Common EPC Projects Acronyms/Abbreviations
Explore this complete reference of common acronyms and abbreviations used in oil and gas EPC projects. From project management and engineering to process systems, control systems, safety, design, construction, and facility operations, this table provides clear explanations for each term. Engineers, planners, and project managers can quickly decode technical documents, improve project communication, and ensure accurate documentation. Ideal for both greenfield and brownfield projects, this resource makes understanding industry-specific terminology fast and effortless. Keep this guide handy to streamline workflows, enhance clarity, and stay aligned with standard EPC project practices.
| Acronym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Project Management & Engineering | |
| EPC | Engineering, Procurement, and Construction – a single contractor handles design, procurement, and construction. |
| EPCM | Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management – contractor manages engineering/procurement; construction done via multiple subcontractors. |
| FEED | Front End Engineering Design – preliminary engineering defining scope, cost, and technical requirements. |
| LSTK | Lump Sum Turn-Key – fixed-price contract covering all project phases from design to commissioning. |
| LLI | Long Lead Item – critical equipment or materials with long manufacturing/delivery times. |
| IFC | Issued For Construction – drawings/documents approved for site construction. |
| IFD | Issued For Design – documents released for engineering design purposes. |
| IFR | Issued For Review – documents issued for stakeholder review before construction. |
| TBT | Technical Bid Tabulation – comparison of contractor bids including technical and commercial details. |
| BOM | Bill Of Materials – list of all materials required for a project/system. |
| BOQ | Bill Of Quantities – itemized list of materials/quantities for estimating project cost. |
| MTO | Material Take-Off – inventory of materials needed for construction, derived from drawings. |
| SOW | Scope Of Work – defines project tasks, deliverables, and responsibilities. |
| RFP | Request For Proposal – document requesting vendor/contractor proposals. |
| PO | Purchase Order – official order to procure goods or services. |
| NTP | Notice To Proceed – authorization to begin work on a project. |
| KPI | Key Performance Indicator – metric to track progress or performance in a project. |
| Process & Technical | |
| PFD | Process Flow Diagram – diagram showing flow of materials and processes in a plant. |
| P&ID | Piping & Instrumentation Diagram – schematic showing piping, valves, and instrumentation. |
| HMB | Heat and Material/Mass Balance – calculation of mass and energy flows within a process. |
| PSV | Pressure Safety Valve – safety device that releases pressure to prevent overpressure situations. |
| PSM | Process Safety Management – systematic approach to identify, evaluate, and control process hazards. |
| SIL | Safety Integrity Level – measure of safety system reliability and performance. |
| LOPA | Layers Of Protection Analysis – method to assess risk reduction through multiple safeguards. |
| SIS | Safety Instrumented System – automated system designed to prevent hazardous events. |
| BFD | Block Flow Diagram – high-level representation of major process blocks and flows. |
| MDI | Material Design Information – documentation providing material specifications and properties. |
| Control Systems | |
| DCS | Distributed Control System – automated system for monitoring and controlling processes. |
| ESD | Emergency Shutdown System – system designed to safely shut down equipment in emergencies. |
| F&G | Fire & Gas System – detects and reacts to fire, smoke, or gas leaks to protect plant and personnel. |
| ICSS | Integrated Control & Safety System – combination of process control and safety systems. |
| PCS | Process Control System – system that maintains process variables at desired set points. |
| SCADA | Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition – software for real-time monitoring and control of processes. |
| UCP | Unit Control Panel – local control interface for process units. |
| Safety & Environment | |
| HSE | Health, Safety, & Environment – programs and policies ensuring safe and environmentally responsible operations. |
| HAZID | Hazard Identification – process to identify potential hazards early in a project. |
| HAZOP | Hazard & Operability Study – systematic technique to identify risks and operability issues. |
| QRA | Quantitative Risk Analysis – numerical assessment of risks associated with a project. |
| JSA | Job Safety Analysis – identifies hazards for a task and preventive measures. |
| PTW | Permit To Work – formal authorization for performing specific hazardous activities. |
| ERP | Emergency Response Plan – plan outlining actions during emergencies. |
| SDS | Safety Data Sheet – information on chemical hazards and safe handling procedures. |
| Design & Documentation | |
| GAD | General Arrangement Drawing – shows overall equipment layout in a plant or facility. |
| ISO | Isometric Drawing – 3D representation of piping for fabrication and construction. |
| SLD | Single Line Diagram – electrical schematic showing major equipment and connections. |
| CWI | Civil Works Installation – construction and installation of civil structures. |
| Construction & Quality | |
| PWHT | Post Weld Heat Treatment – heat process to relieve stresses in welded materials. |
| NDE | Non-Destructive Examination – testing materials without causing damage. |
| NDT | Non-Destructive Testing – inspecting materials for defects without destruction. |
| WPS | Welding Procedure Specification – detailed instructions for welding processes. |
| ITP | Inspection & Test Plan – schedule of quality checks and inspections during construction. |
| MDR | Manufacturer Data Record – technical data provided by manufacturers for equipment or materials. |
| RFI | Request For Inspection – formal request for inspection of materials or work. |
| Facilities & Systems | |
| HVAC | Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning – systems controlling air quality and temperature in facilities. |
| UPS | Uninterruptible Power Supply – backup power system to maintain electricity during outages. |
| FPSO | Floating Production Storage & Offloading – vessel for offshore oil/gas production and storage. |
| TLP | Tension Leg Platform – floating offshore platform anchored by tensioned legs. |
| SPM | Single Point Mooring – mooring system for tankers to offload crude oil offshore. |