WELL TESTING

AND
INTERPRETATION
D. Bourdet

CONTENTS

Pages
1
1-1
1-2
2
2-1
2-2
2-3
3
3-1
3-2
3-3
3-4
4
4-1
4-2

- INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................1
PURPOSE OF WELL TESTING .....................................................................................................1
INTERPRETATION METHODOLOGY ...........................................................................................2
- WELL TESTING HARDWARE AND PROCEDURES.....................................................4
TYPES OF TESTS ......................................................................................................................4
WELL TESTING EQUIPMENT .....................................................................................................6
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ....................................................................................8
- EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL FLOW REGIMES................................................................10
WELLBORE STORAGE ............................................................................................................10
RADIAL FLOW REGIME, SKIN (HOMOGENEOUS BEHAVIOR) ....................................................11
FRACTURED WELL (INFINITE CONDUCTIVITY FRACTURE) : LINEAR FLOW REGIME .................14
CLOSED RESERVOIR : PSEUDO STEADY STATE REGIME ..........................................................16
- CONCLUSION.....................................................................................................................18
INTERPRETATION PROCEDURE ..............................................................................................18
TEST DESIGN AND SUPERVISION ............................................................................................19

1 - Introduction
1-1 Purpose of well testing
1-1.1 Description of a well test
During a well test, a transient pressure response is created by a temporary change
in production rate. The well response is usually monitored during a relatively short
period of time, depending upon the test objectives. For well evaluation, tests are
frequently achieved in less than two days. In case of reservoir limit testing, several
months of pressure data may be needed.
In most cases, the flow rate is measured at surface while the pressure is recorded
down-hole. Before opening, the initial pressure pi is constant and uniform in the
reservoir. During flow time, the drawdown pressure response p is expressed :

p = pi p(t ) (psi, kPa)

( 1-1)

When the well is shut-in, the build-up pressure change p is estimated from the
last flowing pressure p(t=0) :

Rate, q

Pressure, p

p = p(t ) p( t = 0) (psi, kPa)

( 1-2)

pi

t Dd
p BU

p Dd
p(
t=0)

drawdown

t BU

build-up

Time, t
Figure 1.1 Drawdown and build-up test sequence.

The pressure response is analyzed versus the elapsed time t since the start of the
period (time of opening or shut-in).

-1-

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

1-1.2 Well test objectives

Welltest analysis provides information on the reservoir and on the well. Associated
to geology and geophysics, welltest results are used to build a reservoir model for
prediction of the field behavior and fluid recovery to different operating scenarios.
The quality of the communication between the well and the reservoir indicates the
possibility to improve the well productivity.
Exploration well : On initial wells, well testing is used to confirm the exploration
hypothesis and to establish a first production forecast: nature and rate of produced
fluids, initial pressure (RFT, MDT), reservoir properties.
Appraisal well : The previous well and reservoir description can be refined (well
productivity, bottom hole sampling, drainage mechanism, heterogeneities,
reservoir boundaries etc.)
Development well : On producing wells, periodic tests are made to adjust the
reservoir description and to evaluate the need of a well treatment, such as workover, perforation strategy etc. Communication between wells (interference testing),
monitoring of the average reservoir pressure are some usual objectives of
development well testing.

1-1.3 Information obtained from well testing

Reservoir description :
Permeability (horizontal k and vertical kv)
Reservoir heterogeneities (natural fractures, layering, spatial change of
characteristics)
Boundaries (distance and shape)
Pressure (initial pi and average p )
Well description :
Production potential (productivity index PI, skin factor S)
Well geometry (slanted, horizontal or partial penetration)
By comparing the result of routine tests, changes of productivity and rate of
decrease of the average reservoir pressure can be established.

1-2 Interpretation methodology

1-2.1 The inverse problem
The objective of well test analysis is to describe an unknown system S (well +
reservoir) by indirect measurements (O the pressure response to I a change of
rate). This is a typical inverse problem (S=O/I).

-2-

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

input

system

O
output

As opposed to the direct problem (O=IxS), the solution of the inverse problem is
usually not unique. It implies an identification process, and the interpretation
provides the model(s) whose behavior is identical to the behavior of the actual
reservoir.

1-2.2 Interpretation models

The models used in welltest interpretation can be described as a transfer function,
they only define the behavior (homogeneous or heterogeneous, bounded or
infinite). Only well testing can provide a dynamic description of the system, not
geological nor log data. Layered reservoirs for example frequently show a
homogeneous behavior during tests.
Analytical solutions are used to generate pressure responses to a specific
production rate history I, until the model behavior O is identical to the behavior of
S.

