TIME ZONE 1

SCHOOL OF ENERGY, GEOSCIENCE, INFRASTRUCTURE & SOCIETY

INSTITUTE OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

G11WT

RESERVOIR ENGINEERING WELL TEST ANALYSIS

Date: Time:

Duration: 3 hours

With Solutions

1. This paper consists of 9 questions. Answer all 9 questions of this paper.

2. State clearly any assumptions made and include all the intermediate calculation
steps. No marks can be given for an incorrect answer if the method of
calculation is not presented and no complete mark will be awarded to a correct
final answer if intermediate steps are not included.

3. The required plots should be drawn with hand and be clearly readable.

4. The answer to any descriptive part of any questions should be your own word
and within the stated word limit. Any text direct from notes and/or words over
the stated word limit will not be marked. Equations or numbers are not counted
as words.

5. Marks for each question are shown in brackets.

Heriot-Watt University Reservoir Engineering Well Test Analysis G11WT – Model Exam

Question 1
A well is in the centre of a cylindrical drainage area producing at a constant flow rate.
(i) Describe the wellbore storage effect for this well.
(4 marks) [Answer word limit: 60 words]
(ii) Briefly describe the two main difficulties associated with type curve matching.
(4 marks) [Answer word limit: 60 words]
(Total = 8 marks)

Question 1 Solution – (8)

(i) During a WT practice, when the flow rate is recorded at the surface rather than
reservoir sand face, the expansion or contraction of reservoir fluid within wellbore
affects the recorded pressure response. This is defined as wellbore storage.
(ii) It is often difficult to select one of the families of type curves as giving a better fit
than adjacent ones. This is particularly true when there are measurement errors. The
models are often based on Cs=constant, which is not valid.

Question 2
Compare the permeability data obtained from analysing WFT-BU and WFT-DD data.
(Total = 8 marks) [Answer word limit: 110 words]

Question 2 Solution – (8)

Because of its small radius of invasion, the WFT DD-k determination technique (based
on the Steady State formulation) is quick and simple using the invaded zone fluid
parameters. The BU interpretation technique is more involved and requires additional
input parameters (, ct, ...). A valid spherical straight line for BU can be difficult to
identify, particularly in heterogeneous formations. There are uncertainties associated
with invasion profile for BU because of its large radius of investigation.

Question 3
Describe the two occasions that WFT shows oil gradient but log indicates no oil
saturation. (Total = 8 marks) [Answer word limit: 90 words]

Question 3 Solution – (8)

In Silty sand formations with very small grain size and high Swc, logs could miss
hydrocarbon saturation. In other words, silty sands have complex conductive
properties resulting in high errors in log responses. It could also occur if formation
water is of low salinity and hence, oil and water can not be distinguished from the log
responses.

Question 4
Use the equation describing the pressure gradient for counter-current two-phase flow
and describe the pressure gradient that would be recorded by WFT in the single-phase
water, single-phase gas and two-phase gassing zones. (Total = 8 marks)

Question 4 Solution – (8)

dp/dD=g(o+ Mg)/(1+M)
Single-phase

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 Heriot-Watt University Reservoir Engineering Well Test Analysis G11WT – Model Exam

If M=> infinity, kro=0; dp/dD=gg, i.e. hydrostatic gas gradient.

If M=> 0; krg=0; dp/dD=go, i.e. hydrostatic oil gradient.
Two-phase: gg <dp/dD< go

Question 5
In a well the WFT data are in the oil column only. With a plot, describe how the
presence of gas cap can be verified if the impact of compositional gradient is ignored.
(Total = 8 marks) [Answer word limit: 50 words]

Question 5 Solution – (8)

The oil gradient line is extrapolated till the top structure depth and if the estimated oil
pressure is above Pb, there is no gas cap otherwise there is a gas cap.

