A revolution in reservoir

characterization
ireline formation testers have evolved through a series of
innovations and small refinements. The new Modular Formation
Dynamics Tester (MDT*) tool now offers major innovation - multiple
sampling during a single wireline run, and rapid pressure
measurement using new generation quartz gauges that stabilise
quickly to measure formation pressure. Multiple, uncontaminated
fluid samples, fast and accurate pressure surveys, determination of
permeability anisotropy and even a mini drillstem test on wireline are
all within the reach of the engineer today.
In this article Cosan Ayan, Adrian Douglas and Fikri Kuchuk show
some of the initial applications of the MDT tool.

Special Contribution - Anya Radeka for thorough and challenging field testing of the MDT
tool in the Middle East while with the Technique Department in Dubai.

hen wireline formation testers

were introduced, almost 40
years ago, there was one simple
objective - fluid sampling. The first wireline testing tool, the Formation Tester,
was introduced in 1955, specifically to collect reservoir fluid samples, but could
only collect one sample per trip in the
well. This tool was replaced first by the
Formation Interval Tester (FIT*) and
then, in 1975, by the Repeat Formation
Tester (RFT*) tool.
The arrival of the RFT tool allowed
operators to devise new applications for
wireline testing. The fluid sampling capabilities of the RFT tool often played a secondary role to the repeat pressure
measurements which this tool made possible for the first time.
The most recent step of this evolutionary progression is the development
of the Modular Dynamics Formation
Tester (MDT*) tool. As a replacement for
the RFT tool, the MDT tool offers significant improvements in pressure measurement, thanks to its Combinable Quartz
Gauge (CQG*) and improved sampling
capabilities (figure 3.1).
The collection of condensates and
critical fluids at the sandface, one of the
most difficult downhole sampling operations, can be carried out quickly and efficiently using the new tool with very
small pressure drawdowns.
Recently, the MDT tool was used to
determine lateral hydraulic continuity in
a Middle East sandstone reservoir. The
tool was run in a horizontal well using
the Tough Logging Conditions (TLC*) system. Deployed in its basic configuration,
the MDT tool generated a pressure profile (figure 3.2) which indicated a low
porosity interval between x280 ft and
x350 ft, which acted as a flow barrier, and
consequently a significant pressure differential had developed across this interval.
One of the most important improvements offered by the new tool is the ability to control a multitude of tool functions
from the surface. The MDT tools single
probe module contains a 20 cc pre-test
chamber. However, the size of this chamber can be adjusted from the MAXIS-500*
(wellsite surface instrumentation) acquisition unit.

44

Electric power
module

Electric power
module

Hydraulic power
module

Hydraulic power
module

Probe module

Probe module

Dual probe
module

Flow control
module

Sample modules

Optical fluid
analysis module

Multi-sample
modules

Sample
modules

Dualpacker
module

This feature allows the engineer to

reduce chamber volume for faster tests
in tight zones where flow rates are very
low. Another type of surface pre-test is to
set the maximum allowable pressure
drop during the test. This prevents gas
liberation around the probe in tight formations.

Pump-out
module

Fig. 3.1: A MODEL OF MODULARITY: The

standard MDT with the single probe module
and multiple sample chambers. The single
probe module offers a variable pre-test
chamber and a new CQG (Combinable Quartz
Gauge) which provides fast and accurate
pressure measurements. The optional modules
provide permeability anisotropy, mini DST
(drillstem test), sampling and fluid
identification capabilities. The tool's modular
design enables engineers to select the modules
required for a particular operation.

Middle East Well Evaluation Review

4000

x550

x500

x450

x400

x350

x300

-.15

x250

2000

HYP(psia)

HYP(psia)
45

NPHI

2.95

RHOB(G/C3)

95

Fig. 3.2: SIDEWAYS GLANCE: An MDT tool-derived pressure profile and the density-neutron log recorded in a horizontal well in a Middle East sandstone.
The MDT tool was run in this well to verify hydraulic continuity throughout the reservoir. The density-neutron plot shows a relatively low porosity
interval from x280 ft to x350 ft. Unfortunately, it is not apparent from these logs whether or not the zone is a permeability barrier. However, the formation
pressure measured with the MDT tool gives a clear indication of pressure discontinuity along the well trajectory.

