Caustic Service

Steel pipe installed in a wellbore to provide structural integrity and prevent contamination between different geological formations, requiring specialized installation and cementing services that subcontractors frequently provide during drilling operations.

The construction and assembly of the above-water structures on offshore platforms, including decks, modules, and processing equipment, where subcontractors are typically engaged for specialised trades such as structural welding, pipefitting, electrical, and instrumentation work. For field service companies, topside scopes often involve strict offshore safety certifications, remote logistics, and milestone-based billing tied to fabrication progress.

A contract between an operator and a service company that establishes the general terms and conditions for all future work. Individual jobs are then executed under work orders or AFEs referencing the MSA.

To create precisely spaced holes or openings in oil well casing and cement at a target formation depth, allowing hydrocarbons to flow into the wellbore; subcontractors providing perforating services typically work under wireline or coiled tubing crews and must coordinate closely with the operator's completion schedule.

The initial release of fluids, sand, and gases from a wellbore after hydraulic fracturing, which requires specialised crews and equipment on-site to manage, separate, and dispose of the returned materials safely. For field service subcontractors, flowback operations represent a distinct scope of work with dedicated mobilisation requirements and often involve tight scheduling windows tied to the operator's completion timeline.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The US federal agency responsible for workplace safety regulations. Compliance with OSHA standards is required for contractors working in the United States.

What Is an AFE in Oil and Gas and How Does It Affect Subcontractor Payments?

An AFE (Authorization for Expenditure) controls every dollar spent on an oilfield project. Learn how it affects your billing, change orders, and cash flow as a subcontractor.