition of fatty oils to mineral lubricating oils. Compression ratio The ratio of the volume enclosed in an engine cylinder at the beginning of the compression stroke to the volume at the end of the compression stroke. Also the ratio of the discharge to suction pressures of a compressor. Condensate (hydrocarbon condensate) Refers to liquefiable hydrocarbons that have condensed from natural gas. The term also may apply to inorganic liquids such as steam condensate.

Condensation In physics and engineering, the act or process of changing a vapor to a liquid, or a lighter to another and denser form, by depression of temperature or increase of pressure. Condenser As ordinarily used, the term means the water-cooled heat exchangers used for cooling and liquefying oil vapors. Conduction Transfer of heat or electricity through a solid or fluid by direct contact of particles. Convection The flow of heat through liquids or gases by actual mixing of the liquids or gases, (physical turbulence) Convection section That portion of the furnace in which tubes receive heat by convection from the flue gases. Coolers Any type of heat exchanger whose primary purpose is to reduce the temperature of one of the passing materials by heat transfer to the other. Core In rotary drilling, special bits are employed when required to cut cylindrical samples of the formations penetrated. These samples, known as cores, are examined to obtain geological information. Corrosion Destructive alteration of metal from chemical reactions. Covalence Term used to indicate the bonding that results from the mutual sharing of pairs of electrons. The resulting compounds or molecules are called covalent. An example is CCl4 . Each Cl atom ends up with 8 electrons (7 of its own plus 1 from the C atom); each C atom ends up with 8 electrons (4 of its own plus 4 from the Cl atom). Cracking A process in which the feedstock is subjected to a high temperature for a limited time with the object of increasing the yield of light products, e.g. gasoline, at the expense of the heavier. Cracking processes are also the source of the olefins which are the intermediates in the manufacture of many petroleum chemicals. Sometimes a substance which promotes reaction, i. e.

a catalyst, is present. This has the effect of reducing the temperature at which cracking takes place and gives greater control over the reaction. Cracking catalytic A cracking process in which a catalyst is used to promote reaction. Cracking thermal A cracking process in which no catalyst is used to promote reaction, cracking being effected purely by the application of heat. Cratered well Is a well which has caved in. This condition occurs when the gas pressure in a bore hole is such that it blows out around the surface pipe when the well is closed in. Critical pressure The pressure necessary to condense a gas at the critical temperature above which the gas cannot be liquefied, no matter what pressure is applied. Critical temperature The temperature at which a gas can be liquefied by a maximum pressure, the critical pressure; above this temperature the gas cannot be liquefied, no matter what pressure is applied. Crown-block An assembly of wire-line sheaves corresponding to the sheaves of the travelling block carrying the steel line on which the travelling block is suspended. It is mounted on the top of the derrick. Crude oil See Petroleum. (Note - In rare cases only can such untreated material be used as a fuel). Cut The product drawn from a still or fractionator at any specified temperature. To "take a cut" is to draw a product from a still or fractionator at a specified temperature. Cutback Bitumen which has been rendered liquid by the addition of a suitable diluent such as white spirit, kerosine, or creosote. It is used as a means of incorporating bitumen with road-metal. Cycling The injection of dry gas into a gas-condensate reservoir at such points that it will push or sweep the gas condensate towards the producing well.

Cylinder stock Dark-colored residual lubricating oil of high viscosity used as the basis of steam cylinder oil. De-asphalting The removal of asphaltic constituents from residual stock for lubricating oil manufacture. It is a solvent refining process in which the asphalt is precipitated, usually by liquid propane. Decline Is the decrease in yield of a gas or oil well. Decomposition The breaking up of compounds into smaller chemical forms, through the application of heat or through change in other physical conditions, or through the introduction of other chemical bodies. Dehydrate To render free from water. Deltaic Pertaining to or like a delta. A delta is an alluvial deposit, usually triangular at the mouth of a river. Derrick A steel pylon-like structure usually of sufficient height to permit the withdrawal of at least three connected 9 m lengths of drill pipe and capable of supporting the maximum load likely to be experienced during the drilling of the well. Detergent oil A lubricating oil possessing special sludge-dispersing properties and used in some internalcombustion engines. These properties are usually conferred on the oil by the incorporation of special additives. A detergent oil has the ability to hold sludge particles in suspension as well as to promote engine cleanliness. Development well (Inside well or pool well) is a well used to help develop a field. De-waxing The removal of waxes from lubricating oil stocks, now usually carried out by filtration at a low temperature of a mixture of the oil and a solvent such as MEK (methyl ethyl ketone). Dewpoint The temperature at which vapor starts to condense.

Diesel fuel A general term covering oils used as fuel in diesel and other compression ignition engines. This term usually applies to fuels suitable for those engines of the industrial and marine type which have a low or medium rotational speed, and which are not so critical of fuel quality as are highspeed engines. Fuels for the latter need special descriptions, e.g. High-Speed Diesel Fuel, or Automotive Gas Oil. Diesel index This is a figure calculated from the aniline point and specific gravity which is used as a rough indication of the ignition quality of a diesel fuel. Dip The angle at which a stratum or any planar feature is inclined from the horizontal. Disposal well Is a well into which salt water from producing wells is discharged. Distillate A product obtained by condensing the vapors evolved when a liquid is boiled and collecting the condensate in a receiver which is separate from the boiling vessel. Distillation Vaporizing a liquid and subsequently condensing it in a different chamber. The separation of one group of petroleum constituents from another by means of volatilization in some form of closed apparatus, such as a still, by the aid of heat. Distillation range A single pure substance has one definite boiling point at a given pressure. A mixture of substances will, however, exhibit a range of temperatures over which boiling or distillation commences, proceeds and finishes. This range of temperature, usually determined at atmospheric pressure by means of standard apparatus, is termed the distillation or boiling range. Doctor test A test for the presence in light distillates of a particular type of sulphur compound known as mercaptans. The sample is shaken with a solution of sodium plumbite. If perceptible quantities of mercaptans are present the solution becomes brown and the sample is known as "doctor positive". The coloration developed usually indicates inadequate sweetening. Down stream The portion of a flow that has passed a given point (the point being usually a valve or orifice of some type). Draw-works (drilling)

