This paper presents a case study of a vertical interference test conducted in a single well. The investigation in this dual lateral completion was conducted to determine the effective vertical permeability between the pulsing horizontal lateral and the lower section of the vertical wellbore used for observation.

This case study showed the presence of a thin layer with extremely high permeability, which intersected both the horizontal lateral and the vertical wellbore (also referred to as a stratiform Super-K). Simulations along with geological and production log data indicated that the Super-K layer was not aerially extensive. Because of the layered nature of the reservoir, presence of a Super-K layer and the multiphase conditions, a numerical well test simulator was used to analyze the horizontal well buildup and the vertical interference test.

The test was designed to be able to analyze the horizontal well pressure data in conjunction with the pulse interference data for better reservoir characterization. The paper details the steps followed in this successful integration of all sources of data in the test analysis.

Keywords:
faisal al-thawad, permeability, vertical well, flow rate, fluid dynamics, fracture, dual lateral well, horizontal lateral, drilling operation, super-k layer
Subjects:
Drilling Operations, Reservoir Fluid Dynamics, Formation Evaluation & Management, Directional drilling, Flow in porous media, Drillstem/well testing
Copyright 2001, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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