Glossary of Production Testing

A
Absolute Open Flow Potential
The maximum flow rate a well could theoretically deliver with zero pressure at the
middle of the perforations. The term is commonly abbreviated as AOFP or OFP.
Annubar
A device that uses Pitot tubes to measure the gas flow rate within a pipeline. The gas
volume is calculated from the difference between the flowing pressure and the static
pressure of the gas.
Annular Pressure
Fluid pressure in the annulus between tubing and casing or between two strings of
casing.
Annular Production
Production of formation fluid through the casing-tubing annulus.
AOF
Abbreviation for absolute open flow.
AOFP
Abbreviation for absolute open flow potential.
Asphaltic Crude
Petroleum with a high content of naphthenic compounds, such as asphaltenes.
Asphaltic crude is also known as naphthene-based crude oil when the paraffin wax
content is low.
Asphaltic Crude
Petroleum with a high content of naphthenic compounds, such as asphaltenes.
Asphaltic crude is also known as naphthene-based crude oil when the paraffin wax
content is low.
Average Reservoir Pressure
A volumetric average of the pressure exerted by the fluids inside the reservoir at a
specific depletion stage. Average reservoir pressure can be measured only when the
well is shut in.

B
Backpressure
Pressure registered on equipment or devices when fluid flows through.
Barrels of Liquid Per Day
A volume of fluid that refers to the daily total production of oil and water from a well.
The volume of a barrel is equivalent to 42 US gallons, abbreviated BLPD.
Barrels of Oil Per Day
A common unit of measurement for the daily volume of crude oil produced by a well
or from a field. The volume of a barrel is equivalent to 42 US gallons, abbreviated
BOPD.

Barrels of Water Per Day

A common unit of measurement for the volume of water produced each day by a well
or in a field. The volume of a barrel is equivalent to 42 US gallons, abbreviated
BWPD.
Bcf
Abbreviation for billion cubic feet, a unit of measurement for large volumes of natural
gas.
Bcf/D
Abbreviation for billion cubic feet per day, a unit of measurement for large production
rates of natural gas.
Beam
A fixed choke or a choke with an adjustable needle, sleeve or plate that can be
changed to adjust the flow rate. The flow rate from a well is limited to
conserve reservoir energy, decrease friction forces and improve production efficiency
and prevent development of conditions that can reduce ultimate recovery. A high rate
of fluid can generate a drastic cooling effect near the wellbore with
the precipitation of scales and paraffins as well as a reduction of the oil relative
permeability because of an increase in gas saturation.
Bean
A fixed choke or a choke with an adjustable needle, sleeve or plate that can be
changed to adjust the flow rate.
Billion Cubic Feet
A unit of measurement for large volumes of natural gas, abbreviated Bcf.
Billion Cubic Feet Per Day
A common unit of measurement for large production rates of natural gas,
abbreviated Bcf/D.
Blockage
An obstruction in the pipeline, composed of asphaltenes, hydrates,
waxes, scale and sand deposited on the internal wall of the pipeline forming a barrier
to the normal flow of fluids. The conditions for blockage formation are mainly
encountered in deepwater operations (low temperature and high pressure).
BLPD
Abbreviation for barrels of liquid per day, usually used in reference to
total production of oil and water from a well. The volume of a barrel is equivalent to
42 US gallons.
BOPD
Abbreviation for barrels of oil per day, a common unit of measurement for volume
of crude oil. The volume of a barrel is equivalent to 42 US gallons.
Bottle Test
A procedure in which different chemicals are added to bottle samples of
an emulsion to determine which chemical is the most effective at breaking, or
separating, the emulsion into oil and water. Once an effective chemical is determined,
varying amounts of it are added to bottle samples of the emulsion to determine the
minimum amount required to break the emulsion effectively.
Bottom Sample
A specimen obtained from the bottom part of the tank or lower point in a pipeline.
BS&W
Abbreviation for basic sediment and water. BS&W is measured from a liquid sample
of the production stream. It includes free water, sediment and emulsion and is
measured as a volume percentage of the production stream.
Bundle
Several pipes (production or injection, gas lift) that are jointly insulated to keep
together production lines. The bundle minimizes heat transfer and avoids hydrate or
wax deposition that could plug the pipelines. Bundles are common in
deepwater field developments.
BWPD
Abbreviation for barrels of water per day, a common unit of measurement for the
daily volume of produced water. The volume of a barrel is equivalent to 42 US
gallons.