An elaborated winch-type machine with cable-drums. Used for raising and lowering the travelling block. Drill collar (rotary) Hollow, heavy steel bars placed directly above the drilling bit to keep the drill pipe in tension. Drilling derrick A steel structure, usually about 41.5 meters in height, which is used to support the drill pipe and other equipment which has to be raised or lowered during well drilling operations. Drilling in (oil well) A term applied to the operation of drilling into or in the actual producing formation. Drill pipe The steel pipe used for carrying and rotating the drilling tools and for permitting the circulation of the lubricating mud. Drill pipe (rotary) Hollow pipe, normally made in 9 metre lengths, used in drilling. Drill string (rotary) The assembled lengths of drill pipe, collar and bit as coupled together ready for service. Drum flash A drum or tower into which the heated outlet products of a pre-heater or exchanger system are conducted, often with some release in pressure. The purpose of the drum is to allow vaporization and separation of the volatile portions for fractionation elsewhere. Dry gas A gas which does not contain water or heavier fractions which may easily condense under normal atmospheric temperatures. Duster (dry hole, dry well, failure or blank) Is a well that fails to produce gas or oil in commercial quantities. Edge-water The body of water underlying the oil and/or gas accumulation in anticlinal or similar structures. Emulsifiable bitumen Bitumen to which compounds have been added in order to render it easily emulsifiable with water.

Emulsified bitumen Bitumen which has been rendered liquid by emulsification with water. Emulsion A liquid mixture in which oil in minute globules is suspended in water. End point The point indicating the end of some operation or at which a certain definite change is observed. In titration, this change is frequently a change in color of an indicator which has been added to the solution, or to the disappearance or excess of one of the reactants which is colored. In the analysis of liquids such as gasoline, the end point is the temperature at which liquid ceases to distill over. Enthalpy The heat content per unit mass expressed in kilojoules per kilogram. Entrainment or carryover Relatively non-volatile contaminating material which is carried over by the "overhead" effluent from a separator, fractionating column, absorber, or a reaction vessel. This may be as liquid droplets or finely divided solids suspended in a gas, a vapor, or in a discrete liquid. Ethane A hydrocarbon of the paraffin series (C2H6). It boils at -89C at atmospheric pressure. Ethanolamine A series of weak bases or alkalis (mono-, di-, tri-,) which have an affinity for acid gas at low temperatures but little above 93C . Ethyl Fluid The proprietary name for a brand of anti-knock compound containing tetraethyl lead as the active constituent. Evaporation The conversion of a liquid into a vapor, usually by means of heat. Exchanger Closed-coil heat exchangers (header-and-tube) are used throughout a refinery where there is a possibility of economically conserving heat. Stills are equipped with exchangers through which the hot vapors from the still are run countercurrent to the feed stock going to the battery, thus partly condensing the vapors and getting the fractionation obtained by partial condensation, and at the same time heating up the feed stock and thereby conserving fuel. It is customary in such installations to run crude or liquid feed stock through the tubes, while the hot vapors surround the tubes.

Exothermic Relating to or designating a reaction which occurs with the evolution of heat, so that the temperature of the reacting bodies is raised. Explosive limits The limits of percentage composition of mixtures of gases and air within which an explosion takes place when the mixture is ignited. The lower limit of flammability corresponds to the minimum amount of combustible gas which must be present to support combustion and the upper limit to the maximum amount of combustible gas which can be present and still permit combustion of the mixture. Extension well (or extension producer) Is a well which extends the limits of a field. Extract During solvent refining processes, other than dewaxing or deasphalting, part of the feedstock passes into solution and is subsequently recovered by evaporating off the solvent. Extract; it is generally aromatic in character. (See Raffinate). Extreme-pressure lubricant A term which is applied to a lubricating oil or grease which contains a substance or substances specifically introduced to increase film strength, i.e. to increase the ability of an oil or grease to maintain the surfaces of highly loaded gears in a satisfactory condition. Fault A geological term relating to a fracture in rock strata whereby the rocks on one side of the fracture have been forced out of alignment with the appropriate strata on the opposite side of the break. Fin-Fan Trade name for aerial coolers and condensers. 'Fin-Tube' or 'G-Fin' Trade names for double pipe type exchanger. The inner tube generally has fins on the outside. Firebox The chamber in a furnace in which combustion takes place. Flank well Is the term sometimes used to designate a well drilled on one edge of a known reservoir. Flare gas

