Well Testing

Eng. Hussam Eddien M. El Fituri

Well Testing and Pressure Analysis

ENTER
 Ill -The Outer Boundary Condition

Infinite Acting System

the well producing without being affected by the conditions

at the outer boundary of the drainage area , and without
being affected by production from any surrounding wells.

Closed Boundary System

the outer boundary could be a NO flow boundary (i.e.), such

as in the case of a well surrounded by other producers
where each well is depleting a certain area of the reservoir

Constant Pressure

the outer boundary could be maintained at a constant

pressure 1 such as in the case of aquifer support or pattern
water flood.

, h "(
,.,, ov7 ; . rrf'C<'
.
/
the pressure performance. in. any well can be adequately
described by the Infinite acting solution during the early
time of production, and then the performance changes
gradually into either a closed system performance, or a
constant pressure system per1ormance.
 Case- a :The Infinite Acting System

This condition is used to represent the early-time pressure

behavior at the well bore, so long as the effects of the outer
boundaries are not felt, or, (better) can be neglected .

where,

P{r,t) =pressure at time, t, at any point, r, away from

the well bore,

Ei =the Exponential Integral

00 -y
-Ei(-x) = f-e- dy Eq(1.15)
X y

This solution is normally termed the

"Line Source Solution"
 Eq (1.16)

where,

r= o.57721 56649
 The Logarithmic Solution,

for any x < 0.01

-Ei( -x) = -ln(x)- 0.5772 for x < 0.01 Eq (1.17)

I)
1 1
L .:.t thUS
(/ '

for,
 Case - b : The Closed Boundary System

In this case, the reservoir is considered to be of finite radial

extent, with NO radial flow across the outer boundary

This condition is normally applied to wells producing in a

developed reservoir system .

for the square, circular, and hexagonal drainage systems,

the pressure behavior at the producing well can be divided
into two periods as follows:

2 )<-- t < L}L

~ UCr ___r---: r ..r L
1) Transient Period , t < 948 'f/ e ~/ -/ LIL 'c
k
the closed system behaves essentially as an infinite system

2) Pseudo( Semi ) Steady State Period , t > 948

¢ ucr 2
e --=
t.
t-,t~ Cr c L
I
k
During this period the pressure change at the well bore is a
linear function of time, i.e. dP/dt =constant.
 important remark

if the shape of the system deviates considerably

from the square, radial, or hexagonal shape,

or,

if the well is shifted from the center of the system,

then,

there exists a transitional period

between the Transient and Semi - Steady state
periods which cannot be analyzed by any of the
pervious equations.

Type curve analysis, or, trial and error procedures

suggested by Muskat and developed by Matthews
and Russell can be used in such a case.
 Case- c :
Constant Pressure at the Outer Boundary

In this case,
the drainage system has a finite radial extent, re,
and
the outer boundary is maintained at a constant pressure,
such as in the case of strong natural water drive or water
injection.,

the pressure behavior at the producing well can be divided

into three distinct periods

¢ ucr 2
1) Transient Period , t < 948 e
k
the system behaves essentially as an infinite acting system,

2) Transitional ( Late Transient) Period

2 2
948 ¢ ucre < t < 3800 ¢ ucre Eq(1.21)
k k

Type curve analysis, or trial and error procedures, are

required to analyze the pressure behavior during this period
 ¢ ucr 2
c) Steady State Period , t > 3800 e
k

the pressure change at the well bore (or at any point in the
system) is independent of time, i.e. dP/dt = 0.
Example Problem (1.1)
( on the Proper Use of the D. E. Analytical Solutions)

An oil well is put on production at a constant rate, q=780

STB/day. The following information is available:

formation depth = 6000 ft

rw = 3.5 inches
h =58 ft
k = 178 md
uo = 1.35 cp
Bo = 1.29 bbl/ STB
c = 22x10-6 vollvol/ psi
¢ = 0.15
Pi = 2850 psi a