(a) 1110

Fig. 3.3: TIME SAVER:

Stabilization times can
be reduced by lowering
the volume withdrawn
during pre-tests. Pre-tests
taken at the same depth
show that while a buildup preceded by 7 cc
drawdown (a) stabilizes
in five minutes, it takes
17 minutes to reach
formation pressure
when withdrawing 20 cc
during drawdown (b).

1108
Pressure (psi)

Figure 3.3 shows two pre-tests which

were carried out at the same depth. The
first used a pre-test chamber size of 7 cc
and achieved stabilized build-up pressures in five minutes. The other, which
filled a 20 cc chamber, required 17 minutes to reach formation pressure. The
option of variable pre-test chamber size
means faster surveys and helps the engineer to avoid dry/incomplete tests in
low-permeability zones.

1106
1104

7 cc pre-test
at x120 ft

1102

Fluid contacts
1100
100

200

300

400

500

Time (sec)

(b) 1110

1108
Pressure (psi)

The depths at which water is overlain

by oil (the oil-water contact) and oil is
overlain by gas (the gas-oil contact) are
very important reservoir parameters.
Once we have an accurate picture of
the reservoirs internal boundaries we
can estimate actual volume of oil and
gas in place. This is clearly very important in the early stages of field development, when the emphasis is on
identifying overall reservoir extent. The
well completion methods selected to
minimize gas-water coning will depend
on the locations of the gas-oil and oilwater contacts.

1106
1104

20 cc pre-test
at x120 ft

1102
1100
100

200

300

400

500

Time (sec)

Number 16, 1996.

45

7100

Fig. 3.4: FLUID FINDER:

Formation pressures
can be used to define
fluid type at any given
depth within the
reservoir and to locate
fluid contacts.

Gas

TVD

GR

Oil

Water
7200
Density-Neutron

Pressure (psi)

Resistivity

(a)

(b)
x474.8
Pressures
(Raw and smoothed) psia

Pressures
(Raw and smoothed) psia

x474.8

x474.6

x474.4

x474.2
30

60

90

120

150

x474.6

x474.4

x474.2

30

Delta time sec

The excellent resolution and accuracy

possible with quartz gauges makes them
the obvious choice for determining these
fluid contacts (figure 3.4). Conventional
quartz gauges, however, require long stabilization periods when subjected to sudden pressure and temperature changes,
such as those encountered during the
pre-testing of oil and gas wells.
Strain gauges have a better dynamic
response (i.e. they give a stable reading
much sooner) than the conventional
quartz gauge. However, they are not
accurate enough for most fluid gradient
determinations. The CQG offers the
dynamic behaviour of the strain gauge
coupled with the accuracy of a quartz
gauge (figure 3.5).
The CQG owes its exceptional
dynamic response to the fact that temperature and pressure measurements are
made with a single quartz resonator. This
breakthrough was achieved by forcing
the resonator to oscillate simultaneously
in two different modes (frequencies). One
mode is dominantly pressure-sensitive,
while the other is influenced mainly by
temperature. This means that the adiabatic effect introduced by pressure variation is immediately sensed by the
temperature mode and automatically

46

60

90

120

150

Delta time sec

compensated, ensuring an excellent

dynamic response. A few minutes can be
saved during each test and, when many
pre-tests are performed, the minutes add
up to hours of rig time.

Sweet success in sour gas

Home Oil and partners recently drilled a
carbonate test well in Alberta, Canada.
The hydrocarbon target was a gas zone
rich in natural gas liquids and highly toxic
hydrogen sulphide (H2S). The reservoir
was highly dolomitized and contained a
lot of vugs. This vuggy character meant
that conventional logging could not identify fluid gas contacts precisely, with discrepancies between logging runs of
approximately 9 m.
It is vital that the exact contact depths
are known in order to estimate reserves a particularly important consideration in
sour gas reservoirs. Reservoirs with a
high H2S content require special scrubbing facilities which may be too expensive to install on a small field. An
over-estimate of reserves could encourage development of an uneconomic
field, while an under-estimate might
result in a missed opportunity.

Fig. 3.5: GAUGE THE DIFFERENCE: In this

example the module was equipped with a
conventional quartz gauge and the CQG. This
allowed a direct comparison between the two
pressure datasets during each pre-test. The
conventional gauge (a) had not reached
formation pressure after 150 seconds, while the
CQG (b) was fully stabilized after just 100
seconds.

