Well Testing Analysis

Basis for Grade:

Homework
20%
Examinations (3)
45%
Final Examination
25%
Class Participation/Pop Quizzes 10%
total = 100%
Grade Cutoffs: (Percentages)
A: < 90
B: 89.99 to 80
C: 79.99 to 70
D: 69.99 to 60
F: < 59.99

Introduction
to Well Testing

Objectives
List the more common objectives of well testing.
Describe the diffusivity equation by explaining
its purpose and applications
assumptions made in its derivation and how it is
derived
its form for one-dimensional radial flow.
List, define, give the units for, and specify typical sources
for each of the variables that influence responses in a well
test.
Compute the total compressibility for different reservoir
systems (undersaturated oil, saturated oil, gas).

What Is A Well Test?

A tool for reservoir evaluation and characterization
Investigates a much larger volume of the reservoir
than cores or logs
Provides estimates of
permeability under in-situ conditions
near-wellbore conditions
distances to boundaries
average pressure

How Is A Well Test Conducted?

q
Well is
allowed to
produce
normally
Sensor is
lowered
into well

Production
remainst
constant

Pressure
stabilizes

How Is A Well Test Conducted?

q=0
Well is
shut in

Production drops to 0

t
Sensor is
lowered
into well

p
Pressure
rises

Fundamental Concepts
Applications and objectives of well testing

Development of the diffusivity equation

Definitions and sources for data used in
well testing

Types and Purposes of Well

Tests
Pressure transient tests
We generate and measure pressure changes with time

Deliverability tests
Well controlled production

(Production Analysis)
Use of production data for goals usually achieved by
well testing

Production data analysis

Reservoir properties (permeability, skin

factor, fracture half-length, etc).

Reservoir pore volume (estimated using

long-term production performance).

Estimated ultimate recovery (EUR)

movable fluid volumes.

Well Test Applications

Well Test Objectives

Define reservoir limits
Estimate average drainage area pressure
Characterize reservoir
Diagnose productivity problems

Evaluate stimulation treatment effectiveness

Single-, Multiwell Tests

q
Well is
allowed to
produce
normally
Sensor is
lowered
into well

Single-, Multiwell Tests

Well is shut in,
pressure is
measured

Single-, Multiwell Tests

Well is
shut in
Sensor is
lowered
into
offset
well

. . . pressure is
measured at
offset well(s)

Kinds of Well Tests

q
Plot
Produce well
at constant pressure
response
rate

Lower
sensor
into well

Pwf
t

Kinds of Well Tests

Shut in well
Plot
pressure
response

Produce
well at
constant
rate
Lower
sensor
into well

Pws
t

Kinds of Well Tests

Inject fluid
into well at
constant rate p

Plot
pressure
response

Kinds of Well Tests

q=0
Shut in well
Inject fluid
into well at
constant rate

Measure
pressure
response

Multiwell Tests
. . . measure pressure
response at offset
well(s)

Produce
one well at
constant
rate . . .

Multiwell Tests
q
. . . measure
pressure
response at
offset well(s)
Alternately
produce and
shut in one
well . . .

PTA: Single-Well Tests

one well in which the pressure response is measured
following a rate change.

pressure buildup test

shut in after controlled production

drawdown or flow test

(specific drawdown tests: are called reservoir limits tests

pressure falloff test

similar to a pressure buildup test, except it is, conducted
on an injection well

injectivity test
Inject into the well at measured rate and measure pressure
as it increases with time
analogous to pressure drawdown testing.

PTA: Multiwell Tests

Flow rate is changed in one well
Pressure response is measured in one or more other
wells
Directional variations of reservoir properties
(orientation of natural fractures)
Presence or lack of communication between two

points in the reservoir

Ratio of the porosity-compressibility products of the
matrix and fracture systems

Multiwell tests:
Interference tests
The active well is produced at a measured, constant
rate throughout the test
(Other wells in the field must be shut in so that any
observed pressure response can be attributed to the
active well only.)

Pulse tests
The active well produces and then, is shut in, returned
to production and shut in again
Repeated but with production or shut-in periods
rarely exceeding more than a few hours
Produces a pressure response in the observation wells
which usually can be interpreted unambiguously (even
when other wells in the field continue to produce)

Deliverability tests (DT)

production capabilities of a well under
specific reservoir conditions
primarily for gas wells
absolute openflow (AOF) potential
inflow performance relationship (IPR) or gas
backpressure curve

DT: Flow-After-Flow Tests

(referred to as gas backpressure or four-point tests)
producing the well at a series of different stabilized
flow rates
measuring the stabilized bottomhole flowing pressure
at the sandface
typically, with a sequence of increasing flow rates

DT: Single-Point Tests

low-permeability formations
flowing the well at a single rate until the bottomhole
flowing pressure is stabilized
required by many regulatory agencies
requires prior knowledge of the well's deliverability
behavior
(from previous testing or from correlations with other
wells producing in the same field under similar conditions)

DT: Isochronal Tests

Specifically, the isochronal test is a series of singlepoint tests developed to estimate stabilized
deliverability characteristics without actually
flowing the well for the time required to achieve
stabilized conditions
The isochronal test is conducted by alternately
producing the well, then shutting in the well and
allowing it to build up to the average reservoir
pressure prior to the beginning of the next
production period.

Issues

Development Wells vs. Exploration Wells

Producing Wells vs. Injection Wells
Shallow Wells vs. Deep Wells
Stimulated Wells vs. Unstimulated Wells
Effects of Reservoir Properties
Low Permeability vs. High Permeability
Formations
Single Zones vs. Multiple Zones
Safety and Environmental Considerations
Sweet Gas vs. Sour and Corrosive Gases
Other environmental Concerns

Production data analysis

Reservoir properties (permeability, skin
factor, fracture half-length, etc).

Reservoir pore volume (estimated using

long-term production performance).

Estimated ultimate recovery (EUR)

movable fluid volumes.

End of Class

The Diffusivity Equation

Describes the flow of

a slightly compressible fluid

having constant viscosity
in a porous medium
at constant temperature

Derived from basic relationships of

continuity
flow equation (Darcys law)
equation-of-state

The Continuity Equation

(Av)1

(Av)2

Av 1 Av 2
m

Flow Equation (Darcys Law)

kAp
q
L
or, in differential form,

k x p
ux
x

Equation of State for a Slightly

Compressible Liquid

oe

c p po

The Diffusivity Equation

One-dimensional, radial form:

1 p ct p
r
r r r
k t

Formation Volume Factor

Vres
B
Vsurf
For oil:

For gas:

For water:

Vres
Bo
Vsurf

Vres
Bg
Vsurf

Vres
Bw
Vsurf

Viscosity
A fluids resistance to flow
Gasolinelow viscosity
Vaselinehigh viscosity

Fluid Compressibility

1 V
ln V
c

V p
p

Porosity

Permeability

q L
k
Ap

Pore Compressibility

1 ln
cf

p
p

Net Pay Thickness

h1

h2
Shale
h3

h4

Sand

h = h1 + h2 + h3
(No perforations
in this sand)

Net Pay Thickness

Vertical well,
horizontal formation

Deviated well,
horizontal formation

Vertical well,
slanted formation

Deviated well,
slanted formation

Saturations

Wellbore Radius
rw

Total Compressibility

ct c f So co Sw cw S g c g

Modeling Radial Flow

Instructional Objectives
State the Ei-function solution to the diffusivity
equation, and list all the assumptions on which it
is based. State practical rules for determining the
numerical values of the Ei-function.
Given formation and fluid properties, be able to
calculate the radius of investigation at a given
time and the time necessary to reach a given
radius of investigation.
Describe the effects of reservoir properties on the
radius of investigation.

Radial Flow Reservoir Model

Bulk
formation

rw

Ei-Function Solution
to the Diffusivity Equation
2

qB 948ct r
p pi 70.6
Ei

kh
kt

Ei x

u
e

du

Ei-Function Graph
6

Log approximation

Ei-function
drops to zero

0
0.001

0.01

0.1

-x

10

100

Short-Time Approximation for EiFunction Solution

p pi
948 ct r
10
kt
2

Applies when

(large radius or small time)

Long-Time Approximation
to Ei-Function Solution
2

qB
1688

c
r
t

p pi 162.6
log10

kh
kt

948 ct r 2
0.01
Applies when
kt
(small radius or large time)

Pressure Profile
During Drawdown
2000

ri

t=0

ri

ri

ri

t = 0.01 hrs
t = 1 hr

Pressure,
psi

t = 100 hrs
t = 10000 hrs

1000
1

10

100

1000

Distance from center of wellbore, ft

10000

Pressure Profile
During Buildup
2,000

ri

t = 10,000 hrs

1,800

ri

t = 100 hrs

1,600
1,400

ri

t = 1 hr

ri

1,200
t = 0.01 hrs

t=0

1,000
1

10

100

1,000

Distance from center of wellbore, ft

10,000

Radius of Investigation Equations

Radius of investigation for a
given time t:
kt
ri
948ct
Time required to reach a given
radius of investigation ri:

948 ct ri2
t
k

Characterizing Damage and

Stimulation

Instructional Objectives
List factors that cause skin damage or geometric skin factor.
Calculate skin factor for a given additional pressure drop due to
damage; conversely, calculate additional pressure drop for a given
skin factor.
Calculate flow efficiency given the skin factor, wellbore pressure,
and average drainage area pressure.
Express skin factor as an apparent wellbore radius; conversely,
express apparent wellbore radius as a skin factor.
Express a given skin factor as an equivalent fracture halflength (for
an infinite-conductivity fracture); conversely, express fracture halflength as an equivalent skin factor.

Drilling Fluid Damage

Fines may clog pore
throats, reducing
effective permeability
Mud filtrate
invasion

Filtrate may cause

clays to swell,
causing damage

Production Damage

p > pd

P< pd

Gas Condensate
Reservoir
Immobile condensate
ring reduces
effective permeability

p < pb

p > pb

Oil Reservoir
Free gas reduces
effective permeability

Injection Damage

dirty
water

incompatible
water

Reservoir Model
Skin Effect
Altered
zone

ka
rw
ra

Bulk
formation

Reservoir Pressure Profile

Pressure, psi

2,000

1,500

1,000

ps

500

10

100

1,000

Distance from center of wellbore, ft

10,000

Skin and Pressure Drop

0.00708 k h
s
ps
qB

Skin and Pressure Drop

141.2qB
ps
s
kh

Skin Factor and Properties

of the Altered Zone

k
ra
s
1 ln
ka
rw
rw

rds
h
r

Skin Factor and Properties

of the Altered Zone

ka

k
1

ln ra rw

Effective Wellbore Radius

rwa

r
e
wa
w

rwa

s ln
rw

Minimum Skin Factor

re
smin ln
r
w

Minimum Skin Factor

Example

re
smin ln
rw
745
ln
7.3
0.5

Converging Flow to Perforations

Geometric Skin

Partial Penetration

hp
h

Geometric Skin

Incompletely Perforated
Interval
h1
hp

ht

ht
s
sd s p
hp
Geometric Skin

Partial Penetration
Apparent Skin Factor
h1 D h1 ht

Geometric Skin

hpD hp ht

1
A
h1 D hpD 4

1

hpD A 1 2
1

sp
1 ln

ln

hpD
2rD hpD 2 hpD B 1

rw kv
rD
ht kh

1
B
h1 D 3hpD 4

Deviated Wellbore

h sec

s sd s

Geometric Skin

Deviated Wellbore
Apparent Skin Factor
w'
'
w
s
41

2.06

kv
tan
tan w
kh

1.865

'
w

56

hD
log

100

h
hD
rw

kh
kv

Well With Hydraulic Fracture

L f 2rwa
rwe

Lf

rwa

Geometric Skin

Lf
2

Completion Skin
rw

rp

kdp

s s p sd sdp

rdp
kR

Lp
kd
rd

sdp

h rdp kR kR
ln

L p n rp kdp kd

Gravel Pack Skin

Cement

sgp

Lg

kR hLg
2
2nkgp rp

Productivity Index

q
J
p pwf

Flow Efficiency

J actual p pwf ps
Ef

J ideal
p pwf

Flow Efficiency and Rate

qnew qold

E fnew
E fold

Semilog Analysis
For Oil Wells

Instructional Objectives
Analyze a constant-rate drawdown test using semilog
analysis.
Analyze a buildup test following a constant-rate flow
period using the Horner method.

