Drill Stem Testing (DST)

Drill Stem Testing

Contents
 DST Objectives
 DST Operations Requirements
 DST Hydraulics & Fluid Cushion
 Well Preparations & Conducting DST
 DST Times Breakdown
 DST Safety Procedure
Drill Stem Testing

 Drill Stem Test Objectives

 The General Objectives of any DST are:
1. To evaluate the potential and prospective of formations of interest (pay
zone) under production conditions.
2. To provide information that is used to determine the economic viability
of a well prior to completion.
3. To evaluate the important reservoir characteristics correctly
Drill Stem Testing

1. Drill Stem Test Objectives

 The specific objectives of the DST are as
follows:
1) Determine reservoir pressure and temperature.
2) Estimate formation characteristics in terms of permeability-
thickness and skin.
3) Determine any reservoir heterogeneities within the radius of
investigation.
4) Determine well productivity and hydrocarbon composition
Drill Stem Testing

1. Drill Stem Test Objectives

 How the reservoir formation can be evaluated?
To be able to precisely and correctly evaluate a reservoir formation, it’s
required to have the following:
1. Core analysis
2. Electric logs
3. Mathematical calculations of reservoir pressures
4. Geological Data
5. Off set information
6. Drill Stem Test data
Drill Stem Testing

1. Drill Stem Test Objectives

 Reservoir characteristics that may be
calculated from the test are:
 Permeability:
A. The permeability calculated by a DST is the average
effective permeability of the formation to the actual fluid
produced.
B. Complete core analysis gives absolute (not and is not always
obtainable.
C. Permeability determined by buildup analysis is known as
effective permeability.
Drill Stem Testing

1. Drill Stem Test Objectives

 Reservoir characteristics that may be
calculated from the test are:
• Well bore Damage:
 Whether or not well bore damage has been incurred by the
mechanical drilling action is readily indicated by empirical
calculations.
 Well bore damage can and does impede fluid flow from
formations. Low recovery on the test may be the result of
damage rather than poor producing characteristics.
Drill Stem Testing

1. Drill Stem Test Objectives

 Reservoir characteristics that may be calculated
from the test are:
• Well bore Damage:
 Well bore damage determinations can be made only from
pressure fluctuations such as those induced by a DST.
 One of the most valuable determinations to be made
from test data is estimating the presence and
magnitude of well bore damage. In the past, low
fluid recovery meant only one thing -poor
production potential.
Drill Stem Testing

1. Drill Stem Test Objectives

 Reservoir characteristics that may be
calculated from the test are:
• Well bore Damage:
 Well bore damage is defined as being a zone of reduced
permeability immediately adjacent to the well bore which
result in reducing the amount of fluid entry into the well
bore as a result of any given pressure drop induced during
the test.
 The damage can be so extensive that it can even prevent
formation fluid production completely.
Drill Stem Testing

1. Drill Stem Test Objectives

 Reservoir characteristics that may be
calculated from the test are:
• Well bore Damage:
 Well bore damage is also referred to as skin effect, skin damage, skin,
etc.
 By being able to determine there is damage present, and the effect of
this damage, this will enable and help the decision maker as to what to
do with the well.
Drill Stem Testing
1. Drill Stem Test Objectives
 Reservoir characteristics that may be calculated
from the test are:
• Reservoir Pressure:
It is possible to make mathematical determinations for the
static reservoir pressure. This pressure value is useful as a
substitute for a missing stabilized or static mechanical
measurement (stabilized initial shut-in pressure reading) and
as a check on other calculations
Drill Stem Testing

1. Drill Stem Test Objectives

 Reservoir characteristics that may be
calculated from the test are:
• Depletion:
• If a given reservoir is small enough that its' real extent is
affected by the normal DST, pressure depletion will occur and
be detected by a properly conducted DST. If the relatively
small volume of fluid removed during a normal formation test
causes pressure depletion, then an extremely small reservoir
exists and experience has shown that it will not be commercial.
Drill Stem Testing