1)Calculate Pwf after 30 days of production, assuming:

a) Infinite acting system

b) Closed boundary at re = 1600 ft
c) Constant pressure boundary at re = 1600 ft

2) Calculate the pressure at a distance, r = 900 ft, after 30

days of production, assuming an Infinite acting system.
1) Pwf after 30 days of production.
a) assuming Infinite acting system

First step is to determine if the logarithmic approximation of Ei can be

used or not :

¢ ucr1 ~ =(0.155)(1.35)(22)10 - ( 3.5 1 12/ = 2 _9 /x/0 - 9

6

0.00105kt 0.00105(1 78)(30x24)

Consequently, the logarithmic solution representing the infinite acting

system can be applied in this case :

P(r,t) = quE. ( log

P; -162.6 - kt -3.23 J
kh ¢ ucr 2

p, = 2850 _ 162 _6 (780)(1.35)(1.29) _(/o (178)(30x24) _ 3 _23 )

Hf (1 78 )(58) g (0 .155 )(1.35 )(22 )I o- ( 3.5 1 12 /
6

d _, ry~j~
O•
f
c9 S"..,
-+
~~
1 = 2673 psia

b) assuming Closed boundary at re = 1600 ft

First define wether the Transient (i .e. logarithmic ) solution can be used ,
or, whether the outer boundary is affecting the well bore pressure, in
which case the Pseudo (semi) steady state solution should be used:

kt (178)(30x24) =
---= 10875
¢ ucr/ (0 .155 )(1.35 )(0.000022 )(1 600 l I

Since the value of the argument is > 948, the Pseudo (semi-) steady state
solution should be used:

~vf = ~ _ 14 1. 2 quB(2(0.00026 4)kt +ln !!!__.!_J

kh ¢ ucre2 r 11 , 4
pw = 2850 _ 14 1. 2 ( 780)(1.35)(1.29)( 2(0.000264)(1 78)(30x24) + In 1600 _.!_J
1 (1 78 )(58 ) (0 .155)( 1.25)(22)10 - 6 (1600 / 3.5 / 12 4

?.,,1 = 2589 psia

c) assuming Constant pressure boundary at re = 1600 ft

kt .
Since the value of - - - , (=1 0,875) IS greater than 4 x 948, then the
¢ ucre"'
Darcy Equation represent ing steady state conditions can be appl ied :

quE re
P(r,t) = ~ - 141.2 - . /n ( - )
kh r

p. = 2850 _ 14 1. 2 (780 )( 1. 35 )(1.29) .In( 1600 )

11
1 (1 78 ) ( 58) 3.5 I 12

Pu:f = 2690 psia

2) reservoir pressure at a distance r = 900 ft . assuming an Infinite acting

system:

First step is to determine if the logarithmic approximation of Ei can be

used or not: ·

2 6
¢ ucr = (0.155)(1.35)(22)10 - (900/ =0.0
2 77
0.00105 kt 0.00 105(178)(30x24)

Since the value of the argument is > 0.01, consequently, the logarithmic
solution cannot be used , and the original Ei solution must be used:.

quE ¢ ucr 2
P( r,t)= ~ +70.6 - . EJ- )
kh 0.00105kt
p ·- = 2850 + 7006 ( 780 )( 1. ] 5 )( 1. 29 ) 0 E o(-0 00277)
( 1-900) (178)(58) I

The value of Ei ( - 000277 ) is equal to (3 005) , Fig (102) 0Consequently,

P( r = 900) = 2822 psia 0

 2.1 Definition of "Skin Effect"

Skin Effect is used technically to denote any increase or

decrease in the value of the pressure drop at the well bore
as compared to the ideal flow pressure behavior.

TYPES OF SKIN IN OIL WELLS

• the change in the permeability value around the well

bore, normally termed " Mechanical Skin ", and,

• the change in the flow path length which the fluid droplet
has to travel to reach to the well bore, as compared to
the ideal radial path, normally termed " Dynamic Skin ".
 DAMAGE

signifies extra pressure drop required at the sand face

due to

• permeability reduction in the immediate surroundings of

the well bore caused by mud penetration, scale
formation, or asphaltene precipitation.

• increased flow path length caused by partial penetration,

and I or, the limited number of perforations.

