Definitions of words and terms used in the gas processing industry.
For questions regarding incorrect/outdated entries or suggestion for adding additional terms, please contact Martin Erne
The temperature at which a liquid becomes a solid.
The freezing point of water is at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
The total flow stream or effluent from a producing well containing all the constituents of the reservoir fluids
The full well stream of this well has a very high gas-oil ratio.
A form of matter having no definite shape or volume unless confined.
When not confined, a gas continues to expand. Technically, a gas will not condense when it is compressed and cooled, because a gas can exist only above the critical temperature for its particular composition. Below the critical temperature, this form of matter is known as a vapor because liquid can exist, and condensation can occur. Sometimes the terms "gas" and "vapor" are used interchangeably; however, the term "vapor" should be used for those streams in which condensation can occur which originate from, or are in equilibrium with, a liquid phase.
The gas that is added to the head space in order to increase the pressure that exists above the liquid product vapor pressure.
An inert gas blanket was used to reduce the emission of light hydrocarbons.
The natural gas zone located above the oil zone in a reservoir.
A large gas cap in a reservoir reduces the likelihood of needing secondary recovery for the crude oil present.
An analytical instrument which separates mixtures of substances into identifiable components.
The inlet gas is analyzed by a gas chromatograph (a "GC") to determine the amount of liquefiable hydrocarbons available for processing.
A hydrocarbon reservoir with natural gas which will yield condensate.
A gas condensate reservoir typically does not have secondary & tertiary recovery methods for extended production, whereas an oil reservoir often would.
A number which mathematically is the product of the total volume and the total pressure divided by the absolute temperature for one mole of any ideal gas or mixture of ideal gases at any temperature.
The gas constant is correct for ideal gases but is only approximately correct for hydrocarbon natural gas streams. R=10.7316 in US Customary units
A manner of producing crude oil or other liquids from the reservoir wherein the required energy is provided by existing gas pressure.
Sufficient gas pressure in the reservoir created a gas drive, eliminating the need to artificially lift the crude oil to the surface.
The addition of gas into a reservoir to maintain or increase the reservoir pressure or reduce the rate of decline of the reservoir pressure.
Gas injection is a technique sometimes used to lengthen the producing life of a reservoir.
A means of enhancing crude oil or water production by injecting gas into the producing well bore.
A gas lift system injects gas into the well bore to provide the energy to bring crude oil to the surface.
The separation of a natural gas stream into products that meet market specifications.
Gas processing commonly produces residue gas, helium, carbon dioxide, and natural gas liquids as marketable products.
A plant which processes natural gas for recovery of natural gas liquids and sometimes other substances such as sulfur.
Gas processing plants were formerly known as gasoline plants, but the term was changed to distinguish gas processing plants from units in refineries that produce gasoline.
A geological formation containing a single phase fluid that, when produced, may or may not yield condensed liquid, depending on the temperature, pressure, and composition of the reservoir.
The most abundant component in a gas reservoir is typically methane.
An engine in which a gaseous fluid, under pressure or formed by combustion, is directed against a series of blades which converts the energy in the expanding gas into rotary motion.
Gas turbines can be used to drive pumps or to produce electricity.
A drilled and cased bore which facilitates the production of the hydrocarbon contents of a gas reservoir.
A gas well may produce petroleum liquids just as an oil well may produce associated gas. Legal definitions vary among regulatory bodies.
The gas produced in the natural gas zone above the oil zone in a reservoir.
Over producing the gas-cap gas may shorten the life of the producing reservoir.
The ratio of gas to liquid hydrocarbon commonly expressed as cubic feet per barrel, with both volumes corrected to standard conditions.
The gas-oil ratio is also sometimes referred to as GOR or flash factor. This is expressed as standard cubic feet per barrel of stock tank liquid. This value can be determined at various places in the production process, including at the reservoir and at various stages of separation. Some regulatory bodies have statutory definitions relative to gas-oil ratio content.
The hydrocarbon vapor produced or separated at surface conditions from the full well stream produced from a gas reservoir.
The gas-well gas produced from this reservoir has proven to be very lean.
The hydrocarbon liquid separated at surface conditions from the full well stream produced from a gas reservoir.
The gas-well liquids produced from this reservoir have proven to be very rich in aromatic hydrocarbons.
A volatile hydrocarbon product which by its composition is suitable for use as a fuel in spark-ignition internal combustion engines.
The price of motor gasoline has gone down over the last few weeks.
The network of pipelines which carries hydrocarbon production from wells to processing plants or other facilities.
The gathering system in this field has a relatively low pressure.
An alcohol, containing two hydroxyl radicals, used to dehydrate gaseous or liquid hydrocarbons or to inhibit the formation of hydrates.
In the North Sea, injecting glycol into underwater pipelines, carrying produced natural gas to onshore, can be very effective in the prevention of the formation of hydrates. Commonly used glycols are ethylene glycol (EG), diethylene glycol (DEG), and triethylene glycol (TEG).
A measurement made by weighing.
The calibration blend was produced by gravimetric preparation, weighing the calibration blend as it changed.
A device for measuring the relative densities (specific gravities) of solids, liquids or gases at a given temperature and pressure.
Gravitometers & flow meters are used when inferred mass measurement is in use.