Question 6
On the derivative log-log diagnostic plot for a well in an oil reservoir, draw the early
time, middle time and outer boundary drawdown type curves and identify the number
of image wells for each case. Assume that the well is shut-in at the surface.
(i) Single-fault.
(5 marks)
(ii) A U-shaped fault system with a symmetrically located well.
(5 marks)
(iii) Two faults intersecting at 45° with a well on the bisector.
(5 marks)
(Total = 15 marks)
Question 6 Solution – (15)
(i) Single Fault

100
Pressure [psi]

LTR, derivative plateau twice the MTR

10
MTR, derivative value as the number of image well is 1
plateau of 0.5 or m

0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000 1E+5

Time [hr]

(ii) U-shape fault

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 Heriot-Watt University Reservoir Engineering Well Test Analysis G11WT – Model Exam

1000
Pressure [psi]

0.5 slope

100

MTR, derivative LTR, 0.5 slope as there are infinite

plateau of 0.5 or m number of image wells.

0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000 1E+5

Time [hr]

(iii) Intersection Fault (45 degree)

1000
Pressure [psi]

LTR , derivative plateau 8 times the MTR

value as the number of image well is 7

100 MTR, derivative

plateau of 0.5 or m

0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000 1E+5

Time [hr]

Question 7
The original reservoir description of the Beryl field based on a geological model is
shown in Figure A with two wells on either sides of this model. A fault was suspected
to separate these two wells. An RFT survey was run in these two wells, which are
3500 ft apart with the corresponding data shown in Figure B. Based on the data in
Figure B, comment on the impact of the fault transmissibility identifying which parts of
the geological model in Figure A are still valid and which parts would need adjustment
and why.

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Heriot-Watt University Reservoir Engineering Well Test Analysis G11WT – Model Exam

Figure A: Original Reservoir Description. Figure B: RFT Surveys in Two Wells.

(Total = 15 marks) [Answer word limit: 300 words]

Question 7 Solution – (15)

Figure A shows three separate reservoirs. If good communication existed between the
locations of pressure points in a given reservoir, they should lie on the same
hydrostatic oil gradient. For the major reservoir C, this is indeed the case as shown on
Figure B with points 7, 8, 9 and 10 colinear with F, G, H, I and J. This confirms
communication, and the reservoir structure probably should not change. However, for
the smaller reservoir units A and B, 4, 5 and D, E and 1, 2, 3 and A, B, C are decidedly
not on the same gradient and exhibit quite different pressure regimes. The reservoir
description accordingly needs to be modified. Therefore, it can be concluded that the
major unit, C, is apparently thick enough that even after faulting good communication
still exists. However, the smaller units have been displaced to such an extent that
communication is disrupted or transmissibility across the fault and between the two
wells is small. Considering that 1, 2, 3 are almost collinear with 4, 5, there is also a
possibility of communication between these two units to the left through the fault line.

Question 8
A particular formation has been shown to be amenable to acid treatment which can
increase the rock permeability from the intrinsic value of 5 md to an improved value of
17 md due to its effect on interstitial clay.
(i) Estimate how much the well productivity index will be increased if 1000 bbl of
acid is injected into the formation. Assume piston like displacement of the
resident liquid to a residual saturation of 0.35 (i.e. residual oil saturation=0.1 and
connate water saturation=0.25).
(8 marks) [Answer word limit: 80 words]
(ii) Compare this with the corresponding value for the steady-state productivity index
also based on average pressure.
(4 marks) [Answer word limit: 80 words]
(Total = 12 marks)
Other Data:
h = 80 ft,  = 0.8 cp, Bo = 1.2 RB/STB,  = 20%,
rw = 0.3 ft, re=5000 ft. 1 bbl=5.615 ft^3

Question 8 Solution – (12)

The depth of invasion of the acid (ri) is given by the volume balance:
𝑉𝑎 = 𝜋∅ℎ𝑟2𝑖 (1 − 𝑆𝑟 )
If the volume of acid is in barrels this equation may be written as:
5.615𝑉𝑎
𝑟𝑖 = √
𝜋∅ℎ(1 − 𝑆𝑟 )
5.61461000
i.e. ri = = 13.2 ft
p0.280(1 - 0.35)
The negative skin due to acid stimulation is given by the Hawkins equation:
k  ra
S = k - 1 ln r
 a  w

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Heriot-Watt University Reservoir Engineering Well Test Analysis G11WT – Model Exam