STIMULATION

signifies less pressure drop required at the sand face

due to:

• increase in formation permeability in the surroundings of

the well bore as a result of acidization

• decrease in the flow path length, traveled by the oil

droplet toward the wellbore, as a result of horizontal
drilling, and/or, hydraulic fracturing .
 2.2 "Skin Factor"

The Skin Factor, S, is a number which is used to

characterize the degree of Damage or Stimulation in or
around the well bore.

J
M8 = 141.2 quE . S ~\ ~ ' Eq (2.1)
kh \ \~

Ms =extra pressure drop at the wellbore due to skin

In the case of Damage,

the extra pressure drop due to skin, M 8 , is positive

( S) is positive

the skin value can range theoretically from zero to oo

( represents the value of S when well is unable to flow)

In the case of Stimulation,

the extra pressure drop, M 8 is negative

S is negative

the normal range for the negative skin is 0 to -7.

 2.3 THE PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

During Transient Period

(kt I¢ ucr/ < 948 )

.
Pwf(zdeal) = ~ -162.6 -quE .( log kt 2 -3.23 J
kh ¢ ucrw
Eq (2.2)

Pwf (actual) = P..vt (ideal) - M 8

= ~ -162.6 -quE .( log J

kt -3.23 -141.2 -quE .S
kh ¢ ucrw2 kh
Eq (2.3)

or,

quB ( log
Pwf(actual)=~-162.6-. kt -3.23+0.8 S J
kh ¢ ucrw2
 Pseudo-Steady state
closed boundary system when
(kt I¢ ucr/ > 948 )

steady state
constant pressure at outer boundary when
(kt I ¢ ucr/ > 3800 )

....... --rr: '\._,v

is c,.;ccl P'
 Important Remark

The values of the skin factor, 5, calculated from any single

well test using the above equations is actually the
arithmetic sum of different skins factors (some are positive
and some are negative) resulting from damaging factors
(such as mud penetration, asphaltene precipitation, partial
penetration, etc.) and from stimulating factors (such as
acidization and hydraulic fracturing).

And, consequently, the value of a zero skin does not

necessarily mean that there is no damage to the well bore. It
only signifies that the effect of the stimulation factors is
equivalent mathematically to the effect of the damage
factors.
Example Problem (2.1)
(Effect of Skin on the Bottom Hole Flowing Pressure)

(The same information given in Example Problem 1.1, is

used here to illustrate the effect of the Skin Factor on the
pressure drop at the well bore )

An oil well is put on production at a constant rate, q=780

STB/day. The following information is available:

formation depth = 6000 ft

rw = 3.5 inches
h =58 ft
k = 178 md
uo = 1.35 cp
Bo = 1.29 bbl/ STB
c = 22x10.o vol/vol/ psi
¢ = 0.15
Pi = 2850 psi a

Calculate Pwf after 30 days of production, assuming :

a) an Infinite acting system, and S = +5
b) closed boundary at re = 1600 ft, and S= -5
 3.1 Test Objectives
Drawdown test
Test Objec�ves
• to determine the Effective Permeability - thickness
product, kh.

• to determine the values of the Skin Factor, S, and the

pressure drop due to skin, L1Ps ,

• to determine the Effective Pore Volume, Vp, of the

drainage area, if the test is run long enough to allow the
bottom hole flowing pressure to reach the semi- steady
state period, or steady state period .

If the determination of Vp is a primary objective of the test,

then the test is normally termed Reservoir Limit Test.

3.2 How the Test is Run

The Draw-Down test is run by producing the well at a

constant flow rate, while, continuously, recording the
flowing bottom hole pressure, Pwf. It is important to note
that continuous flow rate readings should be recorded, to
ensure that the flow rate is maintained constant throughout
the test.
 3.3 When the Test is Run

The Test is normally started when the pressure all over in

the investigated area has equalized.