1-2.3 Input data required for well test analysis

Test data : flow rate (complete sequence of events, including any operational
problem) and bottom hole pressure as a function of time.
Well data : wellbore radius, well geometry (inclined, horizontal etc.), depths
(formation, gauges).
Reservoir and fluid parameters : formation thickness h (net), porosity ,
compressibility of oil co, water cw and formation cf, water saturation Sw, oil
viscosity and formation volume factor B. The different compressibilities are
used to define the total system compressibility ct :

ct = co (1 Sw )+ cw Sw + c f (psi-1, kPa-1)
The above reservoir and fluid parameters are used for calculation of the results.
After the interpretation model has been selected, they may always be changed or
adjusted if needed.
Additional data can be useful in some cases : production log, gradient surveys,
bubble point pressure etc. General information obtained from geologist and
geophysicists are required to validate the welltest interpretation results.

-3-

( 1-3)

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

2 - Well testing hardware and procedures

2-1 Types of tests
2-1.1 Test procedure
Drawdown test : the flowing bottom hole pressure is used for analysis. Ideally,
the well should be producing at constant rate but in practice drawdown data is
erratic, and the analysis is frequently inaccurate.
Build-up test : the increase of bottom hole pressure after shut-in is used for
analysis. Before the build-up test, the well must have been flowing long enough
to reach stabilized rate. During shut-in periods, the flow rate is accurately
controlled (zero).
Injection test / fall-off test : when fluid is injected into the reservoir, the
bottom hole pressure increases and, after shut-in, it drops during the fall-off
period. The properties of the injected fluid are in general different from that of
the reservoir fluid.
Interference test and pulse test : the bottom hole pressure is monitored in a
shut-in observation well some distance away from the producer. Interference
tests are designed to evaluate communication between wells. With pulse tests,
the active well is produced with a series of short flow / shut-in periods, the
resulting pressure oscillations in the observation well are analyzed.

pre ssu re , p

Flow ra te , Q a nd

Gas well test : specific testing methods are used to evaluate the deliverability
of gas wells (Absolute Open Flow Potential, AOFP) and the possibility of non
Darcy flow condition (rate dependent skin factor S'). The usual procedures are
Back Pressure test (Flow after Flow), Isochronal and Modified Isochronal tests.

pw s

pw f

C le an
up

In itia l Va riab le
s hu t-in
ra te

Sta b ilize d
ra te

T im e

Figure 2.1 Typical test sequence. Oil well.

-4-

Bu ild-u p

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

2-1.2 Well completion

Production test : the well is completed as a production well (cased hole and
permanent completion, surface shut-in).
Drill stem test (DST) : the well is completed temporarily with a down-hole
shut-in valve. Frequently the well is cased but DST can be made also in open
hole. The drill stem testing procedure is used only for relatively short tests. The
drill string is not used any more, and production tubing is employed.

Flowh ead
B OP S tac k

Casing

Tu bing
Tes t tool
P ack er

Figure 2.2 Onshore DST test string.

Fixed point at
BOP
Fixed point
at Packer

Fixed point
at Packer
Fixed Rig (100 m maximum)

Floating Rig (300 m maximum)

Figure 2.3 Offshore DST test string.

-5-

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

Open hole

Cased hole

Figure 2.4 Downhole DST test strings.

2-2 Well testing equipment

2-2.1 Surface equipment
Flowhead
Burner

Choke
maniflod
Heater
Gas

Rig HP
pump

Gas
manifold

Separator

Water

Air

pump

compressor

Water

Oil
Oil
manifold

Surge
tank

Burner
Transfer pump

Figure 2.5 Surface set up.

-6-

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

Flow head : is equipped with several valves to allow flowing, pumping in the
well, wire line operation etc. The wellhead working pressure should be greater
than the well shut-in pressure. The Emergency Shut Down is a fail safe system
to close the wing valve remotely.
Choke manifold : is used to control the rate by flowing the well through a
calibrated orifice. A system of twin valves allows to change the choke (positive
and adjustable chokes) without shutting in the well. The downstream pressure
must be less than half the upstream pressure.
Heater : Heating the effluent may be necessary to prevent hydrate formation in
high pressure gas wells (the temperature is reduced after the gas expansion
through the choke). Heaters are also used in case of high viscosity oil.
Test separator : In a three phases test separator, the effluent hits several plates
in order to separate the gas from the liquid phase. A mist extractor is located
before the gas outlet. The oil and water phases are separated by gravity. The oil
and water lines are equipped with positive displacement metering devices, the
gas line with an orifice meter. Surface samples are taken at the separator oil and
gas lines for further recombination in laboratory.
Oil and gas disposal : The oil rate can be measured with a gauge tank (or a
surge tank in case of H2S). Oil and gas are frequently burned. Onshore, a flare
pit is installed at a safe distance from the well. Offshore, two burners are
available on the rig for wind constraint. Compressed air and water are injected
together with the hydrocarbon fluids to prevent black smoke production and oil
drop out.
Gas

Effluent

Water

Oil

Figure 2.6 Test separator.