1. Drill Stem Test Objectives

 Reservoir characteristics that may be
calculated from the test are:
 Radius Of Investigation :

Because there is physical removal of formation fluid during a DST, there

will be definite effect upon the formation for a determinable distance.
This distance is known as the radius of investigations of the test.
Drill Stem Testing

1. Drill Stem Test Objectives

 Reservoir characteristics that may be
calculated from the test are:
 Barrier Indications:
If a barrier of any other anomaly, such as a fluid contact
exists within the radius of investigation of the test, it may be
reflected in the pressure analysis. Much has been written
about the use of the DST to define limited reservoirs and/or
to locate barriers.
Drill Stem Testing

2. Drill Stem Test Operations Requirements

1)Good mud conditions

A. Proper mud weight
B. Minimum solid content
C. A thin and firm filter cake
D. Minimum mud gel strength
E. Controlled fluid loss (should be minimum)
2) Cleaned hole
3) No hole tight spots
Drill Stem Testing

2. Drill Stem Test Operations

Requirements

4) No dog legs
5) No key seats in the hole
6) No lost circulation
7) Minimum possibility for stuck tools
Drill Stem Testing

2. Drill Stem Test Operations

Requirements
 Good Hole conditions will lead to
the following:
1) Eliminating the chance of a blowout,
2) Better test results,
3) Fewer miss runs,
4) Less plugging,
5) No Stuck of DST string.
Drill Stem Testing

2. Drill Stem Test Operations Requirements

 Successful DST means:
1. It must recover a clean sample of formation fluid or gas in sufficient
quantity to allow adequate analysis.
2. It must has a good clear pressure chart showing flow pressure
corresponding to actual flow information, and shut-in pressure buildups
of adequate length to get maximum information.
3. The perfect DST is to be run in a minimum length of time at a minimum
risk to personnel, hole condition and equipment.
4. To have a perfect DST, there must be complete coopera­tion and
understanding of purpose existing between all working parties.
Drill Stem Testing
3-Drill Stem Testing Hydraulics
 When the test string arrives at total depth, the weight indicator should
show approximately the weight of the string in air, less the buoyancy of
the well bore fluid on the dry drill pipe or tubing. If a water cushion is
run, the total weight of that fluid volume is added.

 Test String Wt @ TD = Test string wt. in air + Water cushion wt.-

Buoyancy

 The drill pipe could collapse sometimes if the strengths are not adequate
to withstand the external pressure on a string of drill pipe or tubing.
This is one of the reasons for running a water cushion, to protect the
collapse strength of the dry tubular goods.
 As the trip into the hole with a Drill Stem Test string, the differential
pressure across the drill pipe will increase.
Drill Stem Testing

3-Drill Stem Testing Hydraulics

 When the testing string are by-passed and pulled off
bottom, the weight indicator should have the same
reading as when the tools first reached bottom,
provided the test was dry (no recovery).
 The actual weight of any recovery is added directly
to the weight indicator reading. After reversing out
the recovery, the weight of the string is now equal
to the original weight when arriving at total depth,
plus the actual
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3-Drill Stem Testing Hydraulics

Fluid Cushion
 A water, mud or nitrogen cushion used on a Drill Stem Test may have
three purposes:-
1. To prevent the collapse of the run-in tubular goods;
2. To help in controlling the well, and
3. To relieve part of the sudden differential pressure across the packer seat.
Drill Stem Testing
3-Drill Stem Testing Hydraulics
Fluid Cushion
 It is much easier to obtain and analyze a Drill Stem Test if no cushion are used.
 In some instances, more water cushion head is run than static reservoir pressure
and the formation is not allowed to produce. Generally, the least amount of
cushion that can be tolerated may result in the best test.
 Actual recoveries also are easier to recognize and measure if no cushion is used.
 In deep, high pressure wells, cushions must be run to prevent drill pipe collapse;
but most of the time cushions is run to prevent "shocking the pay zone"
excessively; thus, causing sand production or loss of packer seat, or worse yet,
sloughing of formation and sticking the drill stem test string.
 Competence of the test zone, anticipated formation pressure, etc., will aid in
making a decision on the amount of cushion to be used.
 The volume of cushion should be accurately measured and recovered (lbs/gal or
psi) so the recoveries can be calculated if the test is non-flowing.
Drill Stem Testing

