ABSTRACT
Offshore well testing during the exploration and appraisal phases requires the production of hydrocarbons, often at high pressure, through a temporary system set up on a mobile offshore rig. These operations require the operator, the drilling company and the testing company to reconcile the three key issues of keeping risk as low as reasonably achievable, collecting as much information as possible and limiting cost
The process equipment designed and manufactured for permanent installations is compared to those used on mobile offshore rigs. The associated risks are analyzed. Standards of professional training and experience are discussed.
The interaction required for test acceptance, job planning and job execution is described. This interaction involves the operator, the testing company, the drilling company, regulatory bodies and certifying authorities. Potential improvements are proposed.