2-2.2 Downhole equipment

Pressure gauges : Electronic gauges are used to measure the bottom hole
pressure versus time. The gauge can be suspended down hole on a wireline, or
hung off on a seating nipple. When they are not connected to the surface with a
cable, the gauges are battery powered and the pressure data is stored on the
gauge memory. No bottom hole pressure is available until the gauge is pulled to
surface. With a cable, a surface read out system allows to monitor the test in
real time, and to adjust the duration of the shut-in periods.
-7-

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

Down hole valve : By closing the well down hole, the pressure response is
representative of the reservoir behavior earlier than in case of surface shut-in
(see wellbore storage effect in Section 3-1). DST are generally short tests.
Several types of down hole valve are available, operated by translation, rotation
or annular pressure. A sample of reservoir fluid can be taken when the tester
valve is closed.
Bottom hole sampler : Fluid samples can also be taken with a wire line bottom
hole sampler. During sampling, the well is produced at low rate.
RFT, MDT :The Repeat Formation Tester and the Modular Formation
Dynamics Tester are open hole wire line tools. They are primary used to
measure the vertical changes of reservoir pressure (pressure gradient), and to
take bottom hole samples. From the pressure versus depth data, fluid contacts
(oilwater OWC and gasoil GOC) are located, communication or presence of
sealing boundaries between layers can be established. RFT and MDT can also
provide a first estimate of the horizontal and vertical permeability near the well
by analysis of the pressure versus time response.

2-3 Safety and environmental issues

Safety equipment : The test program is designed according to the safety and
environmental regulations. All equipment must be certified and adapted to
testing conditions. The type of well completion, of drilling rig, the weather
condition, the presence of sour gas (H2S, CO2), the well pressure and
temperature are some of the points to be considered when programming a test.
In difficult testing condition such as with high pressure wells, the availability of
the equipment should be checked a long time before the anticipated operation.
Testing from a floating rig : Special pieces of equipment are used when
testing from a floating rig or vessel. In case of severe weather condition, the
floating drilling rig may have to be disconnected from the tubing string and
moved to a safer location, without killing the well. Several safety valves are
located in the landing string between the rig floor and the sea bed. They are
hydraulically operated from surface with control hoses. The subsea test valve
provides a means of shutting in the well, if needed by cutting a wire, and to
disconnect from the main tubing string. The rams of the BOP stack are then
closed and the well in a safe condition until the subsea valve is latched back on
the bottom string. The retained valve prevents any loss of fluid after the subsea
test valve has been disconnected. The lubricator valve allows to enter long
wireline tools into the well without having to use a lubricator above the well
head.

-8-

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

Lubricator valve
Riser

Retainer valve
Sub sea valve
BOP stack

Landing string

Fluted hanger
Fixed
point

Slip joint

Test tools
Fixed
point

Packer

Figure 2.7 Offshore testing from a floating rig.

Safety procedures : All equipment must be checked and tested. The working
pressure must be greater than the expected pressures from wellhead to
separator. A pressure test is made to ensure there is no leak at the different
pieces of equipment, and through connecting pipes. The emergency shut down
systems and downhole safety valves are able to function. The criteria for
opening and flowing the well must have been defined (in daylight or not),
safety meeting are organized prior the first opening of the well (definition of
the safe area, possibility of hot work during flowing time etc.)
Environment : No damage to the environment is a major concern when testing
wells. Flaring for long periods is often not allowed. The test program is defined
in order to minimize the volume of emission when burning. If possible the
effluent is exported, in some cases the gas is re-injected. When testing offshore,
drop out must be minimized.

-9-

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

3- Examples of typical flow regimes

3-1 Wellbore storage

Rate, q

Pressure, p

When a well is opened, the production at surface is first due to the expansion of
the fluid in the wellbore, and the reservoir contribution is negligible. After any
change of surface rate, there is a time lag between the surface production and the
sandface rate. For a shut-in period, the wellbore storage effect is called afterflow.

q surface
q sand face
Time, t
Figure 3.1 Wellbore storage effect. Sand face and surface rates.

3-1.1 Pressure profile

"
!
!

rw

pi

pw
Figure 3.2 Wellbore storage effect. Pressure profile.

