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Energy Toolkit

Table of Contents

GLOSSARY OF OILPATCH TERMS

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W X Y Z

 
Rad
The unit of absorbed dose of energy from ionizing radiation in living systems. The rad represents a unit of energy imported to matter ionizing radiation per unit mass of the irradiated matter. It corresponds to 0.01 joules per kilogram of tissue.
 
 
Radionuclide
A radioactive nuclide (atom).
 
 
Raw Natural Gas
The mixture if lighter hydrocarbons and associated non-hydrocarbon substances occurring naturally in an underground reservoir, which, under atmospheric conditions, is essentially a gas, but may contain liquids.
 
 
Reaming
Operation whereby the well bore is made larger to carry out functions such as running casing, storing pipe, etc.
 
 
Recovery Factor
The ratio of recoverable oil and/or gas reserves to the estimated oil and/or gas in place in the reservoir.
 
 
Recovery Methods / Primary
The volume of crude oil recoverable from a reservoir through natural depletion processes only.
 
 
Recovery Methods / Tertiary
The incremental volume of crude oil recoverable from a reservoir other than through natural depletion and pressure maintenance processes.
 
 
Refining
Manufacture of petroleum products by a series of processes that separate crude oil into its major components and blend or convert these components into a wide range of finished products, such as liquefied petroleum gases, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, jet fuel, heating fuels, lubricants, asphalts and petrochemical feedstocks.
 
 
Reforming
A petroleum refining process, using employing catalysis, in which heat and pressure are used to cause cracking and isomerization of the hydrocarbon molecules in low-octane petroleum fractions. The reformed hydrocarbons have higher octane numbers than the original material.
 
 
Remaining Established Reserves
Initial established reserves less cumulative production.
 
 
Research Octane Number
The more recently developed of two numerical systems for measuring gasoline octane. The octance number of a gasoline reflects its anti-knock properties, that is, its ability to withstand compression without detonating in an internal combustion engine.
 
 
Reserve (Pool)
A porous and permeable underground formation of producible oil and/or natural gases, confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and characterized by a single natural pressure system.
 
 
Reserves Appreciation
Incremental changes in established reserves resulting from extension of existing pools and/or revisions to a previous reserves estimate and/or by application of improved recovery methods.
 
 
Reservoir
The underground formation where oil and gas has accumulated. It consists of a porous rock to hold the oil or gas, and a cap rock that prevents its escape.
 
 
Residuum
Liquid or semi-liquid products obtained as residues from the distillation of petroleum. They contain the asphaltic hydrocarbons. Also known as residual oils, asphaltum oil, liquid asphalt, black oil and petroleum tailings.
 
 
Retrofitting
Adding a device or materials to an existing unit for the purpose of enhancing the functional performance of the original unit. Sometimes referred to as backfitting.
 
 
Return on Capital
Net income (or profit) before extraordinary items, interest expense, and income taxes, divided by average capital. Shows how effectively a company is employing its capital to generate profit.
 
 
Return on Investment
A measure of the profitability of a business enterprise. The general form is profit divided by investment, but the calculations can take many alternative forms. Investment can refer to stockholders' equity only, or can also include long-term borrowed funds, or all resources available to a company (that is, total assets). Profits can be before or after corporate income taxes. Also referred to as a rate of return.
 
 
Revenue
Total revenue from operations, less sales and excise taxes, plus income from investments and any other pre-tax income.
 
 
Rotary Table
A machine over the well bore which transfers the power from the engines to a rotary motion.
 
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