In this case the operator decided

that a wireline testing tool was required
to help identify these key contacts. It
was expected that the reservoir would
provide very few opportunities for
packer seats. Home Oil decided that
any data which could be gathered
should be of the highest quality. The
MDT tool was run with two H2S sample
chambers, the single probe module and
the Optical Fluid Analyzer (OFA*).
In this case the MDT tool recorded
data which allowed engineers to determine the reservoir fluid contacts and
captured representative fluid samples.

Middle East Well Evaluation Review

IT TAKES TWO TO TANDEM

Depth(ft)

Fluid density
One wireline testing technique involves (a)
from pressure
the collection of numerous point pressure
gradient (g/cc)
Pressure (psi)
measurements to establish a pressure graGas - oil - water
dient which defines reservoir fluid type.
0.6
1.2
450 550 650 0
The restrictions imposed by limited precix425
Fig. 3.6: TANDEM PRESSURE
sion in strain gauge measured pressures
GAUGES: A large number of
and uncertainty related to depth, have, in
single probe pressure
the past, confined this technique to thick
measurements (left) allow the
reservoirs.
reservoir gradient to be
GAS
A high-precision quartz gauge introestablished statistically. These
duced in 1980 allowed gradients to be
gradients (or fluid density)
measured in thinner beds, but depth
indicate the fluid type present.
When a quartz gauge and a strain
placement uncertainty and long stabilizagauge are used together (below),
tion times made this unattractive.
x550
with a spacing of just 2.3 ft, the
By running fast-response, high-precix575
vertical resolution improves
sion quartz gauges, the MDT tool has oversignificantly. These examples are
come the stabilization delay inherent in
plotted with the same depth scale.
previous quartz gauges. The tandem
Two quartz gauges would have
assembly (figure 3.6b) removes depth
given even greater precision.
uncertainty because the separation dis- OIL
tance is fixed. Reservoir fluid density can
be determined over 8 ft thick intervals or
(b)
Fluid density from
even 2.3 ft intervals, when conditions are
pressure gradient (g/cc)
favourable.
x700
A new technique, which compensates
1.2
0
0.6
X450
x700
for the uncertainty between the paired
gauges by normalization to a downhole
measurement of the mud pressure gradiOIL
ent, allows the operator to double the
number of pressure points obtained at WATER
each station, offering a major time saving
on traditional contact determination
2.3ft
WATER
methods.
Gas Oil Water
Using this method, reservoir fluid denx825
X575
sity can be quickly and accurately determined over short intervals (table 1). This
provides a direct hydrocarbon determinaTable 1 - Fluid density determinations
tion independent of water resistivity (Rw)
invasion or lithological model.
Table 1: Multiple
Station (ft)
Log
Pressure derived fluid
The emergence and refinement of new
stations and the
interpretation
density (g/cc)
interpretations based
techniques indicate that log analysts are
on readings from
determined to explore the full potential of
A x390
Oil
0.6
quartz gauge and
the MDT tool.
B x446
Oil
0.4
strain gauge spaced
C x452
Oil
0.5
2.3 ft apart.
D x457
Oil
0.4
E x465
Oil
0.6

Oil-water
contact
F x539
G x573

Sour gas exploration/development

calls for special evaluation techniques,
and in a climate of growing environmental awareness, restrictions on acid gas
flaring can severely limit production
tests.
The quality of the MDT tool results
allowed the operator to cancel an expen-

Number 16, 1996.

Water
Water

0.9
1.0

sive production test. Home Oil considered the quality samples and fluid contact determination provided by wireline
formation testing an effective and affordable alternative to production testing.
The MDT tool can contribute to wellsite safety and help to protect the environment. These issues are particularly

important when production tests on sour

gas are to be carried out in populated or
environmentally sensitive areas.

47

Depth: X586.08 ft

4800

Mud Pressure before test = 4762.12 psig

Mud Pressure after test = 4761.44 psig
Last build-up pressure
= 3893.20 psig
Drawdown mobility
= 8.9 md/cp
30
24

3600
18
3000
12
2400
6

1800
0
0

Resistivity, ohmm

Pressure, psig

4200

0
600 900 1200 1500 1800 2100 2400
Time (sec)

Pre-test chamber volume: 20.1cc

GR SW for RW = .018
0 100 0
(PU) 100.00
SW for RW = .047
1:500ft 0
(PU) 100.00

Gauge: BSG1

Res: 0.040psi

Water
Oil (RW = .018)
Oil (RW = .047)
SW for RW = .047
(PU)
100.00

Electronic power
module
Hydraulic power
module
Power module
Sample module
Sample module
Pumpout module

Fig. 3.7: PUMP,

THROTTLE AND
SAMPLE: After pumping
9 litres of mud filtrate in
this well, the flowline
resistivity cell (black
line) shows an increase.
The pumpout module
was stopped and
reservoir fluid directed
into a sample chamber.
During sampling, the
throttle valve keeps
sampling pressure
around 3500 psia (red
line). When opened at
the PVT laboratory, the
sample chamber was
found to contain
hydrocarbon gas and
500 cc water.

