SOCIE!:'.

: OF PETROLEU;; ::::iGIlTEERS OF AI:;E

SPE 5055-A

620C i>:;rth Central E~-=-9resSda;,/

Dallas, Texas

75206
Tl-"::IS

~J

A PREPR1TT --- 3UBJECT IC:::ORit;;:C7IG::

The Dynamics of Vertical Pulse Testing

In a Slab Reservoir
By
Gabriel K. Falade and William E. Brigham, Members SPE-AIME, Stanford U.
Copyright 1974American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc.

This paper was prepared for the 49th Annual Fall toleeting of the Society of Petroleum
Engineers of AIME, to be held in Houston, Texas, Oct. 6-9, 1974. Permission to copy is
restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words. Illustrations may not be copied.
The abstract should ccmtain conspicuous acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper is
presented. Publication elsewhere after publication in the JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
or the SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS JOURNAL is usually granted upon request to the Edit':>r
of the appropriate journal provided agreement to give proper credit is made.
Discussion of this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussion should be sent to
the Society of Petroleum Engineers office. Such discussions may be presented at the above
meeting and, with the paper, may be considered for publication in one of the t'NO SPE magazines.

INTRODUCTION
Pulse testing, as a practical method of
reservoir analysis, was introduced into
petroleum engineering literature by Johnson et
al. 1 in 1966. Since then, several authors have
discussed,2 expanded on,3 or applied 4 ,5 some of
the basic concepts of horizontal pulse testing.
Pulse testing as originally formulated by
Johnson et al. can provide two pieces of
information from which the reservoir transmissibility (T = krh/~) and storage (3 = Cth) can
be obtained. It does not address itself to the
problem of evaluating the in-situ vertical
permeability, which is important in reservoir
processes where there is appreciable vertical
flow.
It has been recognized6 ,7 that vertical
interference testing has considerable promise
for simultaneous evaluation of the horizontal
and vertical permeability; however, no one has
considered the use of multipulse tests and the
Johnson gradient method for this purpose. This
is despite the inherent advantages of multipulse
testing over the other techniques.

generate correlation curves, based on known

pressure response characteristics, for interpreting dynamic data from pulse-tested reservoirs.
MATHEMATICAL MODEL
Vertical pulse testing as envisioned here
is, unlike horizontal pulse testing, a singlewell testing technique. Operationally, however,
it is identical to a horizontal pulse test
except that the pulser and the responder are
aligned vertically within the same dually
completed well as shown schematically on Fig. 1.
With Fig. 1, the problem of vertical pulse
testing in a slab reservoir takes the form of
solving the fluid flow problem due to a given
source in an anisotropic slab reservoir of
infinite radial extent.
The ul1st A ady pressure behavior due to flow
of a slightly compressible, single-phase fluid
flow in a homogeneous, anisotropic, radially
infinite porous medium can be described by the
two-dimensional (vertical plus radial) equation
of the form
2

The objective of this paper is twofold:

(1) to examine the behavior of multipulse
pressure transients in a vertically pulsed slab
reservoir, noting the effect of the finite
characteristics of the reservoir, and (2) to
References and illustrations at end of paper.

l-l (r ap(r,C;;,t) ) + a p(r,C;;,t)

r ar

1
Il r

ar

dp(r,C;;,t)
at

ae

, . . (1)

THE DYNAMICS OF VERTICAL PULSE TESTING IN A SLAB RESERVOIR

SPE 5055-/

where

00

I~

Zo
2n Zn

n;-oq

The associated initial and boundary conditions

for Eq. 1, satisfying the physical geometric
arrangement shown in Fig. 1, are
p(r,~,O)

; p.

p(oo,~,t)

erfc

en

Zn

2Z n

No pressure change at locations infinitely

removed from the source.
d~

d~

W + Zn B )/, )

It;

Zn

p(r,ZT,t)

dp(r,O,t)

+ Zn +(Zn

(2)

+ Zn +(Zow + ZOBY2
T

(3)

+ 2n Zn

+ Zn - ( Zn + ZOB)/2
T
w

The upper and lower boundaries of the slab

reservoir are impermeable to fluid flow.

o$

dP (r, ~, t)
dr

- p
r

-j.lq F( t)

27Tr

k k

<

erfc

Zn

+ Zn -(Zn

2 Zn

~B$ ~ $ ~w

o
Flow occurs only through the perforation interval of the pulser. The term F(t) in Eq. 4 is
the reservoir production function, which in
multipulse tests, would be periodic, as will
soon be shown.
It should be noted that the wellbore
boundary condition represented by Eq. 4 makes
the tacit assumption that a uniform amount of
liquid is withdrawn per unit length of the
pulsed interval. This assumption is expected to
have little effect on this analysis because the
pressure response location is reasonably far
removed from the source. 8 For similar reasons,
no considerations need to be made for skin
effect. Wellbore storage, on the other hand,
can have an effect, but will not be considered
in this analysis.
Various forms of analytical solutions have
been developed for the fluid flow problem
described by Eqs. 1 through 4. 9- 11 A solution
method based on the general theory for the
applications of the Green's function and the
Newman's product method 12 is presented in
Appendix A. From that appendix, the pressure
response at the responder R due to a constant
source of strength q centered on the pulser Pis,
in dimensionless variables, given by

with Zn
R

> maxm

+ ZOB)~2

tn

r z

3.5

np

It;; , JZ

IT t

For a multipulse test, the production

function F(tD) is periodic. Typically,

F(tn ) ; F(t

O',

+ Tn) ;
t

< 0

l',

mT n 5 to 5 mTn +

O',

mTn +

~tD

tn

< to < (m+l)T

n
(6 )

where TD
':, t D
m

period of operation
pulse duration
integer number of a cycle.