- 10 -

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

3-1.2 Wellbore storage coefficient

For a well full of a single phase fluid,

C =

V
= co Vw (Bbl/psi, m3/kPa)
p

( 3-4)

where :
co : liquid compressibility (psi-1, kPa-1)
Vw : wellbore volume (Bbl, m3)

3-1.3 Specialized analysis

Plot of the pressure change p versus the elapsed time t time on a linear scale. At
early time, the response follows a straight line of slope mWBS, intercepting the
origin.

p =

Dp

qB
t (psi, kPa)
24C

( 3-5)

mWBS

0
Dt

Figure 3.3 Wellbore storage effect.

Specialized analysis on a linear scale.

Result : wellbore storage coefficient C.

C=

qB
(Bbl/psi, m3/kPa)
24mWBS

3-2 Radial flow regime, skin (homogeneous behavior)

When the reservoir production is established, the flow-lines converge radially
towards the well. In the reservoir, the pressure is a function of the time and the
distance to the well.

- 11 -

( 3-6)

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

3-2.1 Pressure profile

"
!
!
!
"
"

rw

pi

S=0

pw

Figure 3.4 Radial flow regime. Pressure profile. Zero skin.

rw

pi
S>0

pw(S=0)
pw(S>0)

Dp(skin)

Figure 3.5 Radial flow regime. Pressure profile. Damaged well, positive skin
factor.

rw

rwe

pi
pw(S<0)

S<0
pw(S=0)

Figure 3.6 Radial flow regime. Pressure profile. Stimulated well, negative skin
factor.

- 12 -

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

3-2.2 Skin
The skin is a dimensionless parameter. It characterizes the well condition : for a
damaged well S > 0, and for a stimulated well S < 0.

kh
pSkin (field units)
1412
. qB
kh
S=
pSkin (metric units)
1842qB
S=

( 3-7)

Damaged well (S > 0) : poor contact between the well and the reservoir (mudcake, insufficient perforation density, partial penetration) or invaded zone
Stimulated well (S < 0) : surface of contact between the well and the reservoir
increased (fractured or horizontal well) or acid stimulated zone

Equivalent wellbore radius :

rwe = rw e S (ft, m)

( 3-8)

3-2.3 Specialized analysis

For homogeneous reservoirs, a pressure versus time semi-log straight line
describes the radial flow regime. The analysis gives access to the reservoir
permeability thickness product kh, and to the skin coefficient S.

Dp
slope m
Dp(1hr)

0
Log(Dt)

Figure 3.7 Radial flow regime.

Specialized analysis on semi-log scale.

Semi-log straight line of slope m :

- 13 -

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

p = 162.6
p = 2121

k
qB

+
3
.
23
0
.
87
S
log t + log
(psi, field units)
kh
ct rw2

k
qB
5.09 + 0.87 S (kPa, metric units) ( 3-9)
log t + log
2
kh
ct rw

Results:

qB
(mD.ft, field units)
m
qB
kh = 2121
(m2.m, metric units)
m
kh = 162.6

( 3-10)

k
S = 1151
. 1 hr log
+
3
.
23
(field units)
ct rw2
m

k
S = 1151
. 1 hr log
+ 5.09 (metric units)
2
ct rw
m

( 3-11)

3-3 Fractured well (infinite conductivity fracture) : linear flow

regime

xf

Figure 3.8 Fractured well. Fracture geometry.

3-3.1 Linear flow regime

At early time, before the radial flow regime is established, the flow-lines are
perpendicular to the fracture plane. This is called linear flow.

- 14 -

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

Figure 3.9 Infinite conductivity fracture. Geometry of the flow lines. Linear
and radial flow regimes.

3-3.2 Specialized analysis

Plot of the pressure change p versus the square root of elapsed time
response follows a straight line of slope mLF, intercepting the origin.

p = 4.06

qB
hx f

t (psi, field units)

ct k

p = 619
.

qB
hx f

t (kPa, metric units)

ct k

t : the

( 3-12)

Dp
slope mLF

0
0

SQRT(Dt)
Figure 3.10 Infinite conductivity fracture. Specialized analysis with the
pressure versus the square root of time.

Result : the half fracture length xf

x f = 4.06

qB
ct k hmLF

(ft, field units)

x f = 619
.

qB
ct k hmLF

(m, metric units)

- 15 -

( 3-13)

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

3-4 Closed reservoir : pseudo steady state regime

In closed reservoir, when all boundaries have been reached, the flow regime is
called Pseudo Steady State : the pressure decline is proportional to time.

3-4.1 Pressure profile

re

rw

pi

pw

Figure 3-11 Closed reservoir. The boundaries are not reached, infinite
reservoir behavior: the pressure profile expands.