Fig. 3.8: SWEEPING

CLEAN? Two openhole
log evaluations using
the original formation
water and sample water
resistivity. In this Middle
East example, the
pumpout module was
used to displace the
mud filtrate and sample
the water, which
proved to be a mixture
of formation and
injection water. Log
evaluation based on
formation water
resistivity suggests poor
sweep efficiency. When
the actual water
resistivity (measured
using the MDT tool)
was substituted in the
equation, a more
accurate and
encouraging result for
sweep efficiency was
obtained.

Clean sampling at a range

of depths
One of the main objectives for wireline
formation testers has always been, and
will continue to be, reservoir fluid sampling. Conventional tools can collect up
to two samples with each run into the
borehole. Unfortunately, the quality of
these samples is often impaired by the
presence of mud filtrate associated with
invasion during drilling.
Conventional wireline testers cannot
evaluate the purity of fluid entering the
chamber during sampling. The chambers
have to be returned to the surface before
the operator can determine whether or
not the samples are useful.
The MDT tool has overcome these difficulties - up to 12 sample chamber modules can be connected to the tool.
However, weight limitations (determined
by well conditions and cable strength)
generally restrict the number to six. The
multi-sample module contains a set of six
chambers, each with a 450 cc capacity,
and so can provide additional fluid samples during a single trip. This flexibility
allows the operator to sample at a variety of depths and produce a profile of
the reservoirs fluid properties. The surface unit can use the resistivity cell on
the probe module, or the Optical Fluid
Analysis module, to identify fluids (mud
filtrate, oil, water and gas) before taking
samples. The resistivity cell often has difficulties in identifying fluids when a well
has been drilled in oil-based muds and
may, in some cases, be unable to differentiate oil from gas. The optical fluid analyzer has been designed to cope in these
circumstances, identifying mud filtrate,
oil, water and gas quickly and accurately.
The final obstacle to the collection of
clean samples is mud filtrate invasion
into the formation. Fortunately, the MDT
tool has a solution. Mud filtrate can be
displaced by the pumpout module, a
miniature downhole pump which
pushes unwanted fluids into the borehole before sampling begins.

Bubbles and dew

Having eliminated contaminants such as
mud filtrate from the sample our attention turns to the sample itself. To obtain
the high-quality samples suitable for PVT
we must avoid phase changes during
sampling.
Throttle valves prevent gas flashing
or liquid dropout during sampling. These
valves, under the control of the surface

48

Middle East Well Evaluation Review

100
Sample 1

Sample 3

Sample 2

Sample 4

10
Component %

computer, automatically keep the sampling pressure above a specified value to

ensure representative samples, limiting
drawdown during sampling. A key factor
in achieving a small drawdown is the formation mobility: the best control over
sampling drawdown is achieved in high
mobility formations.
Another sampling application is the collection of pure formation water samples.
The tools pumpout capability has provided, for the first time, the means to capture pure water samples in situ.

Pumpout in action
A sample taken from a reservoir in the
United Arab Emirates provides a clear
example of the effectiveness of the
pumpout module. Figure 3.7 shows the
pressure at the flowing probe along with
the flowline resistivity curve.
After pre-testing the formation, the
pumpout module is used to pump fluids
from the formation into the wellbore.
The low resistivity of the fluid indicates
that mud filtrate is being pumped. After
pumping approximately 8 litres, a spike
develops in the flowline resistivity
curve, indicating hydrocarbon flow.
At this stage, the pumpout operation
is halted and a sample chamber opened.
During sampling, the resistivity curve
confirms a hydrocarbon sample. This
real-time fluid identification eliminates
the uncertainty and time wasted by conventional sampling.

0.1

0.01
CO 2

C1

C2

Number 16, 1996.

i-C4

n-C 4

i-C

n-C

C6

7+

Component
Fig. 3.9: FOUR OF A KIND: The results of PVT compositional analysis on four samples from
the same reservoir indicate a strong degree of similarity between the samples.