Gas diverted to flare tips, stacks, or pits to be burned. Flash When vapors rise suddenly from a liquid they are said to "Flash". Lowering the pressure on a liquid, with heat or without heat having been applied, may induce flashing. Flash production Is the first yield from a well. Flue A channel or passageway for smoke, waste gases, etc. as a subsidiary tube or smoke duct in a chimney, or a tube carrying gases of combustion in a boiler or hot-air passage in a wall. It is distinguished from pipe and tube. Fluid A body made up of particles which easily change their relative position without separation of the mass, and which yield easily to pressure. The term applies to any body capable of flowing whether liquid or gaseous. Flux oil An oil of low volatility suitable for blending with bitumen, or with asphalt, to yield a product of softer consistency or greater fluidity. Selected residual fuel oils may be used for this purpose. Fraction Any derivative separated by distillation from petroleum. Fractional distillation See Fractionation. Fractionating column A tall, cylindrical steel tower (sometimes called a "bubble tower") divided into sections by trays having specially designed perforations surmounted by "bubble caps". In this installation, crude oil preheated so that it enters the base of the tower as part liquid and part vapor - is separated by distillation into its main fractions. Fractionation A distillation process in which the distillate is collected as a number of separate fractions each having a different boiling range. Fuel oil A general term applied to an oil used for the production of power or heat. In a more restricted sense it is applied to any petroleum product that is burnt under boilers or in industrial furnaces. These oils

are normally residues, but blends of distillates and residues are also used as fuel oil. The wider term "liquid fuel" is sometimes used, but the term "fuel oil" is preferred. Gas condensate field A petroleum field in which the hydrocarbons in the formation exist in a vapor state under high pressure. A lowering of the pressure causes a condensation of almost all the hydrocarbons except methane, ethane, propane and butane which remain in a vapor state. Gas detector An instrument for determining the explosibility of a gas-air mixture. It is used as a safety device in gas plant operations, and is also known as an explosimeter. Gas oil A petroleum distillate intermediate in viscosity and distillation range, between kerosene and light lubricating oil. Mainly used in manufacture of gas to enrich water gas, as a wash oil in benzole extraction from coal gas, and as a burner oil in some installations. Gas-oil level (oil field) The level, referred to a convenient datum, of the interface between a gas accumulation and the oil accumulation below it. Gas-oil ratio The ratio of gas to oil as produced from the well. Usually stated as cubic feet per barrel of oil or as volume of gas to volume of oil. Gasoline A refined petroleum distillate, of normal boiling range within the limits of 30 - 200C, suitable as a fuel in a spark-ignited internal combustion engine. Terms also used in the UK are petrol, motor spirit, and benzine. In the USA also known as motor gasoline or "gas". Gas saturation pressure (bubble point) The pressure at which the dissolved gas content of the oil will begin to come out of solution at any given temperature. Gear oil An oil suitable for the lubrication of gears. Gear oils vary in characteristics according to their specific application. Geothermal gradient (geological) A measure of rise of rock temperature with depth below the surface. Usually expressed as C per 300 m. Go-devil

A device for cleaning out the bore of a pipe. It consists of a piston-type scraper which is usually pumped through the line. Gravity A common abbreviation usually meaning specific gravity in the UK and API gravity in the USA. Gun-barrel Gun-barrel is a short name for gun barrel tank. This tank is a small diametric tank, into which oil and water flow and are separated before the oil is sent to the oil tank. Gun-perforating In sandstone fields wells may be conditioned for production by cementing casing to prevent caving of hole, followed by perforation of both casing and cement opposite the producing horizons to allow oil to enter the well. Perforation is achieved by the use of a special gun which fires up to about 20 bullets at a time. Halo A high-concentration ring surrounding a trap, such as an anticline, where the rocks have been sharply folded and where the greatest upward emanation of gases will occur. Hd oil The letters hd denote heavy duty, and have reference to the fact that these lubricating oils were originally developed for use in certain types of highspeed diesel engines and spark ignition engines subject to high piston and crankcase temperatures. Hd oils combine the properties of detergency, resistance to oxidation and relative freedom from corrosive action on alloy type bearings. Normally hd oils contain special additives which confer those properties. Heat exchanger An apparatus for transferring heat from one fluid to another. Specifically, a piece of equipment having a tubular piping arrangement which effects the transfer of heat from a hot to a relatively cool material by conduction through the tube walls. Heat (latent heat) The heat supplied to a substance while its temperature remains constant at the melting point is known as "latent heat of fusion". The numerical value of a substance being defined as the amount of heat necessary to change unit mass of solid into liquid without change of temperature. In a similar way the "latent heat of vaporization" is defined as the amount of heat necessary to change unit mass of liquid into vapor without change of temperature. Heat of combustion The heat created when a substance is completely burned in oxygen. Heavy ends

The highest boiling portion present. Also the hydrocarbons that have more carbon atoms than others. Hydraulic fluid A fluid supplied for use in hydraulic systems. Low viscosity, low rate of change of viscosity with temperature, and low pour point are desirable characteristics. Hydraulic fluids may be of petroleum or non-petroleum origin. Hydrocarbon A compound containing only hydrogen and carbon. The simplest hydrocarbons are gases at ordinary temperatures, but with increasing molecular weight change to the liquid form and finally to the solid state. They form the principal constituents of petroleum. C3 Hydrocarbons Any of the hydrocarbons of which the molecule contains three carbon atoms (propane and propylene). C4 Hydrocarbons Any of the hydrocarbons of which the molecule contains four carbon atoms (butanes, butylenes and butadiene). Hydroforming A catalytic reforming process using a catalyst containing molybdenum. Hydrogen sulphide A compound of hydrogen and sulphur, specifically the monosulphide, a colorless, inflammable, poisonous gas, having a disagreeable odor; called also sulphuretted hydrogen. Hydrometer A graduated instrument for determining the gravity of liquids, usually a hollow glass instrument, weighted at one end so as to float upright. On immersion in liquid it sinks lower as the liquid is lighter, because the buoyant force is thus less. Some hydrometers are marked to read percentages of constitution of other properties which may be calculated directly from the gravity. The instruments used in measuring petroleum products usually read API degrees or specific gravity directly. Hypoid lubricants Lubricants specially designed for lubrication of hypoid gears. Hypoid lubricants - EP Types of extreme-pressure lubricants used for the lubrication of hypoid gears. Igneous rocks