C
Composite Stream
The flow of different fluids such as oil, gas or water, in a single production stream.
Condensate
A natural gas liquid with a low vapor pressure compared with natural
gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas. Condensate is mainly composed of propane,
butane, pentane and heavier hydrocarbon fractions. The condensate is not only
generated into the reservoir, it is also formed when liquid drops out, or condenses,
from a gas stream in pipelines or surface facilities.
Condensate Liquids
Hydrocarbons that are in the gaseous phase at reservoir conditions but condense into
liquid as they travel up the wellbore and
reach separator conditions. Condensate liquids are sometimes called distillate.
Condensate Ratio
The ratio of the volume of liquid produced to the volume of gas produced.
Counterbalance Weight
Part of rod pumping unit. The counterbalance weight is installed on the end of the
walking beam, opposite to the end over the well, and counterbalances the weight of
the sucker rods and the fluid being pumped.
Critical Flowrate
In sand control operations, the maximum production rate below which the production
of solids along with the produced fluid is uniform. When the flow rate exceeds this
threshold, the production of sand and fines increases significantly. Sand-production
control is important to avoid formation damage, possible casing collapse and
deterioration of surface equipment due to drag forces.
Critical Gas Flowrate
The gas flow rate equivalent to the speed of sound in that fluid. Exceeding this limit
during gas production accelerates corrosion in the pipelines.
Cylinder
The barrel of the sucker rod pump. The plunger travels up and down in the cylinder.
The plunger and the barrel operate as a piston mechanism to lift reservoir fluids into
the subsurface pump. A cylinder is also known as a pump barrel.

D
Degree API
A unit of measurement established by the American Petroleum Institute (API) that
indicates the density of a liquid. Fresh water has an API density of 10.
Deliverability Test
Tests in an oil or gas well to determine its flow capacity at specific conditions
of reservoir and flowing pressures. The absolute open flow potential (AOFP) can be
obtained from these tests, and then the inflow performance relationship (IPR) can be
generated. A deliverability test also is called a productivity test.
Densimeter
An instrument that measures the specific gravity of a mixture of gas, liquid and solids.
This device is also known as a densitometer.
Differential Pressure
The difference between two pressure measurements. For production wells, the
differential pressure is the difference between average reservoir pressure and
bottomhole pressure, and for injection wells, it is the difference between injection
pressure and average reservoir pressure.
Downhole Sensors
Mechanical or electronic devices for measuring various properties in the well such
as pressure, fluid flow rate from each branch of a multilateral well, temperature,
vibration, composition, fluid flow regime, and fluid holdup. These devices can be
permanent; in this case, they are left in place for months or even years.
Dowstroke
The portion of movement of a downhole pump at which the rods are going down and
the downhole pump is being filled with fluid.
Drawdown
- The difference between the average reservoir pressure and the flowing
bottomhole pressure.
- The difference in height between the static level and the dynamic level in a pumping
well, expressed as hydrostatic fluid pressure.
Drip
The water and heavy hydrocarbons that condense from the gas stream and accumulate
in the lower points of the flowlines.
Dynamic Fluid Level
The level to which the static fluid level drops in the tubing or casing when the well
produced under pumping conditions. The dynamic fluid level is also called the
pumping fluid level.
Dynamometer
An instrument used in sucker-rod pumping to record the variation between
the polished rod load and the polished rod displacement.
Dynamometer Card
The record made by the dynamometer. An analysis of this survey may reveal a
defective pump, leaky tubing, inadequate balance of the pumping unit, a partially
plugged mud anchor, gas locking of the pump or an undersized pumping unit. The
dynamometer card is also called a dynagraph.