Well Preparations & Conducting DST

4.
Before beginning the DST the following
should be made:
1. Mud should be circulated for at least one cycle to be sure that all
cuttings have been removed from the well.
2. The mud weight should be measured so that the hydrostatic pressure,
which will be indicated by the DST gauges, may be checked.
3. It is important to know the exact length of drill-string to have control
over the operations of the tools; to locate the packer seat and to know
exactly the tested formation interval.
Drill Stem Testing

Well Preparations & Conducting

4.
DST
Before beginning the DST the following
should be made:
4- All information and data must be known and recorded before
starting the test as : the depth, hole size, length of tested
interval, probably duration of test, mud weight, number and
type of packers, number and type of pressure recorders,
bottom hole choke size, type of cushion, and the type of
control head, circulating valve and jars.
5- Before running in hole with the tools, the blow-out preventer
should be tested.
Drill Stem Testing

Well Preparations & Conducting DST

4.
Before beginning the DST the following should be
made:
6- The speed of running DST tool string must be much slower than normal
tripping to prevent and avoid excess of pressure surges.
7- The mud in the annulus should be watched and observed cautiously.
8- Surface equipment should be pressure tested in excess of pressures
anticipated.
9- Kill lines should be left connected during the test, so that mud pumping can
begin without delay if the well gets out of control.
Drill Stem Testing

4.Well Preparations & Conducting DST

Before beginning the DST the following
should be made:
10-All safety precautions must be put into effect, such as no smoking, no
welding, no open fires, and no exposed lights.
11- Above all, check and take necessary precautions for hydrogen sulfide
production.
12- A bubble hose is connected to the wellhead on initial opening to check for
entry of formation fluids.
13- Periodic checks of the annulus mud level should be made throughout the
test to make sure that leaks have not developed, creating a blowout.
Drill Stem Testing

4. Well Preparations & Conducting DST

DST Equipment
The most important DST tool string equipment are:
1. Testing packer
2. Testing valve
3. Pressure recorder carrier
4. Circulating valve
5. Safety Jar
6. Safety joint
7. Choke manifold
8. Testing head or tree
9. Surface equipment (Heat exchanger, Three phase separator, Surge tank,
Transfer pump, Crude oil burners and flare lines)
Drill Stem Testing

4. Well Preparations &

Conducting DST
DST Planning:
1. Mud condition - the key to a good Drill Stem Test
a. Viscosity - high enough to carry cuttings
b. Good gel strength - hole material in suspension during
test
2. The tool string - typical string, but may vary to suit
conditions.
3. Basic items to consider
A. Selection of packer seat & packer size
Drill Stem Testing

4. Well Preparations & Conducting

DST
DST Planning:
B. Interval of hole to test
C. Choke size
D. Volume and type of cushion
E. Selection of pressure recorders, length of flow time and closed in
pressure time
F. Speed to run tools in hole - depending on overall conditions; mud
weight, viscosity, drag, hole size, and packer size.
G. Do not run tools and break down formation and tear up packers
before reaching bottom.
 Drill Stem Testing
4. Well Preparations & Conducting DST
DST RIH Procedure Considerations:
1. During the running of drill pipe in the well with a string of testing tools, the
fluid level in the well should be noted from time to time to check for leaks.
A blow of air from the drill pipe should be noticeable if a leak exists.

2. Before seating the packer, allow several minutes for the pressure recorder
to record a the initial hydrostatic mud pressure.

