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In exploration and appraisal environments, one way to gather data for well
productivity and reservoir characterization is through well or drillstem testing.
The acquisition of downhole well test data has recently been enhanced by the
development of an acoustic wireless telemetry system that gives operators access
to these data in real time.
Amine Ennaifer
Palma Giordano
Stephane Vannuffelen
Clamart, France
Bengt Arne Nilssen
Houston, Texas, USA
Ifeanyi Nwagbogu
Lagos, Nigeria
Andy Sooklal
Carl Walden
Maersk Oil Angola AS
Luanda, Angola
Oileld Review Autumn 2014: 26, no. 3.
Copyright 2014 Schlumberger.
For help in preparation of this article, thanks to
Michelle Parker Fitzpatrick, Houston; and David Harrison,
Luanda, Angola.
CERTIS, CQG, InterACT, IRDV, Muzic, Quartet,
RT Certain, SCAR, Signature and StethoScope are
marks of Schlumberger.
1. Skin is a term used in reservoir engineering theory to
describe the restriction of uid ow from a geologic
formation to a well. Positive skin values quantify ow
restriction, whereas negative skin values quantify ow
enhancements, typically created by articial stimulation
operations such as acidizing and hydraulic fracturing.
2. Al-Nahdi AH, Gill HS, Kumar V, Sid I, Karunakaran P and
Azem W: Innovative Positioning of Downhole Pressure
Gauges Close to Perforations in HPHT Slim Well
During a Drillstem Test, paper OTC 25207, presented
at the Offshore Technology Conference, Houston,
May 58, 2014.
3. Kuchuk FJ, Onur M and Hollaender F: Pressure Transient
Formation and Well Testing: Convolution, Deconvolution
and Nonlinear Estimation. Amsterdam: Elsevier,
Developments in Petroleum Science 57, 2010.
32
By the time Edgar and Mordica Johnston performed the rst commercial drillstem test in
1926, more than two dozen formation tester patents had been issued. Before the Johnston brothers introduced their innovative methods, if oil did
not ow to the surface, exploration wells were
tested through bailinglowering a hollow tube
on a cable to capture a formation uid sample
after casing had been set and cemented above
the zone of interest. The brothers success led to
the creation of the Johnston Formation Testing
Company, which Schlumberger acquired in 1956.
Today, the most common drillstem tests
(DSTs) are temporary well completions through
which operators produce formation uids while
the drilling unit is on location. During DSTs, formation uids are typically produced through
drillpipe or tubing to a test separator or other
temporary surface processing facility, where the
uids are metered, sampled and analyzed.
Drillstem tests focus on acquiring various
types of data. A descriptive test may concentrate
on acquiring downhole reservoir uid samples
and pressure data from a shut-in well; a productivity test may focus on identifying maximum ow
rates or determining reservoir extent. In exploration and appraisal wells, the primary well test
objectives focus on well deliverability, skin,
uid sampling, reservoir characteristics and
identication of reservoir extent and faults.1 In
development wells, the objectives are typically
linked to measurements of the average reservoir
pressure and skin and determination of reservoir
characteristics.
Well test operations comprise cycles of well
ow and shut-in while bottomhole pressures
(BHPs) are monitored. Reservoir engineers apply
these data to make early predictions about reservoir potential through a process known as
pressure transient analysis, in which the rate of
pressure change versus time during a shut-in
and drawdown cycle is plotted on a logarithmic
scale. The resulting plots indicate reservoir
response patterns that can be associated with
specic reservoir models using generalized type
curves; the curves help determine reservoir
characteristics such as skin, permeability and
half-length of induced fractures.
The shut-in mechanism must be as close as
possible to the point at which formation uids
enter the wellbore to eliminate the inuence of
wellbore storage on the downhole data. Wellbore
storage refers to the volume of uid in the wellbore that may be compressed or expanded, or
to a moving uid/gas interface as a result of a
production rate change. Wellbore storage may
exhibit complex behavior below the point of
shut-in, such as phase segregation, which can
hinder true reservoir response by mixing with or
masking reservoir pressure transients.2 A crucial
part of the pressure transient analysis is distinguishing between the effects of wellbore storage
and the interpretable reservoir response in the
early stages of the test.
At various points during the test, technicians
may capture representative samples of formation
uids through the test string; uid capture may
be performed using dedicated inline sample carriers equipped with trigger systems or by deploying through-tubing wireline-conveyed samplers.
The samples are then sent to a laboratory for
detailed PVT analysis in a process that may take
several months.
