DST CONCEPT

DST Concept
• Lecture Objectives.
By the end of this lecture , YOU should be able to :

• List the 3 main DST components

• List the 3 main DST pressures
• List the 3 main DST types
• Describe the DST concept
DST Concept

The primary DST functions,

whether conducted in openhole
or cased wells, are to:

• Isolate the target zone.

• Control well flow.
• Convey fluid to surface.
• Acquire downhole data.
DST Concept

The 3 basic equipment for a drill

stem test consits of a string (tubing
or drillpipe), a packer and a valve.

1. The string channels the

flow to surface.
2. The packer is a rubber
element to isolate the
zone to be tested.
3. The valve provides a
method of controlling the
well near the reservoir.
 DST Concept
3

Ph: Hydrostatic pressure

Pf: Formation pressure
Pc: Cushion pressure

Generally, the relationship

among these pressures is:

Ph > Pf > Pc
DST Concept
The Packer isolates the formation from the
annulus, the two pressures (Ph and Pf) must be
isolated from one another.

The Tester valve controls the formation.

- shut the well downhole to minimize wellbore
storage effect
- isolates annular fluid from cushion while RIH,
preventing U-tubing
-provides a seal for pressure test the string

After the packer is set and sealed, the test valve

can then be opened and hydrocarbons can be
produced to surface.
This will only occur if Pc < Ph
DST Concept
The general steps (no TCP) for starting a DST are:
1. W/L perforated “under-balance”

2. RIH DST with Tester valve closed,

filling up tubing with cushion.

3. Set packer.

4. Open Tester valve (CM closed)

DST Concept
The general steps for ending a DST are:
1. Open the reverse circulating valve and
“Reverse out” (flush hydrocarbons from
drillpipe or tubing).

2. Close the reverse circulating valve.

3. Open the tester valve.

4. Pump mud into test string to kill the

tested interval.

5. Unseat the packer.

6. Pull the string out of the hole (POOH)

DST Concept
Types of DST
 DST Concept
Well location & configuration
 DST Concept / PACKERS

PACKERS are designed to isolate the

perforated interval from the mud column. The
weight applied on the packer compress its
rubber elements against the casing and creates
a seal between the annulus and tubing.

Three main types of Packers

- RTTS packer
- PosiTest packer
- FlexPac packer
 DST Concept / Tester Valves
Various types are used:
- MFE (Multi Flow Evaluator)
Operated by manipulation of the test string.
Applications: Onshore and Jack-up rigs

- APR (Annulus Pressure Responsive)

Operated by annulus (and tubing) pressure.
Application: Offshore, floating facilities.
Tubing or drillpipe
Slip joints (2 or more)
Drill collars
DST
Redundant circulating valve
Concept
Drill collars Typical DST or TCP tool
Surface Read out
string
RA marker
Drills collar
Surface readout
Downhole valve
Hydrostatic reference tool
Pressure recorders (2 or more)
Hydraulic jar
Safety joint
Packer
Slotted tailpipe
Debris sub
Tubing
Firing head
Safety spacer
Perforating gun
DST Concept
Basic operation:
• During the initial phase of the test, the wellbore
fluids, and, later, the drilling fluid (mud) that has
invaded the formation in the vicinity of the
wellbore flow to surface. This is known as the
cleanup period. Cleanup is complete when the well
effluent at surface is reservoir fluid that contains no
mud particles or cuttings at surface.

• Once cleanup is complete, the main flow period

can be maintained for the planned duration, during
which downhole pressure measurements and
surface flow rates are recorded. At the end of the
main flow period, the tester valve is closed.
Formation pressure builds up against the valve
while downhole pressure measurement continues.
DST CONCEPT

The
END