Isochronal test

During the pressure transient studies in gas wells, it has been established that the gas
well stabilized quickly. Under such conditions whether we should go for conducting
the Flow after Flow back pressure studies or Isochronal Test.
The Flow after flow test of gas wells is applicable when the well stabilized within short
period of time.
But in case of low permeability reservoir where the stabilization stage of a well attain
at a very slow rate, there it is recommended to conduct the Isochronal Test.
An Isochronal test is conducted by flowing a well with equal duration (or at fixed
interval of time) with varying flow rates. After each flow period the well is shut-in until

it attains the pressure to a almost unchanged pressure (P -). The well is again flowed for

the second flow rate for same duration of time until the unchanged pressure value (P -)
is achieved. The final flow rate should be long enough to achieve the stabilized flow.
In this way the exact deliverability of well can be predicted by Isochronal Test.
 Objectives of Isochronal Testing

The objectives of Isochronal testing:

- To establish the stabilized deliverability curve for a gas well without flowing the

well for sufficient period to achieve the stabilized conditions. ( ri ≥ re) at each flow
rate.
- The test is conducted for the low permeability reservoir where it is impossible to
achieve the ri = re during the test. Where ri = Radius of investigation and re=
External drainage radius.
- During the test record the flowing BHP (Pwf) as function of time at each flow rate.
- In Isochronal Testing each rate of flow starts from comparable shut-in conditions
which provide a mean of maintaining the simple pressure gradient throughout the
drainage area of the well during testing.
 Fig:-1
q4
q3
q2
qg
q1

t1 t2 t3 t4 t5 t6 t7
P-

Pwf

t1 t2 t3 t4 t5 t6 t7

Time (t)
The above Fig-1 illustrate the rate and periodic testing sequence. This can be explained
by the following testing sequence:
1. Flow period are of equal length ( except the final one) i.e. [ t1= ( t3 – t2) = (t5 -t4) ≤
( t7 -t6)]
2. Shut-in periods have the objective is to achieve the constant pressure rather then
of equal length of shut-in period. Thus in general (t2 - t1) ≠ ( t4 - t3) ≠ (t6
- t5).
3. A final flow period in which the well stabilizes ( i.e. ri reaches to re at
a time t7 is desirable but not essential.

The most general theory of Isochronal testing is based on the equation using
the pseudo-pressure. So when we plot (Ps2 - Pwf2) VS qg on log-log plot then
following methods are used for interpreting isochronal tests.
 For Transient Flow (ri < re):

µg Zg T qg 1688 Cg µg ɸ rw2 S + D qg
Pwf2= Ps2 + 1637 --------------------- [ log ( ---------------------------) - ( -----------------)]
Kh Kt 1.151

Where D = Darcy constant for gas production rate qg, T= Reservoir temperature

For Stabilized Flow ( ri ≥ re):

µg Zg T qg re
Pwf2= Ps2 - 1422--------------------- [ ln ( -----) - 0.75 + (S + D qg ) ]
Kh rw
Hence a theoretical understanding of Isochronal testing is the radius of investigation concept.
Since we know that the RI (ri) achieved at a given time in a flow test is independent of flow
rate. So the R.I. should be proportional to the drainage radius at that time, because it is near the
point beyond which there is not an appreciable drawdown in reservoir pressure and thus there is no
fluid drainage. Accordingly at a given same portion of the reservoir is being drained at each rate
and, as good approximation stabilized flow conditions exists to a point just beyond r = ri
Thus deliverability curve can be drawn at each fixed time (hence name Isochronal
Test mean equal and uniform in time) through points (qg, Ps2 – Pwf2) obtained at that
time at several different rate. And truly deliverability curve can be drawn.
This method of testing is especially suitable for determining the performance
characteristics of well producing from reservoirs with low permeability. At least
04 flow rates should be taken, the lowest rate should reduce the pressure at the
well head about 5% of Pwf and highest rate of flow should reduce pressure
about 25%. of pwf . The equation for flow rate is written as:

n
Q = C ( Ps 2 - Pwf2 ) ---------------------------------------- 1

The data points are plotted on the logarithmic coordinates considering the SBHP as
the shut-in pressure in between the flowed rate as shown in following fig-1.
Brief:

The test method is based on the principle that the radius of investigation is a
function of the flow time and not the flow rate. Thus, for equal flow time
(periods), the same drainage radius is investigated in spite of the actual flow
rates.
To analyze the data from an isochronal test, the flow rate data (q) from the equal
flow periods is plotted and determine the slope of the deliverability curve. The
stabilized rate (Ps and Pwf) are used to estimate the flow coefficient, C, for the
Rawlins and Schellhardt method or the intercept, a, for the Houpert method by
extending the slope of the multi rate data to the stabilized flow point.
The basic principle behind the test is that the drainage radius is dependent only on the
dimensionless time (tD) and not on the flow rate (q). Accordingly separate flow rate is
to be conducted for the same length of time and the pressure pulses may reach
to the same radius of drainage.
A performance curve based on the Isochronal flow data, will therefore be for a fixed
radius of drainage and requires for steady state/ stabilized performance curve.
Likewise the slope of such Isochronal curve is fixed and is the same as that of
steady state ( Multi point Test) curve.
Calculation of Open Flow Potential from the Field Data and exponent “n” is already
explained in Gas Well Testing for open flow potential.