Are rocks formed by the action of heat intense enough to produce fusion. Those which solidified before reaching the surface are called intrusive (plutonic or deep-seated). Those which reached and flowed out upon the surface are extrusive (volcanic or effusive). These rocks may also be classified according to their texture or degree of crystallization. Ignition quality A measure of the ease with which a diesel fuel ignites. See Cetane number or Diesel index. Inclinometer In drilling operations, it is important to maintain the well-bore as near the vertical as possible. Special instruments, known as inclinometers, have been devised to determine the magnitude and direction of deviations. Inhibitor A substance, the addition of which in small amounts in a petroleum product, prevents or retards undesirable changes taking place in the quality of the product, or in the condition of the equipment in which the product is used. In general, the essential function of inhibitors is to prevent or retard oxidation. Examples of uses include the delaying of gum formation in stored gasolines and of color change in lubricating oils; the prevention of corrosion is also included, e.g. rust prevention by inhibitors in turbine oils. Initial boiling point The temperature at which the first drop of distillate falls from the condenser during a laboratory distillation test. Injection or input well Is a well through which a fluid is discharged into the oil sands. Inspissation Evaporation of the lighter components of petroleum which leaves behind the heavier residue. Insulating oil A petroleum distillate of low volatility and viscosity used for cooling and insulating such electrical equipment as circuit breakers, switches, transformers, etc. lonization A gas is ionized when a relatively small number of its molecules are converted into ions (electrically charged particles). Isomer A compound having the same chemical composition and molecular weight as another but possessing a different molecular structure. The term is frequently used to differentiate branch chain from straight chain hydrocarbons.

Isothermal A gas passing through a series of pressure and volume relations. Jamin effect A theoretical concept concerning behavior of occluded gas in an oilsand. When the small gas bubbles are propelled through the sand toward the well by the prevailing drop in pressure, they suffer distortion causing a resistance to flow or jamin action. Kelly The square, hollow shaft which, in a rotary drilling rig, is gripped in the rotating table and imparts the rotatory motion to the drill pipe and to the drill. Kerosene A refined petroleum distillate intermediate in volatility between gasoline and gas oil, and in distillation range within the limits of 150-300C. Mainly used as an illuminant, for heating purposes, and as a fuel for certain types of internal-combustion engines. Incorrectly termed "paraffin" or "paraffin oil". Kill a well Stop the flow of oil by filling the hole with a fluid such as water or mud, in order to force the oil back into the well and thus bleed off the gas. Lake asphalt Natural asphaltic material occurring in surface deposits. Lead-acetate test A method of detecting the presence of hydrogen sulphide in a sample. Lead acetate paper turns gray or black when exposed to H2S. Lead response The increase in octane number of a motor or aviation spirit due to the addition of unit quantity of tetraethyl lead. Certain constituents, notably sulphur compounds, reduce lead response. Lean oil Absorption oil from which all absorbed hydrocarbons have been stripped. Lethal Deadly. Light ends

The lower-boiling components of a mixture of hydrocarbons. Lignin Woody fibre or a compound (C19H1808 ) like cellulose. Lithology, Lithologic The study of rocks based on the megascopic examination of samples. Also loosely applied to mean the composition and texture of rock. Lower ends The hydrocarbons that have a relatively lower boiling point; the opposite of heavier ends. LPG, (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Light hydrocarbons, gaseous at atmospheric temperature and pressure, maintained in the liquid state by pressure to facilitate storage and handling. Commercial LPG is essentially butane or propane. Lubricating grease A semi-solid lubricant consisting essentially of a stabilized mixture of mineral oil and soap. The properties of the grease depend on the type of soap employed (lime, soda or other base), and the viscosity and other properties of the constituent mineral oil. Lubricating oil Any oil which is employed for lubricating purposes. It may consist of either petroleum or fatty oils, or of these two main types in admixture, either with or without additives. For some applications, e. g. aircraft gas turbines, synthetic oils are used. Magmatic Pertaining to or derived from magma. Marine engine oil Oil used to lubricate the motion and bearings of reciprocating marine steam engines; it may contain up to 15 per cent of blown vegetable or marine animal oils in order to assist good emulsification. Mercaptans A group of foul smelling organic sulphur compounds which occur in some crudes. Their presence in petroleum products gives rise to unpleasant odour, corrosiveness, and poor lead response; they must, therefore, be removed or converted to less undesirable substances. Metamorphic rocks Rocks that have been subjected to extreme heat or pressure (or a combination of both) such that their mineral composition is altered.

Methane A hydrocarbon of the paraffin series, (CH4). If in liquid state it would boil at -161.5C at atmospheric pressure. This is the lightest of the paraffin hydrocarbons. Microcrystalline wax Wax extracted from certain petroleum residues and having a finer and less apparent crystalline structure than paraffin wax. It is usually more opaque than paraffin wax, and may vary from soft and plastic to hard and brittle, and from white to dark brown in color. The term "amorphous" has been widely applied to the plastic crystalline waxes, but is incorrect and should be abandoned. The term "petroleum ceresin" is occasionally applied to the hard, brittle waxes. Migration The lateral or vertical movement of water, oil or gas within the reservoir rock via the pores and/or fissures. Mineral colza A well-refined petroleum distillate, normally boiling within the limits 250C to 350C, used as a burning oil where a high flashpoint (above 125C) is required. Largely utilized for lighthouse illumination and in signal lamps, when it is sometimes compounded with fatty oils. Also known as Mineral sperm and Mineral seal. Mineral jelly See Petrolatum. Mineral oil Any oil derived from a mineral source. Such oils include liquid products obtained from petroleum, shale and coal. Mineral seal See Mineral colza. Mineral sperm See Mineral colza. Moist gas Signifies a gas containing water droplets or moisture. Molecule Unit of matter. It is the smallest portion of an element or compound which retains chemical identity with the same particular substance en masse. Molecular weight

