The phase after hydraulic fracturing when water, sand, and hydrocarbons flow back to surface from the wellbore. Subcontractors are often mobilised quickly to manage fluid handling, testing, and disposal. Flowback work can be short-duration but requires crews and equipment on standby.
Frac Flowback
Related Terms
Berth
IndustryA designated docking space where vessels load or offload equipment, materials, and crew. Subcontractors must coordinate mobilisation schedules around berth availability to avoid costly delays. Port congestion can directly impact your invoicing milestones and crew rotations.
Rig-Released
IndustryStatus indicating a drilling rig has been formally stood down and all associated services are no longer required. For subcontractors, it triggers demobilisation, final invoice submission, and crew release. Contracts often specify notice periods and standby rates tied to this status.
Hydrovac
IndustryA truck-mounted unit that uses pressurised water and a vacuum system to excavate soil safely around buried utilities. Subcontractors are frequently hired for hydrovac work on pipeline, civil, and utility projects. It is preferred over mechanical digging in areas with high strike risk.
Turnaround
IndustryA planned shutdown of a facility for maintenance, inspection, and repair. Turnarounds often require large numbers of contractors and subcontractors working intensive schedules.
Subcontractor
IndustryA company hired by a general contractor or directly by an operator to perform a specific portion of work. Subcontractors often specialize in particular services or trades.
Gathering System
IndustryA network of pipelines, compressors, and facilities that collect hydrocarbons from wellheads and move them to processing points. Subcontractors frequently support construction, inspection, and maintenance work across these systems. Scopes can span remote multi-well pads, requiring strong logistics and crew coordination.
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