1. n. [Drilling]

The surface force per unit area exerted at the top of a wellbore when it is closed at either the Christmas tree or the BOP stack. The pressure may be from the formation or an external and intentional source. The SIP may be zero, indicating that any open formations are effectively balanced by the hydrostatic column of fluid in the well. If the pressure is zero, the well is considered to be dead, and can normally be opened safely to the atmosphere.

Alternate Form: SIP

See related terms: BOP stack,  Christmas tree,  hydrostatic pressure