E
Electric Gas-lift Valves
A type of gas-lift valve that allows a gas-lift port size to be adjusted remotely from
surface to positions from fully open to closed. Developed in the last 10 years, these
valves offer the possibility of changing gas-injection points without well intervention.
F
Flow After Flow
A type of deliverability test conducted in gas wells to generate a stabilized gas
deliverability curve (IPR). In a flow-after-flow test, a well flows under a constant
rate until it reaches stabilized conditions (pseudosteady state). After the stabilized rate
and pressure are recorded, the rate is changed and the well flows until pressure
stabilizes again. The same procedure is repeated three or four times. The
stabilization requirement is an important limitation of this type of test, especially in
low-permeability formations, which require longer stabilization times. This test is also
known as a backpressure or four-point test.
Flow Line
A surface pipeline carrying oil, gas or water that connects the wellhead to
a manifold or to production facilities, such as heater-treaters and separators.
Flowline Manifold
A pipe fitting with several lateral outlets for connecting flowlines from one or more
wells. This connection directs flow to heater-treaters, separators or other devices.
Flowmeter
An instrument that measures the flow rate of fluids through a pipeline. There are
several types of flowmeters, including the differential-pressure meter, orifice meter,
positive-displacement meter, vortex meter and multiphase meters.
Flowstream
The flow of oil, gas or water through a pipe.
Flowing Sample
The fluid sample from the wellhead that is used to analyze the composition of the
flow. The term is analogous to the term flowline sample, except that it refers to
the production part of the flowstream.
Fluid Pound
A phenomenon that occurs when the downhole pump rate exceeds the production rate
of the formation. It can also be due to the accumulation of low-pressure gas between
the valves. On the downstroke of the pump, the gas is compressed, but the pressure
inside the barrel does not open the traveling valve until the traveling valve strikes the
liquid. Finally when the traveling valve opens, the weight on the rod string can
suddenly drop thousands of pounds in a fraction of a second. This condition should be
avoided because it causes extreme stresses, which can result in premature equipment
failure. Slowing down the pumping unit, shortening the stroke length or installing a
smaller bottom hole pump can correct this problem.
Fluid Tester
A tool run on wireline to obtain fluid samples and measure formation pressures. This
device is also called a wireline formation tester.
Flush Production
A high flow rate reached wA high flow rate reached with a new well.

G
Gas Anchor
A perforated tubular attached to the subsurface sucker-rod pump that controls the
entrance of gas. Since it is the only way for formation fluid to enter the pump, its use
increases the efficiency of the subsurface sucker-rod pump. It also helps to prevent the
phenomenon called gas lock. A gas anchor is similar to a bottomhole gas separator.
Gas Interference
A phenomenon that occurs when gas enters the subsurface sucker-rod pump. After
the downstroke begins, the compressed gas reaches the pressure needed to open the
traveling valve before the traveling valve reaches liquid. The traveling valve opens
slowly, without the drastic load change experienced in fluid pound. It does not cause
premature equipment failure, but can indicate poor pump efficiency. A
bottomhole separator or a gas anchor can correct gas interference.
Gas Lock
A condition sometimes encountered in a pumping well when dissolved gas, released
from solution during the upstroke of the plunger, appears as free gas between the
valves. On the downstroke,pressure inside a barrel completely filled with gas may
never reach the pressure needed to open the traveling valve. In the upstroke, the
pressure inside the barrel never decreases enough for the standing valve to open and
allow liquid to enter the pump. Thus no fluid enters or leaves the pump, and the pump
is locked. It does not cause equipment failure, but with a nonfunctional pump, the
pumping system is useless.

A decrease in pumping rate is accompanied by an increase of bottomhole pressure

(or fluid level in the annulus). In many cases of gas lock, this increase in bottomhole
pressure can exceed the pressure in the barrel and liquid can enter through the
standing valve. After a few strokes, enough liquid enters the pump that the gas lock in
broken, and the pump functions normally.
Gas/Liquid Ratio
The ratio of produced gas to produced liquids (oil and water), often abbreviated GLR.
GLR
Abbreviation for gas/liquid ratio, the ratio of produced gas to produced liquids (oil
and water).
GOR
Abbreviation for gas/oil ratio, the ratio of produced gas to produced oil.
Green Gas
Untreated gas that leaves the well. This gas could contain impurities such as
water, carbon dioxide [CO2], nitrogen [N2] and hydrogen sulfide [H2S], which will be
removed in treating facilities.
Gross Production
The total production of oil, gas or water from a well or field over a specific period of
time.
Gunk
Debris, dirt, paraffin, oil, mill scale and rust removed from a pipeline when
a scraper or a pig is used for cleaning purposes.

H
Hydrate
Compounds or complex ions that are formed by the union of water with other
substances. Hydrates can form in pipelines and in gas gathering, compression and
transmission facilities at reduced temperatures and high pressures. Once hydrates are
formed, they can plug the pipelines and significantly affect production operations.
Hydraulic Pumping
An artificial-lift system that operates using a downhole pump. A surface hydraulic
pump pressurizes crude oil called power oil, which drives the bottom pump. When a
single production string is used, the power oil is pumped down the tubing and a
mixture of the formation crude oil and power oil are produced through the casing-
tubing annulus. If two production strings are used, the power oil is pumped through
one of the pipes, and the mixture of formation crude oil and power oil are produced in
the other, parallel pipe.