The sum of the atomic weights of the atoms composing a molecule. Mol percent An expression of the percent composition of a mixture where the relative numbers of mols are computed by dividing the number of pounds, grams, or other units of weight of the individual constituents by their respective molecular weights. For gases mol % is equivalent to volume %. Motor oil A refined lubricating oil suitable for use as a lubricant in internal combustion engines. May be a distillate oil or a blend of distillate oil with a bright stock. Mud (drilling) In rotary drilling it is essential to remove the cuttings from the hole by circulating suitable pumpable fluids. These are usually mixtures of water I and very finely divided material such as special clays, shales, barites, etc. Naphtha A petroleum distillate covering the end of the gasoline range, and the beginning of the kerosene range. Frequently used as a feedstock for the reforming process. Also known as heavy benzine or heavy gasoline. Naphthenic hydrocarbons Saturated hydrocarbons with at least one closed ring of carbon atoms. Those with one ring only have the formula CnH2n . Natural gas Gaseous forms of petroleum, commonly called "natural gas" consist of mixtures of hydrocarbon gases and vapors, the more important of which are methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, and hexane all of the paraffin series (CnH2n+2). It is found in certain localities issuing from the earth under pressure and often produced in association with petroleum in whose recovery it acts as an important factor. Natural gas is usually classified as "wet" or "dry" depending on whether the proportions of gasoline constituents which it contains are large or small. Natural gas is also referred to as "Casinghead gas". Natural gasoline A low-boiling liquid petroleum product extracted from natural gas. In an unstabilized state it contains a high proportion of propane and butanes. When the propane and some butanes are removed, the stabilized gasoline is suitable for blending with other gasoline. Natural gasoline plant Is defined as a plant which recovers liquid hydrocarbons from raw natural gas. Natural gas plant

Is the plant in which the hydrogen sulphide and other undesirable contents are removed through chemical and other processes. In addition to gas sweetening in the gas plant, the recovery of other products, such as propane, butane, sulphur and natural gasoline is possible. Octane number A term numerically indicating the relative anti-knock value of a gasoline. It is based upon a comparison with the reference fuels iso-octane (100 octane number) and normal heptane ( 0 octane number). The octane number of an unknown fuel is the percent by volume of iso-octane with normal heptane which matches the unknown fuel in knocking tendencies under a specified set of conditions. Offset well Is a well drilled opposite a well on an adjacent property. Oil-water level (oil field) The level, referred to a convenient datum, of the interface between an oil accumulation and the underlying edge-water. Olefins Hydrocarbons having the general formula CnH2n and containing a double bond or unsaturated linkage in the chain. They are appreciably more reactive than the paraffins or naphthenes and combine readily with elements such as hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, etc. Organic compounds Compounds that show the following properties; (1) burn in air, (2) are insoluble in water, (3) are soluble in non-polar solvents such as hydrocarbon liquids, (4) are liquids or low-melting point solids, (5) are covalent. Orifice A device to restrict the flow through a pipe. The difference in pressure on the two sides of an orifice plate can be used to measure the volume of flow through the pipe; an orifice can be designed to cause the mixing of the materials flowing through the pipe. Overhead In a distilling operation, that portion of the charge which is vaporized. Ozokerite (earth wax) A naturally occurring mineral wax, usually dark brown in color, and containing mineral matter and oil. On purification it yields a white to yellow microcrystalline wax which may contain small quantities of oil. Fully refined ozokerite is a hard, white, microcrystalline wax, substantially free from oil, that was formerly, and is still occasionally, known as ceresin. Packed tower

A fractionating or absorber tower which is filled with small objects (steel or ceramic rings or saddles) to effect an intimate contact between rising vapors and falling liquid. Packer (oil well) A device used to isolate one part of the borehole or casing from another for various purposes, such as formation testing. In its usual form it consists of a rubber annulus attached to a length of pipe inserted into the well, capable of being expanded, when desired, to form a seal between the pipe and the casing or walls of the open hole. Paraffinic hydrocarbons The term used to cover the whole series of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having the general formula CnH2n+2. Paraffins See Paraffinic hydrocarbons. Paraffin scale Similar to paraffin wax, but less highly refined and having a higher oil content. It may vary from white to light yellow in color. Paraffin wax Wax, of solid consistency and having a relatively pronounced crystalline structure, extracted from certain distillates from petroleum, shale oil, etc. Refined paraffin wax has a very low oil content, is white, with some degree of translucency, almost tasteless and odourless and is slightly greasy to the touch. Pentane A hydrocarbon of the paraffin series C5H12. Pentane may exist in three forms, two of which are isopentane (boiling point 28C) and n-pentane (boiling point 36C). Permeability (geological) Is the capacity of a rock to transmit fluid. It is measured by the rate at which fluid of standard viscosity can move a given distance through a given time. Petrolatum (petroleum jelly, mineral jelly) A soft salve-like material obtained from petroleum oils, and consisting essentially of microcrystalline waxes in association with substantial quantities of oil. It may vary in color from white to dark brown, but when refined to white or amber color it is termed by the British Pharmacopoeia "soft paraffin". Petroleum A material occurring naturally in the earth, and consisting essentially of hydrocarbons, solid, liquid, and gaseous.