In terms of the Heaviside function, and for the

special case of the square wave production
function, TD + 26tD, Eq. 6 can be written as

F(t n ) ; F(t n + Tn)

M - 1

where (m
with Eq.
function
function

(_l)m H(t n - m

~tn)'

(7)

m; 0
+ 1) ; pulse number. Convolving Eq. 7
5 yields the total pressure response
due to a square wave production
F(tD + TD), viz

SPE 5055-A

r:

co

.[
n= -

+ Z

co

+(ZD

GABRIEL K. FArADE and WILLIAM E. BRIGHAM

Point E is used to evaluate
pressure response amplitude
lag tL as shown on Fig. 2.
time-lag is then defined as

3
the dimensionless
(6P~) and the time
The dimensionless
tDL= tU6 t.

Since neither Point C nor D is known, a

trial-and-error technique must be used to locate
these points. First, we try to locate C. Using
the notion that the evaluation of 6Pb is nearly
equivalent to filtering the amplitude of the
periodic response out of the total response
function, the first minimum of the steady-state
periodic response function should correspond
closely to Point C on the total response profile
As can be seen in Fig. 2, Point C', the first
minimum point of the steady-state periodic
response, is indeed very close to C. This
approximation can be used as the basis for
generating Points C, D, and E on the total
pressure response function using an iterative
scheme illustrated in Appendix B.
CONSTRUCTION OF CORRELATION CURVES

Using the above procedure, the dimensionless response amplitudes and time lags for all
3.5
Dp
possible test configurations in the entire
with ZD > maxm - - response range of the slab reservoir were
R
evaluated. Fig. 3 is a typical pulse response
8 amplitude profile for a dimensionless pulse
As can be observed, the constraint on Eq.
duration 6tD = 0.187, and for a test configurainvolves three key pulse-test parameters--the
tion of ZD~ZDR = 5.0. This is illustrated for
completion interval for the pulser (ZDp) , the
the first pulse response amplitude only.
separation distance between the pulser and the
Similar response profiles can be constructed for
responder (ZDR) , and time (tD)' It turns out
all later pulses, for different pulse times, and
for differing reservoir configurations.
that, if ZDRiZDp > 8.0, this constraint is a
trivial one13 ordinarily satisfied under most
Note the SYmmetric nature of this pulse
practical field conditions.
amplitude response profile. It indicates the
variation of the response amplitude as the
It can also be observed that, because of
the reflection boundaries of the slab reservoir, location of the two sets of perforations (at a
fixed distance apart) moves within the slab
Eq. 8 is considerably more complex than those
reservoir. The response amplitude is high if
usually encountered in horizontal pulse-test
the
two sets of perforations are close to the
analyses. Most of the previous test analyses
boundary (ZD_IZ DR small), but decreases as the
have avoided taking into account the effect(s)
pulse locatign mOVes away from the boundary.
of any boundary. The main thrust of the
Within
the middle of the response range, the
correlation method in this paper involves a
effect of the boundary can no longer be felt and
simple and accurate method of evaluating these
boundary effects for practical interpretation in the system acts as if it were in a infinite
domain. This infinite-acting response domain
a large variety of pulse-test configurations.
decreases with the values of ZDJZDR' and can be
CCMPUTER EVALUATION OF PUISE
absent for certain ranges of the pulse test
RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS
parameters ZDJZDR and 6tD. 13 As the responder
perforation approaches the lower boundary, the
Eq. 8 is the basic pulse response function
boundary effect again becomes evident, and the
that can be used with the double gradient method response increases. The level of increase is
of Johnson et al. 1 to evaluate pulse response
identical to that due to the upper boundary so
amplitude and time lag. The focal point of the
that the pulse response profile shown in Fig. 3
gradient method, as illustrated graphically in
is completely SYmmetric. A key factor in the
Fig. 2, lies in the construction of Line CD
construction of correlation curves using this
tangential to the pressure response profile at
symmetric response profile is the application of
Points C and D. Another line parallel to CD and the reciprocity principle.
tangential to the pressure response profile at

Z)
(Jt;; , 4;nr:;

THE DYNAMICS OF VERTICAL PULSE TESTING IN A SLAB RESERVOIR

SPE 5055-A

THE RECIPROCITY PRINCIPLE

and

reciprocal geometric constant for the

boundary on the responder side

The reciprocal relationship between a

ZD
pulser and a responder during a pulse test was
T
5
probably first observed by McKinley et al.
The
1 - 6
1 - 6p
(12)
p
ZD
principle maintains that the pressure response
R
R due to a pulser P within the same domain D is
identical to the pressure response at the pulser Then Eq. 10 reduces to
P, had a pulse of the same strength and duration
been centered on R. Thus, in effect, the pulser
(13)
and the responder can be interchanged provided
that neither has pressure-sensitive parameters.
The analytical proof of this phenomenon derives
Eq. 13 is the key expression that relates the
directly from the symmetric nature of the
first half of Fig. 3 to the second half.
Green's function solution to the diffusivity
equation. The results of the mathematical
EXAMPLE CALCULATION I
proofs by McKinley et al. 5 and Bruggeman14 are
cases in point.
Let
0.2
6
p
When the reciprocity concept is extended to
a vertically confined system, some interesting
ZD
ZT
T
implications result. Consider vertically
= 5.0
confined Systems (a) and (b) shown in Fig. 4
ZR
ZD
R
with pulser P and responder R. The lower and
Then,
upper impermeable boundaries are identical and
3.8
6
(5.0 - 1.0- 0.2)
R
should influence the pressure response in an
identical way. Under this condition, a plane of
symmetry exists along the horizontal line drawn
at the middle of the slab reservoir. The
pressure response for System (a) is therefore
This and other identities can be verified using
totally identical to that of System (b). If we
Eq. 13 and Fig. 3 for DtD = 0.187. Of course,
now apply the reciprocity principle to System
similar identities hold true for any DtD'
(b), we have another identity in System (c) of
Fig. 4. Since Cases (a) and (c) are .identical,
The above phenomenon is significant from
we can make the folloWing mathematical statement the data-analysis point of view for only one-hali
of the reciprocity principle for a vertically
of the system's response region is needed to
confined system.
construct interpretation curves for the entire
system.
Z'

'

D'

t)
..
D .