Light-emitting
diode

Gas detector
Lamp

Water

Sweeping statements
Formation water resistivity is a vital input
for open-hole log analysis. Waterflood
sweep efficiency in a Middle East reservoir was calculated using water resistivity data based on MDT tool samples.
Initial estimates of sweep efficiency using
open-hole logs were hampered by the
mixed salinity of water in the formation.
A very pessimistic view of sweep
effectiveness was obtained using the initial connate water resistivity value of
0.018 /m. The MDT tool was set at
x 168 ft and, after pre-test, the pumpout
module produced 27 litres of fluid from
the formation. Once the pumpout operation had been completed, a one-gallon
(approximately 3.8 litres) sample chamber was opened to collect the formation
water sample. The pumpout then
pumped an additional 5.3 litres into the
wellbore before a 450 cc water sample
was collected in one of the multi-sample
modules bottles. Analysis of the water
samples collected in this way indicated a
water resistivity of 0.047/m. Open-hole
log analysis using this new value offered
a much more accurate (and optimistic)
view of the waterflood (figure 3.8).

C3

Fluid flow

Oil

Gas

Liquid detector

The multi-sample module has six

450 cc chambers. These chambers can
be transported without fluid transfer at
the wellsite. Drawdown during sampling
can be controlled by throttling valves
and water cushions.
If every MDT tool sample consists of
representative reservoir fluids, duplicate
samples from a particular depth should
show identical compositions. Four samples, recovered from a reservoir fluid in
near critical conditions, are shown in figure 3.9. These samples were obtained
with a maximum drawdown of just 8 psi,
thanks to water cushions, the throttling
valve and high formation mobility. The
sample chambers are designed to allow
transport of the samples to a PVT laboratory, without transferring the sample to a

Fig. 3.10: The Optical

Fluid Analyzer has a
two-sensor system
which allows it to
detect and analyze
liquids and to detect
gas. This allows highquality oil and gas
samples to be diverted
into the sample
chambers after mud
and mud filtrate have
been pumped through
the system.

shipping bottle. The compositional analysis of the four samples, as well as other
fluid parameters (such as flash gas/liquid
ratios, bubble point and tank liquid densities) show excellent agreement confirming the validity of the samples. In the
past, a large proportion of tests
attempted to sample unsuitable zones.
The new MDT tool offers us the chance
to examine the fluid before we collect it.
This sample preview capability means
that the correct fluids will be brought to
the surface for analysis (figure 3.10).

49

Perfect permeability

Flow rate, cc/sec

Pressure at
the horizontal
probe, psia

Time

Flow into sink probe

(sec

Fig. 3.11a: STEP ONE: A multiprobe test carried

out by the MDT tool acquires pressure data at
horizontal and vertical probes. Flow rate data
is either measured directly by the flow control
module or calculated from the pumpout or
sampling process.

Fig. 3.11b: STEP TWO: The pressure changes,

plotted against time at both probes, are used to
construct a flow regime identification plot. This
involves pressure-pressure deconvolution and
produces a derivative plot similar to that
obtained from a well test. Spherical flow is the
most common regime, with a slope of -0.5 on
the derivative curve.

Horiz. mobility = 5.46 md/cp

Vert. mobility = 2.58 md/cp
Phi*Ct
= 1.42E-06 (1/psi)

Delta - pressure (psi)

Spherical Analysis
Deconvolved vert. pressure
Deconvolved horiz. pressure
Pressure at vertical probe
Pressure at horizontal probe
Flow rate

2.0

50

1.75

1.5

1.25
1.0
0.75
1/ time (sec)

0.5

0.25

Fig. 3.11c: STEP

THREE: For spherical
flow, a spherical time
function plot is
generated. This is
achieved by using
pressure-rate
deconvolution to
obtain first estimates
for horizontal and
vertical mobilities and
the porositycompressibility
product. For an infinite
medium, the maximum
pressure change at the
vertical probe is
inversely proportional
to the horizontal
mobility. The arrival
time of the pressure
disturbance is a
0.0 function of vertical
diffusivity.