Ei-Function Solution
qB 948 c t r
p pi 70.6
Ei
kh
kt

6
4
2
0.001

-x

100

Reservoir Pressure Profile

2,000

Negative skin
(s = -2)
Pressure,
psi

Unsteady-state pressure
(s=0)

Positive (damage) skin (s = +5)

500
1

10
100
1,000
Distance from center of wellbore, ft

10,000

Incorporating Skin into the

Ei-Function Solution
For r = rw
2

948 c t rw
qB
2 s
p pi 70.6
Ei
kh
kt

For r > ra

948 ct r 2
q B

p pi 70.6
Ei
kh
kt

Log Approximation to the

Ei-Function
y = mx + b
pwf

qB Use |m| in computations

pi 162.6
from this point forward
kh

k
3.23 0.869s
log10 t log10
2

c
r

t w

Estimating Permeability and

Skin
162.6qB
k
mh

p p

k
i
1
hr
3.23
s 1.151
log10
c r 2
m

t w

Drawdown Test Graph

1,200

Usually several cycles apart

(t2, pwf2) p1hr is p at
1 hr on bestfit line

Pressure,
psi

Plot pressure vs. time

(t1, pwf1)

Powers of 10
700
0.1

10

Elapsed Test Time, hrs

100

1,000

Example

q = 250 STB/D
h = 46 ft
rw = 0.365 ft
ct = 17 x 10-6 psi-1

pi = 4,412 psia
= 12%
B = 1.136 RB/STB
= 0.8 cp

p p

k
3.23
s 1.151 i 1hr log10
c r 2
m

t w

Example

q = 250 STB/D
h = 46 ft
rw = 0.365 ft
ct = 17 x 10-6 psi-1

pi = 4,412 psia
= 12%
B = 1.136 RB/STB
= 0.8 cp

162.6qB
k
mh

p p

k
3.23
s 1.151 i 1hr log10
c r 2
m

t w

Example
3,600

Extrapolate to get p1 hr

slope = p10 hr-p1 hr

-100
m 100
p10hr 3,440 psi

p1hr 3,540 psi

One log cycle

Plot data points
from field data
3,300
1

10

Time, hrs

100

Example

q = 250 STB/D
h = 46 ft
rw = 0.365 ft
ct = 17 x 10-6 psi-1

pi = 4,412 psia
= 12%
B = 1.136 RB/STB
= 0.8 cp

p1hr 3,540 psi

162.6qB
k
mh

p p

k
3.23
s 1.151 i 1hr log10
2

m
m 100 ct rw

Problems with Drawdown

Tests
It is difficult to produce a well at a strictly constant
rate
Even small variations in rate distort the pressure
response

Alternative to Drawdown
Tests
There is one rate that is easy to maintain a flow
rate of zero.
A buildup test is conducted by shutting in a
producing well and measuring the resulting
pressure response.

Buildup Test - Rate History

q

Rate during production of +q.

0

tp + t
t

Rate after shut-in of -q

-q
q

Sum after shut-in

of 0.
tp

Buildup Pressure Response

0

Pressure normally declines

during production...
tp + t

but rises during the

injection (buildup) period...
0

yielding a pressure curve that is the

sum of the two rate curves:

tp

Buildup Test - Superposition

k
qB
3.23 0.869 s
pws pi 162.6
log10 t p t log10
2

kh

c
r

t w

k
qB
3.23 0.869 s
162.6
log10 t log10
2

kh

ct rw

t p t
qB

pws pi 162 .6
log10
kh
t

y = mx + b

Buildup Straight-Line
Analogy

162.6qB
k
mh
Horner time ratio

pi b @

t p t
t

Buildup Test Graph

2,000

pi

1,400
10,000

1,000

100

Horner time ratio

10

Estimating Skin Factor

From a Buildup Test
p1hr pwf

k
3.23
s 1.151
log10
2
m

ct rw

Horner Pseudoproducing
Time

tp
pws

24 N p
qlast

t p t
qlast B

pi 162.6
log10
kh
t

Semilog Analysis
For Gas Wells

Instructional Objectives
1. Identify range of validity of pressure,
pressure-squared, and adjusted pressure
analysis methods
2. Estimate pressure drop due to nonDarcy
flow
3. Analyze flow and buildup tests using
semilog analysis

Outline
Flow Equations For Gas Wells

Pseudopressure
Pressure-Squared
Pressure
Adjusted Pressure

Non-Darcy Flow
Example

Diffusivity Equation - Liquids

1 p ct p
r
r r r
k t
Continuity Equation
Equation of State For Slightly
Compressible Liquids
Darcys Law

Real Gas Law

absolute pressure, psi
real gas
ideal
deviation
gas constant,
factor, 10.72
dimensionless
(ft3)(lb)/(mole)(in2)(R)

pV=znRT
pV znRT
volume,

number of moles
temperature, R

ft3

Real Gas Pseudopressure

absolute pressure, psi

p p p 2

p
p0

pdp
z

Gas Flow Equation

Real Gas Pseudopressure
1 p p
r
r r r

c t p p

k t

Continuity Equation
Real Gas Law Equation of State
Darcys Law

Gas Flow Equation

Pressure-Squared
1 p
r
r r r

c t p

k t

Continuity Equation
Real Gas Law Equation of State
Darcys Law
The term z Is Constant

Pressure-Squared Ranges
0.16

SG=1.2

Fairly constant at
rates <2,000 psi

SG=1.0

Tf = 200 F

mu*z,
psi/cp

SG=0.8
SG=0.6

0
0

2,000

4,000

6,000

Pressure, psia

8,000

10,000

Gas Flow Equation: Pressure

If p/z is constant,

1 p ct p
r
r r r
k t
Continuity Equation
Real Gas Law Equation of State
Darcys Law

Pressure: Range Of
Application
250

Tf = 200F

SG=0.6

SG=0.8
SG=1.0
SG=1.2

Fairly constant at rates >3,000 psi

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

Pressure, psia

8,000

10,000

Gas - Dependent Variables

Pressure-Squared - Valid Only For Low
Pressures (< 2000 psi)
Pressure - Valid Only For High Pressures (>
3000 psi)
Real Gas Pseudopressure - Valid For All
Pressure Ranges

Gas Flow Equation:

Real Gas Pseudopressure
1 p p ct p p
r

r r r
k t
Continuity Equation
Real Gas Law Equation of State
Darcys Law

Strong Variation
With Pressure

Real Gas Pseudotime

t ap

dt
p ct p

Adjusted Variables
z
pa p
p i
t a ct i

p0

pdp z
p p p

z 2 p i

dt
ct i t ap
p ct p

Using Horner Time Ratio

With Adjusted Time
HTR

t p ta
ta

Non-Darcy Flow
Flow equations developed so far assume
Darcy flow
For gas wells, velocity near wellbore is
high enough that Darcys law fails
Non-Darcy behavior can often be
modeled as rate-dependent skin

Apparent Skin Factor

s ' s Dq g

Estimating Non-Darcy
Coefficient
From Multiple Tests
10

Apparent
skin factor

D = 5.1x104D/Mscf

4
s = 3.4
2

0
0

2,000

4,000

6,000

Flow rate, Mscf/D

8,000

10,000

Estimating Non-Darcy Coefficient

From Turbulence Parameter
Often, only one test is available
If so, we can estimate D from

2.715 10

15

k g Mp sc

hrwTsc g ,wf

Estimating Turbulence
Parameter
If is not known, it can be estimated from

10 1.47 0.53

1.88 10 k

Wellbore Storage

Objectives
Define wellbore unloading
Define afterflow
Calculate wellbore storage (WBS)
coefficient for wellbore filled with a
singlephase fluid
Calculate WBS coefficient for rising
liquid level

Fluid-Filled Wellbore Unloading

Rate

Surface Rate

Ei-function solution
assumes constant
reservoir rate

Bottomhole
Rate

Time

Mass balance
equation resolves
problems

q qsf B
dpw

dt
24Vwbcwb

Fluid-Filled Wellbore Afterflow

Rate

Bottomhole flow
continues after
shut-in

Surface Rate

Bottomhole
Rate
Time

q qsf B
dpw

dt
24Vwbcwb

Rising Liquid Level

Rate

Surface Rate
Bottomhole
Rate

Time

Liquid rises until

hydrostatic head in
wellbore matches
pressure in formation

q qsf B 5.615 wb g
dpw

dt
24
144 Awb gc

Wellbore Storage

q qsf B
dpw

Fluid-filled wellbore
dt
24Vwbcwb
Rising liquid level

q qsf B 5.615 wb g
dpw

dt
24
144 Awb gc
General

q qsf B
dpw

dt
24C

Wellbore Storage Definition

q qsf B
C
dpw
24
dt

Fluid-filled
wellbore

C Vwb cwb

Rising
liquid level

144 Awb gc
C
5.615 wb g
25.65

Awb

wb

Type Curve Analysis

Objectives
1. Identify wellbore storage and middle time regions
on type curve.
2. Identify pressure response for a well with high,
zero, or negative skin.
3. Calculate equivalent time.
4. Calculate wellbore storage coefficient,
permeability, and skin factor from type curve
match.

Dimensionless Variables
qB 948ct r 2
p pi 70.6
Ei

kh
kt

r
rD
rw

kh pi p
1
w

Ei
141.2qB
2 0.0002637 kt

4
2

ct rw

kh pi p
0.0002637 kt
pD
t

141.2qB
1 rD2 D
ct rw2

pD Ei
2 4t D

Radial Flow With WBS And

Skin
kh pi p
pD
141.2qB

0.0002637 kt
tD
ct rw2
r
rD
rw

kh ps
s
141.2qB

0.8936C
CD
ct hrw2

Gringarten Type Curve

Constant rate production

Vertical well
Infinite-acting homogeneous reservoir
Single-phase, slightly compressible liquid
Infinitesimal skin factor
Constant wellbore storage coefficient