(9)

In terms of pulse pressure response amplitudes,

Eq. 9 can be written as

OP~((:::), ZDR 'tD

)

Let us define the dimensionless distances from

the boundaries as follows:

Fig. 5 is a semilogarithmic plot emphasizing the response amplitude characteristics withir

the first half of the response region for variou~
values of reservoir thickness parameters ZDT/ZDR
= 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 5.0. It should be
remembered that the right-hand half of each of
these response curves is an exact mirror image
of the first half, as was previously shown in
Fig. 3. This symmetric property is not apparent
in Fig. 5 because the abscissa is shown on a
logarithm scale. Note that the semi-infinite
response profile has no lower boundary and hence
approaches a constant value for large values of
6. In this range, the system behaves as if the
reservoir were infinite in extent in both
directions.

Notice also that, when the formation is

relatively thick, [(ZDr/ZDR) > 2.5J, the response
profiles follow the semi-infinite response curve
primal geometric constant for the
until the bottom perforations approach the lower
boundary on the pulser side
boundary. At this point, the response profile
Zb
Z'
departs from the semi-infinite response curve.
B
B
. . . . . . . . . (11) When the formation is relatively thin, however,
ZD = ZR
R

GABRIEL K. FALADE and WILLIAM E. BRIGHAM

SPE 5055-A

[(ZDr/ZDR) ~ 2.0J, the response no longer

follows the semi-infinite line. These cases
correspond to those test configurations with
finite-acting characteristics; that is, both
boundaries affect the response amplitudes at
all possible test geometries within the slab
reservoir.
Each response curve shown in Fig. 5 is
uniquely defined by the relative thickness of
the formation and the location of the perforations within the slab reservoir system. However
there are an infinite number of test configurations possible, and separate analysis on all of
these cases is simply not a practical
proposition. This means that, for data correlation purposes, some simple method had to be
found for transforming these many response
curves to a single, standard interpretation
curve. A simple and accurate method is
discussed below which transforms the finiteacting response curves to the standard, semiinfinite response curve.

Notice that this ratio is not an exact

equality; its error will be discussed later.
Its utility, however, is enormous. For it means
that any finite-acting system can be transformed
into an equivalent semi-infinite system merely
using the known geometry of the system. Eq. 18,
in dimensionless terms, becomes
T

Q : '.IP D (Op' '.ltD)

(19)
EXAMPIE CALCULATION II
As an example calculation, consider a
transformation on the primal response amplitude
represented by Point P in Fig. 5. For this case
it can easily be seen from Fig. 5 that
ZD

-- =

ZD

PRESSURE RESPONSE TRANSFORMATION TECHNIQUE

Consider the amplitude response profiles

shown in Fig. 6 for a finite and a semi-infinit&
acting system. For a primal geometric constant,
o~, the pressure response amplitude on the
Also,
flnite-acting response profile is represented by
I
Point P.
0.1284. (14)

By constructing a horizontal line PR, a point R

corresponding to the system's reciprocal
response amplitude can be located.
R ::

&~

(0 R' M

D)

0.1284

0.187

1.5,

(15)

1.5 - 1.0 - 0.6 : 0-44

-~

'.IpA (<Xl,M )
D
D co
0.0862

'.IpA
D

p - '.IPDA (cr ' M )

p
D
0.1284

- '.IpA
D

(OR'

(a:>,

0.187)

L,pA (0.06, 0.187)

D

'.ltD)
si

A
A perpendicular line dropped from R to the
M
(0.44, 0.187)
0.0809
D
si
abscissa locates the system's reciprocal
geometric constant and also the point S, which
Using Eq. 19, we have
corresponds to the reciprocal response amplitude,
had the system been semi-infinite-acting.
T
L,P (0.06, 0.187)
D
O. 0809. (16 )
(0.1284) (0.0862)
0.0809
If the system were infinite-acting, the response
amplitude would be independent of the geometric
constants and depend only on 6tD' This can be
0.1375
represented by some point I as shown in Fig. 6:
I :: '.IP~ (co, '.It D)_

0.08619 .' (17)

Now, from the geometric layout of Fig. 6,

it can be shown13 that the response amplitude
level represented by Q relative to that
represented by P is nearly the same as that
represented by I relative to S, viz,

g '"
P

I
S

(18)

Now consider the point Q on the semi-infinite

response profile.
Q :: L,P~
A

(0, L,t ) .
D Sl
p

(0.06, 0.187) . = 0.138.

Sl
D
This is nearly identical to the transformed
finite-acting response amplitude 6Pb (op' 6t D)
0.1375 for Point P calculated above.

L,P

THE DYNAMICS OF VERTICAL PULSE TESTING IN A SLAB RESERVOIR

In a similar manner, we can perform a
transformation on the response amplitude
represented by Point R. For this case, we must
use Point Q on the semi-infinite response
profile instead of Point S used in the previous
calculations. The reasons for this are quite
obvious from the layout of Fig. 6.
EXAMPLE CALCULATION III
For the transformation on the pressure
response amplitude represented by Point R, Fig.
6, we have
0.44

ZD
ZD

T
1 - = 1.5 ,

6t

0.187

SPE 5055-A

response amplitudes, it is equally valid for the

time-lag profiles. Fig. 7 illustrates the
time-lag response profiles for a finite and a
semi-infinite test configuration. As in the case
of the response amplitude, we can transform the
finite time-lag represented by Point P' in Fig.
7, using Eq. 19 expressed in terms of the timelag, viz,
t DL (Op' 6t )f' t DL (00, 6t D)oo
D
t DL (oR' 6tD) .
s~

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (20)
EXAMPLE CALCULATION IV

1.5- 1.0

oR

I =

.44 = 0.06

b.pA (en, b.t )

D
D 00
A
6PD (0:, 0.187)

00

(1.5 - 1.0 - 0.1)

= 6pA ~', b.t D)

D P
f
A
= 6P D (0.44, 0.187)f

0.0862

For the transformation of the response

time-lag represented by Point P' in Fig. 7, we
have
ZD
0.1
T
1.5
0.187
p
ZD

= b.PD

b.p

(OR'

0.4
0.1284

I'

6t D)si

A
(0.06, 0.187) .
D
s~

(Op' b.t D)

DL

(0, b.t D) 00

0.138.

