WELL TESTING

They are those that are carried out in order to determine the ability of the formation to
produce fluids; and based on the field development, they can be divided into:
Identification of the nature of the reservoir fluids, estimation of the well behavior.

Well tests can be grouped into two broad categories based on their primary function.
The first category, pressure testing, includes tests that determine rock and fluid
properties (e.g., permeability, porosity, and average reservoir pressure) and the
location and identification of reservoir heterogeneities (e.g., senal faults, natural
fractures and layers). The second category, productivity tests, include those tests that
determine the production potential of a well.

The parameters that are calculated with the well tests are the following:

 Drainage area.
 Reservoir pressure (P).
 Formation permeability (K).
 Damage or stimulation in the formation(s).
 Reservoir limits, anisotropies, reservoir volume

TYPES OF WELL TESTS

1. PRODUCTIVITY TESTS:

Productivity tests are designed to measure the production capacity of a well under
certain reservoir conditions. Although these tests were originally used for gas wells,
productivity tests are also applicable to oil wells. Unlike many pressure tests, some
productivity tests require stabilization of flow conditions for proper analysis. A common
productivity indicator obtained from well productivity testing is absolute open flow
(AOF).

Another application of productivity tests is for the generation of the supply curve or
inflow performance relationship (IPR). The IPR, which describes the relationship
between surface production rates and flowing bottom pressures (Pwf), which is used to
design surface facilities, among others. The most common production tests include
flow after flow testing, simple testing, conventional and modified isochronal testing.

a) Flow after flow tests

Flow after flow tests, sometimes called backpressure or 4-point testing, are performed
in a well with a series of flows at stabilized rates to measure the flowing bottomhole
pressure at the sand face. Each flow rate is established in succession with or without a
short well shut-in period. The requirement of the flow periods is that they reach stable
conditions, which is sometimes a limitation in this type of test, especially in very low
permeability reservoirs, which take a long time to reach stable flow conditions.

b) Simple tests
Simple tests or also called single point tests are carried out when there are time factor
limitations to carry out a flow after flow test in very low permeability reservoirs. In this
case the well flows at a single production rate until a stabilized flowing bottomhole
pressure is reached. These tests are particularly appropriate when well productivity
characteristics are being updated, as required by government entities.

A limitation of this type of testing, however, is that prior knowledge of the productivity
behavior of the well is required, whether from a previously performed test or by
correlation with other wells in the same field and with similar production conditions.

c) Injectivity Tests (Fall-Off)

With this test you have a qualitative idea of the permeability of the area and the
feasibility that an area presents for stimulation and/or hydraulic fracturing treatment.
The injection test can be interpreted as any pressure test. It is a test similar to the
pressure decline test, but instead of producing fluids, fluids are injected, usually water.
Consider a pressure decline immediately after injection.

They are carried out by closing the injection well and monitoring the pressure at the
bottom of the well as a function of time. The theory assumes a constant injection rate
before shutting in the well. With these tests we can determine;

Reservoir conditions in the vicinity of the injection well

It allows monitoring of water injection and enhanced recovery operations.

 Estimate the average pressure of the reservoir.

 Measure the burst pressure of the reservoir.
 Determine fractures.
 Determine if there is damage to the formation, caused by plugging, clay
swelling, precipitate, among others.
 Determine the effective permeability of the reservoir to the Injected fluid, used
for injection forecasts

d) Isochronal Test (Deliberability analysis)

It consists of producing the well at different rates for periods of equal time, and closing
the well until the average pressure of the drainage area is reached, in the periods
between two subsequent rate changes.

Isochronal tests are also developed for short periods of time for those wells that have a
long period of stabilization time. Specifically, isochronal tests are a series of single-
point tests developed to estimate productivity conditions without reaching the times
necessary to achieve well stabilization. The isochronal test is carried out over a series
of flow and shut-in periods, allowing the average reservoir pressure to be restored
before beginning the next production period. Pressures are measured over time during
each flow period. The time at which the pressure is measured should be relatively the
same at the beginning of each flow period. For example, the flow bottom pressure can
be measured every 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 hours after beginning each flow period. Due to
the shorter time required to essentially restore the initial pressure after a short period of
flow than should be achieved under stabilized conditions in a flow-after-flow test,
isochronal tests are more practical in very low permeability formations.
Although not required to analyze the test, a stabilized final flow point is generally
obtained at the end of the test.

e) Modified Isochronal Test

The restoration time of the average reservoir pressure before flowing into the well over
a certain period of time may still be impractical. Consequently, a modification of the
isochronal test was developed to shorten test times. The objective of this modification
of the isochronal test is to obtain the same isochronal test data without sometimes
reaching those long shut-in periods required to achieve the average reservoir pressure
in the drainage area of the well.

The isochronal test is performed like a conventional isochronal test, except that the
closure periods must be equal in duration, but must equal or exceed the time of the
flow periods. Because the well often fails to restore the average reservoir pressure
after each flow period, the shut-in pressure is recorded immediately before beginning
the flow period, this pressure is used later in the analysis instead of using the average
reservoir pressure. Consequently, the modified isochronal test is much less accurate
than the conventional isochronal test.