This is, usually, the case in new reservoirs, or in a remote

area of the reservoir which has not been affected by
production from other developed areas, or in a reservoir
which has been shut down for a long period of time to allow
the pressure to equalize all over the reservoir.
 Important Remarks

• the value of P(1hr) should be read on the straight line

portion of the semi-log plot, and should not be taken
directly from the actual data

• There are some (well known) factors which are related to

the well bore fluid flow conditions, and/or to the
completion practices which would cause the early data
points to deviate from the straight line, or would obscure
the straight line completely. These factors will be
discussed later.

• The time when the data starts to deviate from the straight
line, tss , can be used to calculate the drainage radius
(assuming the well is centered in a radial or square
drainage area) as follows:

re-
-
948¢ uc

And, consequently, an estimate of the OIIP can be made

using the calculated re . The main pittfall of this
technique is the difficulty of having an accurate reading
oftss on a semi-log plot.
Example Problem (3.1)
( Draw-Down Test Analysis )

An extended Draw-Down test was run on a new oil well to

determine the average permeability, the skin factor, and the
Oil Initially in Place. The following information is available :

depth 10,200 ft ¢ 10 Ofo

Pi 4000 psi a Bo 1.25 bbi/STB
q 500 STB/D u 1.0 cp
h 50 ft c 20(10).o I psi
rw 3 inches Swi 22 %

The following bottom hole pressure data was recorded

during the test :

time Pwf time Pwf (psia)

(hours) (psia) (hours)

0 4000 20 3623
0.1 3717 25 3619
0.5 3688 30 3616
1 3676- - 35 3613
2 3663 40 3610
3 3656 45 3607
4 3651 . 50 3605
5 3647 60 3600
6 3644 70 3595
8 3638 80 3590
10 3635 90 3585
12 3632 100 3581
15 3628

Analyze the test.

Solution:

I -Analysis of The Transient Period (The Semi-log plot)

STEP#

1 Plot Pwf vs. log (t) as shown in Fig. P3.1-a.

2 Fit early data points to a straight line

3 Read the absolute value of the slope,

m =40.6 psi/cycle

4 Calculate k = 162.6quf! I mh
- 162 6 (JOOX I .OX1.2J) =50 06 md
- · (40 .6X50) ·

5 Extrapolate the straight line to t = 1 hr, and read (on the

straight line ) the value P11, . =3676 psi .

6 Calculate the Skin Factor:

S=l.151 e~- Pnzr - log

1
k 2 +3.23 J
m ¢ucrw

s =us{ 4000 - 3676 -log

40.6
50 .06
(0 .1)(1)(20)(10) - 6 (.25) 2
+ 323)

s = +3.00
7 Calculate 11Ps = 0.87mS
= 0.87( 40.6)(3.00) = 106 psi

8 Read the time when the late data points start deviating
from the semi-log straight line , t ss = 35 hours

9 Calculate re = (k.tss I 948¢ uc)l/ 2

_ ( (50.06X35) )ll2 _
- 948(0.1Xl.OX20XJO)~ -
961
ft
10 " (r/ ).h¢(1 Sw;) STB
Calculate 01/P = . (B )
5 615 0
2
=" (961) (50)(0.1)(1- 0.2l) = 1.613 MM STB
5.615(1.25)

IV
 Sheet1

Example Problem (3.1-b)

Well X-1
Test# 1
Semi-log
3750.00 ..,I v
3730.00

3710.00 ~ ............
............
..........
3690.00
"'- .... rr= .6071 psi cy ~I:!
3670.00
......
<a ~
·c;;
c.
3650.00
~~
,.,~~
t 3630.00
-....,.
~
~~
3610.00 ...~J'-
~
3590.00

3570.00

3550.00
0.10 1.00 10.00 100.00

Flow time, t (hrs)

Example Problem (3.1-b)

Well X-1
Test# f
Linear plot
3720.00

3700.00

3680.00
t
<II 3660.00
·c;;
I~
c.

t 3640.00
\
·~ ~~
'--------- r--"'--. I M= 0.483 9 psi/ ~our I
3620.00
~
~ ~~
~
3600.00
------. ~
~ ,..____
3580.00
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Flow time, hrs
II - Analysis of The Semi-Steady state Period (The Linear plot)

STEP#

1 Plot Pwf vs. flowing time as shown in Fig. P3.1-b

2 Fit Late data points to a straight line .

3 Read the absolute value of the slope,

M =0.4833 psi/hour .