I
Injection Gas
Natural gas injected into a formation to maintain or restore reservoir pressure. Other
reasons for gas injection are gas-lift operations, cycling in gas-condensate reservoirs
or storing gas.
Injection Pressure
The pressure needed to inject fluid into the formation to pressurize or displace
hydrocarbons.
Injection Water
Water injected into the reservoir to pressurize and displace hydrocarbons to producing
wells. Injection water is also used in water-storage operations in offshore and remote
locations with economic and environmental constraints.
Injectivity Test
A procedure conducted to establish the rate and pressure at which fluids can be
pumped into the treatment target without fracturing the formation.
Most stimulation treatments and remedial repairs, such as squeeze cementing, are
performed following an injection test to help determine the key treatment parameters
and operating limits. Likewise, injection tests are also conducted when pumping
secondary recovery fluids such as water, nitrogen [N2], carbon dioxide [CO2], natural
gas and steam.
Instrumented Pig
A device made of rubber or polyurethane that has electronic devices. An
instrumented pig is run through a pipeline to record irregularities that could
represent corrosion. An instrumented pig is also called a smart pig.
IPR
A mathematical tool used in production engineering to assess well performance by
plotting the well production rate against the flowing bottomhole pressure (BHP). The
data required to create the IPR are obtained by measuring the production rates under
various drawdown pressures. The reservoir fluid composition and behavior of the
fluid phases under flowing conditions determine the shape of the curve.
Isochronal Test
A type of deliverability test conducted in gas wells. This test is used to generate
a stabilized gas deliverability curve (IPR) without actually flowing the well for the
time required to achieve stabilized conditions (pseudosteady state). This type of test is
especially useful for low-permeability reservoirs.
In an isochronal test, the well flows at a constant rate and then is shut in, allowing
the pressure to build up to the average reservoir pressure. The same procedure
typically is repeated four times. It is called isochronal because the flow periods are of
the same length. A stabilized point (pseudosteady state) is usually obtained at the end
of the test.

K
Knockout
Liquid condensed by a scrubber following a compression and cooling process.

L
Lead Acetate Test
A test to detect hydrogen sulfide in a fluid by discoloration of a paper moistened with
the lead acetate solution. It is important to determine the presence and amount of
hydrogen sulfide because this gas is extremely poisonous, highly flammable,
explosive and corrosive.
Leak Detection
The determination of the location of a leak in a pipeline. In onshore operations, this
can be done by external detection or by using material balance leak-detection systems.
In offshore operations, the task is more difficult because of the lack of inlet flow-rate
measurements and the considerable solubility of natural gas in seawater at high
pressures and low temperatures (seafloor level).
In deepwater operations with multiphase flow, indications of a leak may not be
present at the ocean surface or it could be considerably displaced from the site of
origination. In these circumstances, an energy-balance technique based on the changes
in frictional losses through the pipeline is a powerful tool.
Lean Gas
- Natural gas that contains a few or no liquefiable liquid hydrocarbons. Lean gas is
also called dry gas.
- Residual gas, mainly methane and ethane, that remains after the heavier
hydrocarbons have been condensed in the wellhead. When the lean gas is liquefied, it
is called liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Lean Gas Condensate
A gas condensate with low condensate formation in the reservoir (when the
bottomhole pressure is reduced below the dewpoint pressure).
Lean Oil
Liquid hydrocarbon utilized to remove heavier components from the gas stream in a
gas processing plant.
Light Crude Oil
Crude oil that has a high API gravity, usually more than 40o.
Light Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons with low molecular weight such as methane, ethane, propane and
butane.
Liquefied Natural Gas
Natural gas, mainly methane and ethane, which has been liquefied at cryogenic
temperatures. This process occurs at an extremely low temperature and
a pressure near the atmospheric pressure. When a gas pipeline is not available to
transport gas to a marketplace, such as in a jungle or certain remote regions offshore,
the gas may be chilled and converted to liquefied natural gas (a liquid) to transport
and sell it. The term is commonly abbreviated as LNG.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Gas mainly composed of propane and butane, which has been liquefied at low
temperatures and moderate pressures. The gas is obtainable from refinery gases or
after the cracking process of crude oil.
Liquefied petroleum gas is also called bottle gas. At atmospheric pressure, it is easily
converted into gas and can be used industrially or domestically. The term is
commonly abbreviated as LPG.
Liquid Hydrocarbons
Liquid compounds such as propanes, butanes, pentanes and heavier products extracted
from the gas flowstream.

