Glossario
Glossario
Termini tecnici spiegati
COC (Cycle of Concentration)
A phenomenon in cooling water systems where dissolved substances like limescale remain in the cooling loop as water evaporates. Concentration increases until complete water exchange becomes necessary.
Closed Cooling Water System
A cooling system where water circulates without contact with the environment, cooled via chiller or heat exchanger. Typically has lower fouling risk than open systems.
Corrosion
Metal surface damage occurring where water or corrosive fluids contact metal pipes and equipment. The largest single maintenance cost in the oil and gas industry.
Downstream
The sector of oil and gas operations encompassing refineries and the petrochemical industry, where crude oil is processed into finished products.
ESP (Electric Submersible Pump)
A pump system installed downhole in oil wells for artificial lift. Used when natural reservoir pressure is insufficient to produce oil to the surface.
Emulsion
A mixture of two immiscible liquids where one is dispersed in the other. In oil and gas, crude oil emulsions with water resist separation and complicate processing.
FPSO
Floating Production Storage and Offloading unit. A vessel-type floating facility used by the offshore oil and gas industry for production, processing, and storage of hydrocarbons.
Fouling
The accumulation of unwanted material on surfaces. In heat exchangers, fouling reduces heat transfer efficiency and increases energy consumption.
MIC (Microbiologically Induced Corrosion)
Corrosion caused by microbiological organisms such as bacteria. Some microbes produce acids that damage metal surfaces, and biofilm settlements intensify the corrosive effects.
MPY (Mils per Year)
A measurement describing the corrosion rate of a metallic surface. Used to calculate material or weight loss during metal corrosion in pipes and processing equipment.
Midstream
The sector covering trunk lines, crude oil terminals, separation plants, and FPSO units, where crude oil is transported and initially processed.
Open Cooling Water System
A cooling system with environmental exchange through evaporation or addition of fresh water. This leads to concentration buildup of dissolved minerals over time.
PPD (Pour Point Depressant)
Chemical additives injected into crude oil to lower its pour point, allowing flow at lower temperatures than the crude's natural pour point.
Pigging
The practice of using pipeline inspection gauges (pigs) to clean, inspect, or maintain pipelines. Regular pigging removes deposits and ensures pipeline integrity.
Pour Point
The temperature below which crude oil ceases to flow. High pour point crude oils require special handling in cold climates and during pipeline restarts.
SRB (Sulfur Reducing Bacteria)
Anaerobic bacteria that inhabit environments near hydrothermal vents and within oil reservoirs. These organisms destabilize steel in pipelines and processing equipment through hydrogen sulfide production.
Scaling
The formation of mineral deposits on surfaces due to changes in temperature, pressure, or fluid composition. Common scale types include calcium carbonate and barium sulfate.
Upstream
The sector including wells, flow lines, gathering stations, and separation plants, where crude oil and gas are extracted from reservoirs.