Petroleum ceresin This term is sometimes applied to the hard and brittle microcrystalline waxes. Petroleum coke Solid matter formed as a by-product of thermal cracking of petroleum. It consists mainly of carbon and has an ash content very much smaller than that of coal cokes. Certain grades are suitable as raw material for the manufacture of electrodes, but its main uses are as boiler fuel and for the manufacture of special steels. Petroleum ether A special boiling point spirit of high volatile narrow distillation range, e. g. 40-60C or 60-80C, used in the extraction of edible oils, etc., and for laboratory analytical work. Petroleum jelly See Petrolatum. pH value The logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion concentration. This indicates the acid or alkaline condition of a substance: pure water, and neutral solutions having a pH of 7. Acid solutions have a pH less than 7; alkaline solutions, a pH greater than 7. Pipette A graduated glass tube used for measuring exact volumes of a liquid. Platforming Upgrading of gasoline-reforming various components to higher octane components - in presence of a platinum catalyst and hydrogen. Pneumatic Moved or operated by air pressure. Polymerization The combination of identical molecules to form complex molecules or polymers. Polymers range from light liquids e.g. diisobutylene, to rubber -like materials, e.g. polyisobutylene. When the combination is of molecules of similar type but different structure the product is a copolymer. Porosity (geological) The proportion of a rock's total volume occupied by voids between the mineral grains. Pour point

The pour point of a petroleum oil is the lowest temperature at which the oil will pour or flow when it is chilled without disturbance under prescribed conditions. Power kerosene A volatile kerosene with distillation limits essentially between 150C and 260C and of good antiknock value. It is used as a fuel for spark ignited engines, e.g. tractors, and is alternatively known as Vapor Oil. Precipitate A substance separating in solid form from a liquid as the result of some chemical or physical change. It is to be differentiated from a substance held only mechanically in suspension, which is known as a sediment. Pressure distillate The untreated distillate product of thermal cracking. Propane A hydrocarbon gas (C3H8), useful for heating and metal cutting flame welding purposes. It can be stored under pressure as a liquid at atmospheric temperatures, but it is more volatile than butane, and high pressure is required to keep it in liquid form. By reason of its chemical composition, it is classed as a C3 hydrocarbon. Puking A still or bubble tower is said to "puke" when the oil foams and rises in the vessel and through the vapor line. Radiant energy Energy sent out or emitted by rays or waves. Radiant section Section of a furnace exposed to the actual combustion of the fuel. Radon gas A radioactive gas present where the crude oil shows high radioactivity. Raffinate The refined product from an extraction process. Raffinate The refined product from an extraction process. Raschig rings Small cylindrical rings used in packed-type fractionating or absorption towers.

Reaction When two or more substances undergo a chemical change, they are said to react with one another and the change is called the reaction. Reboiler An auxiliary of a fractionating tower designed to supply additional heat to the lower portion. Liquid is usually withdrawn (or pumped) from the side or bottom of the tower; is reheated by means of heat exchange; and the vapors and residual liquid, separately or together, are reintroduced to the tower. Rectifier (rectifying section) Portion of fractionating tower above feed tray where main duty is heavy ends removed from rising vapors. Recycle Term given to a process peculiar to a particular plant, i.e. recycling tail gases by compressing them and discharging into the gas line to an absorber. Recycling (oil field) The practice of returning to the underground reservoir such refinery products as are temporarily out of market balance. Recycling (refining) The procedure of recirculating those portions of a feed stock which have passed unchanged through a refining process. The term is also used to describe the continuous returning of unwanted by-products to the process. Reflection In seismic prospecting, the returned energy wave from a shot which has been reflected from a velocity discontinuity back to a detector. Reflux In fractional distillation, part of the distillate (overhead) may be returned to the fractionating column to assist in making a more complete separation I into the desired fractions. The material returned is the reflux. The process is refluxing. Reformed gasoline Gasoline made by a reforming process. Reforming A process in which straight run feedstocks, e.g. benzine naphthas, are subjected to high temperatures and pressures with the object of changing their chemical structure in such a way as to increase their octane number (See Cracking).

Reforming catalytic Reforming in which reaction is promoted by a catalyst. Reforming thermal Reforming without the use of a catalyst. Refraction Is the bending of energy at a velocity interface. In seismic, if a receiver is distant in relation to depth of the formation, the quickest path will be refracted along the high velocity layer. Reid vapor pressure The vapor pressure of petroleum products, e.g. gasoline, measured at 100F in the Reid apparatus and reported in pounds per square inch. Repressuring (oil field) The injection of gas into a reservoir for the purpose of maintaining or restoring reservoir pressure. Reservoir rock (geological) A porous and permeable rock, e.g., sandstone or limestone, which contains petroleum in quantity. Residue (residuum) The material remaining as un-evaporated liquid or solid from processes involving distillation or cracking. Rich oil Absorption oil that has taken up and still contains the desired hydrocarbons from the wet gas. Road oil An oil intended for cold application to road surfaces for binding and waterproofing purposes. Petroleum residues and light cutbacks are among the products used as road oils. Rotary drilling In this system, the rock formation is penetrated by a rotating bit connected to a hollow drill-pipe through which fluid is pumped to convey the rock cuttings to surface. Rotary table A heavy geared circular steel body having a square hole cut at its center, for engaging and rotating the drilling string. The table rotates in the horizontal plane and is normally driven by chains from the draw-works.

