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Industry Glossary Term

Fractionation

The process of separating raw natural gas into sellable components like propane, butane, and ethane at a processing facility. Subcontractors often support fractionation plants through instrumentation, maintenance, and turnaround work. Understanding the process helps crews align their scope with plant operating priorities.

Related Terms

Combined-Cycle

Industry

A power generation system that uses both gas and steam turbines to maximise efficiency. Subcontractors working these facilities must be prepared for complex, multi-system shutdowns and specialised maintenance scopes. Expect longer turnaround windows and stricter equipment handling requirements.

Pump Station

Industry

A facility that moves oil, gas, or water through a pipeline using mechanical pumps. Subcontractors are frequently mobilised to pump stations for maintenance, inspection, and equipment servicing work. These sites often require specific safety certifications and site orientations before work begins.

Pressure Pumping

Industry

A well stimulation service involving the high-pressure injection of fluids — such as fracturing fluid, cement, or acid — into a wellbore to improve production or complete the well; for subcontractors, it represents a specialised, equipment-intensive scope of work that typically requires certified operators, dedicated pump trucks, and close coordination with the primary operator on site.

Abrasive Blasting

Industry

A surface preparation method that uses high-pressure propelled media (sand, steel grit, or slag) to clean and profile metal surfaces before coating or painting. Subcontractors performing this work typically require specialised equipment, trained operators, and site-specific permits. It is common in pipeline, vessel, and structural steel maintenance scopes.

Bbl/d (barrels Per Day)

Industry

A measure of how much oil a well or facility produces daily. Operators use Bbl/d targets to schedule field service crews and equipment. Higher Bbl/d often means more maintenance contracts and longer mobilisation windows for subcontractors.

Pipeline Commissioning

Industry

The final phase of pipeline construction where systems are tested, cleaned, and activated before handover to the operator. Subcontractors are often mobilised for hydrotesting, pigging, and tie-in work during this stage. Scope can expand quickly, so track change orders closely.

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