Types of Well Tests

ELC
April 2013
2
Learning Objectives

After the completion of this module you will be able to:

 Explain the possible tests at the different stages of the life cycle of the Well

 Describe the main types of production tests

 List selection criteria of type of test

DST Concept
Exploration / Development Tests
Open Hole DST 1/2

PRINCIPLE
 Normally short tests (less than 12 hours)
 During the drilling phase
 When unexpected traces of hydrocarbons appears
 To determine whether a true reservoir exists or simply hydrocarbons contained in tight
rock and not producing
 A Flowhead is commonly used
Open Hole DST 2/2

DATA
 Representative fluid sample can be retrieved
 Static & Flowing Bottom Hole Pressure can be estimated
 Can justify further operations on the well
Cased Hole DST 1/2

PRINCIPLE
 If logs, open-hole DST & others relevant information are sufficiently promising, casing
is run
 Well Testing may be carried out prior to completion
 Evaluates reservoir parameters
 A Flow head is used
 The test duration is normally a few days (3 to 10), oil & gas are burnt
 These wells may be plugged & abandoned
Cased Hole DST 2/2

DATA
 Reservoir parameters evaluation
 Good sampling conditions
 More precise and complete test
 Higher flow and injection rates
 Limits and Interference testing possible
Production Tests
Completion Test

 Sometimes with a rig still present, but in any case, long before the existence of any
permanent production facilities
 Generally longer than DST, rates can be more realistic, gain in reservoir information is
obtained
 X-TREE, permanent packer, SSD, nipples are used.
Reservoir Limit Test

Long term test on a well to determine the extent of the reservoir.

 Interference or Pulse Test

To establish communication between two or more wells, and to determine inter-well

reservoir parameters.
6 days
Observer Producer
Early Production Facilities (EPF)

 Temporary (a few months to a few years) production installation

 Crude oil or gas exported
 Provide early cash-flow while permanent facility is under construction
 Temporary replacement of existing production installation (shut-downs for upgrade,
etc.)
 Alternative for marginal fields
 Extended Well Testing

 Long term well testing (a few weeks to a few months) operation using EPF set-up

 Enable comprehensive evaluation of complex reservoirs (long limit tests) before

deciding full size field development
Common Operations

Regardless of the type of test performed, the first two operations of any well test
sequence are :

 Pressure Testing the equipment

 CLEANING UP the well