Well testing

PETE-306
Lecture 12: Identification of
reservoir properties using GB-type
curve

Madhar Sahib Azad, PhD

KFUPM
 Outline
• Two major tasks of well test interpreter
• Why need to do identification?
• Why identification is more important than analysis?
• Flow regime in vertical well
• Flow regime and the respective slopes in semi-log derivative curve
• GB type curve and straight line curve for 5 major flow regimes
1. IARF
2. Spherical flow
3. Linear flow regime
4. Bi-linear flow regime
5. Depletion (PSSF)
• Sample exercises for identification
Two major tasks of well test interpreter
• Identification
To know about the wellbore (early-time), reservoir (middle-time) and
late-time (boundary) properties
To develop the mathematical model
• Analysis
To estimate the well-bore, reservoir and boundary parameters using the
developed model
Why identification is needed? Point 1

I will choose the above model to analyze the pressure data given by
the operators only if I know
1. Flow in the reservoir is radial due to open hole completion,
absence of fracture.
2. If the reservoir is homogeneous with the single permeability
3. If the reservoir is infinite acting.

1. What we will do if the flow is not radial but linear?

2. What will we do if the reservoir is not homogenous but having
two different permeability?
3. What will we do if the reservoir is not infinite acting but bounded
by closed boundaries?
We will choose the other representative models.
But how do we know wellbore, reservoir and boundary nature?
Use type curve (GB-curve) for identification.
GB type curve

5
Why identification is needed? Point-2

Remember, you were given a hint at which time wellbore storage Is

getting over in order to choose the IARF data points for getting the
straight line.
Do you think you will know exactly wellbore storage and related
effects are getting over from the pressure data you are seeing in
straight line? No, it is not clear. That’s why you were given that
detail in the exam.
As a well-test interpreter, you should know when it is ending by
identifying the exact time in derivative curve in log-log plot.
Why identification is more important than
analysis?

What will happen if I use the above model (having single

permeability) for analyzing pressure data from the dual
porosity reservoir with two different permeability?
The entire analysis is a mess!
So identifying the nature of the reservoir and choose the
relevant model are more important.
 Two analysis methods
• Straight line
• Type curve
Which method is good for identification?
 Advantage of type curve over straight line method for
identification

• In the semi-log plot, it is not clear,

a. When WBS is getting over
b. when is IARF starting and ending.
Note, we are tracking the onset of data points falling on
straight line for knowing the onset of IARF regime.
With straight line, it is not that easy to track the onset
exactly. But straight line is good for analysis because it gives
us slope.

What if we have flat-line representing IARF, then we can

dp/dt see the onset of IARF easily. Look at the bottom figure.
Therefore derivative-based type curve is good for
o f I A RF identification.
t
Onse

What is the slope corresponding to IARF in semi-

t. dp/dt log derivative curve in log-log plot?
Zero
9
Why slope of semi-log derivative curve (red
curve shown below) is zero during IARF?

Your model for IARF

What would happen if we differentiate the above model with respect

to ln (t).
Dp/d (lnt) will be independent of time. Remember differentiation of
5x= 5. This is why when we plot dp/d (ln t) as a function of time, we
get a flat line with zero-slope for IARF. In other words, they don’t
change with time.

You may ask we don’t have dp/d (ln t) on the y-axis for representing
derivative type curve. Instead, we have t (dp/dt)
please see the next slide for answer.
Derivation of semi-log derivative

• Note, dp/d lnt is equal to t dp/dt mathematically.

• This is why we plot t dp/dt as a representative for semi-log derivative.
• It is easy to find dp/dt than dp/d lnt
Advantage of type curve over straight line method for
identification

• In the Cartesian plot it is not clear,

a. When WBS is getting over
b. When is IARF starting and ending.
c. How much is the transition?
d. When is PSSF or SS is starting.
But in the type-curve, we clearly see those details.
But note each WBS, IARF, PSS and SS have their own signatures in
log-log derivative plots.
Remember you all have own signature.
You know the signature for IARF which is zero-slope in semi-log
derivative.
What about flow-regimes?
What are the flow regime we see in vertical well?
Next 2-3 slides, Very important.

12
Flow regime in vertical wells

13
Flow regime and possible scenarios

14
Different flow regime, dimensionality and slope in derivative plot
n = (1-d/2) where d is the
¿ dimensions of flow.

This is the slope you will have to

track for to identify the respective
flow regimes in semi-log
derivative (Bourdet) curve plotted
in log-log plot.

Very important slide this

one and the next one.