Gringarten Type Curve

100

Wellbore storage coefficient

Skin factor

CDe2s

PD

CDe2s=1060

Type curve

CDe2s=100
CDe2s=0.01
Stem
Time group
100,000

0.01

tD/CD

Gringarten Type Curve

100

PD

Similarities of curves make

matching difficult

100,000

0.01

tD/CD

Pressure Derivative
162.6qB
p
kh

kt

3.23 0.869 s
log
2
ct rw

p
p
t

t
lnt

tD

p D
p D

t D ln t D

p 70.6qB
t

t
kh

tD

pD
0. 5
t D

Derivative Type Curve

100

Differences in curve
shapes make
matching easier

CDe2s=1060

tD/PD
CDe2s=100
CDe2s=0.01

100,000

0.01

tD/CD

Pressure + Derivative Type

Curves
100

Combining curves
gives each stem
value two distinctive
shapes

PD

100,000

0.01

tD/CD

Pressure/Derivative Type
Curve
100

WBS

PD

Transition

Radial Flow

Unit
Horizontal Derivative
Slope
Line

Early Time Region

Middle Time Region

100,000

0.01

tD/CD

Pressure + Derivative Type

Curve
100

High skin
PD

No skin

Low skin

100,000

0.01

tD/CD

Equivalent Time For PBU

Tests
pi pwf

pi pws

qB
162.6
kh

k
3.23 0.869 s
log10 t p log
2

ct rw

k
qB
3.23 0.869 s
162.6
log10 t p t log
2
kh

ct rw

k
qB
3.23 0.869 s
162.6
log10 t log
2
kh

c
r

t w

Equivalent Time For PBU

Tests
pws pwf

qB
162.6
kh

k
3.23 0.869 s
log10 t p log
2

ct rw

k
3.23 0.869 s
log10 t p t log
2

ct rw

k
qB
3.23 0.869 s
162.6
log10 t log
2
kh

ct rw
qB
162.6
kh

pws pwf

t p t
k
qB
log
3.23 0.869 s
log10
162.6
2
c r
t p t
kh

t w

Equivalent Time For PBU

Tests
pi pwf

qB
162.6
kh

k
3.23 0.869 s
log10 t p log
2

ct rw

k
t p t
qB
3.23 0.869s
log
pws pwf 162.6
log10
t p t
c r 2
kh

t w

k
qB
3.23 0.869s
pws pwf 162.6
log10 te log
c r 2
kh

t w

Equivalent Time For PBU

Tests
Drawdown

p pi pwf vs t
Buildup

p pws pwf vs t e

Properties Of Equivalent
Time
te

t p t

t p t
tp

t , t t p

tp
t p t

t p , t t p

t p t

tp
HTR

Adjusted Variables For Gas

Wells
z
pa
p ref

t a ct ref

p' dp '
p ' 0 p 'z p '

dt '
t ' 0 p ct p

Ca Vwbcg ref

Field Data Plot

1,000

teq

1,000

Overlay Field Data on Type

Curve
100

1,000

PD

teq

1,000
100,000

0.01

tD/CD

Move Field Data Toward

Horizontal
100

1,000

PD

Align data with

horizontal part of
1,000
teq type curves
100,000

0.01

tD/CD

Move Field Data Toward

Match
100
1,000

PD

Stop when data align

with horizontal stems

Begin to move toward unit slope line

1

teq

1,000

100,000

0.01

tD/CD

Move Field Data Toward

Stems
100
1,000

PD

teq

1,000

100,000

0.01

tD/CD

Move Field Data Toward

Stems
100

Assume
pD =1,000
10

Assume
p = 262

Lets
say s=7x10
Calculate
s from9
matching stem value

p/pD k
pD

Extrapolate curve
as necessary

p
Assume
teq = 0.0546
1

teq

Teq/tD CD
0.01

Assume
tD/CD = 1

1,000

100,000

tD/CD

Use Reservoir, Well

Properties
q = 50
B = 1.325
= 0.609
h = 15

= 0.183

ct = 1.76 x 10-5
rw2 = 0.25
CD = 1703

Calculate k From Pressure

Match
141.2qB pD
k

h
p M .P .

141.2501.3250.609 10
k

15
262
14.5 md

Calculate CD From Time

Match
0.0002637k teq

CD

2
t
C
ct rw D D M .P .

0.000263714.5
0.0546
CD

5
0.1830.6091.76 10 0.25 1
1703

Calculate s From CDe2s

2s

1 C De
s ln
2 C D
9

1 7 10
s ln
2 1703
7.6

Manual Log-Log
Analysis

Instructional Objectives
To be able to manually estimate permeability and
skin factor from the log-log diagnostic plot
without using type curves

Estimating Permeability and

Skin Factor from the
Diagnostic Plot
1000

Pressure change, psi

pr
100

(tp)r
10

1
0.01

0.1

10

Equivalent time, hrs

tr

100

1000

Estimating Permeability
and Skin Factor
70.6qB
k
htp r

ktr
1 pr

s
ln
2
2 tp r
1688 c t rw

Example
q = 50 STB/D
h = 15 ft
B = 1.36 RB/STB
= 0.563 cp

pwf = 2095 psia

= 18.3%
ct = 17.9 x 106 psi1
rw = 0.25 ft

Estimate (tp)r, tr, and pr

1000

Pressure change, psi

400

100

14
10

1
0.01

0.1

10

Equivalent time, hrs

20

100

1000

Estimate Permeability
70.6qB
k
htp r

70.6 501.360.563

1514

12.9 md

Estimate Skin Factor

ktr
1 pr

s
ln
2
2 tp r
1688 c t rw

1 400
12.9 20

ln
2
6
2 14
16880.1830.56317.9 10 0.25
7.23

Flow
Regimes and
the
Diagnostic
Plot

Objectives
1. Identify early, middle, and late time
regions on a diagnostic plot.
2. Identify characteristic shapes of flow
regimes on a diagnostic plot.
3. List factors that affect pressure response
in early time.
4. List boundaries that affect pressure
response in late time.

The Diagnostic Plot

Pressure change (p)

Pressure derivative (p )

Elapsed time (t ), hrs

The Diagnostic Plot

Unit-slope
line

Near-wellbore effects
(wellbore storage)
Early-time
region

Middletime
region

Elapsed time (t ), hrs

Late-time
region

The Diagnostic Plot

Homogenous reservoir
horizontal derivative
(best estimate of k )
Early-time
Partial
penetration,
region
phase redistribution,
fracture conductivity

Middletime
region

Elapsed time (t ), hrs

Late-time
region

The Diagnostic Plot

Infinite-acting
behavior

Early-time
Partial
penetration,
region
phase redistribution,
fracture conductivity

Boundary
effects
Middletime
region

Elapsed time (t ), hrs

Late-time
region

Flow Regimes
Common characteristic shapes of derivative

Volumetric
Radial
Linear
Bilinear
Spherical

Different flow patterns may appear at

different times in a single test
Flow regimes follow sequence within model

Volumetric Behavior
Fluids from outside recharge tank

Volumetric Behavior
Wellbore Storage

qBt
p
24C

Pseudosteady-State Flow

pi pwf

0.0744qBt 141.2qB

2
ct hre
kh
General Form

re 3
ln s
rw 4

p mV t bV

Volumetric Behavior
General Form

Derivative

p mV t bV
mV t bV
p
t
t
t
t
mV t

Volumetric Behavior
Pressure change during recharge
or pseudosteadystate flow

Pressure derivative

Elapsed time (t ), hrs

Volumetric Behavior

Wellbore
storage

Elapsed time (t ), hrs

Radial Flow
Wellbore

Radial Flow
Wellbore

Fracture

Radial Flow
Late radial flow
Wellbore

Early radial flow

Radial Flow
Vertical Well

162.6qB kt

p
3.23 0.869s
log
2
kh

c
r
t
w

General Form

p m log t b

Radial Flow
General Form

Derivative

p m log t b

p
m log t b
t
t
t
t
m

2.303

Radial Flow

Pressure

Pressure derivative
Elapsed time (t ), hrs

Radial Flow

Radial
flow

Elapsed time (t ), hrs

Spherical Flow
x
y
z

Spherical Flow
Vertical wellbore

Few perforations
open

Spherical flow

Spherical Flow
Vertical wellbore

Small part of
zone perforated

Spherical flow

Spherical Flow
Vertical wellbore

Certain wireline
testing tools

Spherical flow

Spherical Flow
Spherical Probe (RFT)

pi pwf

ct rp
q

1
4krp
kt

General Form

p bS mS t

1 2

Spherical Flow
General Form

Derivative

p bS mS t

1 2

bS mS t
p
t
t
t
t
1
1 2
mS t
2

1 2

Spherical Flow
Pressure

Pressure derivative
1

2
Elapsed time (t ), hrs

Spherical Flow

Spherical flow

Elapsed time (t ), hrs

Linear Flow
Vertical wellbore

Fracture

Linear flow

Linear Flow
Vertical
wellbore

Linear
flow

Channel (ancient
stream) reservoir

Linear Flow
Wellbore

Early linear flow

Linear Flow
Late linear flow
Wellbore

Linear Flow
Channel
Hydraulic
Fracture

General
Form

16.26qB kt

p
khw ct
4.064qB kt

p
khLf ct

p mL t

12

bL

12

12

Linear Flow
General
Form
Derivative

p mL t

12

bL

p
m t
t
t

12

1
12
mL t
2

bL

Linear Flow
Pressure change in fractured/damaged
or horizontal well
Pressure change in
undamaged
Pressure 1
fractured well
derivative
2
Elapsed time (t ), hrs

Bilinear Flow

Bilinear Flow
Hydraulic Fracture

44.1qB 1
p
wk
h
f

General Form

12

14

ct k

p mB t

14

bB

Bilinear Flow
General Form

Derivative

p mB t

14

bB

p
mB t bB
t
t
t
t
1
14
mB t
4
14

Bilinear Flow
Pressure in fractured,
damaged well
Pressure in fractured,
undamaged well

Pressure derivative

4
Elapsed time (t ), hrs

Diagnostic Plot

Wellbore
storage

Radial
flow
Spherical flow

Elapsed time (t ), hrs

Recharge?

Estimating
Average Reservoir
Pressure

Estimating Reservoir
Pressure
Middle Time Region Methods
Matthews-Brons-Hazebroek Method
Ramey-Cobb Method

Late Time Region Methods

Modified Muskat Method
Arps-Smith Method

Middle-Time Region Methods

Based on extrapolation and correction of MTR
pressure trend
Advantage
Use only pressure data in the middle-time region

Disadvantages
Need accurate fluid property estimates
Need to know drainage area shape, size, well
location within drainage area
May be somewhat computationally involved

Matthews-Brons-Hazebroek
Producing time prior to shut-in, tp = 482 hr
Porosity, = 0.15
Viscosity, m = 0.25 cp

Total compressibility, ct = 1.615 x 10-5

Drainage area, A = 1500 x 3000 ft (a 2x1 reservoir)
2

Curves for Square Drainage

Area

pMBHD

-1
0.01

0.1

tpAD

10

Curves for 2x1 Rectangle

6

pMBHD

-1
0.01

0.1

tpAD

10

Curves for 4x1 Rectangle

5

pMBHD

-1

-2
0.01

0.1

tpAD

10

Matthews-Brons-Hazebroek
2750

p*=2689.4
m=26.7

2650

Shut-in well
pressure, psia
2550

2450

Step
Step1:2:Plot
Extrapolate
pressureslope
vs. Horner
m to find
timep*ratio

2400
106

105

104

103

Horner time ratio

102

10

Matthews-Brons-Hazebroek
Step 3: Calculate dimensionless producing time

0.0002637 kt
ktpp
t pAD
pAD
ctt A

0.0002637 7.5482

5
0.150.251.615 10 15003000
0.35

Matthews-Brons-Hazebroek
Step 4: On appropriate MBH curve, find pMBHD
6
5

2x1 rectangle
4
3

pMBHD

2.05

1
0
-1
0.01

tpAD = 0.35
0.1

tpAD

10

Matthews-Brons-Hazebroek
Step 5: Calculate average reservoir pressure, p

m
p p*
pMBHD t pAD
2.303
26.7
2.05
2689.4
2.303
2665.6

Matthews-Brons-Hazebroek

Plot pws vs (tp+t)/t on semilog coordinates

Extrapolate to (tp+t)/t=1 to find p*
Calculate the dimensionless producing time tpAD
Using the appropriate MBH chart for the drainage
area shape and well location, find pMBHD
Calculate p
If tp >> tpss, more accurate results may be obtained
by using tpss in place of tp in calculating the Horner
time ratio and tpAD