Q = C ( Ps2-Pwf2) n -------------------------------------- (3)

in Eqn No.3 the determination of Performance coefficient “C” can be calculated a
sunder:
After the value of “n” calculated from the above Equation, the value of “C” can be
calculated by substitution of a corresponding set of values for “Q” and ( (Ps2-
Pf2) in the original equation.

Graphically the value of “C” can be calculated by extending the straight line
relationship to ( Ps2 - Pwf2) = 1 and reading the corresponding value of “Q”
when ( Ps2 - Pwf2) = 1 , then C = Q
In practice the value of “C” seldom requires for routine analysis of back pressure
test.
Thus after putting the value of n & C and Pwf = 1.03ksci the original gas flow
equation , the open flow potential can be evaluated by Isochronal Test.
Water/ Liquid accumulation in the well bore causes the deterioration of
performance characteristics of the well (irregularities in the point for obtaining
the straight line).
In actual conditions is that the closed in period should be equal to the flow
period may give the satisfactory results.
So a performance curves based on the isochronal flow rate, will therefore, be
for fixed radius of drainage and fixed flow time not depends on the flow rate. A
fixed radius of drainage is required for steady state / stabilized performance
curves. So the slope of the curve will be fixed and it will be same as that of the
steady state curves.
 Determination of sub-surface pressure of Gas Well
Subsurface pressure in gas well can be measured directly with the pressure gauge or computed
from well head pressure from the following relation:

Pws = Pwh e 0.01875 Sg*D/ Zavg *Tavg

Let the pressure at a depth “x” (ft) is P (psi)

The cross sectional area of a well is A in2 = A/ 144 ft2

The pressure at a depth (x + dx) is ( P + ∆P)

The volume of gas in an elemental dx is A dx / 144 ft 3

The gas weight , dm in this element will be = Gas density * Elemental volume
ρg ( lbs/ft3) * (A dx/ 144)ft3

weight dm ρg A dx ρg dx
Since we know that pressure change ∆P= ---------- = ---------- = ---------------- = -------------
A A 144 A 144
ρgdx
So dp = ---------------- --------------------------- (1)
144
From the Equation of the state that PV = n ZRT
m
Where n = ----- and m = mass of the gas and M is the Molecular
M
mass of the gas.
Molecular volm of gas M
Sp. gr. of gas (Sg) = -------------------------------- = -------------
Mass of the air 28.97
So M = Sg * 28.97

PV = m/M ZRT
PM= m/ v * ZRT

P* Sg*28.97 = Density (ρg) * ZRT ---------------------------------- 2

ρg dx
So dp = ---------------- from Eqn. 1
144
ρg ( density of gas ) = dp* 144/ dx Now put the value of ρg in Eqn No2
P* Sg*28.97 = dp* 144/ dx * ZRT

28.97 * Sg*P* dx
dp = -------------------------- ------------------------------ 3
144* ZRT

Pws 28.97 * Sg * D
ln ---------- = ---------------------------------
Pwh 144 ZR*10.73

Pws = Pwh e 0.01875 Sg*D/ Zavg *Tavg --------------------------- 4

Hence it is proved.
 28.97 * Sg*P* dx
dp = --------------------------
144* ZRT

Since the gas gradient is represented as Pound/Sqr Inch/ ft (Psi/ft)

0.01875 Sg*P
So the gas gradient = -------------------- ------------------------------- 5
ZT

However as a thumb rule the value of static bottom hole pressure is given as

Pws = Pwh + [0.25 * Pwh/100 *D/100]

 Problem:

In a bell field the reservoir data are as under:

Pwh= 2750psia
Avg Reservoir temperature = 140deg F
Avg gas deviation factor = 0.831
Reservoir depth = 6500ft
Gas Sp. Gr. = 0.065

Pws = Pwh e 0.01875 SG*D/ Zavg *Tavg

Ans: 2794 psia

Thanks
Example 2
Table 4 details isochronal test data for a particular well in which the flow periods are
one hour in duration. The Rawlins and Schellhardt approach with pressures and the
Houpeurt approach with pseudo-pressures are used to demonstrate the analysis of
isochronal test data. Table 5 presents the plotting data for both methods. Fig.
6 shows the logarithmic plot of the pressure data for the Rawlins and Schellhardt
analysis.
which is used to determine the AOF. For an atmospheric pressure of 14.65 psia,
the AOF is estimated to be 27,100 Mscf/D. A similar analysis can be undertaken
with pseudopressures following the same method described for the pressures
squared.
Applying the Houpeurt approach, the transient flow points are used to
determine the slope of the best-fit straight line constructed through the data
points. This slope is used to determine the intercept from the stabilized flow
point. Fig. 7 shows the plot of the pseudopressure data for the Houpeurt
analysis. From the plot, the slope is determined to be 0.1184
psia2/cp/(Mscf/D)2, which is used to calculate an intercept from the stabilized
flow point of 8,814 psia2/cp/Mscf/D as shown in Eq. 23.
Solution
A straight line can be constructed through the three transient points to yield a slope of 1.076.
The inverse of the slope defines the deliverability exponent, n, which is 0.9294 for this
example. The slope through the transient points is extended to the stabilized flow point to
depict the deliverability curve. The flow coefficient, C, is calculated from the stabilized flow
point,