Oileld Review
Autumn 2014
33
The CERTIS isolation system provides production-level isolation with single-trip retrievability. It includes a oating seal assembly to
compensate for tubing movement during well
testing and eliminates the need for slip joints and
drill collars (below). The IRDV dual valve is an
intelligent remotely operated tool that allows
Circulating
valve (closed)
Stinger
Stinger release
Rupture disc
Hydraulic
setting mechanism
Test valve (open)
Ratchet lock
Seal element
Bypass
Slips
Release ring
Atmospheric
chamber
Sealbore
Stinger seal
Hydrostatic
chamber
Pressure sensor
+
+
+
-
Battery
Perforating guns
34
Oileld Review
Battery
Rupture disc
trigger
Buffer fluid
Single-phase
reservoir
sampler
Pressure
compensation
fluid
Reservoir
fluid
Pressure
compensation
fluid
Electronics
Sensor
Nitrogen
> Downhole uid sampler. The SCAR inline independent reservoir uid
sampling tool (left ) captures representative, contaminant-free, single-phase
uid samples directly from the ow stream close to the reservoir. The tool
houses the single-phase reservoir sampler (right ). Using a rupture disc
triggering mechanism, initiated by applied annular pressure or through
wireless command, the sampler can be activated to open a ow channel to
capture a sample. The single-phase reservoir sampler has an independent
nitrogen charge to ensure each sample remains at or above reservoir
pressure. When the triggering mechanism is activated, reservoir uid is
channeled to ll a sample chamber bounded by pressure compensation uid.
The compensation assembly comprises the nitrogen precharge, pressure
compensation uid and buffer uid, which ensure that the sample chamber
slowly provides enough volume to capture the reservoir uid without altering
its properties.
and its ability to produce uids. Pressure transient analysis is the process engineers use to
convert these data to useful information. During
this process, they analyze pressure changes over
time, particularly those changes that are associated with small variations in uid volume.
Accuracy
Resolution
Stability
Autumn 2014
Sensitivity
Dynamic
35
Pressure, psi
0.04
0.03
0.02
0.01
0
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
Time, s
Pressure, psi
10,000
1,000
0
0.0001
0.001
0.01
0.1
10
100
10
100
Time, h
100
Pressure, psi
10
0.1
0.01
0.001
0.0001
0.001
0.01
0.1
Time, h
>The impact of high resolution on data quality. Analysts can use high-resolution
measurements (top ) acquired using a Signature gauge to deliver a clear
interpretation of the pressure data. High-quality pressure data (middle, green)
result in a pressure derivative curve (red) that is easily discernable and
from which reservoir engineers can identify various pressure regimes
during buildup. A low-resolution measurement (bottom) may deliver an
uninterpretable dataset.
The downhole gauges that capture the reservoir response during the well test must be highly
accurate, but high accuracy is difcult to achieve
because of the complex wellbore environment.
During well tests, uid dynamics and thermal and
mechanical string effects impact tool response.
The technology used to capture pressure data
has evolved considerably over time. In the 1930s,
operators deployed mechanical gauges, which
provided resolution of about 35 kPa [5.1 psi].
36
These gauges operated by recording the displacement of a pressure sensing element on a sensitive
surface, which was rotated by a mechanical
clock, thus providing a pressure versus time measurement. The data were digitized manually from
the pressure-time chart.
Following improvements in electronics design
and reliability led by the Hewlett-Packard
Company, electronic gauges were introduced to
the oil industry in the 1970s. Development of stable electronic gauges with higher levels of accu-
Oileld Review
Flowhead
Type of Test
Test Objectives
Acquired Data
Descriptive
Well characteristics
Surface PC
Reeler
Interface box
Productivity
1
Hanger
Seabed
2
3
> Types of well tests, test objectives and acquired data. Two types of testsdescriptive and
productivityprovide a variety of downhole data. Descriptive tests seek information about well and
reservoir characteristics, whereas engineers typically use productivity tests to understand the
producing capacity, extent and drive mechanism of a reservoir. Both types require bottomhole
pressure, bottomhole temperature and surface ow rates. Sequence and duration of individual ow
periods differentiate the test types.
4
5
6
7
Tubing
8
9
Repeaters
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Gauge carrier,
Muzic wireless
system with
Signature gauges
17
18
IRDV valve
SCAR sampler
CERTIS
isolation system
19
20
21
Gauge carrier,
Muzic wireless
system with
Signature gauges
Autumn 2014
changes quickly, and the sampling rate is relatively slow when this occurs, separating high-frequency noise from measurements is difcult. A
similar situation arises if phase segregation of
small quantities of water and gas in the well efuent occurs.