Matthews-Brons-Hazebroek
Advantages
Applies to wide variety of drainage area shapes, well
locations
Uses only data in the middle-time region
Can be used with both short and long producing
times

Disadvantages
Requires drainage area size, shape, well location
Requires accurate fluid property data

Reservoir Shapes
1

1
Dietz shape factor CA = 4.5132
Dietz
Dietzshape
shapefactor
factorCCAA==12.9851
30.8828

Reservoir Shapes
2

Dietz shape factor CA = 10.8374

Reservoir Shapes
4

Dietz shape factor CA = 5.379

Reservoir Shapes
Dietz shape factor Dietz shape factor Dietz shape factor
CA = 31.62
CA = 19.17
CA = 27.1

Dietz shape factor

CA = 21.9
Dietz shape factor
CA = 31.6

Dietz shape factor

CA = 0.098

Ramey-Cobb
Step 1: Plot pressure vs. Horner time ratio
Step 2: Calculate dimensionless producing time

t pAD

0.0002637 kt p

ct A

0.0002637 7.5482

5
0.150.251.615 10 15003000
0.35

Ramey-Cobb
Step 3: Find the Dietz shape factor CA for the
drainage area shape and well location

t p t

C At pAD
t p

21.80.35
7.63

Shape factor CA = 21.8369

Ramey-Cobb
2750

2650

Shut-in wellbore
pressure, psia

p 2665.8

2550

HTR = 7.63

2450

2400
106

105

104

103

Horner time ratio

102

10

Ramey-Cobb
Plot pws vs (tp+t)/t on semilog coordinates
Calculate the dimensionless producing time tpAD
Find the Dietz shape factor CA for the drainage
area shape and well location
Calculate HTRavg
Extrapolate middle-time region on Horner plot to
HTRavg
Read p at HTRavg

Ramey-Cobb
Advantages
Applies to wide variety of drainage area shapes, well
locations
Uses only data in the middle time region

Disadvantages
Requires drainage area size, shape, well location
Requires accurate fluid property data
Requires producing time long enough to reach
pseudosteady state

Late-Time Region Methods

Based on extrapolation of post-middle-time
region pressure trend to infinite shut-in time
Advantages
No need for accurate fluid property estimates
No need to know drainage area shape, size, well
location within drainage area
Tend to be very simple

Disadvantage
Require post-middle-time-region pressure transient
data

Late-Time Region Data

2
250 ct re

2
750 ct re

Late-Time Region Data

100

10

Dimensionless
pressure
1

0.1

0.01
103

104

105

106

107

Dimensionless shut-in time

108

109

Modified Muskat Method

Exponential decline
Average reservoir pressure
Shut-in pressure

p pws Ae

bt

ln p pws ln A bt
ln p pws C bt

Modified Muskat Method

Step 1: Assume a value for average
pressure

ln p pws C bt

Modified Muskat Method

1000

Assumed pressure too low

p pws , psi

100

5600
5575

Assumed pressure fits

Assumed pressure too high
10
1500

2000

2500

3000

Time, minutes

3500

4000

5560

4500

Modified Muskat Method

Advantages
Very simple to apply

Disadvantages
Somewhat subjective: Which data points
should I try to straighten?
More sensitive to estimates that are too low
than to estimates that are too high
Not easily automated

Modified Muskat Method

Recommendations
Dont try to straighten data until there has
been a clear deviation from the middle-time
region
Once middle-time region has ended, try to
straighten all data
Expect best reliability for wells reasonably
centered in drainage areas

Arps-Smith Method
bt

p pws Ae
dpws
bt
Abe
dt
dpws
b p pws
dt

Arps-Smith Method
Step 1: Assume a value for average
pressure, accepting theory based on
empirical observation

dpws
b p pws
dt

Arps-Smith Method
Step 2: Plot dpws/dt vs pws on Cartesian scale
10
9
8
7

dpws/dt, 6
psi/hr 5

Step 3: Fit a straight line

through the data points

Pavg = 5575 psi

Step 24: Read p from

the1 x-intercept
0
5300

5350

5400

5450

Pws, psi

5500

5550

5600

Arps-Smith Method
Optional: Estimate the productivity index
in STB/D/psi from the slope b and the
wellbore storage coefficient C

dpws
b p pws
dt

q qsf

24Cb
J

q J p pwf
Bo

dpw
B 24C
dt

Arps-Smith Method
Advantages
Simple to apply
Easily automated

Disadvantages
Requires data in late-time region, after all
boundaries have been felt
Assumes pws approaches p exponentially
Requires numerical differentiation of pressure
with respect to time

Hydraulically
Fractured
Wells

Hydraulically Fractured
Wells
Flow Regimes
Depth of Investigation
Fracture Damage
Straight Line Analysis
Bilinear Flow Analysis
Linear Flow Analysis
Semilog Analysis

Type Curve Analysis

Ideal Hydraulic Fracture

Reservoir sand
(permeability=kr )

Hydraulic fracture
(permeability =kf )

Wellbore
Fracture width, wf

Fracture
halflength, Lf

Dimensionless Variables for

Fractured Wells
0.00708 kh
pi pwf
pD
qB

fD

kf

ct

f ct f k

Cr

wf k f

kLf

tL f D

CL f D

0.0002637 k

t
2
ct L f

0.8936 C

ct hL2f

FcD

wf k f
kLf

Cr

Flow Regimes in Fractures

Fracture flow
Linear
Bilinear

Formation flow
Linear
Elliptical
Pseudoradial

Fracture Linear Flow

Transient moves down fracture length

Transient has not

moved into reservoir

Transient has not

reached end of fracture

Fracture Linear Flow

(Log-log plot)

2
pD
fD t L f D
FcD
Time
(Too early for practical application)

Fracture Linear Flow

End of linear flow
(Log-log plot)

Dimensionless
time

tL f D
Time

2
0.01FcD
2
fD

Bilinear Flow
Low-conductivity fracture, Cf < 100

Pressure transient moves down

fracture, into formation

Bilinear Flow
Low-conductivity fracture, Cf < 100

Pressure transient has not reached end of fracture

Bilinear Flow
(Log-log plot)

Pressure
drop:

pD

1.25 2 FcD

tL f D

Time

2.45 14

tL f D
FcD

Bilinear Flow
(Log-log plot)

(Time depends on dimensionless

flow, fracture conductivity)
Time

Bilinear Flow
If FcD < 1.6

If 1.6 < FcD < 3

If FcD 3

tL f D

4.55

2.5
FcD

t L f D 0.0205FcD 1.5

1.53

tL f D

0 .1
2
FcD

(Time depends on dimensionless

flow, fracture conductivity)

Bilinear Flow
Low-conductivity fracture, Cr < 100

Data can yield fracture conductivity wkf if kf is known.

Bilinear Flow
Low-conductivity fracture, Cf < 100

Data cannot yield Lf, but may identify lower bound .

Formation Linear Flow

Negligible pressure drop down fracture

Transient
Flowmoves
from beyond
linearlyends
into of
wellbore
fracture not yet significant

Formation Linear Flow

pD t L f D
100

0
.
016
L
D
2
f
FcD

Elliptical Flow

Pseudoradial Flow

Pseudoradial Flow
162.6qB
p
kh

kt

3.23 0.869s
log
2
ct rw

tL f D 3

Depth Of Investigation
a

Lf

2
Lf

a b
2

Depth Of Investigation
0.0002637kt
tbD
ct b2
For linear flow, pseudosteadystate flow exists out to a
distance b at a dimensionless
time given by

tbD

Depth of investigation for

a linear system at time t

12

kt
b 0.02878

ct

Depth of Investigation
12

Depth of investigation
along minor axis

kt
b 0.02878

ct

Depth of investigation
along major axis

a L2f b2

Area of investigation

A ab

Hydraulic Fracture
With Choked Fracture
Damage
k
kfs

k
f

Ls
Lf

wf

Choked Fracture Skin Factor

p

qBL
0.001127 kA

qBLs
ps
0.001127 k fs 2h f w f

0.00708 kh
qBLs
0.00708 kh

sf
p s
0.001127 k 2h w
qB
qB

fs
f f

sf

kLs
k fs w f

Hydraulic Fracture
With Fracture Face Damage
k
k

ws

ks

wf
Lf

Fracture Face Skin Factor

qBL
p
0.001127 kA

qBws
ps
0.001127 4h f L f

1 1

k

s k

0.00708kh
qBws
0.00708 kh

sf
p s

qB
qB 0.001127 4h f L f

ws k

1
sf
2 L f ks

1 1

k

s k

Bilinear Flow Analysis

Procedure
Identify the bilinear flow regime using the
diagnostic plot
Graph pwf vs. t1/4 or pws vs tBe1/4
Find the slope mB and the intercept p0 of the best
straight line
Calculate the fracture conductivity wkf from the
slope and the fracture skin factor sf from the
intercept

Bilinear Equivalent Time

t Be

14
tp

14

t p t

t Be t , t t p

t Be t p , t t p

14 4

Bilinear Flow Analysis

Equations
44.1q B

wk f

h
m
B

c k
t

0.5

Drawdown

0.00708 kh
pi p0
sf
qB

Buildup

0.00708 kh
sf
p0 pwf
qB

Bilinear Flow Analysis

2800

2750

pws, psi

m=63.8 psi/hr1/4

ps

2700

2650

p0=2642.4 psi
pwf=2628.6 psi
2600
0

0.5

teqB1/4, hrs1/4

1.5

Limitations of
Bilinear Flow Analysis
Applicable only to wells with low-conductivity
fractures (Cr < 100)
Bilinear flow may be hidden by wellbore storage
Requires independent estimate of k
Gives estimate of wkf and sf
Cannot be used to estimate Lf

Linear Flow Analysis

Procedure
Identify the linear flow regime using the
diagnostic plot
Graph pwf vs. t1/2 or pws vs tLe1/2
Find the slope mL and the intercept p0 of the best
straight line
Calculate the fracture half-length Lf from the slope
and the fracture skin factor sf from the intercept

Linear Equivalent Time

t Le

12
tp

12

t p t

t Le t , t t p

t Le t p , t t p

12 2

Linear Flow Analysis

Equations
4.064q B

Lf
mL h k ct

12

Drawdown

0.00708 kh
pi p0
sf
qB

Buildup

0.00708 kh
sf
p0 pwf
qB

Linear Flow Analysis

6000

5000

m=211 psi/hr1/2

paws, psi

4000

ps

3000

pa0=2266.0 psi

2000

pawf=1656.2 psi
1000

0
0

10

taLeq1/2, hrs1/2

12

14

16

18

Limitations of
Linear Flow Analysis
Applicable only to wells with high-conductivity
fractures (Cr > 100)
Wellbore storage may hide linear flow period
Long transition period between end of linear flow
(tLfD < 0.016) and beginning of pseudoradial flow
(tLfD > 3)
Requires independent estimate of k
Gives estimate of Lf and sf
Cannot be used to estimate wkf

Pseudoradial Flow Analysis

Procedure
Identify the pseudoradial flow regime using the
diagnostic plot
Graph pwf vs. log(t) or pws vs log(te)
Find the slope m and the intercept p1hr of the best
straight line
Calculate the formation permeability k from the
slope and the total skin factor s from the intercept
Estimate fracture half-length from total skin factor

Pseudoradial Flow Analysis

Equations
162.6qB
k
mh
Drawdown

p p

k
i
1hr
3.23
s 1.151
log10
2
c r
m

t w

Buildup

p1hr pwf

k
3.23
s 1.151
log10
2
c r
m

t w

Pseudoradial Flow Analysis

2500
2400
2300

pws, psi

2200

m=120 psi/cycle
p1hr=2121 psi

2100
2000
1900
1800
1700
1600
1500
0.001

0.01

0.1

te, hrs

10

100

Apparent Wellbore Radius

Lf/rwa

100

10

1
0.1

10

FcD

100

1000

Estimating Lf From Skin

Factor
1. Calculate rwa from rwa = rwe-s
2. Estimate Lf from Lf = 2rwa
3. Estimate fracture conductivity wkf
4. Calculate FcD from FcD = wkf/kLf
5. Find Lf/rwa from graph or equation

