Drillstem Testing

22.3

22.3-1

DST assembly using two straddle packers

22.3-2

Test Tree

22.3-3

Test Choke

22.3-4

Typical DST
The typical drill stem test will be split into four period, Pre flow. initial shut in period, a main flow period and a final shut in period. Times of for each test are dependent on conditions at the well site Drill stem tests may be run at any time during the drilling operation at the current depth or may be used to test any interval in the hole after TD has been reached. Using these data and based on the evaluation of engineers and geologists, management can base a decision to complete the hole for potential production of oil or gas or proceed with abandonment.
22.3-5

Pre-Flow Period
is a production period to clean up the well and is used to remove any supercharge given to the formation due to mud infiltrating into the prospective formation during the drilling operation.

22.3-6

Initial Shut In
This period is to allow the formation to recover from pressure surges caused during the pre flow. this is often referred to as "closed in for the pressure build up" this period will be longer.

22.3-7

Main Flow
a more lengthy production period designed to test the formations flow characteristics more rigorously. Samples of any fluids will be checked for water content Gas bubble bust pressure temperature and many other nice surprises. This will be done using set choke or variable chokes. Sample reaching surface will be measured as to volume and gathered for analysis in a laboratory. Samples of any fluids in the drill string at the conclusion of the test will be measured as to volume and gathered for analysis. Flowing pressures and temperatures will be recorded.
22.3-8

Final Shut-In
formation pressure is recorded over this period. The shape of the pressure build up curve will tell us the permeability of the formation, the degree of formation damage (likely caused during the drilling operation), It will also tell us if we have found a small reservoir but there is no telling if it a big one.
22.3-9