With the introduction of quartz gauges, the
parameters of pressure gauge metrology were
improved signicantly. However, experts recognized that the value of well tests was often
impacted by the fact that data were inaccessible
until after the tests were complete. To address
this shortcoming, they developed a system that
allows operators to monitor the progress of a well
test as the test proceeds by delivering the downhole pressure and temperature data to the surface in real time. With insights provided by these
data, coupled with real-time downhole control,
operators would then be able to alter ongoing
tests to meet their objectives.
Real-Time Data, Real-Time Decisions
To reduce the uncertainty associated with some
well and reservoir parameters, engineers typically begin a well test design by dening the
objectives of the test (above). The acquisition of
wireless real-time bottomhole pressure and temperature data gives operators the ability to manage both the well and reservoir uncertainties,
make adjustments during the test and exercise a
measure of control over operational and cost
challenges associated with traditional DSTs.
The sequence and duration of well test operations are based on initial data obtained from various sources, including petrophysical logs and
core analysis. Historically, well tests are based on
a design-execute-evaluate cycle, in which technicians design and execute the tests to acquire
downhole data for evaluation and capture uid
samples for laboratory analysis.
37
S
R
Clamp
Acoustic message
Piezoelectric
transducer
Production
tubing
S Surface repeater
R Repeater
End node
Bidirectional
acoustic message
Memory
Real time
Pressure and pressure derivative
Pressure
Pressure
derivative
Time
>Comparing Signature gauge real-time data with memory data. Pressure data
obtained by a Signature quartz gauge and transmitted wirelessly in real time are
a nearly perfect match with data downloaded from memory during a pressure
transient well test offshore Indonesia for Total E&P. The quartz gauges
transmitted real-time bottomhole pressure and temperature data to the surface
without interruption for almost seven days. These data allowed pressure
transient analysis to be performed in real time and facilitated the validation of
the ongoing well test operations versus the Total E&P Indonesia test objectives.
38
Oileld Review
8,000
2
Memory gauge
Real-time pressure
7,000
6,000
Pressure, psi
The Muzic system makes possible a new workow for real-time testing operations. A decision
tree within this workow includes risk assessment, test planning, data validation, quality
assurance and quicklook validation of data during the execution phase. This process allows realtime decisions and adjustments to the testing
plan while the test is underway.
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
Autumn 2014
1,000
0
Rate, bbl/d
2,500
1,250
0
0
Time, d
> A real-time dataset overlaid on a memory dataset. In this example, data captured in memory mode
(green) and real-time data (red) track perfectly. Data captured in memory mode can be accessed only
when they are downloaded after the test is ended. Wireless-enabled reservoir testing, however, allows
operators to observe pressures in real time and make decisions accordingly. Information that operators
may derive from real-time test data and use to make decisions include tubing conditions while running
in the hole (1), underbalance before perforation (2), connectivity after perforation (3), progress of
cleanup and owing periods (4) and buildup (5, blue shading). The ow rate (blue curve) is visible in
real time throughout the test. Real-time measurements ceased when the operator began to pull out of
the hole after almost seven days.
1
Geologic model
met. Because the engineers were able to determine the test objectives had been achieved as the
test was proceeding, they could shorten the owing period without fear of losing valuable pressure
transient data.
Operation and
data acquisition
Hardware
selection
Test design
5
> A workow for integrating the test design, execution and interpretation sequence in real time. Muzic
wireless telemetry and InterACT collaboration software enable real-time interpretation and analysis for
use in updating the geologic model and rening the transient analysis and eventual nal reservoir
model. The integration process includes information from the geologic model (1) used in test equipment
selection (2) and test design (3). Because real-time bottomhole data are available during the test (4),
the test results are continuously compared with the initial design expectation, and this output (5) helps
in rening the nal interpretation (6). This process continues iteratively for each ow period and results
in a model with least uncertainty for the reservoir engineer. (Adapted from Kuchuk et al, reference 3.)
39
First
flow
Cleanup
First
buildup
Choke size
Second
buildup
Second flow
Production
logging
tool
rigup
Choke size
Productivity index
Third flow
Time, d
> Real-time productivity index mapping during well testing. Using the Muzic system, the operator
tracked the productivity index during ow on several choke sizes.
BHP
Time
> Obtaining critical data in real time. The overlap of real-time and memory data
demonstrates the accuracy of real-time data and their capability to provide
sufcient insight into operational events, even though the real-time data
sampling is less dense than memory mode sampling. An inset from a separate
test shows TCP gun detonation data (left ); the sharp decrease followed by a
sharp increase in pressure conrms in real time the postperforation ow of
reservoir uid into the wellbore. An inset from a separate test showing
pressure response during the main pressure transient test (right )
demonstrates that the volume of data captured is adequate for detailed
analysis, such as productivity index determination and pressure transient
analysis, during ow and buildup periods.