6. Estimate Lf from Lf = (Lf/rwa)*rwa

7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 until convergence
(Warning: may not converge)

Limitations of
Pseudoradial Flow Analysis
Boundaries of reservoir may be encountered
before pseudoradial flow develops
Long transition period between linear flow and
pseudoradial flow
Pseudoradial flow cannot be achieved for practical
test times in low permeability reservoirs with long
fractures
Gives estimate of k and st
Does not give direct estimate of Lf, wkf, or sf

Dimensionless Variables For

Fractured Wells

0.00708kh
pD
pi pwf
qB

Cr

wf kf

kL f

0.00708kh
sf
ps
qB

tL f D

FcD

0.0002637k

ct L2f
wf kf
kL f

CL f D

C r

0.8936C

ct hL2f

Type-Curve Analysis:

Fractured Wells, Unknown k

1. Graph field data pressure change and pressure derivatives
2. Match field data to type curve
3. Find match point and matching stem

4. Calculate Lf from time match point

5. Calculate k from pressure match point
6. Interpret matching stem value (wkf, sf, or C)

Interpreting Match Points,

Unknown Permeability
141.2qB pD
k

h
p MP
Lf

0.0002637k t
tL D
ct
f MP

Type Curve Analysis:

Fractured Wells, Known k

1. Graph field data pressure change and pressure
derivatives
2. Calculate pressure match point from k

3. Match field data to type curve, using calculated

pressure match point
4. Find match point and matching stem
5. Calculate Lf from time match point
6. Interpret matching stem value (wkf, sf, or C)

Interpreting Match Points

Known Permeability
p MP

141.2qB
pD MP

kh

0.0002637 k t
Lf
tL D
ct
f MP

Cinco Type Curve

10

pD, tDp'D

Cr = 0.2
0.5
1
3
10
50
1000

0.1

0.01

0.001

0.0001
1E-06 0.00001 0.0001

0.001

0.01

tLfD

0.1

10

100

Cinco Type Curve:

Interpreting Cr Stem

w f k f kL f C r

Choked Fracture Type Curve

10

pD, tDp'D

0.1

0.01

0.001

sf = 1
0.3
0.1
0.03
0.01
0.003
0

0.0001
1E-06 0.00001 0.0001

0.001

0.01

tLfD

0.1

10

100

Choked Fracture Type Curve:

Interpreting sf Stem

qB
ps
sf
0.00708kh

Barker-Ramey Type Curve

10
CLfD = 0
-5

pD, tDp'D

0.1

5x10
-4
3x10
-3
2x10
1.2x10-2
-2
8x10
5x10-1

0.01

0.001

0.0001
1E-06 0.00001 0.0001

0.001

0.01

tLfD

0.1

10

100

Barker-Ramey Type Curve

Interpreting CLfD Stem

2
ct hLf

0.8936

CL f D

Limitations of
Type Curve Analysis
Type curves are usually based on solutions for drawdown what about buildup tests?
Shut-in time
Equivalent time (radial, linear, bilinear)
Superposition type curves

Type curves may ignore important behavior

Variable WBS
Boundaries
Non-Darcy flow

Need independent estimate of permeability for best results

Pressure Transient
Analysis
for Horizontal Wells

Horizontal Well Analysis

Describes unconventional and complex
reservoirs
Defines effectiveness of completion technique
options
Distinguishes between poor reservoir and
damaged wellbore
Differentiates between completion success and
in-situ reservoir quality

Complications in Analysis
Three-dimensional flow geometry, no radial
symmetry
Several flow regimes contribute data
Significant wellbore storage effects, difficult
interpretation

Both vertical and horizontal dimensions affect

flow geometry

Steps to Evaluating Data

Identify specific flow regimes in test data
Apply proper analytical and graphical
procedures
Evaluate uniqueness and sensitivity of results
to assumed properties

Step 1: Identify Flow Regimes

Five major and distinct regimes possible
may or may not even occur
may or may not be obscured by wellbore storage
effects, end effects, or transition effects

Step 2: Apply Procedures

Estimate important reservoir properties
Determine parameter groups from equations
Expect complex iterative processes requiring use of
a computer

Step 3: Evaluate Results

Expect nonunique results
Simulate test to confirm that the analysis is
consistent with test data
Use simulator to determine whether other sets of
formation properties will also lead to a fit of the
data

Horizontal Well Flow Regimes

Five possible flow regimes
(1) early radial
(2) hemiradial
(3) early linear
(4) late pseudoradial
(5) late linear

Calculate different
formation properties
from each period

Any flow regime may be absent from a plot

of test data because of geometry, wellbore
storage or other factors.

Well and Reservoir Geometry

Horizontal wellbore
Lw

b
z

h
0

Well and Reservoir Geometry

Tip of well
Dx

x
z

h
0

dx
dy
dz
Dz

z
y

Flow Regimes
Radial
Flow not affected by
reservoir boundaries

Flow Regimes
Hemiradial
Flow affected by one
vertical boundary

Flow Regimes
Early Linear
Flow affected by
vertical boundaries

Flow Regimes
Early Linear
Flow effects not seen
at ends of wellbore

Flow Regimes
Late Pseudoradial

Flow Regimes
Late Linear

Flow Regimes/Drawdown
2
1

Log (p)
or
Log (p)

p'

2
1
1

Wellbore
storage

Early
Radial
Flow

Early
Linear
Flow

Pseudoradial
Flow

Log (time)

Late
Linear
Flow

Required Permeabilities
Flow
Regime

Result
of
Analysis

Permeabilities
Required for Limit
Calculations

Early Radial

k xk z

End - kz and ky

Hemiradial

k xk z

Early Linear

kx

End - kz and ky
Start - kz
End - ky

Late
Pseudoradial
Late Linear

kh k xk y

kx

Permeabilities
Required to
Calculate Skin

k xk z and kx/kz
k xk z and kx/kz
kx and kz

Start - ky
End - ky and kx

kx, ky and kz

Start - ky and kz
End - kx

kx and kz

Note: We can use kh k xk y in our analysis. In some cases, for simplicity,

we assume kx = ky = kh. This assumption may reduce analysis accuracy.

Pretesting a Vertical Section

Determines kh and kz
Determines properties useful in horizontal
test design (using an analytical or finitedifference simulator)
Identifies likely flow regimes
Estimates required test duration
Identifies probable ambiguities

Required Distances
Flow
Regime

Result
of
Calculation

Early Radial
Hemiradial
Early Linear

Lw
Lw
Lw and h

Late
Pseudoradial
Late Linear

h
b and h

Distances
Required for Limit
Calculations

Distances
Required to
Calculate
Skin

End - dz and Lw
End - dz and Lw
Start - Dz
Lw and h
End - Lw
Start - Lw
Lw, h and dz
End - dy, Lw, and dx
Start - Dy, Lw, and
b, h and dz
Dz
End - dx

Early Radial Flow Regime

Similar to radial
flow near vertical
wells

May be masked by
wellbore storage
effects

End of Early Radial Flow

Vertical
boundary
effects

Wellbore
end
effects

1800d z2 ct
t Erf
kz

125L2w ct
tErf
ky

Early Radial Flow Pressure

pi pwf 162.6qB
k x kz Lw

k x kz t

l
o
g

3
.
2275

0
.
8686
s
a

2
ct rw

1 4 k x 4 kz

2
l
o
g

2 kz
k x

Early Radial Flow/Drawdown

47

Semilog plot

162
.
6
qB

m
Lw k x kz

33
0.1

Time

100

Early Radial Flow/Drawdown

47

Semilog plot

162
.
6
qB

kx kz
m Lw

33
0.1

Time

100

Skin in Early Radial Flow

sa

pi p1hr
1.1513
m

2.3023

k x kz

log
3.2275
2
c rw

1
log 4
2`

kx
kz

k
4 z
k
x

Early Radial Flow Buildup Plot

47

Semilog plot

Correct only if (tp+t)

and t appear
simultaneously
or if tp >> t.

33
1,000

Horner Time Ratio

10

Early Radial Flow Buildup

Plot
47
Semilog plot

162
.
6
qB

m
Lw k x kz

33
0.1

(Equation same as in
drawdown tests)
Time

100

Early Radial Flow Buildup

Plot
47
Semilog plot

162
.
6
qB

kx kz
m Lw

33
0.1

(Equation same as in
drawdown tests)
Time

100

Early Radial Flow/Buildup

p

k k

p
1hr w f
x z

sa 1.1513
l o g

3
.
2275

m
c r 2

t w

1 k k
2 .3023 log 4 x 4 z
k k
2

z x

Start of Hemiradial Flow

Begins after closest vertical boundary (at
distance dz from wellbore) affects data
and before farthest boundary (at Dz from
wellbore) affects the data.
dz
Dz

Start of Hemiradial Flow

Begins after closest vertical boundary (at
distance dz from wellbore) affects data and before
furthest boundary (at Dz from wellbore) affects
the data.

tShrf

2
1800 d z

kz

ct

End of Hemiradial Flow

Ends when furthest boundary (at distance
Dz from wellbore) affects the data . . .
2
1800 Dz ct
t Ehrf
k
z
dz
Dz

End of Hemiradial Flow

. . . or when effects are felt at ends of wellbore,
whichever comes first.
2
125 Lw ct
t Ehrf
ky
d
z

Dz

Hemiradial Flow/Drawdown
47

Semilog plot

325
.
2
qB

m
Lw k x kz
33
0.1

Time

100

Hemiradial Flow/Drawdown
47

Semilog plot

Radial flow

162
.
6
qB

m
k
k
z
x
HemiradialL
flow
w

33
0.1

325
.
2
qB

m
Lw k x kz
Time

100

Hemiradial Flow/Drawdown
p p

k k
i
1hr

x z

sa 2.3026
log

3
.
2275

m
c r

t w

d
k
2.3026 log 1 x z

r
k
z w

Early Linear Flow Regime

Start

1800d z2 ct
tSlf
kz

Early Linear Flow Regime

End

160L2w ct
t Elf
ky

Early Linear Flow/Drawdown

11

Cartesian plot

8.128qB
kx
m Lw h ct
4

Time1/2

Early Linear Flow/Drawdown

k x kz ( pi p1hr )Lw
sa
sc
141.2qB
Convergence skin

sc

rw

1
h

kz
kx

sin

Early Linear Flow/Drawdown

Flow converges from
total cross-section of
reservoir radially into small
area of wellbore
Convergence skin

Early Linear Flow/Buildup

1800

8.128qB
kx
m Lw h ct

1400

p,
psia
1000

600
18

22

26

30

tp t t ,

hr1/2

34

38

Early Linear Flow/Buildup

k x kz ( p1hr pw f )Lw
sa
sc
141.2qB
sc

rw

kz

kx

sin
h

Late Pseudoradial Flow

Start

Lw
b

Lw
0.45
b

Late Pseudoradial Flow

Start

1480L2w ct
tSprf
ky
Wellbore
end effects

Late Pseudoradial Flow

2

tEprf

L
2000ct D y w 4

ky
Ends when
flow from beyond
the ends of the
wellbore hits a
boundary ...

