1.
Purpose and Introduction to Fluid Testing
Objective: To directly sample formation fluids and measure their pressures.
Key Information Obtained:
• Types and properties of fluids (oil, gas, water).
• Presence of hydrocarbons.
• Formation pressure – crucial for understanding reservoir energy and fluid contacts.
Two Main Methods: Drillstem Testing (DST) during drilling and Wireline Formation Testing (RFT) after
drilling.
Part 1: Drillstem Testing (DST)
2. Objectives of DST
DST is a long-duration test designed to answer key questions:
• Can the formation produce hydrocarbons at a viable rate?
• What type of fluid (oil/gas) is present?
• Collection of large samples for lab analysis.
• Determination of initial reservoir pressure.
• Estimation of permeability.
Key Advantage: DST provides definitive proof that hydrocarbons will flow to the wellbore.
3. Tool Operation and Procedure
Tool Assembly:
• Perforated Pipe – allows fluid entry.
• Packer(s) – inflatable seals isolate target zone (single or straddle packers).
Process:
• Running In – lower tool to target depth.
• Setting Packers – isolate interval.
• Opening Valve – reduce drill pipe pressure to induce flow.
• Flow and Sampling – produce and analyze fluids.
• Shutting In – pressure builds up for analysis.
• Equalizing & Retrieving – release packers and pull tool out.
4. Pressure Recording and Analysis (DST Chart)
• Two pressure recorders used (inside and outside flow stream).
• DST Chart (Pressure vs Time): Main output used to determine:
- Formation permeability.
- Reservoir limits and boundaries.
- Formation damage (skin effect).
- Initial formation pressure.
Analysis Techniques: Horner plot and other specialized plots used for accurate interpretation.
Part 2: Wireline Formation Testing (RFT/FMT)
5. Purpose and Advantages of Wireline Testers
• Used for quick, targeted measurements when full DST is not feasible.
• Ideal for thin beds, zones above TD, or when rig time is expensive.
• Key Difference: RFT is a point measurement taken during wireline logging, not a long production test.
6. Tool Types and Capabilities
Examples: RFT, FMT.
Capabilities:
• Multiple pressure readings at different depths.
• Fluid sampling (5–20 liters).
• Samples kept at reservoir pressure to preserve composition.
• Pre-test feature to check seal and productivity before full sampling.
7. Operation of an RFT Tool
Steps:
• Depth Control – gamma ray sensor correlates depth.
• Setting the Tool – backshoe presses tool against borehole wall.
• Pre-Test:
a) Packer seals against mudcake.
b) Probe with piston extends into formation.
c) Piston retracts, fluid flows into chambers.
- Chamber 1 (slow) → ∆P1 measured.
- Chamber 2 (fast) → ∆P2 measured.
• Formation Pressure – pressure stabilizes to true value.
• Decision Point – operator chooses to sample or move.
• Sampling – main chamber filled if required.
• Retrieval – tool retracted and moved to next depth.
8. Analysis of RFT Pressure Data
Pre-Test Plot Stages:
A) Mud Hydrostatic Pressure.
B) Seal & Compression – probe seats, mudcake compresses.
C) First Drawdown (∆P1) – pressure drops slowly.
D) Pressure Stabilization – pressure recovery begins.
E) Second Drawdown (∆P2) – faster flow, larger drop.
F) Final Buildup – stabilizes to true formation pressure.
G) Return to Mud Pressure – probe retracts.
Key Insight: Small ∆P indicates high permeability; large ∆P indicates low permeability.