FieldNews
Subscribe
Industry Glossary Term

Electrification

The shift from diesel-powered equipment to electric or hybrid alternatives on job sites. For subcontractors, this affects equipment specs, crew certifications, and bid requirements. Clients increasingly mandate electrification targets, changing what gear and skills you must supply.

Related Terms

Wastewater Injection

Industry

The process of pumping produced water or other fluid waste deep into underground formations for disposal. Subcontractors operating injection pumps or wellbore equipment must meet strict provincial and federal disposal regulations. Work often requires specialised well integrity certifications and detailed fluid volume reporting.

Instrument Air Systems

Industry

Compressed air networks that power pneumatic valves, controls, and instrumentation on oil and gas and industrial sites. Subcontractors must ensure supplied air meets strict dryness and purity standards before connecting equipment. Contaminated or wet instrument air can damage sensitive controls and trigger costly shutdowns.

EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction)

Industry

A project delivery model where one main contractor handles all phases from design to completion, typically creating multiple subcontracting opportunities for field service companies across different project phases. For subcontractors, EPC projects often mean working under a prime contractor who coordinates all trades and manages the overall timeline and specifications.

Prime Contractor

Industry

The main company awarded a project contract who then hires subcontractors to perform portions of the work. As a sub, your agreement, invoicing, and compliance obligations flow through them—not the end client. They carry overall site liability and typically control scheduling and scope.

Miocene Formation

Industry

A geological layer dating from roughly 5 to 23 million years ago, often targeted for oil and gas production. Subcontractors may encounter specific drilling, completion, or well-servicing scopes tied to Miocene reservoirs. Formation characteristics influence equipment selection, mud programmes, and crew specialisation requirements.

SAGD (Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage)

Industry

A heavy oil extraction method using paired horizontal wells where steam is injected into the upper well to heat bitumen, allowing it to drain by gravity to the lower production well. Creates specialized maintenance and service opportunities for subcontractors in steam generation equipment, wellhead systems, and pipeline infrastructure at oil sands operations.

Stay sharp on field operations

Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe to FieldNews
A community project by Aimsio