Late Pseudoradial Flow

1650 ct d x2
t Eprf
kx
or reach
end boundaries
of reservoir
(whichever is reached first)

Pseudoradial Flow/Drawdown
59

Semilog plot

162
.
6
qB

kx k y
m h
53
100

200

Time

300

400

500

Pseudoradial Flow/ Drawdown

sa

1.1513

sc

kz
ky

p p
i 1hr
Lw

1.83

rw

kz

kx

lo g
ct L2w sc

sin

ky

Pseudoradial Flow/Buildup
sa

1.1513

sc

kz
ky

p
t p 1
1hr pw f

lo g
t
m
Lw
p sc

h
k

y
1.83
lo g

c
L
t
w

rw

kz

kx

sin

Late Linear Flow

Effects of pressure

Late Linear

reach boundaries in
y, z directions

Late Linear Flow

Late Linear

Pseudosteady-state
flow in these directions

Late Linear Flow

4800 ct ( D y Lw / 4 )2
tSllf
ky

Starts with
effects of end
boundaries . . .

Late Linear Flow

1800 ct Dz2
tSllf
kz

. . . or
effects of
vertical
boundaries . . .
(whichever is reached last)

Late Linear Flow

End

1650 ct d x2
t Ellf
kx

Late Linear/Drawdown
Estimate kx

60

8.128qB
kx
m iv bh ct

Cartesian plot
30
5

8.128qB
b
m iv h ct k x
Time1/2

17

Late Linear Flow

Calculate total skin, st, including partial
penetration skin, sp
(a complex function
from literature)

Late Linear Flow

Calculate total skin, st, including partial
penetration skin, sp

k x kz ( pi p1hr )b
st
141.2qB
sa st s p
b

sa sa
Lw

Late Linear Flow

Calculate total skin, st, including partial
penetration skin, sp

k x kz ( pi p1hr )b
st
141.2qB

Lw kx kz ( p1hr )b

sa

s
p c
b 141.2qB

Late Linear Flow/Buildup

Pressure is plotted vs. ( t p t t )

Late Linear Flow/Buildup

From the slope, miv we can calculate kx:

kx
or

8.128qB
m iv bh ct

8.128qB
m h ct k x
iv

Late Linear Flow/Buildup

4,000

8.128qB
kx
m iv bh ct
Extrapolate semilog
straight line to infinite
shut-in time to calculate p*

Semilog plot
3,400
1

Horner Time

10,000

Late Linear Flow/Buildup

Calculate total skin, st, from

k x kz ( p1hr pw f )b
st
141.2qB

and skin due to altered permeability,

sa, from
sa

Lw

k x kz ( p1hr pw f )b

s p sc
141.2qB

Summary of Analysis Procedures

Calculate kx

Early linear flow regime data: from effective

wellbore length, Lw
Late linear flow regime: from reservoir length, b,
parallel to wellbore

Effective wellbore length, Lw, can be

calculated from data in the early linear
flow regime if kx has been calculated.

Summary of Analysis Procedures

Calculate kx

Early linear flow regime data: from effective

wellbore length, Lw
Late linear flow regime: from reservoir length, b,
parallel to wellbore.

Length of the boundary, b, parallel to

wellbore can be calculated from data in
late linear flow regime if kx is known.

Summary of Analysis Procedures

Calculate kx
Calculate kz from data in early radial or
hemiradial flow regimes
Calculate ky from pseudoradial flow regime

If data such as Lw or b are unknown or if

flow regimes are missing, analysis is
iterative at best and will result in
nonunique results.

Summary of Analysis Procedures

Calculate kx
Calculate kz from data in early radial or
hemiradial flow regimes
Calculate ky from pseudoradial flow regime
We can assume kx = ky = kh and often
simplify analysis, but validity is
questionable.

Summary of Analysis Procedures

Calculate kx
Calculate kz from data in early radial or
hemiradial flow regimes
Calculate ky from pseudoradial flow regime

Check on expected durations of flow regimes

using tentative results from the analysis to
minimize ambiguity in results

Pressure Transient
Analysis
for Horizontal Wells
Using the Techniques

Drawdown Diagnostic Plot

Wellbore storage
unit-slope line
p
Log (p)
or
Log (p)

p'
Linear flow halfslope
Radial flowline
horizontal derivative

Log (time)

Build-Up
Drawdown Diagnostic Plot
Shapes may not
appear in buildup tests
Log (p)
or
Log (p)

(better chance
if tp>>tmax)
Wellbore
storage

Early
Radial
flow

Early
Linear
Flow

Pseudoradial
Flow

Log (time)

Late
Linear
Flow

Field Example: Well A

Ld, ft
Lw, ft
rw, ft
, %
h, ft
q, STB/D
Bo, RB/STB
, cp
tp, hours

2,470
0.25
5
150
104
1.40
0.45
238

Horizontal
exploration well
Vertical tectonic
fracture
Permeability
probably results
from fracture

Well A: Diagnostic Plot

10,000

p
Wellbore
1000
storage
Log (p

Radial flow?

or p )

p'

100

10

10

t, hr

100

Well A: Horner Plot

Test time too 24.69 Time
short to
4,000 detect lower
m -392.63
boundary,
3,500
linear flow,
or anisotropy
p
k = 0.011
2,500
s = 2.9
2,000
Semilog plot

4,500

1,500

10

Horner Time

2.4

100

Well A: Buildup History Match

10,000

p
Wellbore
1000
storage
Log (p

Radial flow

or p )

p'

100

10

k = 0.027 k = 0.011
s = 11.5 s = 2.9
(from Horner plot)
1

10

t, hr

100

Field Example: Well B

Ld, ft
Lw, ft
rw, ft
, %
h, ft
q, STB/D
Bo, RB/STB
, cp
tp, hours

2,000
0.30
17
75
200
1.60
1.80
1,320

Well in west Texas

carbonate
Expected isotropic
k caused by
fracturing,
dissolution

Well B: Diagnostic Plot

1000

p, psia
or p
100

Radial flow
Wellbore storage

10
1

10

100

t, hr

Linear
flow
1000

Well B: Horner Plot

4000
3900

3800

t, hr

146.67

13.33

tErf = 165 hr
k = 0.15
k = 0.14

p, psia
m = 336.4

3600
3500

k = 0.14
3400
10

Horner time

100

Well B: Buildup History Match

1000

p, psia
or p
100

k = 0.15
k = 0.14

10
1

Good
agreement

10

100

t, hr

1000

Well B: Tandem-Root Plot

1800
1600

h = 75 ft
Nearest boundary = 29 ft

1400

p, psia
1000

m = 39.6

800
600
10

tp t t ,

100
hr1/2

Field Example C
Ld, ft
Lw, ft
rw, ft
, %
h, ft
q, STB/D
Bo, RB/STB
, cp
tp, hours

1,400
484
0.41
17
54
2,760
1.10
4.88
36

Horizontal well
High-k sandstone
Extensive
underlying aquifer

Well C: Diagnostic Plot

1000

Radial, hemiradial,
or elliptical flow

100

p, psia
or p

No apparent
wellbore storage

0.1

Decline caused by
underlying aquifer
0.01

0.1

t, hr 1

10

100

Well C: Type-Curve Match

1000

p
p

100

p, psia
or p
1

0.1

0.01

0.1

t, hr 1

10

100

Well C: Horner Plot

5.44

4000

3800

t, hr

0.0490

4.90E-03

k = 53

p, psia

k ~ 48

3600

3400

0.4949

(confirms validity of
earlier findings of
no wellbore storage)
1

10

100

Horner time

1,000

10,000

Well C: Regression Match

1000

p
p

100

p, psia
or p
1

0.1

Geometric average
of horizontal,
vertical k ~ 48
0.01

0.1

t, hr 1

10

100

Horizontal Well Test Configuration

Measurements usually made
above horizontal wellbore
Conventional tools can be
used in horizontal well tests

Tools may be too rigid to pass through curve

Horizontal Well Test

Configuration
Wellbore storage inherent
in horizontal well testing

Horizontal Well Test

Configuration
Wellbore crossflow may
dominate test results

Factors That Affect

Transient Response

Horizontal permeability (normal and

parallel to well trajectory)
Vertical permeability
Drilling damage
Completion damage
Producing interval that may be effectively
much less than drilled length
Variations in standoff along length of well

Obstacles to Interpretation
Multiple parameters frequently yield
inconclusive test analysis results
Wellbore storage obscures effects of transient
behavior
Middle- and late-time response behavior may
require several hours, days, or months to
appear in transient data

Ensuring Interpretable Data

Estimate horizontal and vertical k from tests in

pilot hole before kicking off to horizontal
borehole segment
Estimate standoff from directional drilling
survey
Determine producing part of wellbore from
production log flow survey
Flow wells in developed reservoirs long enough
to equilibrate pressures along the wellbore and
minimize crossflow

Effects of Errors
in Input Data

Presentation Outline
Introduction
Sources of Error in Input Data
Effects of Error on Results of Welltest
Interpretation
Examples
Summary

Problem 1
Well A estimates from PBU test
Permeability, 10 md
Skin factor, 0
Distance to boundary, 250 ft

Analysis assumed net pay 25 feet

If the net pay were actually 50 feet, how
would that affect our estimates of
permeability, skin factor, and distance to
the boundary?

Problem 2
Seismic interpretation indicates
boundary 300 ft from Well B
PBU test interpretation indicates
nearest boundary 900 ft away
Can these inconsistencies
possibly be resolved?
What could have caused this much
error in the distance estimate?

Sources of Input Data

Log interpretation
Fluid properties
Reservoir and well properties

Data From Log Interpretation

Porosity
Water saturation

Net pay thickness

Causes of Error in Log

Interpretation

Failure to calibrate the logging tool

Failure to make necessary environmental

corrections
Failure to calibrate the log-derived
properties against core measurements

Failure to select appropriate cutoffs for net

pay estimation

Error in Log Interpretation Data

Parameter

Deviation
Without
correction

With
correction

Porosity

15 %

5%

Water saturation

40 %

10 %

Net pay

50 %

15 %

Fluid Properties Data

Formation volume factor
Compressibility
Viscosity

Error in Fluid Properties Data

From Gas Properties Correlations
Parameter

Deviation

Bg from composition

1.1% to 5.8%

Bg from composition

1.3 % to 7.3%
(as much as 27% if
impurities are ignored)

cg

Negligible at low pressure

2% to 4%, gg < 1
up to 20% low, gg > 1.5

Error in Fluid Properties Data

From Oil Properties Correlations
Parameter

Deviation

Bo, p > pb

10%

Bo, p pb

5%

co, p > pb

Up to 50% low at high pressure

Best near pb

co, p pb

10%, p > 500 psi 20%, p < 500 psi

Order of magnitude only

Other Input Data

Flow rate
Wellbore radius
Formation compressibility
Total compressibility

Error in Well and Reservoir Data

From Measurement or Calculations
Parameter

Error

Flow rate

Failure to record rate before BU test

Inaccuracy in estimates, averages

Wellbore radius

Poor choice of measurement

Formation compressibility

Estimation errors

Total compressibility

Variations in fluid saturations

Abnormally pressured reservoir
Oil compressibility

Total Compressibility

ct c f S o co S w cw S g c g
Formation
compressibility

Each phase of fluid

times its compressibility

Effects of Errors

Vertical well
Single-phase flow
Homogeneous reservoir
Boundary
No-flow, linear constant pressure, closed

Test
Drawdown, buildup, injection, or fall-off
Duration long enough to identify boundary

Errors in Viscosity
If input = 2 true
Then:
kcalc = 2 ktrue

Nothing else will be affected

Errors in Porosity
If input = 2 true,
Then:
scalc = strue+ 0.5ln(2)

Lx calc = Lx true/sqrt(2)
A calc = Atrue/2

Errors in Water Saturation

Cause errors in calculating total
compressibility

Errors in Compressibility
If ct input = 2 ct true
Then:
scalc = strue+ 0.5ln(2)