4 Calculate the Pore Volume in reservoir barrels :

VP= 0.0418qB I eM
v = 0.0418 ( 5 00)(J.25 ) ~ 2.7028 MM bbl
p (20)(10) - 6 (0 .4833)

5 Calculate the Oil Initially in Place,

V (1 - S · )
01/P(STB) = p WI
B
2.7028(10) 6 (1 - 0.22)
01/P(STB) = = 1.6865 MMSTB
1.25

6 Compare the value of OIIP determined from Step # 5

(1 .6865 MM STB) with the value of OIIP which was
evaluated previously from the Transient Period analysis ,
(1 .613 MM STB). The small difference indicates that the
well is practically at the center of the drainage area, and
that the drainage area can be approximated by a circle.
-r '\(3Th ~6
4.2 Two-Rate Test Analysis

4.2.1 Test Objectives

• to determine kh

• to determine the values of the Skin Factor, S, and, the

pressure drop due to skin, ~ Ps, for both rates, and,

• to determine the initial pressure of the system, Pi .

4.2.2 How the Test is Run

The Two-Rate test is run by producing the well at a constant

flow rate, q1, for several days. Three or four hours prior to
the rate change, the pressure measuring device is lowered
into the well bore, and the recording of the flowing bottom
hole pressure, Pwt, is started. The rate is, then, changed to
another constant flow rate, q 2, by adjusting the choke size,
and the pressure recording is continued .
 4.2.3 When the Test is Run

• It is run as a substitute to the build-up test ( in which the well

is shut down completely) to minimize the production losses

• It is, also, run in wells producing at high gas-oil ratio to mini-

mize the effect of phase redistribution which distorts the
pressure behavior in the early period of the pressure test (as
will be discussed in later chapters) .

Lt-~\c, l lt 'C (Y
~~d'W /11-
Jcr~ <-~t
I
i )r Sf fhC err: jj -t

( I• I .I -y
.
•
-t

. L._

l-/_,t
Example Problem (4.1)
(Two-Rate Test Analysis)

An oil well produced 3223 STB at a stabilized rate of q 1 = 220

STB/day. Few hours before the rate change, the pressure
measuring device was lowered into the well bore. The flow rate
was, then , changed to q 2 = 105 STB/day by reducing the choke
size.

The following basic data is available :

h 69 feet rw 0.21 feet

Bo 1.25 bbi/STB Uo 0.85 cp
¢ 0.09 c, o. 000035 /psi

The following bottom hole pressure data was collected after the
rate change:

f...t Pwf f...t Pwf (psia)

(hours) (hours)
(psi a)

0 3252 16 3368
1 3311 20 3373
2 3322 24 3377
3 3331 30 3381
4 3336 36 3387
6 3346 48 3390
8 3353 60 3395
·10 3358 72 3398
12 3362
-L L~
. '-1 I
I 1'- '{
Analyze the test .
Solution:

- Calculate the duration of the first flow period ,

NP 3223
t = - = x24 = 351.6 hrs
ql 220

q2 105
-Calculate - =- = 0.47727
ql 220

-Prepare a table of Pwf vs. (t + !lt) I (!lt) 1- q2 /q1 as follows :

11t (hours) Pwf (psia) (t + 111) I (11t )l- q21q,

0 3252
1 3311 352.6
2 3322 246.1
3 3331 199.7
4 3336 172.3
6 3346 140.2
8 3353 121 .3
10 3358 108.5
12 3362 99.2
16 3368 86.3
20 3373 77.6
24 3377 71 .3
30 3381 64.5
36 3387 59.5
48 3390 52.8
60 3395 48.4
72 3398 45.3
 ...... ~et1

Example Problem (4.1)

(Two-Rate Test)
3420

~
3400
"' .
3380

3360
~
"'..
. [".
~"-~ ~
lm=106 pd /cycle I

-;-
'iii ~
I• actual data I
E:
'
~ 3340

3320
"' ~
""~.
I P(1 hr) 3304 1 ~" •
~
•

.......
........
3300

~
3280
10 ( t + D. t ) 100 1000
q2
1--
(D.t) ql
STEP#

Plot Pwt vs. (t + ~t) I (~t) 1 -q2 /q1 on semi-log paper, as shown
1
in Fig. P4.1 .