Saturated gas Is a substance in gaseous form in the presence of some of its own liquid. Removal of a little heat will cause condensation. Scrubber Equipment used for the removal of entrained liquids and solids from gas, usually installed upstream from gas compressors. Secondary recovery Methods by which the ultimate oil recovery from a reservoir is increased after production by natural forces has become uneconomical. Methods used include: a. Re-pressurizing by injection of high-pressure gas; b. Gas drive, i.e. the use of gas under lower pressure than (a) and; c. Use of water to drive oil out of the formation. Seepage (geological) Prolonged erosion of the formations overlying a petroleum accumulation may permit gas and/or oil to seep to the surface. Serpentine A common rock forming mineral known as chrysotile (asbestos). Serpentine is a magnesium silicate hydroxide. Shooting (oil well) In order to facilitate the flow of oil towards the wellbore explosive charges are sometimes lowered into the well and fired opposite the producing formation with a view to fracturing or shattering it. Show (drilling) An indication of the presence of gas, oil or water in the formations penetrated during drilling. Side-tracking Difficult fishing operations sometimes necessitate the deflection of the borehole to avoid the fish. The operation, carried out by means of a whipstock and special drilling tools, is known as sidetracking. Single-flash A term applied to the sudden release of gases and/or vapors from oil as opposed to removal in a number of stages. Sludge

a. Acid sludge - Material of high specific gravity formed during the chemical refining treatment of oils by sulphuric acid, and usually separable by settling or centrifuging. Also known as acid tar. b. Engine sludge - The insoluble degradation product of lubricating oils and/or fuels, formed during their use in internal combustion engines and deposited from the oil on to engine parts outside the combustion space. Water may or may not be present in such material. c. Tank sludge - Material which collects at the bottom of storage tanks containing crude oils, residues, or other petroleum products. Such sludge usually contains water (See Bs & w). Slush pump The pump used for circulating the drilling fluid. Soft paraffin See Petrolatum. Solar Oil The term formerly applied to gas oil. The term derives from the original use of a light distillate oil for the production of illuminating gas by direct cracking. Soluble cutting oil A blend of mineral oil and emulsifiers. When mixed with water in the right proportions, it forms a dispersion suitable for use as a cutting fluid for metals, e.g. on a lathe. Solvent extraction Processes in which solvents are used to dissolve out undesirable constituents, e.g. the removal of aromatics from kerosene by extraction with liquid sulphur dioxide. Solvent refining Processes in which solvents are used to eliminate undesirable constituents either by dissolving them out, i.e. solvent extraction, or by precipitating them as in solvent de-waxing and solvent deasphalting. Sour crude Crude oil containing appreciable amounts of hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans. Sour gas Hydrocarbon gas containing undesirable sulphur compounds, sulphuretted hydrogen and methyl mercaptan. Special boiling point spirit A petroleum solvent fractionally distilled to specially selected distillation characteristics. Such distillates are normally manufactured from well-refined straight run naphthas. The various volatilities are designed to enable a suitable grade to be chosen for any particular industrial purpose.

Specific gravity The ratio of the mass of a volume of a body to the mass of an equal volume of some standard substance. In the cases of liquids and solids, the standard is water; and in the case of gases, the standard is air. The specific gravity is numerically equal to the density. Particularly in the case of oils, the specific gravity is determined through the use of a hydrometer. Specific heat The ratio of the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of a body one degree to that required to raise an equal mass of water one degree. Spindle oil Originally used to describe a stable low viscosity oil used in the lubrication of textile spindles. The term now includes any low-viscosity mineral lubricating oil. Spudding in Spudding is the term used when the hole is just being started. Spudding indicates that the bore from the surface to a short distance below the surface (to the bed rocks or to several hundred metres or more), is being made by a spudding tool or some other suitable means rather than by the regular drilling tools. These can't be used due to their length. SSU Saybolt second universal. Measurement unit for viscosity. Stabilize The process of separating light gases from petroleum or gasoline, thus leaving the liquid stable in the sense that it can be handled or stored with less liability to change in composition., (i.e. vaporization). Stabilized gasoline Gasoline after subjection to fractionation by which the vapor pressure has been reduced to a specified maximum. (See also Natural Gasoline.) Static level Level to which fluid rises in a well when the well is shut in or at equilibrium. Steam cylinder oil Oil used to lubricate the cylinders of steam engines. Usually dark viscous petroleum oils of high flash point, sometimes compounded with fatty oil. Steam saturated (dry) Steam which is at the same temperature and pressure as the water from which it was evaporated, and which does not contain any suspended water droplets.

Steam superheated Steam with a temperature higher than that corresponding to saturated steam at the same pressure. Steam wet Steam containing entrained water. Still The vessel used in a distillation process. Stoichiometry Term used by engineers pertaining to mass relations in chemical reactions. Straight run Produced directly from crude oil by distillation but not cracked or reformed. Stripper Equipment in which the lightest fractions are removed from a mixture. The trays below the feed tray in a fractionator are called stripping trays. Stripper well Is the term applied to the well after its production has fallen off considerably. That is, a stripper well may be defined as a well producing a low rate of crude oil or liquid hydrocarbons, and is approaching the economic limit for production. The average stripper well in the USA averages only about 0.5 m3/day and the number of these wells already drilled is about 70% of all wells drilled. Stripping The process of relieving rich absorption oil of all of its absorbed hydrocarbons. Sulphur A non-metallic element of lemon-yellow color, sometimes known as "brimstone". It burns with a blue flame emitting clouds of sulphur dioxide, a suffocating gas used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid. Sulphur dioxide A colorless gas of suffocating odor which is one of the oxides of sulphur (SO2). It is a corrosive poison. However, it is less dangerous to people than hydrogen sulphide which is burned to SO2 in the incinerator. Superheated gas

