Value Of Unconventional Well Testing In Zero Emission Environment Available to Purchase

Current technologies do not yet provide a ‘state of the art’ substitute for well testing which could meet a wide number of targets currently obtained using conventional methodology. In fact, beyond reservoir dynamic characterization and hydrocarbon surface and downhole sampling, another valuable goal for an oil company is the possibility to book reserves according to current SEC requirements with a conclusive well test. With an ever increasing sensitivity to environmental issues associated with conventional well testing, in particular to greenhouse gas emissions due to hydrocarbon flaring along with risks associated with possible oil spills and H2S handling, the development of reliable ‘unconventional’ techniques is becoming mandatory in the industry. Eni has acquired recent experiences with mini-DST and Injection Testing, which are considered the highest potential options available. In particular an innovative approach for injection/fall-off test interpretation allows the characterization of the well-reservoir system, in terms of permeability-thickness, skin factor, productivity index (PI) and late time effects (i.e. boundaries, heterogeneities). The paper presents and discusses capabilities and limitations of these alternatives. For a consistent evaluation of the potential of each option, the following critical issues were considered: Value Of the Information (VOI), timing and costs of operations, HSE constraints, and risks involved