                                                                                          ....................(21)

to be 0.0242 Mscf/D/psia2n. The flow exponent and flow coefficient are used to define the
Rawlins and Schellhardt deliverability equation for this well,

                                                        ....................(22)
which is used to determine the AOF. For an atmospheric pressure of 14.65 psia, the
AOF is estimated to be 27,100 Mscf/D. A similar analysis can be undertaken with
pseudopressures following the same method described for the pressures squared.
Applying the Houpeurt approach, the transient flow points are used to determine the
slope of the best-fit straight line constructed through the data points. This slope is
used to determine the intercept from the stabilized flow point. Fig. 7shows the plot of
the pseudopressure data for the Houpeurt analysis. From the plot, the slope is
determined to be 0.1184 psia2/cp/(Mscf/D)2, which is used to calculate an intercept
from the stabilized flow point of 8,814 psia2/cp/Mscf/D as shown in Eq. 23.
. The deliverability equation can be written

----------23

----------24

The AOF of 25,600 Mscf/D for the well or estimate the production rate at any other flowing
bottomhole pressure. As the analysis of the flow-after-flow test data showed, the Rawlins and
Schellhardt and Houpeurt methods yield different estimates of deliverability.
Brief
 q4
q3
q2
qg
q1

t1 t2 t3 t4 t5 t6 t7
P-

Pwf

t1 t2 t3 t4 t5 t6 t7

Time (t)
Types of Deliverability Tests :
The main types of deliverability tests used today are:
Flow After Flow Test:
Requires a static reservoir pressure and stabilization of three to four flow rates. This
test provides good radius of investigation, but often results in a lengthy test,
resulting in excessive flaring of gas. For this reason, this test is best for use in high
permeability reservoirs that stabilize quickly otherwise serious consideration should
be given to testing in-line.

Isochronal Test:
Requires a static reservoir pressure, a flow period of fixed duration, followed by
shut-in until pressure stabilizes again. This sequence of flow and build-up to
stabilized pressure is repeated with only the final or extended flow rate required to
stabilize. This test is still quite lengthy, and again best suited to high permeability
reservoirs.
--- Cont--
Modified Isochronal Test:

Requires a static reservoir pressure, then flow and shut-in periods of equal
duration. This method was developed for testing tight reservoirs, but is often used
today on high volume, tubing restricted and/or partially penetrated wells with fair
to good permeability.

Single Point Test:

Requires a stabilized rate and flowing pressure measured before the well is shut in
and built up to a stabilized reservoir pressure. This test is widely used for
deliverability tests where the turbulence factor is known; usually for subsequent
tests on a well, for initial tests in a relatively mature pool, or where deliverability
may be poor or flow conditions are predetermined by pipeline or plant restrictions.
A build-up test conducted with any type of deliverability test, will provide information
on current reservoir pressure, permeability, formation flow capacity, apparent skin and
reserves should depletion be detected. A multi-rate deliverability test will indicate the
effect of pressure loss due to turbulence.
Modified Isochronal Test
Modified isochronal test
For some low-permeability wells, the time required to obtain stabilized shut-in
pressures may be impractical. To overcome this limitation, Katz et al. [6] proposed a
modification to the isochronal test by requiring equal shut-in periods. The modified
isochronal test is essentially the same as the isochronal test, except the shut-in periods
separating the flow periods are equal to or longer than the flow periods. The method
also requires the extended stabilized flow point and a stabilized shut-in bottomhole
pressure. The modified isochronal test method is less accurate than the isochronal
method because the shut-in pressure is not allowed to return to the average reservoir
pressure. In the analysis of the collected data, the measured bottomhole pressure
obtained just before the beginning of the flow period is used in Eqs. 1 and 2 or Eqs.
9 and10 instead of the average reservoir pressure.
The analysis of the data is exactly the same as that used to analyze the isochronal
test data. With the Rawlins and Schellhardt data, the transient flow points are
used to construct a best-fit straight line through the data points. The inverse of
the slope of this line yields the deliverability exponent, n. The deliverability
exponent is then used with the data of the stabilized flow point to estimate the
flow coefficient , C, with Eqs. 1 or 2 depending on whether pressure or
pseudopressure data is used. In the Houpeurt analysis, a best-fit straight line is
constructed through the transient flow points to yield the slope, b. Once the
slope is determined, it is used with the stabilized flow point in the appropriate
equation for pressure or pseudopressure (Eqs. 9 and 10) to determine the
intercept, a. Once the flow coefficients are determined by either analysis method,
the deliverability equation can be written and used to estimate the AOF and
production rates for the well.