M
Makeup Gas
Gas injected into a gas-condensate reservoir to maintain the pressure level, thus
preventing further condensate dropout.
Measuring Tank
A calibrated tank that automatically measures the liquid volume passing through it.
Measuring tanks are also called metering tanks or dump tanks.
Meter
A device used to measure volumes or rates of fluids (liquid or gas).
Meter Calibration
The operation to adjust the meter to a specific standard.
Meter Capacity
The maximum and the minimum rate of flow specified by the manufacturer to
maintain accuracy in the readings.
Meter Difference
The difference in gas volume registered using two different meters.
Meter Factor
A correction number for the meter. It is determined by calibrating the meter using an
incompressible fluid (liquid).
Meter Slippage
The volume of liquid that is not registered by the meter at a specific flow rate.
Million Standard Cubic Feet
A common measure for gas volume. Standard conditions are normally set at 60 oF and
14.7 psia, abbreviated MMscf.
Modified Isochronal Test
A type of deliverability test conducted in gas wells to generate a stabilized gas
deliverability curve (IPR). This test overcomes the limitation of the isochronal test,
which requires long shut-in times to reach the average reservoir pressure.
In the modified isochronal test, the shut-in periods are of equal duration, as are the
flowing periods. The final shut-in pressure before the beginning of the new flow is
used as an approximation of the average reservoir pressure. The same procedure is
typically repeated four times. A stabilized point (pseudo steady state) is usually
obtained at the end of the test.
Modified isochronal tests are commonly used in gas wells, because they require less
time and money to produce results comparable to the isochronal test.
Mosquito Bill
A tubular placed at the bottom of the subsurface sucker-rod pump and inside the gas
anchor to drive the formation fluid with little or no gas into the pump.
Mscf/d
Abbreviation for a thousand standard cubic feet per day, a common measure for
volume of gas. Standard conditions are normally set at 60oF and 14.7 psia.
Mud Anchor
Large diameter pipe placed outside the gas anchor to reduce the amount of solids
carried by the formation liquid entering the subsurface sucker-rod pump.
Multiphase Meter
A device that can register individual fluid flow rates of oil and gas when more than
one fluid is flowing through a pipeline. A multiphase meter provides accurate readings
even when different flow regimes are present in the multiphase flow. When using
single-phase meters, the fluid mixture (oil and gas) coming from the wellbore must
pass through a fluid-separation stage (separator) prior metering. Otherwise, the
readings of the single-phase meters will be inaccurate. Separators are not necessary
for multiphase metering, and the meters can support different proportions of gas and
oil. Multiphase meters provide the advantage of continuous well monitoring, which is
not possible using single-phase meters. Additionally, multiphase meters cost less,
weigh less and require less space. Multiphase meters are more common in deepwater
operations, where well-intervention operations are often prohibitively expensive.

N
Naphthene-base Crude Oil
Crude oil containing asphaltic materials but very little or no paraffin wax. This type of
oil is suitable for making gasoline, lubricating oil and asphalt. It is also called asphalt-
base crude.
Natural Gas Liquid
Components of natural gas that are liquid at surface in field facilities or in gas-
processing plants. Natural gas liquids can be classified according to their vapor
pressures as low (condensate), intermediate (natural gasoline) and high (liquefied
petroleum gas) vapor pressure.
Natural gas liquids include propane, butane, pentane, hexane and heptane, but
not methane and ethane, since these hydrocarbons need refrigeration to be liquefied.
The term is commonly abbreviated as NGL.
Natural Gasoline
A natural gas liquid with a vapor pressure intermediate between condensate and
liquefied petroleum gas. This liquid hydrocarbon mixture is recovered at normal
pressure and temperature and is much more volatile and unstable than commercial
gasoline.
Net Gas Production
The volume of gas produced less gas injected.
Net Oil Production
The volume of oil produced less oil injected. In hydraulic pumping, the oil injected is
known as power oil.
Nonhydrocarbon Contaminants
Contaminants such as hydrogen sulfide [H2S], carbon dioxide [CO2], nitrogen [N2],
and water, which are commonly associated with oil and gas production.