Lx calc = Lx true/sqrt(2)
A calc = Atrue/2

Errors in Net Pay

If hinput = 2 htrue
Then:
kcalc = ktrue/2

scalc = strue+ 0.5ln(2)

Lx calc = Lx true/sqrt(2)
A calc = Atrue/2

Errors in Flow Rate

If qinput = 2 qtrue
Then:
kcalc = 2 ktrue

scalc = strue- 0.5ln(2)

Lx calc = sqrt(2) Lx true
A calc = 2 Atrue

Errors in Formation Volume

Factor
If Binput = 2 Btrue
Then:
kcalc = 2 ktrue

scalc = strue- 0.5ln(2)

Lx calc = sqrt(2) Lx true
A calc = 2 Atrue

Errors in Wellbore Radius

If rw input = 2 rw true
Then:
scalc = strue+ ln(2)

Solution to Problem 1
Well A estimates Net pay50 ft
Permeability, 10 md
Skin factor, 0
Boundary, 250 ft

Assumed net pay 25 ft

Permeability, 5 md
Skin factor, 0.35
Boundary, 177 ft

Solution To Problem 2
Seismic interpretation indicates
boundary 300 ft from Well B
PBU test interpretation indicates
nearest boundary 900 ft away
Total compressibility
could be off by a factor
of 10
Boundary could be a
factor of 3 too far away

Summary
Permeability is most affected by errors
in viscosity, net pay, and flow rate
Distances to boundaries and drainage
area are most affected by errors in
compressibility
Skin factor is not affected to a large
degree by any input variable

Bounded Reservoir
Behavior

Cautions
Recognizing may be as important as analyzing
Many reservoir models may produce similar
pressure responses
Interpretation model must be consistent with
geological and geophysical interpretations

Characteristics
Boundaries control pressure response
following middle-time region
Equivalent time functions apply rigorously
only to situations where either
Producing and shut-in times both lie within
middle-time region
Shut-in time is much less than producing time

Boundaries affect pressure responses of

drawdown and buildup tests differently

Shapes of curves
Durations of flow regimes explain shape of
drawdown pressure responses
Shape of buildup derivative type curve depends on
how the derivative is calculated and plotted
Shut-in time
Equivalent time
Superposition time

Superposition in space
Producing wells

Radial flow pattern

Apparent no-flow boundary between wells

Superposition in space
Producing well
Image well

Equal distances from

no-flow boundary

Real no-flow boundary

Superposition in space
No-flow boundary

Image well

Image well
Producing well

Superposition in space

No-flow boundary

Producing well

Superposition in space

Infinite-acting reservoir

Infinite-acting reservoir
100

Dimensionless pressure

Drawdown Type Curve

10

No boundaries encountered
1

0.1

0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time

1E+08

1E+09

Infinite-acting reservoir
Buildup Response

100

Dimensionless pressure

Derivative with respect to shut-in

time
10

Shape depends on duration of

production time prior to shut-in
Drawdown

0.1
tpD=105

0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

tpD=106

1E+07

Dimensionless shutin
Dimensionless
shut-intime
time

tpD=107

1E+08

tpD=108

1E+09

Infinite-acting reservoir
Buildup Response

Dimensionless pressure

100

Derivative with respect to equivalent

time
10

Not affected by producing time

1
tpD=105

tpD=106

tpD=107

tpD=108

0.1

0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless equivalent time

1E+08

1E+09

Infinite-acting reservoir

Dimensionless pressure

100

10

Buildup Response
Derivative taken with respect to
equivalent time, plotted against
shut-in time

1
5

Drawdown

tpD=10 ,10 ,10 ,10

0.1

Largest time on plot is not limited

to producing or shut-in time
0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time function

1E+08

1E+09

Linear no-flow boundary

(If so, far away.)

No-flow boundary

Producing well

Linear no-flow boundary

100

Dimensionless pressure

Drawdown Type Curve

10

Hemiradial flow
1

0.1

0.01
1E+03

Change in derivative from 0.5 to 1

Change occurs over about 12/3 log cycles
1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time

1E+08

1E+09

Linear no-flow boundary

100

Buildup Response

Dimensionless pressure

Derivative with respect to shut-in time

10

Drawdown

tpD=108

The longer the equivalent time before shut-in, the

longer the coincidence between buildup and drawdown

0.1

tpD=105
0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

tpD=106
1E+07

Dimensionless shutin
Dimensionless
shut-intime
time

tpD=107
1E+08

1E+09

Linear no-flow boundary

100

Buildup Response
Dimensionless pressure

Derivative with respect to equivalent time

10

tpD=105

0.1

tpD=106

tpD=107

tpD=108

Drawdown

Derivative doubles over only a tiny fraction of a log

cycle for very short producing times prior to shut-in

0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless equivalent time

1E+08

1E+09

Linear no-flow boundary

Dimensionless pressure

100

10

Buildup Response
Derivative with respect to
equivalent time, plotted
against shut-in time
tpD=108
tpD=107

Drawdown

1
tpD=105
0.1

0.01
1E+03

tpD=106

Similar to drawdown response

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time function

1E+08

1E+09

Linear constant-p boundary

Constant-pressure boundary

Producing well

Possible injection,
waterflood, or gas/oil
contact causing
constant-pressure
boundary

Linear constant-p boundary

100

Dimensionless pressure

Drawdown Type Curve

10

Slope can (and in this

case, does) reach -1

0.1

0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time

1E+08

1E+09

Linear constant-p boundary

Dimensionless pressure

100

10

Buildup Response
Derivative with respect to shutin time

Slope steeper than drawdown slope for

very short producing times before shut-in
tpD=106

Drawdown curve

0.1
tpD=105

0.01
1E+03

Drawdown
tpD=107

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless
shut-intime
time
Dimensionless shutin

tpD=108

1E+08

1E+09

Linear constant-p boundary

Dimensionless pressure

100

10

Buildup Response
Derivative with respect to equivalent
time
Derivative falls sharply over tiny fraction of log cycle
for very short producing times prior to shutin

0.1
tpD=105

Drawdown

tpD=106
tpD=107

0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

tpD=108

1E+07

Dimensionless equivalent time

1E+08

1E+09

Linear constant-p boundary

Dimensionless pressure

100

10

Buildup Response
Derivative with respect to equivalent time
shut-in time
tpD=105,106

1
tpD=107
0.1
Drawdown
Derivative curves resemble
drawdown curve
0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time function

tpD=108
1E+08

1E+09

Channel reservoir
No-flow boundaries
(Effects
of ends
not felt )

Producing well

Channel reservoir
100

Dimensionless pressure

Drawdown Type Curve Slope 1/2

10

Slope = 1/2
0.1

0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time

1E+08

1E+09

Channel reservoir
Buildup Response

100

Dimensionless pressure

Derivative with respect to shutin time

10
tpD=108

Drawdown
1

0.1

Derivative reaches a
slope of -1/2 if shut-in
time is much larger
than producing time

tpD=107

tpD=106
tpD=105
0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless
shut-in
time
Dimensionless shutin
time

1E+08

1E+09

Channel reservoir

Dimensionless pressure

100

10

Buildup Response
Derivative with respect to
equivalent time, plotted against
dimensionless time

Drawdown

tpD=10
tpD=105

tpD=108

tpD=106

Radial equivalent
time not appropriate
in linear flow regime

0.1

0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless equivalent time

1E+08

1E+09

Channel reservoir

Dimensionless pressure

100

10

Buildup Response
Derivative with respect to
equivalent time, plotted
against shut-in time

tpD=108

Drawdown
tpD=107
1
tpD=105
0.1

0.01
1E+03

tpD=106

Derivative curve shape resembles

drawdown curve shape

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time function

1E+08

1E+09

Intersecting sealing faults

Wedge reservoir
No-flow boundaries

Producing well

Intersecting sealing faults

100

Dimensionless pressure

Drawdown Type Curve

10

The narrower the angle, the

longer to reach new horizontal
1

0.1

0.01
1E+03

Derivative levels off at

(360/) x (derivative of infinite-acting response)

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time

1E+08

1E+09

Intersecting sealing faults

Buildup Response

Dimensionless pressure

100

10

Derivative with respect to shut-in

time
Dramatic difference in curves
Drawdown
when shut-in is greater than
producing time prior to shut-in

tpD=108

1
tpD=107
0.1
tpD=106

tpD=105
0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless shutin time

Dimensionless shut-in time

1E+08

1E+09

Intersecting sealing faults

100

Buildup Response

Dimensionless pressure

Derivative with respect to

equivalent time
10

tpD=108
5

tpD=10

tpD=10

tpD=107

Drawdown

0.1

0.01
1E+03

Derivative shape same as drawdown

response only when producing period
reaches fractional flow regime
1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless equivalent time

1E+08

1E+09

Intersecting sealing faults

Dimensionless pressure

100

10

Buildup Response
Derivative with respedt to
equivalent time, plotted against
shut-in time
Drawdown

tpD=107

1
tpD=105
0.1

0.01
1E+03

tpD=108

tpD=106

Derivative, drawdown curves similar

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time function

1E+08

1E+09

Closed circular boundary

No-flow boundary

Producing well

Closed circular boundary

100

Dimensionless pressure

Drawdown Type Curve

10

Unit slope may be seen

earlier if two zones with
different permeability
are present

0.1

0.01
1E+03

Both slopes approach unit

slope at late times
(pseudosteady-state flow)

Reservoir limits test yields

pore volume of interval

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time

1E+08

1E+09

Closed circular boundary

Buildup Response

100

Dimensionless pressure

Derivative with respect to shutin time

10
Drawdown

6, 7,10
7 8 8
ttpD
=106,10
pD=10 10 ,10

tpD=10
0.1

0.01
1E+03

Derivative falls rapidly

for all combinations of
plotting functions
1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless shutin time

Dimensionless shut-in time

1E+08

1E+09

Closed circular boundary

Dimensionless pressure

100

10

Buildup Response
Derivative with respect to
equivalent time
Drawdown

0.1
8 8
7,10
tpD
=107,10
pD=10

tpD=105
0.01
1E+03

tpD=106
1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

Slope drops sharply

for very small values
of producing time
before shut-in
1E+07

Dimensionless equivalent time

1E+08

1E+09

Closed circular boundary

Dimensionless pressure

100

10

Buildup Response
Derivative with respect to equivalent
time, plotted against shut-in time
Drawdown

1
tpD=105
0.1
6

6, 10
7, 10
8
,10
,10
tpD=t10
pD=10

0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

Derivative, drawdown
type curves differ
fundamentally
1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time function