15
 Different flow regime, scenarios and possible timings

Early time you can expect

this flow regime because it
is related to near-well bore

We have studied IARF and you see this

during middle time
You can expect these flow regimes
in early-time because it occurs
around the wellbore
This is the You can expect these flow regimes
channel in early-time because it occurs
linear flow around the wellbore
that occurs
after IARF We have studied this

You can expect this flow regime in late-time Very early time you can expect this flow regime
because it occurs only when the transient touches because it occurs within the wellbore.
16
all the boundary
GB type curve and straight-line plots for IARF flow

The pressure response during IARF in a vertical

well is given by • Note the time it is log t.
• If we plot pwf. vs t in semi-log plot, we get straight line
corresponding to IARF.
• Using the IARF flow model (shown in the left-hand side) for
comparing it with straight line will give us oil permeability
17
GB type curve and straight-line plots for spherical flow

• Note the time it is t-1/2

• If we plot pwf. vs t-1/2 in cartesian plot, we get straight
line corresponding to spherical flow.
• Using the spherical flow model (shown in the left-hand
side) for comparing it with straight line will give you
spherical permeability 18
GB Type curve and straight-line plots for linear flow

• Note the time it is t1/2

• If we plot pwf. vs t1/2 in cartesian plot, we get straight line
corresponding to linear flow
• Using the spherical flow model (shown in the left-hand side)
for comparing it with straight line will give you fracture half-
length. 19
GB type curve and straight line plots for bi-linear flow

• Note the time it is t1/4

• If we plot pwf. vs t1/4 in cartesian plot, we get straight
line corresponding to bi-linear flow.
• Using the Bi-linear flow model (shown in the left-
hand side) for comparing it with straight line will give
you fracture conductivity.
20
GB type curve and straight line plots late-time depletion

The pressure response during PSSF in a vertical

well is given by • Note the time, it is t
• If we plot pwf. vs t in cartesian plot, we get straight
line corresponding to PSSF.
• Using the PSSF model shown in the left for
comparing it with slope would give us PV,
hydrocarbon pore volume, and drainage area etc.21
 How to do identification: General
steps
1. Get the pressure as a function of time data from the operators
From the pressure data, find delta P as a function of time
Find derivative (t.dp/dt) as a function of time
Plot dP and t dp/dt vs t in log-log plot. You will get some thing like below
and this chart will be provided to you when asked for identification. You
may also be asked to draw the curves.
 How to do identification: General
steps
Do the identification in the following sequence
a. very early time representing wellbore storage
b. early time representing wellbore properties such as skin, partial
penetrative skin
c. Middle-time representing permeability
d. Late time representing the boundaries
 Identification and interpretation : Sample 1
Identify the flow regime by looking into their signature (slope) in the
derivative plot Middle time:
1. Having a flat line indicates we have a
homogenous reservoir which is in-finite
acting conditions
Very early time:
2. IARF begins only when the flat line is
1. Having an unit-slope line in
getting started.
early time indicates there
is a wellbore storage
2. Wellbore storage getting Late time:
over when the unit slope 1. The transient hasn’t touched the
line is getting over boundary as the flat line appears till
Early time: end of the testing time. Means still
1. Following WBS and the reservoir is infinite acting.
transition, if we have IARF,
then the well is completed This is the transition period that lasts until
open hole, and there is no you have 100% flow from the reservoir to
fracturing of well. the top of the surface.
Longer transition indicate you have more
skin factor
 Identification and interpretation: Sample 2
Identify the flow regime by looking into their signature (slope) in the
derivative plot

Very early time:

1. WBS storge is there early Late time:
as indicated by unit slope 1. The transient has touched all the
line boundary as seen by the unit slope
representative of PSSF flow in the end
Early time:
2. Not much transition period between
1. No partial completion, no IARF and PSSF that means well/reservoir
fracturing of well because has more circular geometry with high
we get IARF directly after shape factor. Example well in center of
WBS and related transition. the circular reservoir

Middle time: The reservoir is

homogeneous with infinite acting
radial flow as evident from the flat
line in middle
 Identification and interpretation : Sample 3
Identify the flow regime by looking into their signature (slope) in the
derivative plot
Late time:
1. The transient has touched the
boundary but a supportive boundary
like aquifer because dp remains
Very early time: constant.
1. No information about 2. Derivative (Bourdet) curve going down
approaching zero indicates the
WBS operators are giving the pressure data
Early time: that is too similar which means the
2. Direct IARF without difference approaches zero and
-1/2 slope means the well is therefore, it get support from Aquifer
completed open-hole. (shown by blue boundaries)
3. Please compare this schematic with the
one in last page.

Middle time: The reservoir is homogeneous as

indicated by flat line
 Identification and interpretation : Sample 4
Identify the flow regime by looking into their signature (slope) in the
derivative plot
Late time:
Very early time: 1. The reservoir is still infinite acting as
1. WBS is not clear the flat line appears till end.
2. Skin is also there as
indicated by the
bigger transition.
Early time:
3. -1/2 slope is evident,
indicating the well
might have a partial
completion and we
are seeing a spherical
flow. Middle time:
1. The reservoir is homogeneous as
indicated by flat line
2. The flow corresponds to infinite
acting flow regime.
 Identification and interpretation : Sample 5
Identify the flow regime by looking into their signature (slope) in the
derivative plot

Very early time:

1. WBS seems to be Late time:
there but not clear. 1. No clear information about the late
time

Middle time:
1. The reservoir is not homogeneous as indicated by absence of flat line in the
middle time.
2. It is a heterogeneous reservoir with dual porosity behavior.
3. Why there is a dip? Don’t bother now, you can ask the instructor separately.
 Identification and interpretation : Sample 6
Identify the flow regime by looking into their signature (slope) in the
derivative plot
Late time:
Very early time: 1. PSSF or steady-state regime hasn’t been seen as
1. WBS seems to be there but not clear. indicated by the absence of unit slope line (PSSF
Early time: indication) or derivative falling down (steady-state
2. Well is completed open hole because we
don’t see -1/2 slope
indication)
3. Well seems to be un-fractured well as we
don’t see ½ or ¼ slope before IARF

Middle time:
1. The reservoir is homogeneous as indicated by the flat line derivative (corresponding to IARF) in the middle
time.
2. However, IARF ends earlier (when the transient touches the top and bottom boundary) and getting
converted into the curve with the slope ½ representing the linear flow. The linear flow appearing after IARF
corresponds to channel reservoir.
 Identification and interpretation : Sample 7
Identify the flow regime by looking into their signature (slope) in the
derivative plot
Late time:
Very early time: 1. PSSF or steady-state regime hasn’t been seen as
1. WBS seems to be there but not clear. indicated by the absence of unit slope line (PSSF
Early time: indication) or derivative falling down (steady-state
2. Well is completed open hole because we
don’t see -1/2 slope
indication)
3. Well seems to be un-fractured well as we
don’t see ½ or ¼ slope before IARF

Middle time:
1. The reservoir is homogeneous as indicated by the flat line derivative (corresponding to IARF) in the middle
time.
2. However, IARF ends earlier (when the transient touches the top, bottom and left-boundary), we don’t have a
straight forward linear flow rather a transition period and then the linear flow with the slope ½.
 Identification and interpretation : Dimensional vs.
Dimensionless derivative curve
Identify the flow regime by looking into their signature (slope) in the
derivative plot
So far, we have seen the GB type curve in
dimensional form.
This curve has pressure data and pressure derivative
in dimensionless form.
An important to note, dimensionless pressure
derivative curve during IARF will always
correspond to 0.5. Why?
Dimensionless pressure for IARF is given by

This value is constant to be 0.5 for IARF.

However, for other radial flow, it will be differing.
 Identification and interpretation : Sample 8
Identify the flow regime by looking into their signature (slope) in the
derivative plot
Very early time and early time:
• Since we get direct IARF
a. Probably no WBS and skin and
we get direct IARF
b. Also, no partial completion,
no fractures around the Late time:
wellbore and we have open 1. PSSF is seen as indicated by the unit slope line
hole completion because we (PSSF indication at the end.
get IARF directly.

Middle time:
1. The reservoir is homogeneous as indicated by the flat line derivative in the middle time corresponding to IARF (Look
the nature of well and reservoir)
2. IARF will end once the transient touches the boundary and there is longer transition between IARF and PSSF because
the well is placed in the center of the rectangular reservoir whose shape factor is lower.
3. The transition period result in the linear flow because of nature of the boundary, identified by ½ slope
 Identification and interpretation : Sample 9
Identify the flow regime by looking into their signature (slope) in the
derivative plot
Very early time and early time: Late time:
• Since we get direct IARF
a. Probably no WBS and skin and we get direct IARF 1. PSSF or steady-state regime hasn’t
b. Also, no partial completion, no fractures around
the wellbore and we have open hole completion
been seen as indicated by the
because we get IARF directly. absence of unit slope line (PSSF
indication) or derivative falling down
(steady-state indication)

Middle time:
1. The reservoir is homogeneous as indicated by the DIMENSIONLESS derivative (corresponding to IARF) value of 0.5 in the
middle time.
2. When we have our transient touching one-side of the no-flow boundary, we get a radial flow but a hemi-radial flow whose
slope is going to be twice the slope we get during IARF.
Why twice the slope?
3. No flow boundary gives additional pressure drop.
4. If that boundary is perfectly or near-perfectly linear, it is proven (using superposition in space concept) that slope will get
double if the transient touches the no-flow boundary. Transient generates hemi-radial flow.
Distance to linear fault: This parameter can be estimated from knowing the slope value. You may see that in term-project.
 Have you learnt?
Have to learnt how to make use of pressure data that operator would give you
1. To identify the onset of IARF, PSSF
2. To identify the slopes for IARF, linear, bi-linear, spherical, depletion in semi-log derivative type curve
(Semi-log derivative type curve is also Bourdet type curve)
3. To identify the nature of wellbore, reservoir and boundary properties
Three questions to you
If you identify the well to be of partially completed, will you use the mathematical model derived for open
hole completion that would result in the radial flow right from the beginning?
No. I will look for the spherical flow model to use in the early time.
If you identify you reservoir to be of dual porosity nature, will you use the mathematical model developed
for IARF we studied in the earlier class?
No. I will look for the dual porosity mathematical model
If you identify your boundary to be of closed rectangular reservoir, will you use the mathematical model
for circular PSSF we studied in the earlier class?
No. I will look for the relevant mathematical model with the shape factor value in it.
See the three no’s you have on top regarding early, middle and late-time
properties.
Are you understanding why identification is more important than analysis if you
are to correctly help production, reservoir and exploration engineers.