O
Orifice Meter
An instrument that records the flow rate of gas through a pipeline. The flow rate is
calculated from the pressure differential created by the fluid passing through an
orifice of a particular size and other parameters such as static pressure, temperature,
density of the fluid and size of the pipe.
Overtravel
A condition in downhole pumping operations that occurs when the stroke length at the
subsurface sucker-rod pump is longer than the surface stroke length (polished rod).
This phenomenon is caused by the elongation of the rod string because of dynamic
loads imposed by the pumping cycle.
In this situation, when the upstroke begins at the surface, the downhole pump maybe
still be moving downward; when the downstroke begins, the downhole pump is still
moving upward.

P
Paraffin-base Crude Oil
A device for measuring in situ the velocity of fluid flow in a production or injection
well in which a packer is inflated between the tool housing and the casing wall,
causing the total fluid flow to pass inside the tool and over a spinner. The
measurement is made with the tool stationary, after borehole fluids have been pumped
to inflate the packer. The packer flowmeter was introduced in the mid-1950s. It is a
type of diverter flowmeter, but has generally been replaced by petal basket and
inflatable diverter flowmeters.
Permanent Well Monitoring
A situation in which the well and the reservoir are continuously monitored. On the
basis of this information, the well completion may be adjusted remotely to adapt to
changes in downhole conditions. A permanent well monitoring system is composed of
the following:
· Inflow control valves that enable choking or shutting off different zones according
performance such as drawdown, GOR or water cut
· Downhole sensors that register pressure, fluid flow rate and temperature
· Control lines for power transmission and transferring of monitored downhole data
captured by downhole sensors.
· A surface control unit to handle the monitored data and for remote operation of the
downhole inflow control valves.
Wells with permanent monitoring systems are commonly called intelligent or smart
wells. Permanent well monitoring is commonly used in multilateral wells, where
hydraulically independent valves control the flow of each lateral and in deepwater
wells, where well-intervention operations are often prohibitively expensive.
Permanent well monitoring helps improve reservoir management by quickly choking
or shutting off zones, avoiding expensive well intervention. It also helps
maximize production and optimize recovery.
Pig
- A device with blades or brushes inserted in a pipeline for cleaning purposes.
The pressure of the oil stream behind pushes the pig along the pipeline to clean out
rust, wax, scale and debris. These devices are also called scrapers.
- A spheroid implement used to displace liquid hydrocarbons from natural
gas pipelines. They are also called signaling and batching pigs.
- To run a scraper, or pig, through a pipeline for cleaning purposes.
Pig Run
The trip of a pig through a pipeline for cleaning purposes.
Pigging
The act of forcing a device called a pig through a pipeline for the purposes of
displacing or separating fluids, and cleaning or inspecting the line.
Pitot Tube
A measuring device for determining the gas-flow rate. It is composed of a 1/8-inch
tube inserted horizontally along the axis of the gas flowline. The pressure at the end of
the tube is compared with the static pressure to determine the final gas flow rate
within the flow line.
PLT
Abbreviation for Production Logging Tool.
Plunger Lift
A type of gas-lift method that uses a plunger that goes up and down inside the tubing.
The plunger provides an interface between the liquid phase and the lift gas,
minimizing liquid fallback. The plunger has a bypass valve that opens at the top of the
tubing and closes when it reaches the bottom. Plunger-lift methods are used to remove
water and condensate from a well, but they can handle only a limited column of
liquid. Typically, these methods are applied on gas wells with high gas liquid
ratio (GLR) to operate only with formation gas.
Pony Rod
A rod shorter than usual, usually placed below the polished rod and used to make
a rod string of a desired length.
Power Oil
In hydraulic pumping, the crude oil that is pressurized at surface to energize the
bottom pump.
Power-fluid Injection Rate
Volume of fluid injected in a well during hydraulic pumping.
Pressure Capability
The maximum pressure an electrical submersible pump can withstand. This pressure
is directly related to the differential pressure between the discharge and the suction
pressures, and it is always limited by the maximum capacity of the equipment.
Profile Testing
A procedure that involves sampling gas and liquid at different points across the
diameter of pipe to evaluate the degree of stratification at a specific location.
Progressive Cavity Pumping System
A type of a sucker rod-pumping unit that uses a rotor and a stator. The rotation of the
rods by means of an electric motor at surface causes the fluid contained in a cavity to
flow upward. It is also called a rotary positive-displacement unit.
Pump Barrel
The cylinder of the downhole pump.
Pump Submergence
The difference in hydrostatic head between the pump depth and the dynamic fluid
level above the pump. The pump submergence is continuously monitored to adjust the
pump flow rate and avoid a pump-off condition.
Pump Volumetric Efficiency
The relationship between actual pump displacement and the pump displacement under
ideal conditions. The relationship can be expressed as percentage. A reduction in
pump volumetric efficiency is an indication of an operational problem in the well. In
sucker-rod pumps, the gas lock and gas interference phenomena can significantly
reduce the volumetric efficiency of the pump.
Pump-off
A phenomenon produced when pump submergence into the fluid column is low. A
pump-off situation will increase the gas intake, thus reducing the pump efficiency.
the pump.

