FieldNews
Subscribe

Daily oil & gas and construction news for subcontractors

IndustryGlossary Term

Geothermal Leasing

A government-issued agreement granting rights to develop heat energy from underground resources on a specific land parcel. For subcontractors, these leases define where drilling, piping, and surface work can legally occur. Active leases signal steady long-term project work, particularly in western Canada.

Related Terms

Dekatherm

Industry

A unit of energy equal to 10 therms or roughly one million BTUs, used to measure and price natural gas volumes. Subcontractors working on gas facilities or pipelines will encounter this unit in contracts and billing documents. Knowing the conversion helps you verify measurement and invoicing accuracy on natural gas projects.

Derivative Goods

Industry

Products created by processing or transforming raw materials supplied under a contract, such as fabricated components or treated fluids. Subcontractors must clarify ownership rights over derivative goods before work begins. Contracts often assign these rights to the prime contractor or client by default.

SWD (Saltwater Disposal)

Industry

The process of injecting produced water from oil and gas operations into approved underground formations. Subcontractors may operate or service SWD facilities, including pump maintenance, wellbore work, and fluid hauling. Understanding SWD volumes and schedules helps crews plan trucking, pit management, and injection equipment needs.

Run-Life

Industry

The expected operational lifespan of a downhole tool or piece of equipment before it requires servicing or replacement. For subcontractors, run-life directly affects rental billing cycles, maintenance scheduling, and equipment mobilisation costs. Shorter run-lives can erode margins if replacement or redress costs aren't priced into the contract.

Geothermal Brine

Industry

Highly mineralised, hot saltwater extracted from underground geothermal reservoirs during energy production. Subcontractors handling it must follow strict corrosion control and PPE protocols. Disposal and handling are heavily regulated due to its chemical content.

VRU (Vapour Recovery Unit)

Industry

A compression system that captures hydrocarbon vapours from storage tanks or production equipment instead of venting them. Subcontractors are often hired to install, maintain, or service VRUs to meet emissions regulations. Familiarity with VRU work is increasingly required on oil and gas production sites.

Stay sharp on field operations

Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe to FieldNews
A community project byAimsio