Warning: getimagesize(http://www.spidr.com/oil-and-gas/images/gal/img/Newsletter/Steve laptop_1.JPG) [
function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: HTTP request failed! HTTP/1.1 400 Bad Request
in
/homepages/14/d303328943/htdocs/oil-and-gas/newsapost.php on line
219
Using the SPIDR as a Surface Read-Out
By Adam Swartley |
Tue, 19 May 2009
We have recently been working with an operator here in the US on a long duration test in South Texas. The primary goal of this test has been to develop a map of the reservoir. This is a new find for the operator so they of course want to discover the dimensions of their prospect. Because of the low permeability of the formation, testing is a slow process. The SPIDR offers many advantages for this type of test, but the most important one is our ability to watch the test as it happens and make changes to the test plan in real-time.
The test includes a series of build-ups and extended drawdowns over the course of a few months, designed to utilize the reservoir mapping abilities of Dr. Fred Goldsberryís Wavex service. By analyzing drawdown pressure data, Dr. Goldsberry is able to draw a map of the reservoir that will show the operator the location and distance to limits, as an overlay to the seismic information.
The SPIDR is used as the primary means of testing this well. The SPIDR captures high quality pressure data at surface, which we at DRC then convert to bottomhole conditions for Dr. Goldsberry to analyze. The key to this test is that the SPIDR data is downloaded and transmitted back to DRC on a weekly basis, so that all parties involved can see the progress of the test. Because this is a new formation with limited information about reservoir dimensions or characteristics, it is vital to be able to watch the test as it happens. In this way we are actually able to make decisions about how to proceed with the test on the fly. If the test data could not be viewed in real-time it would be impossible to determine the test duration until after the test finished, which of course means that there will be a high probability of not testing for a long enough time. By testing from surface using the SPIDR you are able to eliminate any uncertainty about test duration and test effectiveness by actually watching the test as it happens.
In this case the SPIDR data is only needed on a weekly basis because of the tight rock nature of the formation. For higher permeability formations it would be necessary to view the data on an hourly or daily basis to effectively watch your test. Data from the SPIDR can be accessed at any time with a laptop without interrupting the recording process. The SPIDR can even be connected via the internet to allow for remote data acquisition. This allows operators to watch their tests happen in real-time from their desk.
The SPIDR can also be a valuable tool even if you plan to run a downhole gauge during your test. As long as you do not plan to shut-in your well downhole the SPIDR can be used as a surface read-out to determine if the well has been shut-in for a long enough duration and watch the test in real-time. The SPIDR has even been used recently on DST type tests where the operator plans to shut-in the well downhole. In this case the SPIDR is used on an initial surface shut-in to allow the operator to determine the necessary build-up time. This allows the operator to then proceed with a downhole shut-in with knowledge of how long that shut-in needs to last. In this way operators can save hours or even days of rig time by minimizing their test duration.
The ability to watch your test in real-time is just one of the many advantages in testing from surface using the SPIDR, as opposed to placing equipment downhole where you will not be able to access the data until after the test is completed.