Core permeability measurements have

long been focused on calculating horizontal values, with vertical permeability
values often missing or hard to obtain.
Good samples for permeability evaluation are often made on good core sections. The worst core sections - the parts
which represent barriers to vertical fluid
movement - have been under-sampled
or ignored. Vertical permeability can be
determined by a single well transient
test, provided that both spherical and
radial flow regimes are observed, or by
using a packer to isolate the zones in
question and conducting a vertical interference test.
Pre-testing with the MDT tools 20 cc
chamber gives a value for drawdown
mobility for each test. These values
reflect a combination of horizontal and
vertical mobilities, often referred to as
the spherical mobility.
The separate vertical and horizontal
components cannot be distinguished
from pre-tests and the small amount of

Pressure derivative

Pressure at the
vertical probe,
psia

Spherical flow
slope = -0.5

Time (sec)

fluid withdrawn from the formation

means that the drawdown mobility estimate applies to a relatively small area
around the probe. The danger of sampling small areas is that they may be
affected by formation damage close to
the probe, gas breakout in tight formations, fines migration and probe plugging.

Middle East Well Evaluation Review

Verifications
Reconstructed horizontal
Pressure at horizontal probe
Reconstructed vertical
Pressure at vertical probe
Flow rate

60

Using the dual probe module, the single

probe module and the flow control module, repeated vertical interference tests
can be performed along the wellbore.
The flow control module takes 1 litre of
formation fluid into a chamber, displacing a piston in the process.
During the test, flow rates are monitored (figure 3.11a). Acquired flow rate
and pressure data from the observation
probes can be analyzed to yield formation properties. The pressure change at
the probes is used to construct a flow
regime identification plot (figure 3.11b).
For spherical flow, a spherical time function plot is generated by using pressurerate deconvolution to estimate the
horizontal and vertical mobilities (figure
3.11c). The best match between
observed and calculated pressures is
obtained by using a model coupled to a
parameter estimator (figure 3.11d).
The multiprobe configuration has
been used offshore in the Middle East to
quantify vertical communication
through calcite and dolomite zones. The
openhole logs and test locations are
shown in figure 3.12. Four tests were
conducted in this well using one singleand one dual-probe module. The flow
rate sources were both pumpout and
flow control modules. Tests 1 and 3
showed no response at the vertical
observation probe which was 2.3 ft
above the active (or sink) probe. This
indicates that a geological feature is acting as a barrier for the duration of the
test.

45

Horiz. mobility = 5.34md/cp

Vert. mobility = 2.78md/cp
Phi* Ct = 1.96 E-06 l/psi

30
15
0

15
12
9
6
3

Flow rate (cc/sec)

Four steps to finding

formation properties

75

Delta-pressure (psi)

A larger withdrawal and the use of

more than one probe eliminates most of
these near-probe effects, allowing us to
evaluate important formation properties
on a larger scale. These include horizontal and vertical mobility (which is permeability divided by viscosity), and the
porosity-compressibility product.

Fig. 3.11d: STEP

FOUR: In an effort to
get the best match
between observed
and calculated
pressures the initial
estimates are used in
a model coupled to a
parameter estimator.
The final match is
shown using
pressures at the
horizontal and
vertical probes.

-15
0

40

80

120
160
Delta-time (sec)

200

240

-3
280

Fig. 3.12: This

example shows the
results of some
multiprobe tests. In
this carbonate
reservoir, the
objective was to
quantify vertical
communication
across dolomitic and
calcite-rich zones.
Test locations are
marked on the
openhole logs.

Multiprobe test 1, two attempts

Flow control and pump out

Test 2
kh/ = 47.1md/cp
kv/ = 18.8 md/cp
-6
-1
c t = 1.97 x 10 /psi

Multiprobe test 2
Flow control & pump out

Multiprobe test 3, two attempts

Pump out

BS

Test 4

6.0

6.0
0.0

Multiprobe test 4
kh/ = 33.0 md/cp
Flow control
kv/ = 11.0 md/cp
Tension
ct = 5.00 x 10-7 /psi-1
(TENS)
Bit size (BS)
Neutron porosity (NPHI)
(LBF)
(IN)
(V/V)
16.0 0.0
0.45
-0.15
2000.0
Caliper (CALI)
PhotoElectric Factor (PEF) Bulk Density Correction (DRHO)
(G/C3)
(.....)
(IN)
16.0
6.0
16.0 6.0
16.0
Gamma ray (GR)
(GAPI) 100.0
MUD CAKE
From CALI to BS

Number 16, 1996.