1E+08

1E+09

Circular constant-p boundary

Possibly strong aquifer
supporting pressure
equally from all directions

Constant-pressure
boundary

Producing well

Circular constant-p boundary

100

Dimensionless pressure

Drawdown Type Curve

10

Pressure approaches
constant value at late times
Derivative falls exponentially

0.1

0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time

1E+08

1E+09

Circular constant-p boundary

Buildup Response

100

Dimensionless pressure

Derivative with respect to shut-in

time
10
Drawdown
1
tpD=106,107,108
tpD=105

Curve can be identical to

drawdown plot just seen

0.1

0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless shutin time

Dimensionless shut-in time

1E+08

1E+09

Circular constant-p boundary

Dimensionless pressure

100

Buildup Response
Derivative with respect to
equivalent time

10

Derivative falls off rapidly

0.1

Drawdown
tpD=105

0.01
1E+03

1E+04

tpD=106

1E+05

tpD=107,108

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless equivalent time

1E+08

1E+09

Circular constant-p boundary

100

Dimensionless pressure

Buildup Response
10

Derivative with respect to equivalent

time, plotted against shut-in time
Results in somewhat-changed
curve on the plot

0.1

tpD=105

Drawdown
tpD=107,108
0.01
1E+03

tpD=106
1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time function

1E+08

1E+09

Radially composite reservoir

Significant difference in permeability
near, farther from well

k1

k2

Producing well

Radially composite reservoir

Drawdown Type Curve

Dimensionless pressure

100

M1/M2 = 100

Varying M1/M2

10

m (mobility)
1

M1/M2 = 10

Responses resemble other tests

M1/M2 = 1

M1/M2 = 0.2
0.1
M1/M2 = 0.05

0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time

1E+08

1E+09

Radially composite reservoir

100

Drawdown Type Curve

Dimensionless pressure

Varying S1/S2
10
10
1
S1/S2 = 100

0.05

1
S1/S2 = 0.01

0.1

S (storativity) = cth

If
1, plot
drainage area
If s
S11/s
/S22><<1,
plotlooks
lookslike
likeclosed
closedcircular
linear flow
If M1/M2<<1, plot looks like constant-p circular
boundary during transition

0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

1E+07

Dimensionless time

1E+08

1E+09

Final comments
Assuming a well is in an arbitrary point in a
closed, rectangular reservoir can lead to
apparent fit of test for many different
reservoirs

Arbitrary well position

L

dy

dx

Cautions
Make sure the model is consistent with known
geology before using the model
Two most dangerous models (because they
can fit so many tests inappropriately)
Composite reservoir
Well at arbitrary point in closed reservoir

Final comments
Assuming a well is in an arbitrary point in a
closed, rectangular reservoir can lead to a poor
fit of test for many different reservoirs

Buildup Testing
and the

Diagnostic Plot

Objectives
Become familiar with time plotting
functions used with diagnostic plots for
buildup tests
Become aware of the very different
shapes in the diagnostic plots of buildup
and drawdown tests as buildup tests
approach stabilization

Time-Plotting Functions

Shut-in Time
Horner Pseudoproducing Time
Multirate Equivalent Time
Superposition Time Function

Variable Rate History

q
q2
qn-1

q1

qn
0

t1

t2

tn-2

tn-1

t
t

Horner Pseudoproducing Time

Expressed
another way...

24N p

tp

qn1

n 1

Cumulative
produced oil
Final rate
before
shut-in

24 q j t j t j 1
tp

j 1

qn1

Horner Pseudoproducing Time

tp

24N p
qn1

Cumulative
produced oil
Final rate
before
shut-in

Good results as long as last

producing time is at least 10x
maximum shut-in time.

Multirate Equivalent Time

q j q j 1

n1 tn1 t j 1 qn1 qn

te
t

t
j 1

n 1
j 1

(Agarwal equation for radial flow)

Superposition Time Function

n 1

1
STF
q j q j 1 ln t tn 1 t j 1
qn qn 1 j 1
ln t

Some literature recommends . . .

Pressure derivative for buildup calculated as
pressure derivative with respect to superposition
time function; plotted vs. shut-in time

Superposition Time Function

n 1 q j q j 1
ln t tn1 t j 1
STF
j 1 qn qn1
lnt

(previous equation, rearranged)

Superposition Time Function

q j q j 1

n 1

n 1 n
1

STF ln
t
t t n 1 t j 1

j 1

(previous equation, rearranged again

using properties of natural logarithm)

Superposition Time Function

q j q j 1

n 1

n 1 n
1

STF ln
te
t n 1 t j 1

j 1

STF lnC lnte

Superposition Time Function

Superposition time function is simply the
log of a constant plus the log of the
equivalent time.
Derivitive with respect to multirate equivalent time
= derivitive with respect to superposition time

STF lnC lnte

Superposition Time Function

Some literature recommends . . .
Pressure derivative for buildup calculated as
pressure derivative with respect to superposition
time function; plotted vs. shut-in time

Some literature recommends . . .

Pressure derivative for buildup calculated as
pressure derivative with respect to equivalent time
function

STF lnC lnte

Superposition Time Function

Since the derivatives with respect to
multirate equivalent time and
superposition time are equal,

STF lnC lnte

Conclusions
Horner pseudoproducing time is adequate
when producing time is 10 times greater
than the maximum shut-in time

Conclusions
Derivatives with respect to time for the
superposition time function and radial
equivalent time are identical. They can be
plotted vs. shut-in time, superposition time,
or equivalent time

Conclusions
Some literature or software documentation
may specify the method of taking or
plotting the derivative, but any of these will
work for these situation.

Radial Flow

Approaching Stabilization
Stabilization is the stage where pressure has
built up completely and is no longer
changing.

Stabilization In Radial System

100

Drawdown
10

pD

Buildup

1
Drawdown

0.1

Producing times must

be at least 10x
maximum shut-in time

0.01
1E+02

1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

tD

Buildup, tpD=105

1E+06

1E+07

1E+08

Linear Flow

Stabilization in Linear System

1000

Drawdown

pD

100

(spherical flow may also

produce slope = -1/2)

10

tpD=103

Derivative
response
slope = -1/2

0.1
1E+00

1E+01

1E+02

1E+03

tD

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

Volumetric Behavior

Stabilization in Volumetric System

100

Dimensionless pressure

All boundaries have been felt

10

Drawdown
1

tpD=106
0.1

0.01
1E+03

1E+04

1E+05

1E+06

Drawdown response
feels boundary later than
build-up response

1E+07

Dimensionless shutin time

1E+08

1E+09

Conclusions
Shapes of the buildup and drawdown
diagnostic plots are fundamentally different
as the reservoir approaches stabilization.
Dont expect to see the same shape on a
diagnostic plot for a build up test as for a
drawdown test.

Integrated Well Test

Interpretation

Integrating Test Interpretation

Model
Selection

Geology

Geophysic
s

Flow Regime
Identification

Petrophysic
s
Engineering
Data

Parameter
Estimation

Model
Validation
Well Test
Interpretation

Interpreting Integrated Data

Importance of Model Selection
Integrating Other Data

Geological Data
Geophysical Data
Petrophysical Data
Engineering Data

Validating the Reservoir Model

Common Errors and Misconceptions

Similar Model Responses

Well in a Wedge

Composite Reservoir

Multiple Knobs Confuse

Composite Reservoir

Well in a Box
W

M1,S1

M2,S2

Mobility ratio M1/M2

Storativity ratio S1/S2
Distance to boundary R

D2
D1

Distance to wall D1
Distance to wall D2
Reservoir length L
Reservoir width W

Models Simplify Geology

Well A

Interpretation model must be consistent

with (not identical to) geological model

Have we oversimplified the geology?

Responses Differ With Test Type

Slight divergence;

Closed Reservoir - DD TC

Const Pres Boundary - DD TC

Close match

Closed Reservoir - BU TC

Const Pres Boundary - BU TC

Importance Of Model Selection

Most major errors caused by use of wrong
model instead of wrong method
Meaningless estimates
Misleading estimates

Two aspects of model selection

Selecting reservoir geometry
Identifying features of pressure response

Geology Offers Insights

Depositional
environment
Reservoir size
Shape
Orientation

Reservoir
heterogeneity
Layering
Natural fractures

Diagenesis
Types of boundaries
Faults
Sealing
Partially sealing

Fluid contacts
Gas/oil
Oil/water

Geophysics and Petrophysics

Structure
Faults
Location
Size

Reservoir
compartments
Shape
Orientation

Net pay thickness

Porosity
Fluid saturations
Fluid contacts
Lithology
Layering
Evidence of natural
fractures

Engineering Data
Drilling datadaily reports
Production and flow test data
Stimulation treatment results
Fracture design half-length, conductivity
Fracture treating pressure analysis results
Problems during treatmentdaily reports

Data from offset wells

Possible interferenceproduction records
Well test results

Reality Checks Validate Model

Wellbore storage coefficient

Skin factor
Core permeability
Pressure response during flow period
Productivity index
Average reservoir pressure
Radius of investigation
Distances to boundaries
Independent estimates of model parameters

Wellbore Storage Coefficient

Fluid-filled wellbore

C Vwb cwb

Rising liquid level

144 Awb g c
C
5.615 wb g

WBS coefficient from test should be within

order of magnitude of estimate
Phase segregation can cause smaller WBS
WBS coefficient >100x estimated value
may indicate reservoir storage instead of
WBS

Skin Factor
Likely estimates by completion type

Natural completion
Acid treatment
Fracture treatment
Gravel pack
Frac pack

0
-1 to -3
-3 to -6
+5 to +10
-2 to +2

Local field experience may suggest more

appropriate values
Skin factor < -6 very unlikely

Core Permeability
In-situ permeability from well test
Core permeability to air
Highoverburden and saturation
Lownatural fractures

Total kh from core adjusted to in-situ value

less than kh from well test
Fractures
Missing core

Most useful when entire interval cored

Production Period Pressure

Must be consistent with shut-in pressure
response
Must ensure consistency
Interpret flow periods independently
Predict flow period pressures from results of
buildup
Match flow and buildup periods simultaneously

Productivity Index
Field Data

q
J
p pwf

Model Parameters

kh
1 10.06 A 3

s
141.2 B ln
2
2

C Arw 4

Correct model should give consistent values

Average Reservoir Pressure

Compare average reservoir pressure from
test interpretation
Material balance
Analytical simulation
Numerical simulation

Results should be similar if same reservoir

model is used

Radius of Investigation
ri

kt
948ct

ri

kte
948ct

Estimate radius of investigation

Beginning of middle-time region
End of middle-time region

Unrealistically large ri may indicate selected

MTR is incorrect
Very small ri may indicate wrong MTR or test
not measuring reservoir characteristics

Distance to Boundaries
Reservoir size
Production data
Geological data
Geophysical data

Distances to boundaries
Geological data
Geophysical data

Geoscience professionals should develop

common interpretation model

Independent Parameters
Dual porosity from fracture width, spacing
Storativity ratio
Interporosity flow coefficient

Independent Parameters
Dual porosity from fracture width, spacing
Composite reservoir parameters for
waterflood-injection well
Radius of waterflooded zone
Mobility ratio (k/)1/(k/)2
Storativity ratio (ct)1/ (ct)2

Independent Parameters
Dual porosity from fracture width, spacing
Composite reservoir parameters for
waterflood-injection well
Fracture properties from treatment design
Fracture half-length lf
Fracture conductivity wkf

Common Errors/Misconceptions
Most-often-misused models
Well between two sealing faults
Well in a radially composite reservoir
Well in a rectangular reservoir

Common misconceptions
Unit-slope line indicates wellbore storage
Peak in derivative indicates radial flow
Strong aquifer acts as constant-pressure boundary

Well Between Two Sealing

Faults
Well in a Wedge

Angle between faults

Distance from well to 1st fault
Distance from well to 2nd fault

Radially Composite Reservoir

Composite Reservoir

Mobility ratio M1/M2

Storativity ratio S1/S2
Distance to boundary R

Rectangular Reservoir
Well in a Box
W

L
D2
D1

Distance to wall D1
Distance to wall D2
Reservoir length L
Reservoir width W

Unit-slope line always

indicates wellbore storage

Unit-slope line may be caused by

Pseudosteady-state flow
(drawdown test only)
Recharge of high-permeability zone (either
drawdown or buildup test)

Peak in derivative implies radial flow

Linear

Bilinear
Radial
Spherical

Peak in derivative may be caused by a flow

restriction for any flow regime

Strong aquifer acts as constant

pressure boundary

Mobility of water must be much higher than

that of reservoir fluid to act as constant
pressure boundary
Maybe, maybe not for oil
Never for gas