P'

6P~ (0.44, 0.187)

0.0803

DL

(0 , 6t )
D
P
f

S'

D
A

6t )
DL (OR'
D
si

(0.1,

DL

0.187~

t'

DL

Even though the transformation procedure

has thus far only been illustrated for the

(0.1, 0.187)

(0.4671) (0.3960)
0.4091

6P D (0.44, 0.187) = 0.0809

DPn

(0.4, 0.187)

DL

Now applying Eq. 20 yields

(0 , b.t ) .
D s~
P

Here again Point S is nearly identical to the

transformed finite-acting response amplitude
(op' 6tD) for Point R. Thus the data
transformation procedure described above is a
calculational expedience for vertically translating (up or down) the finite-acting response
into the equivalent semi-infinite geometry.

0.4091

Now, consider Point S on the semi-infinite

response profile:
b.P

(-, 0.187)00

DL

0.4671

(0.1284) (0.0862)
0.138

0.3960

And as before,

b.P~

0.4521

If we consider Point Q', on the semi-infinite

response profile, we have

Q'

tD

,
p

/).CD)

.
S~

(0.1, 0.187)

0.4526 "

Here again, as in the response amplitude transformation, the two terms, t~ and Q', are nearly
L

SPE 5055-A

GABRIEL K. FALADE and WILLIAM E. BRIGHAM

identical, thus indicating the validity of the

transformation procedure for the time lag. In
the following, ~alyses will only be illustrated
for the response amplitudes, but the time-lag
calculations will be similar unless otherwise
stated.
As pointed out earlier, this transformation
is not exact, so an evaluation was made of its
accuracy. A complete evaluation of these
results may be found in Ref. 13. Fig. 8 shows
how some of the transformed response amplitudes
relate to the semi-infinite response profile for
a pulse duration of 6tD = 0.187. Similar
curves could also be drawn for other values of
6tD
A graphical display of the maximum errors
from the transformation is shown in Fig. 9 as a
function of pulse duration and with ZDT/ZDR as a
parameter. It can be seen from this figure that
for test configurations with (ZD~ZDR) ~ 2.0,
the transformation is good to within 2 percent
for all admissible pulse durations, but for
pulse durations 6tD < 0.10 and (ZDT/Z%) < 2.0,
the errors involved in the transformation may
run as high as 5-percent. However, the optimum
pulse-test design consideration requires that
the pulse duration should not be too far from
6tD = 0.20*; thus for the large majority of
cases, the error will be less than 2 percent.
From the above considerations, it can be
seen that the response amplitudes can reasonably
be presented on a single semi-infinite response
profile. The variables for such profiles are
the transformed response amplitudes 6PB (Op,6tD)
and the primal geometric constant op.

10 also shows how the boundary effects depend on

both the pulse duration (6tD) and the geometric
configuration (0). When the pulse times are
longer, the boundary affects the response to a
greater extent. Similar curves are shown in
Fig. 11 for the first pulse time-lags. Pulse
duration and geometry also affect the curves of
Fig. 11.
PRESSURE-RESPONSE INTERPRETATION TECHNIQUES
For interpretational purposes, it will
always be necessary to obtain the true dimension
less response amplitude from the data obtained
from the correlation curves. This will involve
carrying out the inverse of the transformation
thus far described, viz, from Eq. 19 we have

t>P~ (0 , l>t n ) =
P
si

Therefore,

t>P~

(Op' l>tn)f

l>pA (0:,

l>tJ
00

Thus far, we have considered several cases

of op for a particular pulse duration 6tD.
l>pT (0 , l>tn)si
Changing the pulse duration will obviously
n
p

change the scale of the response amplitude

l>pA (0:, l>t )
profile. We would prefer to present all
n
n 00
response amplitude profiles on a single compact
(24)
scale. This is simply done by dividing the
semi-infinite response amplitude by its
corresponding infinite-acting response amplitude, Eq. 24 is the inverse transformation equation,
and 6P~ (op, 6tD)f is the required true
viz,
dimensionless response amplitude that can be
(0 , l>t )
calculated graphically from the correlation
p
n s(.
(21) curves as follows.
(~, l>tn)e>Q
Since the correlation curves are based on
This type of transformation (or normalization)
6Pn/(6P~)co, the first term on the right-hand sidE
reduces the primary variables of the interpreta- of Eq. 24 can be read directly from the correlation curve to op and 6Py6P~..,.., and the infinitetion curve using the system's primary geometric
constant 0p and the pulse duration 6tD. In like
acting section of the transformed response
profile becomes unity for all pulse durations as manner, uSlng the reciprocal geometric constant
OR and 6t D, the second term can be read directly.
is shown in Fig. 10 for the first pulse. Fig.
The
product of these two terms gives
*The justification for the selection of this
optimum pulse duration will be discussed in the
accompanying paper (SPE 5055-B).

........

THE DYNAMICS OF VERTICAL PULSE TESTING IN A SLAB RESERVOIR

t,P~

(Op' M n) f

CONCLUSIONS

D.Pn (0:, D.t n )

from which the re;uired 6~
evaluated.

Consider a pulse test with ZDT/ZDR = 1.5

and pulse duration 6tD = 0.187. Suppose op =
0.15. Then, from Eq. 14
ZD

Zn

0.35.