2 Fit the data points to a straight line as shown on the plot .

3 Read from the plot the absolute value of the slope ,

m = 106 psi I cycle.
4 Calculate k = 162.6q 1uB I mh .
= 162.6 (220)(0.85)(1.32) = 5.49 md
(106)(69)

5 Extrapolate the straight line to (t + 1) = 352.6 hours, and read (on

the straight line portion) the valt,Je of P1hr = 3304 psia.

6 Calculate the Skin Factor :

S = 1.15{ qI P.,,fO - plhr -log k + 3.23 J

q2 - q1 m ¢ ucr"~
s ~ 115{
. 220 . 3252-3304 -I og 5.49 +3.
105 - 220 106 (0 .09)(0.85)(35)(10) - 6 (0.21) 2

s = -4.02
7 Calculate Ms 1 = 0.87mS 0.87(106)( -4.02) = -371 psi
=
q2 (105)
and, M s2 =0.87mS.- = -371 =-177 psi
q1 (220)
8 Calculate Pi ;

Pi = P"fO +m.(iog kt
¢ ucrw2
-3.23 + 0 .87 S J
~ = 3252
5 9 35 6
+(106{log ( .4 )( 1. ) - 323 + 0.8 7( - 4.02)]
(0 .09)(0.85)( 35)(1 0) - 6 ( 0.21) 2

P; = 3622 psia
 5.6 Treatment of the Production History

Usually, in field practice, the flow rate would have changed

many different times prior to the build-up test, with each
flow rate being maintained for a different time duration

One of the main concerns

in the analysis of the Pressure Build-Up test is

the choice of the appropriate values for the flow rate, q ,

and the flowing time, t, which should be used in the plotting
of data.

There are three main approaches for the treatment of the

production history.

The first approach uses the Super-position principle,

whereas,

the other two are based on averaging of the production

time.
 5.6.1 The Super-Position Approach

where,
t 0 = 0 , q0 = 0
t j = time in hours when the flow rate is changed from q j to q j +1
tn = time in hours when I;,l's is measured (i.e. total flow time+ !1t)

A plot of Pws vs. the summation term

should produce a straight line with a slope,

m, equal to 162.6 uB/kh

The Super-position technique is most suitable for computer

use if an accurate record of the flow history is available.

Unfortunately, in actual field practice, the reported flow

rates are normally rates which are "allocated'' to the well
( normally on the basis of monthly tests measured using a
test seperator). And, consequently, this technique might not
give the best results always.
 tlor ne
5.6.2 The Corrected Time Method

l!.v \~"' (f \t\)

. (. ¥ .
\.~.(e;c U..JC'~t.-
t Vfv ( ( (' • .J ...... v

where,

qL = Last stabilized flow rate just prior to shut-in, and,

tc = Np I qL ( called Horner Corrected time)

Important Remarks

Odeh and Napor have concluded that:

• the Horner corrected-time approach could create

substantial error in the results, if the last flow rate was
not allowed to stabilize for a minimum time period of
t L > ¢ ucr/ I k .

• the shut-in data points which can be trusted in this

approach to calculate meaningful and accurate results
are limited by !3.t < tL , where, t L is the duration of the
last flow period with stabil ized flow rate, q(last).
 5.6.3 The t* - q* Method

* *
a Pseudo-flow rate, q , and a Pseudo-flowing time, t , are
used in the HORNER plot to account for the changing flow
rate during the production history of the well, where,

where,

qi = average flow rate during the period ti to ti+l·

n = number of rate changes
t = actual flow time in days, and ,
N P = cumulative production (STB)

Important Remark

This method will produce higher errors in the analysis and

interpretation, as compared to the corrected time method.
Consequently, this approach should be limited to the cases
where the Horner corrected time method cannot be used ;