3. Install a rubber hose in the manifold before opening the tester valve. Insert
the end of the hose in bucket of water so an indication is seen of the rate of
fluid entering the drill pipe as the tester is opened.
 Drill Stem Testing
4. Well Preparations & Conducting DST
DST RIH Procedure Considerations:
4. Watch the mud level in the annulus before and after the tester opens, to
determine if the packer holds when the pressure differential is applied to it.

5. When opening the by-pass valve to equalize pressure, wait a few minutes to
permit the packer rubber to return to shape before pulling or jarring on it.

6. When pulling the drill pipe out of the well, keep the well filled. This
should be done by stopping and filling after pulling each stand or a few
stand of drill pipe. Running the pump continuously prevents immediate
detection if the well is being swabbed in.
 Drill Stem Testing
5.Drill Stem Testing Time
6. Initial Flow Period:
The initial flow is used to relieve the pressure caused by mud
infiltration, commonly called "supercharge".
Ten minutes are usually sufficient, but it’s generally recommend
20 to 30 minutes for extra safety.
2. Initial Shut-In Period:
The initial shut-in (build up) period not only serves as an
important measure of initial reservoir pressure, but it gives a
guiding for the final buildup curve. 60 to 90 minutes are
recommended. This point is very important in the data
analysis, and it should be taken on every DST.
 Drill Stem Testing
5.Drill Stem Testing Time
6. Final Flow Period:
This final flow is used to:
I. Recover a sample of the reservoir fluids.
II. Create a pressure sink suitable for obtaining data on the final
shut-in period.
4. Final Shut-in Period:
The final shut-in (build up) period is the most important part of
the DST. It is the reservoir formation evaluation device.
Drill stem Testing
Drill Stem Testing
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Drill Stem Testing

 Drill Stem Testing Safety Procedure

 The following safety regulations may be
used as a guide:
• Follow all safety regulations of the drilling contractor,
Service Company, and the governmental control agencies.
• Conduct an informal meeting to discuss safety and
procedures prior to running in the hole, especially on critical
wells.
• Check the blowout preventers and cellar connections.
• Post "no smoking" signs at each of the stairways to the rig
floor.
Drill Stem Testing
 Drill Stem Testing Safety Procedure
 The following safety regulations may be used as
a guide:
• Check the mud system for well stability before the
test tool is run in the hole.
• Designate one man to observe the mud level during
the test and while coming out of the hole.
• Start and pull tests in the daylight hours.
• Turn off lights and electrical equipment during a
test and while coming out of the hole.
Drill Stem Testing
 Drill Stem Testing Safety Procedure
 The following safety regulations may be used as
a guide:
• Avoid testing during electrical storms.
• Service company should provide two methods of reversing-
out, preferably an on-bottom and an off-bottom device.
• Reverse and kill all flowing or high recovery tests. Pull wet
only those tests that are obviously low recovery. This should
be done with extreme caution and awareness of gas pockets
that may unload fluids during the process.
• All personnel should wear full coverage of clothing at all
times.
Drill Stem Testing

Drill Stem Testing Safety


Procedure
 The following safety regulations
may be used as a guide:
• A hard hat and safety shoes should be worn at all times
while on locations.
 The tester should instruct the driller on how to close the test
tool in case control of the well is in jeopardy. That is, pick
up on the string to close most hydraulic testers.
 Maintain surface flowing pressure within the limits of safety
predetermined prior to the test.
Drill Stem Testing
 Drill Stem Testing Safety Procedure
 The following safety regulations may be used as a guide:
• Have adequate water spray connections on engine exhausts.
• 17. Flare all combustible gases to prevent an accumulation in low
places.
• 18. All control head connections and flow lines should be steel rated
above the anticipated operating pressures.
• 19. Flow lines should be secured to the substructure and reserve pit.
• BOP stack should be in good working order. The sub sea test tree
tubing rams should be closed during the test with pressure on the tubing-
casing annulus.
• Personnel involved in drilling and testing wells containing hydrogen
sulfide gas, should be familiar with the characteristics, hazards,
disposition and control of this gas. Use of some approved type of gas
detection equipment is suggested.