40
10
Petrobras engineers working in a presalt environment in the Santos basin offshore Brazil
sought to obtain real-time data at the surface
during a deepwater well test and to eliminate the
wireline run typically required to acquire such
data. Schlumberger and Petrobras engineers
chose to deploy wireless-enabled Signature
gauges in the well, which is in 2,000 m [6,600 ft]
of water 250 km [155 mi] off the coast of Brazil.
The Muzic wireless telemetry system and pressure and temperature gauges enabled for wireless communication were run in the well. This
conguration permitted engineers to receive
data during ow and shut-in periods, to monitor
cleanup efciency in real time and to obtain key
reservoir information before the end of the test
(left). As a consequence, reservoir engineers
were able to observe the pressure transient after
perforation gun detonation to conrm dynamic
underbalance.
Petrobras and Schlumberger engineers were
also able to conrm downhole valve status, compute productivity as the well was owing, conrm
that sufcient data were acquired during the initial and main buildup periods, eliminate a wireline run and establish the reservoir pressure
after the initial postperforating ow period
(below left).
A common challenge in well test operations is
managing the duration of the buildup period. Test
operators often calculate a buildup period as an
integer multiple of the owing period duration.
By accessing the actual downhole pressure
response in real time during the buildup period,
engineers are able to determine that the desired
reservoir response has been achieved and validated sooner than would be the case using the
multiple, thus saving the operator hours of rig
time. Conversely, if the reservoir response objective has not been met, the test can be extended.
The overall efciency of the operation is
improved because downhole tool status can be
veried at each step of the program. Important
decisions about the progress of the test can be
made with clear understanding of the reservoir
response from downhole pressure conditions,
which makes the overall operation safer. Using
wireless tool activation also takes less time and
requires fewer operational steps than do traditional pressure activation methods. Real-time
data are important for characterizing the reservoir with the least possible uncertainty. The
Muzic system enables remote interpretation
through data sharing and collaboration software.
Based on a geologic model, the well test is
designed and gauges and DST tools are selected to
meet certain operational and acquisition criteria.
Oileld Review
Plan
Pressure
Initial
flow
Sampling
flow
Initial
buildup
Second
buildup
Main flow
Main buildup
Rate
Cleanup
Time, d
Actual
Sampling
flow
Pressure
28 hours saved
Initial
flow
Initial
buildup
Second
buildup
Main flow
Main buildup
Rate
Cleanup
Time, d
Flow Period
Initial flow
Initial buildup
Cleanup flow
Second buildup
Main flow
Main buildup
Sampling flow
Total
Plan, h
0.5
2
12
12
24
48
8
106.5
Actual, h
0.5
2.4
9.9
10.5
21.7
22.7
10.8
78.5
> Real-time decision making. A well test, as planned, would have taken nearly ve days (top). Using
the wireless-enabled downhole reservoir testing system, engineers at Maersk Oil were able to monitor
reservoir parameters and make decisions in real time, which shortened the well test by more than a
day. Real-time data (middle) allowed the operator to obtain necessary downhole information with which
to characterize the reservoir and meet its test objectives in 28 fewer hours than was called for in the
original test plan (bottom).
Autumn 2014
the primary target was at a depth of approximately 5,000 m [16,000 ft] in water depth of
1,462 m [4,797 ft].
Downhole gauges enabled by Muzic wireless
telemetry transmitted data successfully throughout the test. The operator was able to verify the
underbalance prior to perforating, establish initial
reservoir pressure after perforating, verify the status of the downhole tools during the test, optimize
the cleanup period by monitoring sandface pressure, reduce duration of buildup and conrm that
samples were being taken in ideal conditions.
The RT Certain real-time test collaboration
service brought reservoir experts at the rig in
Luanda and in Copenhagen, Denmark, together
in a virtual environment. A software platform
enabled wellsite data transmission and interpretation tools that allowed experts to make the right
decisions on site and from remote locations. This
integrated system also helped ensure sufcient
data were collected to complete a successful pressure transient well test.
The wireless downhole testing system saved
28 hours of rig time, about US$ 1.5 million in rig
spread costs, while acquiring sufcient data for
key reservoir property estimation (left). A comparison of memory data from the gauges retrieved
at the surface with the real-time data used for
interpretation during the test validated the decisions made during the operation.
41