= 0.15

D.P~

1. The dynamics of vertical pulse testing

can be modeled on the basis of the point-source
solution. This will be valid for most practical
field conditions provided that the separation
distance between the pulser and the responder is
reasonably large compared with the perforation
interval.
2. A fast computer evaluation of the pulse
response parameters in a multiphase analysis can
be achieved by initiating calculations using the
steady-state periodic response component of the
system's total response function.

-1)

Using 5p
obtains

and 6tD

0.187 on Fig. 10, one

3. The reciprocity principle is effective

in reducing the amount of data necessary to
evaluate the response profiles of a finite-actin e
system.

(Op' D.tn)f
1. 2194

D.P~ (0:, D.t n )

00

Now, using OR = 0.35 and 6tD

we have

LlP~

(OR' D.tn)si

0.187 on Fig. 10,

0.9426

D.P~ (0:, D.t n )

00
Then
D.p A

0.9426 x 1. 2194

4. The same principle provides a rapid and

reasonably accurate means of constructing
correlation curves. The response of finiteacting systems can be transformed into the
semi-infinite domain, thus easily allowing for
boundary effects. In general, one should expect
that this transformation principle would work
for other geometrical systems where boundaries
are expected to be important.
A companion paper (SPE 5055-B) illustrates
the techniques of vertical pulse test design
and analysis using the correlation curves
developed here.
NCMENCLATURE

But
D.pA (00, D.t

= 0.187)

0.0862

hence,
0.15, D.t

0.187)f

0.9426 x 1.2194

~_0.0862

0.0989

The true value of the dimensionless pressure

response amplitude is
pA
D

(4P

0.15,

From the foregoing analyses, the following

can be concluded.

EXAMPLE CALCULATION V

=(--I_

SPE 5055-A

tD

0.187)f = 0.09713 ,

which agrees with the calculated value to within

2.0 percent.
The accompanying paper (SPE 5055-B) will
illustrate how the above methods of analyses and
correlation curves can be used in the design and
analysis of vertical, multiphase tests under
varying geometric conditions.

q
Q

rD
rw
t

tL
tD
tDL

formation volume factor

compressibility
permeability
horizontal and vertical permeabilities,
respectively
pressure
initial pressure
dimensionless pressure difference
pressure response amplitude
dimensionless pressure response
amplitude
transformed finite-acting pressure
response amplitude
= instantaneous point-source strength
instantaneous volumetric source strength
(qrr r~Zp)
dimensionless radius
wellbore radius
time
time lag
= dimensionless time
= dimensionless time-lag

GABRIEL K. FALADE and WIUJAM E. BRIGHAM

SPE 5055-A

dimensionless pulse duration

dimensionless cycle period
vertical distance from reservoir upper
boundary
vertical distances as defined in Fig. 1

ZB
Zp

Zw
ZT
ZR

ZD

ZDB
ZDR
ZD T

ZDB
ZDw
ZDp

total formation thickness

vertical distance as defined in Fig. 1
dimensionless distance
dimensionless distance of the pulser
from a reference boundary
dimensionless separation distance
between pulser and responder
dimensionless total formation thickness
dimensionless distances as defined in
Appendix A

r
'lr
~

o
op

F(t~~
Io(x)

variable defined by Eq. 31

integration parameter
diffusivity constant
viscosity
porosity
geometric constant
primal geometric constant
reciprocal geometric constant
producti~n function
modified Bessel function of first kind
Subscripts

si

finite system
infinite system
semi-infinite system

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This work was done as a part of Mr.
Falade's PhD thesis while he was a student at
Stanford U. His financial support came
primarily from an Occidental Oil Co. Fellowship
administered through the Federal Government of
Nigeria. Further support came through computer
funds supplied by Stanford U. and Standard Oil
of California.
REFERENCES
1.

2.

Johnson, C. R., Greenkorn, R. A. and Wood,

E. G.: "Pulse Testing: A New Method for
Describing Reservoir Flow Properties
Between Wells," J. Pet. Tech. (Dec. 1966)
1599.
Culham, W. E.: "Amplification of Pulse
Test Theory," J. Pet. Tech. (Oct. 1969)
1245.
Brigham, W. E.: "Planning and Analysis of
Pulse Tests," J. Pet. Tech. (May 1970) 618.
Odeh, A. S.: "Pulse Testing, Mathematical
Analysis and Experimental Verification,"
paper SPE 3536 presented at SPE-AIME 46th
Annual Fall Meeting, New Orleans, Oct. 3-6,
1971.

McKinley, R. M., Vela, S. and Carlton,~. 'I

A. : "A Field Application of Pulse Test1.ng
for Detailed Reservoir Description," J.
Pet. Tech. (March 1968) 313.
-6. Prats, M.: "A Method for Determining the
Net Vertical Permeability Near a Well from
In-Situ Measurements," J. Pet. Tech. (May
1970) 637.
7. Burns, W. A., Jr.: "New Single-Well Test
for Determining Vertical Permeability,"
J. Pet. Tech. (June 1969) 743.
8. Gringarten, A. C. and Ramey, H. J., Jr.:
"Wells With Partial Penetration: An
Approximate Infinite Conductivity Solution,"
to be published.
9. Nisle, R. G.: "The Effect of Partial
Penetration on Pressure Build-Up in Oil
Wells," Trans., AlliE (1958) ~, 85.
10. Hantush, M. S.: "Non-Steady Flow to a Well
Partially Penetrating an Infinite Leaky
Aquifer," Proceedings, Iragi Scientific
Societil (1958).
11. Kazemi, H. and Seth, M. S.: "Effect of
Anisotropy and Stratification on Pressure
Transient Analysis of Wells with Restricted
Flow Entry," J. Pet. Tech. (May 1969) 639.
12. Gringarten, A. C. and Ramey, H. H., Jr.:
"The Use of Source and Green's Functions in
Solving Unsteady-Flow Problems in
Reservoirs," Soc. Pet. Eng. J. (Oct. 1973)
285-296.
13. Falade, G. K.: "The Dynamics and Analysis
of Vertical Pulse Testing for Formation
Anisotropy," PhD dissertation, Stanford U.
(1974).
14. Bruggeman, G. A.: "The Reciprocity
Principle in Flow Through Heterogeneous
Porous Media," Elsevier Publications, New
York (1972) 136-149.
15. Newman, A. B.: "Heating and Cooling
Rectangular and Cylindrical Solids," Ind.
Eng. Chern. (1936) 28, 545.
16. Carslaw, H. S. and Jaeger, J. C.:
Conduction of Heat in Solids, Oxford U.
U. Press, 2nd ed. (1959) 275.
17. Jolley, L. B. W.: Summation of Series,
Dover Publications, Inc., New York, Series
No. 1078, 200.
18. Tolstov, G. P.: Fourier Series, PrenticeHall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N. J. (1962).
5.