It should be noted that, as the closure periods during the test become longer, the
quality of the data and of course the interpretation will be much more precise. Likewise,
although not required to analyze the test, a stabilized final flow point is generally
obtained at the end of the test.

f) Multi-rate test

It can range from a freely variable rate to a series of constant rates, for a bottomhole
pressure test, with constant changes in flow rate. It contributes to minimizing changes
in well storage coefficients and the effect of segregation states. They show great
advantage when changing from the storage period to the average period, and they also
reduce the pressure drop. A disadvantage is that it is a difficult test to control, due to
rate fluctuations; difficult to measure, especially on a continuous basis.

Whether or not the rats are constant during flow periods, there are mainly 3 types of
multiflow tests:

 Uncontrolled variable rat.

 Constant rat series.
 Variable flow rate with constant bottom pressure.
 This test is common in gas wells producing from very tight formations.

In such tests flow rates from a producing well are varied while pressure is monitored in
one or more observation wells. Analysis of pressure data provides us with information
that could not be obtained from a single well. The best known of the multi-well tests is
the interference test in which a single observer well is used. Because of the distance
between the producer and the observer, it is expected to monitor small changes in
pressure at the observer.

Most multiplex tests are carried out in closed reservoirs. Multiple testing is carried out
for a number of reasons:

 Search for connectivity and/or continuity of the deposit

  Detect directional permeability and other heterogeneities
 Estimate reservoir volume
 Hydraulic Fracture Guidance

Through this test, the productivity index of the well can be determined and it can also
be used to perform a nodal analysis of the well.

2. PRESSURE TESTS

Pressure tests refer to those well tests in which changes in pressure versus time are
measured. These tests make it possible to evaluate not only the conditions in the
vicinity of the well but all in situ properties beyond the region affected by drilling and
competition operations. Additionally, these well tests allow us to characterize important
characteristics of the formation necessary to design an optimal exploitation plan for the
reservoir, including the pressure of the drainage area of the tested wells, possible
presence of barriers to the formation, and important characteristics that dominate the
heterogeneity of a well. reservoir (for example matrix properties and natural fractures in
the rock or individual layer properties).

Pressure tests can be divided into single-well tests and multi-well tests.

a) Single well tests

Single well testing is one in which the pressure response is measured following
a change in production rate. From this change in pressure response, the average
properties in a portion or the entire drainage area of the well being evaluated can be
characterized. A test common to a single well is the pressure restoration test, which is
obtained by first stabilizing a production rate, at a bottomhole pressure (BHP)
measured in the well, for subsequent shut-in. After well shut-in, BHP restores as a
function of time, and the restoration test rate is used to estimate reservoir/well
properties. From these tests we can estimate the average reservoir pressure and
permeability of the well drainage area and the properties of the region immediately
adjacent to the wellbore vicinity.

Another common pressure test is the pressure decline test, which is performed
at a known, constant production rate while observing the change in pressure over time.
Decline tests are designed to determine the flow characteristics of the reservoir, they
also include the determination of permeability and skin factor.

Additionally, when the pressure transient affects the reservoir limits, the
pressure decline test allows establishing reservoir limits and estimating the volume of
hydrocarbon in place in the well drainage area. These specific decline tests are called
reservoir limit tests. When economic considerations require a minimum production loss
time, production decline tests can also be used to estimate the production potential of a
well. Fal off tests are similar to pressure restoration tests, except that they are applied
to injection wells. Following a stabilization of the injection rate, the well is closed. BHP,
which then begins to decline, is measured as a function of time. An alternative for
injection wells is the injectivity test, which is injected at a measured rate and how the
bottomhole pressure increases as time passes. The injectivity test is analogous to the
pressure decline test.
b) Multiwell tests

When the flow rate is changed in one well and the pressure response is measured in
another well or groups of wells, these tests are called multiwell tests. Multiwell tests
are designed to determine properties in a region centered along a line joining pairs of
test wells and are therefore sensitive to directional variations in reservoir properties,
such as permeability.

Additionally, these tests allow determining the existence of communication between

two points in the site. The basic concept in a multiwell test is to produce or inject into
one well (active well) and observe the pressure change in one or several surrounding
wells (observer wells).

From the data obtained, both the permeability and porosity of the drainage area of the
wells under study can be estimated and the level of anisotropy of the reservoir can be
quantified. For example, multiwell tests allow determining the orientation of natural
fractures and quantifying the porosity-compressibility relationship resulting from a
matrix-fracture system.

Interference testing and pulse testing are two common multiwell tests. In interference
testing, the well is put into production at a constant rate throughout the test, while the
rest of the surrounding wells are shut in and put under observation to observe the
pressure response produced by the active well in production.

In pulse testing, the active well is put into production and then shut in, then returned to
production and then shut in again.

This opening and closing sequence, which is repeated for periods rarely exceeding a
few hours, produces a pressure response that is generally interpreted unambiguously
even when other wells in the field continue to produce.

c) Pressure Decline Test (Drawdown)

It is carried out by a producing well, ideally starting with uniform pressure in the
reservoir. Rate and pressure are recorded as functions of time. The objectives of the
depletion test usually include estimation of permeability, skin factor, and sometimes
reservoir volume.

