Drillstem Testing

22.3

22.3-1
DST assembly
using two
straddle
packers

22.3-2
Test Tree

22.3-3
Test Choke

22.3-4
 Typical DST
The typical drill stem test will be split into four period, Pre flow. 
initial shut in period, a main flow period and a final shut in period.
Times of for each test are dependent on conditions at the well site
Drill stem tests may be run at any time during the drilling operation
at the current depth or may be used to test any interval in the hole
after TD has been reached. Using these data and based on the
evaluation of engineers and geologists, management can base a
decision to complete the hole for potential production of oil or gas
or proceed with abandonment.

22.3-5
 Pre-Flow Period
• is a  production period to clean up the well
and is used to remove any supercharge
given to the formation due to mud
infiltrating into the prospective formation
during the drilling operation.

22.3-6
 Initial Shut In
• This period is to allow the formation to
recover from pressure surges caused during
the pre flow. this is often referred to as
"closed in for the pressure build up" this
period will be  longer.

22.3-7
 Main Flow
• a more lengthy production period designed to test
the formations flow characteristics more
rigorously. Samples of any fluids will be checked
for water content Gas bubble bust pressure 
temperature and many other nice surprises. This
will be done using set choke or variable chokes.
Sample  reaching surface will be measured as to
volume and gathered for analysis in a laboratory.
Samples of any fluids in the drill string at the
conclusion of the test will be measured as to
volume and gathered for analysis. Flowing
pressures and temperatures will be recorded.
22.3-8
 Final Shut-In
• formation pressure is recorded over this
period. The shape of the pressure build up
curve will tell us the permeability of the
formation, the degree of formation damage
(likely caused during the drilling operation),
It  will also tell us if we have found a small
reservoir but there is no telling if it a big
one.
22.3-9