APPENDIX A
Analytical Solution Formulation Using
Green's Function
A recent article by Gringarten et al. 12
illustrated the use of the Green's function and
Newman's product method 15 for solving transient
fluid flow problems in reservoirs.
If the fluid withdrawal rate is uniform
over the source volume, the pressure drop at any
point M at time, t, due to a continuous source
of strength q(t) generated at Point Mw within

THE DYNAMICS OF VERTICAL PULSE TESTING IN A SLAB RESERVOIR

10

Ilw, and at time t, (t.> T),

the source domain

is given by 12
~p(M,

t)

6C

impermeable boundaries is 12

Jo

q(t)S(M, t-T) dT

(A-I)

G(M, M

, t-T) dM

ISin~::~)

(A-2)

G(M,Mw,t) is the instantaneous Green's function

for the domain of interest, while S(M,t) is the
instantaneous source function for the source
system under consideration.
For a constant production and injection
rate at the source location, Eq. A-I becomes

~p(M, t)

6~t

S(M, T) dT

(A-3)

1T~

sin

C::B) II

(A-S)

Defining dimensionless variables,

t

k t

r
.1.
JJ

~2

J.Lc t""'R

where ~R is the transformed vertical distance

between the source and response location in the
slab source

...L
r

With Eq. A-3, finding a solution to the fluid

flow problem for-any porous medium system reduces to finding the instantaneous source
function satisfying the source system in
question and its associated boundary conditions.
The source function for the physical
system described by Eqs. 1 through 4 and Fig. 1
is not apparent, but it can be synthesized from
the known instantaneous source functions for its
basic compon~nts. The source system we are
concerned with in this problem can be visualized
as a finite solid cylindrical source system or
a combination of (1) an infinite solid
cylindrical source system of radius r w, and
(2) an infinite horizontal slab source of
thickness ~p situated in an infinite horizontal
slab reservoir with upper and lower impermeable
boundaries. Using Newman's product method, the
instantaneous source function for our system
can be obtained from the product of the two
instantaneous source functions above.

2~T

+--

~l ;ex

where
S(M, t-T)

SPE SOSS-A

=
where x
r

w, R, B, or T, and
r

=-r
w

Using these dimensionless variables in Eqs. A-3

through A-S, the equations are transformed to

(A-7)

The instantaneous source function for an

infinite solid cylindrical source is
1

S (r, t)
s

= 217

t
r

exp (4-;
r

t)
(A-8)

-2

.exp/~)r'dr'
\417 t

(A - 4)

and the instantaneous source function for an

infinite horizontal slab source in an infinite
horizontal slab reservoir with upper and lower

and

SPE 5055-A

GABRIEL K. FALADE and WIlLIAM E. BRIGHAM

11

. (A-9)

Using Newman's product method 15 on Eqs. A-8 and A-9, the instantaneous source function for
our source system can be written down immediately, viz,
(A-10)
Therefore,
ZD
S(M, t) =

--E...
ZD
T

!
1

2Z

00

ZD

Eq. A-11
pressure drop
through 4 and
thus
= O.

rn

Z2
D

n=l

1(

1
exp (n

2 2 2
n W ZDR'D )

10

2Z

~D
r'

)exp

-r'
(2

2D

4Z

)
t

dr~

. . . . . . . . . . . (A-l1)

completely describes the instantaneous source function required to formulate the

at any point within the porous domain. For the specific case described by Eqs. 1
Fig. 1, the response location is located at the same radial position as the source;
Eq. A-11 can thus be simplified to
2Z

ZD
S[M(r = 0, ZD), tDJ = --E...
D
ZD
T

TTZ

00

.L
.p

n=l

1
;exp

2 2 2
\
n TT ZD t
D
R
Z2
D

(A-12)

If the integral on the right-hand side (RHS) of Eq. A-12 is evaluated and expanded in a Taylor's
series, the second and subsequent terms are less than 1 percent of the first term if ZDR ~ 3.5/
Hence,

.JtD.

SPE 5055-A

THE DYNAMICS OF VERTICAL PULSE TESTING IN A SLAB RESERVOIR

12

>

provided Z
DR

I
1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (A-13)

exp -

(~)
it;;

Substituting Eq. A-13 into Eq. A-12 yields

~exp

4Z

(A-14)

DR D

Now consider the expression

2Z

= 1TZ T
D
p

co

2:

exp

(A-15)

n=l

which is a portion of the RHS of Eq. A-14.