Provides information about the permeability, damage factor and volume of the
communicating reservoir. Among some of the advantages it offers are the economic
ones because it is carried out with the well in production. Its biggest disadvantage is
the difficulty in maintaining a constant rate. If constant rate cannot be achieved then the
use of Multi-rate Testing is recommended.

To run a pressure decline test, in general, the following steps are followed: y The well
is shut in for a period of time sufficient to achieve stabilization throughout the reservoir
(if there is no stabilization, a multirate test will probably be required). y The tool is
lowered to a level immediately above the perforations (at least the tool must have two
sensors for data quality control purposes). and Open the well to produce at a constant
rate and continuously record the Pwf.

The duration of a decline test can be a few hours or several days, depending on the
objectives of the test and the characteristics of the training.

d) Pressure Restoration Tests (Build up test)

This test is performed by a producing well at a constant rate for a certain time, shutting
in the well to allow pressure to be restored in the well. Frequently from this data
(remember that the pressure in the well is a function of time) it is possible to estimate
the permeability of the formation, the pressure of the current drainage area, and
characterize the damage or stimulation and the heterogeneities of the reservoir or the
boundaries. Finally, the pressure restoration test is a test used to determine the
pressure in the transient state.

Pressure restoration testing has been a very popular technique used in the petroleum
industry. Several reasons have made it a very popular test, some of these are:

- It does not require very detailed supervision.

- Permeability and damage factor can be estimated from pressure restoration or
decline tests. However, the pressure decline does not allow estimation of the
average reservoir pressure or the initial reservoir pressure while the pressure
restoration test does.

Generally speaking, a pressure restoration test requires shutting in a producing well

after it has occurred for some time in which rate stabilization has been achieved. A
restoration test is run like this:

1. Determine packing location, tubing and casing size, well depth.

2. Stabilize the well at a constant production rate, q .

3. Shut in the well and record the Pwf value (just before shut-in).

4. Read the closing pressure, Pws , at short intervals of 15 seconds for the first minutes
(10-15 min), then every 10 min. For the first hour. For the next 10 hours, pressure
readings should be taken every hour. As the test progresses, the time intervals can be
expanded to 5 hours.

To run a pressure restoration test, the well produces at a constant rate for a period of
time tp . A pressure recorder is lowered into the well immediately before shutting in. tp
should not be very small to avoid problems with the investigation radius.

Through this type of test it is possible to estimate the permeability of the formation, the
pressure of the current drainage area, and characterize the damage or stimulation and
the heterogeneities of the reservoir or limits. Finally, the pressure restoration test is a
test used to determine the pressure in the transient state.

e) Interference Tests

In an interference test, one well is produced and pressure is observed in a different well
(or wells), monitoring pressure changes outside the reservoir, at a distance away from
the original producing well. The pressure changes at a distance from the producing
well are much smaller than in the producing well itself. Therefore, an interference test
requires a pressure measurement sensor, and can take a long time to carry out.
Ultimately, the general purpose of these tests is to determine if there is communication
between two or more wells in a reservoir. As communication exists, it provides
estimates of permeability, porosity and compressibility (N, Ct) and determines the
possibility of anisotropy in the producing stratum.

f) Pulse Tests

They constitute a special type of interference test, in which the active well is pulsed
alternately with production and shut-in cycles.

This technique uses a series of short pulses of flow rate. The pulses are alternating
periods of production (or injection) and closure with the same flow rate in each
production. The pressure response to the pulses is measured in the observation well.
The main advantage of pulse testing lies in the short duration of the pulse. A pulse can
last a few hours or a few days, which disrupts normal operation slightly compared to
interference testing.

In it, the pressure response in the observation well is determined.

It is characterized because they are short-duration tests and the flow times must be
equal to the closing times.

g) DTS tests

A DST test (Drill stem Test) is a short pressure test that is performed while drilling
using drill pipe. It is formed by consecutive pressure decline and pressure drop tests.

Steps to perform a DTS test:

To run a DST, a special tool is placed in the drill string and lowered into the area to be
tested. The tool isolates the formation from the mud column in the annulus and allows
formation fluids to flow to the drill string while continuously recording pressure.

1. Take a sample of the reservoir fluid.

2. Establish the probability of commerciality. Normally it is run in exploratory wells and

sometimes in advanced wells if the formation is very heterogeneous.

3. Determine the properties of the formation and damage. These could be used to
estimate the flow potential of the well.

They allow determining the bottom pressure and temperature (in addition to evaluating
fundamental parameters for the characterization of the reservoir) and are carried out
during the drilling stage. Samples of the fluids present in the reservoir are also
obtained at different depths to determine their properties with the aim of minimizing the
damage caused by the drilling fluid or to estimate reserves.

In addition to providing a sample of the type of fluid in the reservoir, a good DST gives
an indication of flow rate, a measure of static and flow pressures, and a short transient
test. A DST can in certain cases detect barriers, if they are close to the well: faults,
discontinuities, injection fronts, etc. And serve to determine the initial pressure or the
average pressure.