K

Kansas-Nebraska (KN) Method

A method used to functionalize Administrative and General (A&G) costs. The "KN Method" initially classifies A&G costs as being related to either labor, gas plant, or other. The expenses classified as "other" are allocated to labor and plant on a pro rata basis. This pro rata basis is determined by the ratio of the total labor-related A&G costs and the total plant-related A&G costs to the total of both plant and labor-related A&G costs.

Kelly

The heavy square or hexagonal steel pipe which goes through the rotary table and turns the drill string (also called grief stem).

Kerogen

The hydrocarbon that occurs naturally in oil shale.

Kerosene, also Kerosine

An oily liquid obtained in the distilling of gasoline in a temperature range from 174-288 degree C. A hydrocarbon of specific gravity of 0.747 to 0.775. Used as fuel for some internal combustion engines, heating equipment, and illuminating purposes. A heavy grade known as range oil is used for cooking and heating.

Key Bed

A rock stratum that can be identified over large areas and from which measurements can be taken to determine geologic structure.

Key Seat

In drilling a well, a channel, or groove cut in the side of the hole, parallel to the axis of the hole. Key seating takes place as a result of dragging action of pipe on a dog-leg. In machine work, a groove cut in a shaft or pulley bore parallel with the axis.

Kicker-Line

A small diameter pipeline connected to the inlet side of a sending scraper trap which contains gas pressure exceeding that in the main pipeline for the purpose of propelling a cleaner-scraper into a main gas stream.

Killing A Well

The act of bringing under control a well which is blowing out; also applied to the procedure of circulating water and mud into a completed well before starting well operations.

Kilowatt (KW)

A unit of electrical work equivalent to 1,000 watts, 1.3414 horsepower, or .9478 Btu/sec. (See ELECTRIC ENERGY).

Kinetic Energy

Energy possessed by a body due to its own motion.

Knockout

Fractioning system for removal of such heavy

Known Change Adjustments

See ANNUALIZATION.