5  13.2
i.e. S = 17 - 1 ln 0.3 = -2.67
 
The Semi-Steady-State productivity index, based on Pave, is given by:
1.127 10 −3  2kh
J SSS =
 r 
B  ln e − 0.75 + Sa 
 rw 
1.127 10−3  2 5  80
i.e. JSSS = = 0.468 bbl / day / psi
 5000 
1.2  0.8   ln − 0.75 − 2.67 
 0.3 
The P.I. without acid treatment is 0.329 bbl/d/psi. This suggests that there has been
42% increase in PI. If one assumes that the absolute value of PI is still low after acid
treatment, then it can be concluded that not enough acid has been used for an effective
job.
The Steady-State productivity index, based on Pave, is given by:
1.127 10−3  2kh
J SS =
 r 
B  ln e − 0.5 + Sa 
 rw 
1.127 10−3  2 5  80
i.e. JSSS = = 0.450 bbl / day / psi
 5000 
1.2  0.8   ln − 0.5 − 2.67 
 0.3 
The P.I. without acid treatment is 0.320 bbl/d/psi confirming what was mentioned
above for SSS conditions.
The small difference between the SS and SSS Pi is because of small difference in the
constant of the denominator, i.e. 0.75-0.5=0.25. Therefore, it can be concluded that
the results are not affected by having either SS or SSS boundary conditions.

Question 9
(i) The data given in Table 1 refers to a constant rate drawdown test on an oil well.
a. Prepare the semi-log plot for this test.
(4 marks)
b. Identify MTR and use any of two points in this region to estimate permeability,
and skin.
(5 marks)

(ii) The buildup (BU) data for a shut-in following the drawdown is given in Table 2.

(a) Prepare the Horner plot for this test.

(4 marks)
(b) Identify MTR and use any of two points in this region to estimate permeability,
and skin.
(5 marks)
(Total = 18 marks)

Prepare the plot in (i) in Log base 10 (i.e. not natural log). Use the corresponding
equations that are in the attached sheet and based on Log base 10

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Heriot-Watt University Reservoir Engineering Well Test Analysis G11WT – Model Exam

Reservoir Data:
h = 130 ft, qs =9500 STB/D, Bo = 1.3 RB/STB Pi=6500 psi
rw = 0.3 ft,  = 0.23, ct = 3.0*10-5 psi-1, o = 0.7 cp.

Time (hr) Pressure (psia)

Time (hr) Pressure (psia)
0.001 6474.6
0.02 6094.3 12 3632.1

0.2 4419.2 12.001 3657.5

1.0 3947.4 12.03 4296.7

1.2 3892.2 12.2 5710.9

1.5 3867.7 12.6 6106.8

1.8 3844.3 13.2 6229.6

2.6 3799.5 13.8 6273.2

3. 8 3756.4 14.6 6311.8

15.8 6346.4
5.6 3714.4
17.6 6377.2
8.2 3673.0
20.2 6404.0
12 3632.1
24.0 6426.7

Table 1: Drawdown Data Table 2: Buildup Data

Question 9 Solution – (18)

DD: m: 250 psi/log cycle, K=43.3 mD, S=6.3
t/hr DD-P log(t)
0.001 6474.6 -3.00
0.02 6094.3 -1.70
0.2 4419.2 -0.70
1 3947.4 0.00
1.2 3892.2 0.08
1.5 3867.7 0.18
1.8 3844.3 0.26
2.6 3799.5 0.41
3.8 3756.4 0.58
5.6 3714.4 0.75
8.2 3673 0.91
12 3632.1 1.08

BU: m=259 psi/cycle: k=41.7 mD, S=6.0

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Heriot-Watt University Reservoir Engineering Well Test Analysis G11WT – Model Exam

tp+Dt BU-P Dt log((Dt+tp)/Dt)

12 3632.1 0 NA
12.001 3657.5 0.001 4.08
12.03 4296.7 0.03 2.60
12.2 5710.9 0.2 1.79
12.6 6106.8 0.6 1.32
13.2 6229.6 1.2 1.04
13.8 6273.2 1.8 0.88
14.6 6311.8 2.6 0.75
15.8 6346.4 3.8 0.62
17.6 6377.2 5.6 0.50
20.2 6404 8.2 0.39
24 6426.7 12 0.30

They are very close confirming good quality of pressure data in both flow regimes.

END OF PAPER

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