Eq. A-15 can be expanded as follows:

2 2 2

co

'

n 1T ZD t
D
R

~exp

n=l

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (A-16)

or

/o+Zow I
ZD-ZD

n=l

From Poisson's summation formula 16 we have

exp

n1T1;
cos - ) dl;
( Z~

(A-17)

GABRIEL K. FAIADE and WILLIAM E. BRIGHAM

SPE 5055-A
2

CD

exp

Z~

CD

1+2

= -Z-J1rt
D
D

n::-CD

2 exp -

13

2 2 2
1T ZD t
D
R

Z2
D

n::1

Uffc
cos ( ZD

. (A-18)

Using Eq. A-18 in Eq. A-17 gives

2

CD

2:

exp - - - - -

(A-19)

n=-oo

The other portion of the RHS of Eq. A-14 can be expressed in a fashion similar to Eq. A-19, and
when these expressions are substituted into Eq. A-14, the result is
Z

JZO+ZOB

2:

,;:;

exp -

as

.rt;;

. . . (A-20)

ZZD
R

n=-oo

ZD-ZD

l;+ZnZ

00

For further simplification, let

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (A-21)

Then

II

(A-22)

Using Eqs. A-21 and A-22 in Eq. A-20 renders it into an equation that can be easily integrated,
with the following result:
00

8Z

eric
t

n=-oo
2nZ

- eric

- eric

ZnZ D +ZD+ZD \
T
w

+Z
T

+ eric

. . . (A-23)

The summation of complementary error functions in Eq. A-23 is the contribution to the system's

THE DYNAMICS OF VERTICAL PULSE TESTING IN A SLAB RESERVOIR

14

SPE '5055-A

source function from the infinite slab source.

Under certain conditions of time and spatial arrangements, it is possible to approximate the
effect of the slab source with that of ~l infinite plane source. The approximation is valid
whenever ZD > ZD /4J~tD.13 When this approximation is substituted for Eq. A-23 , it becomes
R

ZD

= 8Z~R~
p

S(M, 'D)

+ ZD + (ZDw :

2nZ

00

n~oo

DT
exp -

F;;

2Z

ZD

)1
)

DR
2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (A-2 4)

+ exp -

>

provided Z

3.5
-

rnaXIn

DR

ZD)
p

.;;;;'

4/rrt
D

Using Eq. A-24 in Eq. A-7 yields:

k
+ exp

exp -

d'T D

(A- 25)

Let us define a dimensionless pressure as follows:

P(ZD'

oAp D

) . 47Tk ZD
r
R
2
(qZD 7Tr )1J.
w
P
t

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (A-26)

Then, when Eq. A-25 is integrated, it becomes

00

n=-oo

with

15

GABRIEL K. FAIADE and WILLIAM E. BRIGHAM

SPE 5055-A

Zn

>

maXITl

erfc

1'

(A-27)

3.5
( --,

Eq. A-27 is the continuous response or the memory function for a point-source system, thus
indicating that within the limits of time and spatial arrangements imposed, a finite solid
cylindrical source in an infinite horizontal slab reservoir can be approximated by a point source
in that reservoir, provided the point-source strength is equal to the volumetric strength of the
finite cylindrical source.
Using Eq. A-27 as the indicial response equation, the response of our system to any form of
input disturbance can be easily formulated.
APPENDIX B
Calculation of Response Amplitude and Time Lag
The total pressure response profile is shown by Eq. 5. The follOWing is a brief description
of the method of evaluating the response amplitude and time lag from this response function using
the Johnson et al. 1 gradient method.
For brevity, we shall illustrate the evaluation procedure for the amplitude and time lag of
the first pulse response only. Calculations for the second and later pulses are identical in
nature.
Consider the total response profile given in Fig. 2. The main focus of the computation is
to draw a line tangential to the response profile at Points C and D. Then at C and D we have

as required by the Johnson et al. gradient method. Since neither Point C nor D is known, a trialand-error technique was used to locate these points.
First we try to locate Point C by evaluating the first m~n~mum of the steady-state response
component of the total response function. This steady periodic component was obtained by Fourier
analyzing the total response function. 13 The following periodic equation is obtained.

co

=;

I
k=O

(2:+1)

n=-co

16

THE DYNAMICS OF VERTICAL PULSE TESTING IN A SLAB RESERVOIR

SPE 5055-A

sin

....
2

-~

exp -

/V~_

sin

-J

2{2k+l)

(2k+l)rr

. (B-1)

This, together with the total response function given by

ZD +ZD
w
B

eric

ZD

2nZ

+ ----...:R:..(-Z-D-W-+-Z-D--,-) eric

2nZ~+ZD-

DT

(ZDw+ZD \
B
+ZD2

2Z D

J {tD -ITl~tD}

1
(B-2)

form the two basic equations that are Qeeded for computing the pulse response characteristics.
With this background, the computational procedure can be described sequentially as follows.
1. Using the steady periodic response function, search for the first minimum Point C'.
gives the first good guess for C at tD1 (see Fig. 2).

This

2. Evaluate the total response pressure ~PD(ZD,tDl) at tDl and also the slope of the
pressure response, S(ZD,tD 1 ).

3.

Increase tDl by the cycle period TD of the response function to obtain an approximate
value for D at t~2 (see Fig. 2). Note that this step assumes that the frequency of the output
function is nearly identical to that of the input function. This is a good first approximation
because the system is linear.
4. Improve on t52 by defining a neighborhood around t5 2 (t~2 - O.26tD < tD~ < tD2 + O.26tD).
Now locate an improved tD2 within the defined neighborhood such that the slope S(ZD,tD2 ) is equal
to S(ZD,tDl)j i.e.,

SPE 5055-A

17

ABRIEL K. FALADE and WIIllAH E. BRIGHAH

I~PD(ZD' t D ) Ie

at

a
= at

I ~PD(ZD' t D ) ID .

DID

Also obtain the corresponding pressure response DpD(ZD,tD2) at this point tD2'
5.

Join the points {6PD(ZD,tD1)' tD1}' {6PD(ZD, tD2), tD2} and evaluate the slope
aPD(ZD' tD2) - ~PD(ZD' tD 1 )
t
- t
D
D
Z
1

6.

If f

S(ZD' t

< 10

-10

,go to step 9.