R
Radioactive Tracer
A component of a production-logging tool that carries a radioactive solution (often
carnotite) that can be selectively released into a flow stream. When the radioactive
solution is released into an injected fluid, the movement of the mixture can be traced
by gamma ray detectors located in the tool.
Radioactive tracers are generally used in injection wells rather than in production
wells to avoid radioactive contamination at the surface. The main applications of
radioactive tracers include establishing flow profiles in injection wells, detecting fluid
movements behind the pipe, and locating leaking packers and fluid movement
between wells.
Range of Load
The difference between the maximum load reached in the upstroke and the minimum
load registered in the downstroke.
Raw Crude Oil
Crude oil direct from the wellbore, before it is treated in a gas separation plant. It
usually contains nonhydrocarbon contaminants.
Raw Natural Gas
Gas coming directly from the wellbore containing nonhydrocarbon contaminants and
hydrocarbons that can be liquefied.
Recoverable Gas Lift Gas
Injection gas that has returned to surface and it is not reinjected into the gas-lift
system. Instead, it is transferred to a pipeline. This gas is sometimes called spent gas-
lift gas.
Remotely Operated Vehicle
An unmanned submersible vehicle controlled from surface. In deepwater operations,
remotely operated vehicles are used to inspect subsea structures and equipment, and
to control or manipulate valves. They can operate at depths from 1500 to 10,000 ft
[457 to 3048 m]. This term is commonly abbreviated as ROV.
Retrograde Condensation
The formation of liquid hydrocarbons in a gas reservoir as the pressure in the
reservoir decreases below dew point pressure during production. It is called retrograde
because some of the gas condenses into a liquid under isothermal conditions instead
of expanding or vaporizing when pressure is decreased.
Rich Gas
Natural gas containing heavier hydrocarbons than a lean gas. Its liquid content adds
important economic value to developments containing this type of fluid.
Rich Gas Condensate
Gas condensate comprising significant amounts of heavy hydrocarbon products,
which can produce relatively large volumes of condensate.
Rich Oil
Lean oil that has absorbed heavier hydrocarbon components from a gas stream.
Rotational Gas Lift
A gas-lift system that recycles the injected gas using compressors. This closed system
does not require an external source of gas for operating the gas-lift system.