Is a gas in such a condition that if some heat were removed from it, the volume of the gas would decrease, but there would be no condensation. Surface tension This is the tension in the interface between a liquid and its saturated vapor. Sweet Having a good odor; pleasant to the sense of smell; negative to the "doctor test". Free of H2S. Sweetening Any treatment which renders a sour product sweet. Sweet gas Hydrocarbon gas, free from sulphur compounds. Swivel (drilling) A connection made to the top of the kelly through which the drilling fluid is pumped. A heavy steel link (the bail) is used to suspend the drilling string from the hook while internal thrust-races and glands permit rotation of the bottom connection. Syncline (geological) An earth fold in which the strata are depressed in the form of a basin. Tail gas Residue gas Tar A term sometimes used to describe heavy liquid residues derived from petroleum processes. The word "tar" usually indicates the black viscous liquid resulting from the distillation of solid material such as coal or wood. Tectonic Pertaining to, or designating the rock structure and external forms resulting from the deformation of the earth's crust. A general term applied to areas of crustal instability. Tetraethyl lead A colorless stable liquid obtained commercially by the action of lead-sodium alloy on ethyl chloride. When added in small proportions to gasoline, it increases the octane number. For this purpose, tetraethyl lead is used in the form of ethyl fluid. Thermowell

A tube, having one end closed, inserted into a vessel, pipe or furnace, as protection for a thermocouple or thermometer bulb. Tight well Is a well drilled without the release of information. Topped crude Crude oil from which some of the lighter constituents have been removed by distillation. Topping plant Distillation equipment employed for the removal of the volatile fractions of an oil. Transformer oil A well-refined, pale petroleum distillate of low viscosity, resistant to oxidation under conditions of use. Used in transformers for cooling and for electrical insulation. Travelling block An assembly of wireline sheaves to which is attached a heavy steel hook used in conjunction with the crownblock to obtain mechanical advantage in raising or lowering the drilling string or casing. Treatments Somewhat loosely used to cover all those refining operations where small proportions of undesirable constituents are removed from products by chemical or physical means, e.g. acid treatment and sweetening. Turbine oil A well-refined specially selected petroleum distillate or mixture of such with a bright stock. Used for the lubrication of steam turbines. These oils show high resistance to emulsification with water and to oxidation under conditions of use. Unconformity A surface of erosion or non deposition that separates younger strata from older rocks. Upstream The portion of a flow before it reaches a given point. Vacuum-breaking valve A valve which acts inversely to a pressure-relief valve; if the exterior pressure is higher than that within a vessel, the valve will open to equalize the pressures. Vaporization

The conversion of a liquid to its vapor, such as the conversion of water into steam. Vapor Oil See Power kerosene. Vapor pressure The pressure exerted by the vapor escaping from a liquid. As the temperature of the liquid rises its vapor pressure increases; eventually it exceeds the pressure of the confining atmosphere and the liquid boils. The petroleum industry vapor pressures are usually reported as Reid vapor pressure. Vaseline A registered trade name for petrolatum. Viscosity That property of a fluid which determines its rate of flow. As the temperature of a fluid is increased its viscosity decreases and it therefore flows more readily. Viscosity index An arbitrary number used to characterize the rate at which the viscosity of a lubricating oil changes with changing temperature. Oils of high viscosity index exhibit a relatively small change of viscositywith changing temperature and vice versa. Volatility The ease with which a product begins to vaporize. Volatile substances have relatively high vapor pressures and therefore boil at relatively low temperatures. Walking beam An oscillating (vertically) lever or beam used to transmit reciprocating vertical motion to the drilling tools (cable tools; also used in pumping). Water blanket Water blanket is a term used when a column of water is maintained in the bore hole. Important applications are in the drill stem test and in some cases of drilling. Wash oils Petroleum fractions employed for the absorption of the heavier easily liquefiable components of a mixture of gases. Weathering A term applied to the loss of light petroleum fractions by exposure of the oil containing them to the atmosphere.

Wet gas A gas mixture containing easily liquefiable components. Wetting agent A substance which, when added in small amounts to a liquid, increases the rate at which that liquid spreads across a surface. Whipstock In drilling operations it may be necessary to deflect the direction of a borehole. This is accomplished by inserting a long cylindrical steel bill with a tapering face cut at the desired angle to the vertical, from which the bore is deflected when drilling is resumed. White oils A term applied to oils substantially colorless and without bloom made from light lubricating oils by a drastic process of refining. They have various uses, such as for medicinal purposes and in the manufacture of toilet preparations. The term is also used in the expression "white oil ships", in which case, light colored petroleum products up to gas oil are meant. White products A term applied to the more volatile petroleum products such as gasoline, white spirit, kerosene. It is not to be confused with the term "White oils". White scale See Paraffin scale. White spirit A refined distillate intermediate in distillation range between gasoline and kerosene (i.e. with a distillation range of about 150-200C). It is used as a paint thinner and for dry cleaning, etc. The term "mineral turpentine" or "turpentine substitute" is sometimes used for white spirit, but is not recommended, owing to possible confusion with gum turpentine. In the USA the term "petroleum spirits" is used for white spirit. Wild-cat A term used to indicate a well which has been drilled without a complete geological exploration of the locality. Wild gasoline This indicates a light petroleum spirit containing appreciable quantities of material which are normally gaseous at atmospheric temperatures and pressures, i.e. an un-stabilized gasoline. Wild well

Is a well whose flow has not been brought under control. Work-over (oil well) A term applied to any operation performed on a well subsequent to completion. Work-over (oil well) A term applied to any operation performed on a well subsequent to completion.