0.0

Bulk Density (RHOB)

(G/C3)

100.0

RHOB-NPHI
from RHOB to NPHI

51

Verifications
Reconstructed horizontal
Pressure at horizontal probe
Reconstructed vertical
Pressure at vertical probe
Flow rate

7.5

6.0

4.0

4.5

3.0
3.0
2.0
1.5
1.0

Horiz. mobility = 33md/cp

Vert. mobility = 2.78md/cp
Phi Ct = 5E-07 l/psi
*

0.0

-1.5
0

40

80

120 160 200

Delta-time (sec)

Vertical
probe 2

Vertical
probe 1

Flow rate (cc/sec)

5.0

6.0
Delta-pressure (psi)

Fig. 3.13: FLOW

CONTROL TEST:
Rates from the flow
control module,
observed and
simulated pressure
responses at both
probes during test 4
(see figure 3.12).

240

280

-1.0
320

Tests 2 and 4 produced responses at

both monitor probes. Test 2 used the
pumpout module as the flow rate source.
Test 4 was conducted through the
sink probe, using the flow control module. Figure 3.13 shows the flow control
rates and observed and simulated pressure responses at the monitor probes.
The results from these tests show that
the vertical permeability is about one
third of the horizontal permeability. This
information will help reservoir engineers
to set up their reservoir simulation
model.
Sometimes, operating companies need
to know the extent of vertical communication across suspected barriers. Thick barriers can be accommodated by increasing
the spacing of the multiprobe from 2.3 ft to
10.3 ft with the addition of a fourth probe.
In this configuration the spacing between

Fig. 3.15: The four probe

MDT configuration was
used at four locations in
this well. The objective
was to quantify vertical
communication across
stylolitic zones. Stylolites
are thin, irregular rock
boundaries which
develop in some
limestones (and
evaporites). They are
caused by pressure
dissolution and redeposition of existing
sedimentary material.

Multiprobe Test -1
Across D2

Multiprobe Test - 2
Across D2-A

Multiprobe Test - 3
Multiprobe Test - 4
Across D3

x200

Horizontal
probe

Sink probe

Matrix %
Fluid %
Moblility
Formation Pressure
V2 (MD/CP)
V2 probe (psia) 50
0
(PU)
0 100 (PU)
0.0
20.0 2800.0
3000.0
Porosity and Fluid Formation Analysis
Formation Pressure Analysis by Volume
Moblility,
by Volume
V1 probe (psia)
V1 (MD/CP)
Clay
Unmoved
0.0
20.0 2800.0
3000.0
Moblility,
Formation Pressure
Sink probe
Sink probe (psia)
0.0
20.0 2800.0
3000.0
Formation Pressure
Hor. probe (psia)

Moblility, Hor. probe

2800.0
(MD/CP)
0.0
20.0

Moved

Dolomite

Water

Limestone
Porosity
Anhydrite

3000.0

Fig. 3.14: FOUR PROBE FASHION: This

configuration, popular in some parts of the
Middle East, is intended to quantify vertical
communication across thick zones which are
believed to be flow barriers.

52

Middle East Well Evaluation Review

x188.0

x125
x190.0

x150

x175

x200

Fig. 3.16: These FMI

images from tests 3
and 4 (see figure 3.15)
show the type of
heterogeneity which
cannot be fully
identified using
openhole logs. These
images, taken after the
MDT survey, show the
exact position of each
probe during the
survey.

x192.0

x194.0

x196.0

x198.0

x200.0

two vertical probes is 8 ft. This arrangement (figure 3.14) has not been widely
used in the Middle East.
In this recent test, the configuration
was used onshore, with all three flow
rate sources (flow control, pumpout and
sample chamber modules). The objective was to identify the barrier properties
of stylolite horizons in a carbonate
sequence. The four tests carried out on
these horizons are presented in figure
3.15.
The Fullbore Formation MicroImager
(FMI*) images for the zones where test 3
and test 4 were carried out are shown in
figure 3.16. The probe locations are
clearly indicated on these images.

Number 16, 1996.

In test 3, a 3.5 litre volume was

pumped - causing a pressure drop at the
first vertical probe. The test continued
with activation of the pumpout module
from the first vertical probe. However,
the probe was situated in a tight zone
and the tool was reset for test 4.
The tool was moved 0.6 ft down the
well before the start of test 4. The first
vertical probe was activated, pumping
10.5 litres of formation fluids. A pressure
drop of 0.7 psi was observed at the second vertical probe.

