BAKER HUGHES - Drilling Fluids Reference Manual

GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Iodine Number - The number indicating the amount of iodine absorbed by oils, fats, and waxes,
giving a measure of the unsaturated linkages present. Generally, the higher the iodine number the
more severe the action of the oil on rubber.
Ions - Acids, bases, and salts (electrolytes) when dissolved in certain solvents, especially water, are
more or less dissociated into electrically charged ions or parts of the molecules, due to loss or gain of
one or more electrons. Loss of electrons results in positive charges producing a cation. A gain of
electrons results in the formation of an anion with negative charges. The valence of an ion is equal to
the number of charges borne by it.
Jetting - The process of periodically removing a portion of, or all of, the water, fluid and/or solids,
from the pits, usually by means of pumping through a jet nozzle arrangement.
Kelly - A heavy square or hexagonal pipe that works through a like hole in the rotary table and
rotates the drill string. The kelly contains a fluid path through which the drilling mud can be pumped
down through the drill string. The kelly is connected on its upper end to the swivel which allows it to
be rotated, thereby rotating the drillstring.
Kelly Bushing - An adapter that serves to connect the rotary table to the Kelly. The Kelly bushing
has an inside diameter profile that matches that of the Kelly, usually square or hexagonal. It is
connected to the rotary table by large steel pins that fit into mating holes in the rotary table. The
rotary motion from the rotary table is transmitted to the bushing through the pins, and then to the
Kelly itself through the square or hexagonal flat surfaces between the Kelly and the Kelly bushing.
The Kelly then turns the entire drillstring.
Kelly Cock - A valve in the Kelly that allows pressure to be shut off and prevent reverse flow of
fluids from the drill string.
Kelly Hose - A large diameter (3 to 5 inch inside diameter, high-pressure flexible line used to
connect the standpipe to the swivel. This flexible piping arrangement permits the kelly (and, in turn
the drill string and bit) to be raised or lowered while drilling fluid is pumped through the drill string.
The simultaneous lowering of the drillstring while pumping fluid is critical to the drilling operation.
Key Seat - That section of a hole, usually of abnormal deviation and; relatively soft formation, which
has been eroded or worn by drill-pipe to a: size smaller than the tool joints or collars. This keyhole
type configuration will not allow these members to pass when pulling out of the hole causing the drill
string to become stuck.
Killing A Well - Bringing a well that is blowing out under control. Also; the procedure of circulating
water and fluid into a completed well before starting well-service operations.
BAKER HUGHES DRILLING FLUIDS
REFERENCE MANUAL
REVISION 2006 15-27