This level of precision

is essential because in cases where the response amplitude is low and hence not well defined,
lower precision tests may not converge on the exact point required.
7. If >10-10 , define a neighborhood around tD1 and locate another point tD1 such that
the slope is equal to S(tD1,tD2) from step 5, viz,

at

~PD(ZD' t D )

Ie

APO(ZO' '02 ) - l\PO(ZO'

t
D - t
2
D
1

'0,1 )

8. Repeat steps 3 through 6. Usually only two or three iterations are required before
going to step 9. This contrasts sharply with the possibility of going through 15 or more
iterations had the initial guess on tD1 been unguided.
9. Move to the middle of the range by increasing tD1 by the pulse duration 6tD to obtain a
first guess on E at t:5 (see Fig. 2). Define a range ( tD3 - O.4L;tD) <::: tD <. (tD3 + O.4f',tD)
3
around tD3 and locate a new point tD3 within the defined range such that ~he slope S(ZD,tD3) is
equal to S(tD1,tD2)' viz,

This is equivalent to drawing

E. Then,

a:
..o.PD(ZD' tD)J
DIe

= a:
D

I~pdZD' D ) jE =
t

~PD(Z D' t D ) - ~PD(ZD'

2_ t
Dz
D

tn )
1

10. From Fig. 2 it can be seen that the amplitude ~(ZD,6tD) and time-lag tL can be
evaluated as

and the time lag is given by

t

=t D
= t

- t
3

_!: T
3

(.:::..!.) T
Z
D

for odd pulses

for even pulses

This completes the calculations necessary for any particular pulse.

be repeated as many times as there are pulses.

The same procedure can

Upper Boundary

-_
-_
- :..J
.
__

Pulser Perforations

~;.~

..,;r------ Packer
I - - - - - - -__ Tubing Packer

__-------------- Pressure Transducer

-

Responder Perforation

Lower Boundar

Fig. 1
Vertical pulse test
configuration.

~tD = 0.187

8 = 0.35
0.2

0.1
0.04

o
-

0.02

0.04

Fig. 2
The steady periodic response
compared to the total response.

~~~~~~~~~ UPPER BOUNDARY

Z'0a
ZOT
:5.0
ZOR

0.18

ZOR

to: 0.187

~~Wli2Wli2Wli2Wli2W$/,~LOW ER BOUN DARY

SEMI-INFINITE ACTING
(UPPER
BOUNDARY EFFECT)

INFINITE ACTING

I
I

0.10

0.06

SEMI-INFINITE ACTING
( LOWER
BOUNDARY EFFECT)

L--_ _I....-_---l_ _--.l._ _--J.._ _-I..._ _-L..._ _...l-_ _....l.-_ _...L.-._---J

0.4

0.8

2.8

1.2

3.2

3.6

Fig. 3 - Effect of bound~ry location on

pulse response characteristics.

(a)

(b)

Fig. 4 - The reciprocity principle

in a slab reservoir.

4.0

0.2

0.16

~P~I

1.5

2.0 2.5

3.0

5.0

0.12

0.08

0.04 l---.L..-----L---1--..I-...L..-J-..I-.l--_ _--L..._--.L.._l..--..L-i-.1.-L.L..L

0.02
0.04 0.06
0./
0.2
0.4 0.6
1.0

.l.-.._..l----L.--I..-J

Z'

~=S
ZOR

Fig. 5 - Am p lit ude res po nsec h a rae t e r i s tic s

for various ZOT/ZOR.
0.17
SEM J-1NFINITE

~ RESPONSE PROFILE

0.15
~-

0.13

FINITE-ACTING
RESPONSE PROF1LE

I
I

0.09

I = 0.08619

I
I

I Sp

0.04

0.07

0.1

=S

Fig. 6 - I I lustration of data transformation

from finite to semi finite response.

050
FINITE RESPONSE
PROFILE

0.48

0.46

0.44
r

tl'i.

0.42

0.40

0.38

SEMI-INFINITE
RESPONSE
PROFILE

lap

laR

I': 0.3960

L..-..-....l.-_ _..J....-..----J_..l---.l....--_ _I-...--_----J_---I-----L----L._ _---I-_ _- - - I - _ - L . - _

0.02

0.04 0.06

0.1

0.2

0.4 0.6 0.81.0

2.0

8 =(l~B)
lOR

Fig. 7 - Response profile transformation

in time-lag space.

4.0 6.0

0.17
o

ZOT
- - = 2.0
ZOR

0.15
ZOT

- - = 1.5

ZOR

0.13

SEMI-IN FINITE
RESPONSE PROFILE

INFINITE
RESPONSE
AMPLITUDE

0.09

0.07

L -_ _-L._-L_.l-....L-.L-l-L..L...L.

0.01

0.02

0.04

0.07

0.1

-'--_-'---L--I..-L....J-.L...J....l..-_ _--L._---..l..----I

0.2

0.4

0.7

1.0

2.0

ZOS

-=0
ZOR

Fig. 8 - Transformed finite responses compared

to semi-infinite response.
6.0

5.0

0~

4.0

.....

a:
0
a:
a: 3.0
UJ
E
)(
0

2.0

1.0

OL...-..I..--.l.......I.-t:::;...-.

0.06 0.08

0.1

....l-_ _"O"::::=-...J...----l._..I..--..l........J

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

t:.t o

Fig. 9 - Maximum percent error

in the transformed responses.

4.0

0.45

2.0

0.6

0.8 1.0

1.5

2.0 2.5
1.01

1.8
0.99
1.6
0.97

6pT
0

1.4

(6P~ )CO

0.95
\.2

B
0.93

\.0

0.8
0.01

0.02

0.05

0.1

0.2

0.5

1.0

2.0

Fig. 10 - Correlation curves for first

pu I se response amp I i tude.

5.0

I.

25

1.20

1.15

1.05

1.00

-----

0.95 L..-_ _....l...-_...l---l...--l........L-..L....J....J...J.

0.01
0.02
0.05
0.1

I....--J._...J..--'--.L..-l......L-l.....J...._ _- - - ' - _.......

0.2

0.5

1.0

8
Fig. 11 - C()rrelation curves for the
first pulse time lag.

2.0