S
Sand Bailer
A swabbing device used to clean up sand that has accumulated in the wellbore.
Because sands abrasiveness is detrimental to the normal operation
of production equipment, its production should be minimized. A sand bailer operates
by creating a partial vacuum that sucks up the sand.
Satellite Platform
A platform on which surface multiphase pumps can be mounted and connected to
subsea multiphase pumps.
Scrub
To remove impurities, water, liquid hydrocarbons or traces of other gases by passing
the gas flowstream through a scrubber, a device in which the gas is mixed with a
suitable liquid that absorbs or washes out the constituent to be removed.
Scrubber
A device to remove dirt, water, foreign matter, or undesired liquids that are part of the
gas flowstream. Air can be used to absorb water; also an oil bath might be useful to
remove dust, dirt or other liquids. A scrubber is used to protect downstream rotating
equipment or to recover valuable liquids from gas.
Scrubber Oil
Oil recovered from a knockout or scrubber device.
Separator Backpressure
The pressure required to force fluids to enter a separator.
Separator Gas
The gas that remains after its separation from condensate.
Single-tank Composite Sample
The mixture of liquid samples taken from the upper, middle and lower sections of a
storage tank. Normally the storage tanks (upright cylindrical or horizontal cylindrical
tanks) in the oil field contain crude oil, water and emulsions.
Slow-release Inhibitor
A substance added at slow rate to the production fluid stream to prevent corrosion.
Slug Flow
A type of flow in which surface equipment may be damaged by the sudden impact of
a liquid slug in a phenomenon called water hammer.
Slugging
Accumulation of a water, oil or condensate in a gas pipeline. These fluids need to be
removed using a pig.
Slugging Compound
A chemical used to break emulsions to determine the total amount of sediment and
water in the samples.
Sonolog
An acoustic device that measures the time required for an explosive sound to echo
from the annular liquid level in nonflowing wells. The time is proportional to the
distance from the surface to the liquid. It is used to determine backpressure in
the formation or a static fluid level in the annulus. It is also known as an echo meter.
Sour Crude Oil
A crude oil containing hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide or mercaptans.
Sour Gas
A gas containing hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide or mercaptans, all of which are
extremely harmful.
Spin Flowmeter
A production logging method that uses a small propeller turned by fluid movement.
The number of turns of the propeller can be related to the amount of fluid passing
through the instrument.
These devices are used to determine which of several zones contributes the most to
the total production or, in the case of an injection well, which zone is receiving the
most injected fluids.
Stabilized
A term describing a flowing well when its rate of production through a
given choke size remains constant, or in the case of a pumping well, when the fluid
column within the well remains constant in height.
Standing Valve
In a subsurface sucker-rod pump, a valve that permits flow up the tubing to fill the
pump-barrel chamber while preventing downward flow.
Static Fluid Level
The level to which fluid rises in a well when the well is shut in. The hydrostatic head
of this fluid is equal to the well bottomhole pressure.
Strainer
A device used to catch and hold the debris flowing in pipelines. Such foreign
materials can cause severe damage to meters or other surface equipment.
Stroke
In a sucker-rod pump, one complete round of the polished rod (surface stroke). On
each stroke, a fixed volume of liquid is lifted. This volume is related to the cross-
sectional area of the pump and the length of the stroke.
The stroke length at the subsurface sucker-rod pump usually differs from the surface
stroke because of the stretching in the upstroke and the rebounding in the downstroke.
Strokes per Minute
The number of strokes the polished rod completes in one minute. This determines the
rate at which liquid is pumped. If the number of strokes per minute is increased, the
pump rate is also increased. This term is also referred to as stroke speed.
Sulfur Light Crude
Light crude oil containing sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide.
Sweet Crude Oil
Oil containing small amounts of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide.
Sweet Gas
Natural gas that contains small amounts of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide.

T
Temperature Survey
A temperature data set taken at various depths in the wellbore. Temperature surveys
are used to determine the top of cement behind the casing, fluid contacts and water
influx. It is also useful to check for valve and casing leaks after the well has been
temporarily shut down.
Thousands Standard Cubic Feet per Day
A common measure for volume of gas. Standard conditions are normally set at 60 oF
and 14.7 psia, abbreviated Mscf/d.
Traveling Valve
In a subsurface sucker-rod pump, the valve that closes the barrel chamber allowing
the trapped fluid to be lifted in the upstroke of the pump. This valve is similar in
configuration to the standing valve.
Tubing Pressure
Pressure on the tubing in a well, as measured at the wellhead.

U
Underground Gas Storage
Gas that is being stored in salt domes, salt layers or depleted oil and gas fields.
Upstroke
The stage of downhole pumping at which the polished rod is going up and the
downhole pump is pumping fluid.
Undertravel
In sucker-rod pumping, a situation that occurs when the stroke length at the downhole
pump is shorter than the surface stroke length.

W
Water Cut
The ratio of water produced compared to the volume of total liquids produced. The
water cut in water drive reservoirs can reach very high values.
Water Production
The volume of produced water associated with oil production. In water
drive reservoirs, water production can be significantly higher than oil production from
a field. Consequently, treatment and disposal of produced water, especially in remote
locations, have an important impact on the feasibility of a project.
Water/Oil Ratio
The ratio of produced water to produced oil, abbreviated WOR.
Wellhead Backpressure
The pressure registered in the wellhead of a producing well.
Wet Gas
Natural gas containing significant heavy hydrocarbons. Propane, butane and
other liquid hydrocarbons can be liquefied.
Wet Oil
Oil that contains basic sediment and water (BS&W).