53

Defining pressure points for fractured,

vuggy, very tight or highly-laminated formations has often presented problems
for wireline formation testers.
The dual packer module available
with the MDT tool provides a much bigger flow area - isolating 3 ft of formation
between two inflatable packers. The area
open to flow is then three orders of magnitude larger than a conventional probe.
This allows larger flow rates and less
drawdown than can be achieved with
the probe.
Tests conducted with the dual packer
module can be thought of as mini drillstem tests on wireline. The radius of
investigation may reach tens of feet in a
test completed within a few minutes.
The Dual Packer Module helps to
overcome the testing problems encountered in highly fractured reservoirs. FMI
tool and Ultrasonic Borehole Imager*
(UBI) tool images (figure 3.19) were
used to identify a suitable test zone
which contains a fracture. A log-log plot
of pressure and pressure derivative and
a generalized superposition plot (figure
3.20) show measured data and the simulated pressure response produced by
the Schlumberger ZODIAC* (Zoned
Dynamic Interpretation Analysis and
Computation) well testing package. The
correlation between measured and theoretical data is excellent.

horiz. mobility = 21.9 md/cp

0.630

vert. mobility = 0.153 md/cp

0.560
phi*Ct = 3.0E-07 1/psi
Delta - pressure (psi)

Mini drillstem tests

0.700

0.490
0.420
0.350
0.280
0.210
0.140
0.070

response at vertical 2
reconstructed vertical 2

0.000
0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

Delta - time (sec)

Fig. 3.17: THE VERTICAL MATCH: The response at the vertical probe, 8 ft above the active probe,
was matched using a homogeneous model. The reservoir parameters are presented in Table 2.

54
48
42
Delta - pressure (psi)

Figures 3.17 and 3.18 show the

recorded and modelled responses at
vertical and sink probes. Results from all
of the transients are summarized in
Table 2. Note the response seen at the
vertical probe, in test 1, which was 10.3 ft
above the sink probe.

36
horiz. mobility = 1.4 md/cp

30

vert. mobility = 1.5 md/cp

24

phi*Ct = 1.06E-06 1/psi

18
12
6
pressure at sink probe
reconstructed sink

0
0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

Delta - time (sec)

Fig. 3.18: SINK MATCH: During the pumpout test from the first vertical probe, the sink probe, 2.3 ft
below, acts as an observation probe. The figure shows the pressure match at the sink probe. The
reservoir properties are presented in Table 2.

Table 2: Summary of reservoir properties

Test
1
2
2
3
4
4

54

(2.3 ft)
(2.3 ft)
(10.3 ft)
(2.3 ft)
(2.3 ft)
(8 ft)

kh/, md/cp

kv/, md/cp

ct, 1/psi

11.1
5.20
12.0
1.60
1.40
21.9

5.20
0.70
0.30
1.90
1.50
0.15

1.41E-06
1.30E-06
2.00E-07
1.03E-06
1.06E-06
3.00E-07

Middle East Well Evaluation Review

Log-log plot
3

Pressure Change

10
p and derivative (psi)

Fig. 3.20: This figure

shows the log-log plot
of pressure and
pressure derivative
and a generalized
superposition plot for
both measured and
simulated pressure
response. Note the
excellent match
which has been
obtained using
conventional pressure
transient techniques.

Pressure
derivative

10

10

Radial Flow Regime

0

10

10

-4

10

-3

10

-2

10

-1

10

t (hr)
Superposition Plot
400

p(psi)

300

200

100
0
10

-4

10

-3

10

-2

10

-1

10

t (h )
Fig. 3.19: Using the UBI (left) and FMI (right)
tools, suitable test zones can be selected and
tested (essentially a mini drillstem test) using
inflatable packers.

Wellbore storage using the MDT tool

is five orders of magnitude smaller than
a conventional DST. This allows full
characterization of the tested interval
after only 6 minutes of shut-in. These
mini DSTs are more efficient than conventional DST tests and offer additional
advantages in relation to environmental
and safety issues.
Formation testing has come a long
way in the last 40 years. Sophisticated
pressure measurement and fluid
retrieval have become commonplace,
but, as always, the quest continues for
more information, gathered faster and
with greater accuracy.

Number 16, 1996.

The next step in the evolutionary process of formation testing will be determined by the operators. The RFT tool,
after all, was designed primarily for fluid
sampling, but its pressure measurement
capabilities were generally considered
more important.
As the MDT tool replaces older systems, log analysts will find ways to
exploit the new technology and will ultimately control the way in which this
powerful new system is developed.

55