"
!
!

"
"

"
!
"
pi

#
rw

#
#
re

pw

Figure 3-12 Closed reservoir. The boundaries reached, end of infinite

reservoir behavior.

- 16 -

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

pi

re

rw

pw

Figure 3-13 Closed reservoir. Pseudo steady state regime : the pressure
profile drops.

3-4.2 Specialized analysis

During drawdown, plot of the pressure versus elapsed time t on a linear scale. At
late time, a straight line of slope m* characterizes the Pseudo Steady State regime:

p = 0.234

qB
qB
A
t + 162.6
log 2 log(C A ) + 0.351 + 0.87 S (psi, field units)
ct hA
kh rw

p = 4.168x102

qB
qB
A
t + 2121
log 2 log(C A ) + 0.351 + 0.87 S (kPa,
ct hA
kh rw

( 3-14)

metric units)

5050

pi
pressure, psi

5000

4950

p-

4900

pseudo steady state

m*

4850

4800
0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

time, hours
Figure 3.14 Drawdown and build-up pressure response. Linear scale.
Closed system.

Result : the reservoir pore volume hA.

hA = 0.234

qB
(cu ft, field units)
ct m *
- 17 -

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

hA = 4.168x102

qB
(m3, metric units)
ct m *

( 3-15)

During shut-in, the pressure stabilizes to the average reservoir pressure p ( < pi ) .

4 - Conclusion
4-1 Interpretation procedure
4-1.1 The different analysis scales
Straight lines analysis on specialized scale is not the preferred interpretation
method. For a given period of the test, the change in pressure p is plotted on loglog scale versus the elapsed time t. This data plot is completed with the derivative
of the pressure (the semi-log slope), and it compared to a set of dimensionless
theoretical pressure and derivative type curves.
1.0E+03

Dp and Dp', psi

pressure
1.0E+02

derivative
1.0E+01

1
1.0E+00
1.0E-03

1.0E-02

1.0E-01

1.0E+00

1.0E+01

1.0E+02

Dt, hours

Figure 4.1 Build-up example. Pressure and derivative log-log plot

A large number of interpretation model is available for the usual well conditions
(well with wellbore storage and skin, fractured, horizontal, partial penetration
etc.), reservoir heterogeneities and boundary system. The shape of the log-log data
plot defines the well behavior, and therefore the interpretation model(s) to be used.
By adjusting the match of the pressure and derivative data plot on the
dimensionless theoretical curve, the relevant well and reservoir parameters are
estimated.

- 18 -

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

pD & pD'

1.0E+02

1.0E+01

slope 1
0.5

1.0E+00

1.0E-01
1.0E-01

1.0E+00

1.0E+01

1.0E+02

1.0E+03

tD/CD
Figure 4.2 Pressure and derivative type-curve for a well with wellbore storage
and skin, homogeneous reservoir.

The pressure and derivative log-log match is confirmed with a match of the
pressure type-curve on semi-log scale to adjust accurately the parameters. A
simulation of the complete test history is presented on linear scale in order to
control the rates, any changes in the well behavior, the average pressure etc.

4-1.2 From initial diagnosis to consistency check of the results

Well test analysis is a three steps process :
1. Identification of the interpretation model. The derivative plot is the primary
identification tool.
2. Calculation of the interpretation model. The log-log pressure and derivative
plot is used to make the first estimates.
3. Verification of the interpretation model. The simulation is adjusted on the three
usual plots : log-log, test history and semi-log superposition.
The consistency of the interpretation model is finally checked against non-testing
information (seismic data, geology etc.).

4-2 Test design and supervision

Once the objectives of the test have been defined, the program is established taking
into account the different operational constraints. Test simulations are generated to
ensure the objectives can be achieved, and to define the optimum testing sequence.
Test design is a compromise between cost and reliability.
Test design is not limited to the definition of the different flow periods. From
examination of the pressure change observed on the test simulation, the
requirements for the pressure gauge characteristics are defined.
- 19 -

D.B.W.
D. Bourdet

Well Testing and Interpretation

2001

Experience of tests in neighboring wells can be used to establish specifications

such as gauge depths, use of a down hole shut-in tool, etc.
In the ideal case, the same person is in charge of the design and of the test
supervision. The experience gained from the design study can be used to adjust in
real time the program to any unexpected event (well shut-in for operational or
safety reason), or to a different pressure behavior. The drawdown period must be
long enough to reach a stabilized flowing condition prior to shut-in (accurate flow
rate, surface sampling).
During the test supervision, any action that can affect the pressure data must be
recorded (such as leak, operation on the well or change of annular pressure during
shut-in, etc.)

- 20 -