RFT

Repeat Formation Tester can take an unlimited number of formation pressure

measurements and up to two fluid samples in a single trip in open hole.
Two sample chambers are available in the tool to take samples from two different
zones, or to take a segregated sample from one zone
Two pretest chambers of 10 cc each are automatically opened after the tool is set to
withdraw 20 cc of fluid at two different rates. The pretest samples are not saved.
Pressure drawdown during this period and the following build-up curve are recorded
at the surface and provide data for formation pressure and permeability calculations.
The formation fluid is made to enter a chamber (first pre-test chamber) through a
special valve that limits the flow rate to about 60 cm3/min. The sampling pressure
is measured. When the first chamber is full, it is closed-off and a second pretest
chamber is filled at a higher rate (150 cm3/min), while measuring the fluid pressure.

It may be decided that the tool should not take an operational sample, but move on
to another depth. If this is the case, the pretest chambers are emptied into the
borehole, the back-shoe is retracted, the drilling mud pressure is re-recorded, and the
tool moves on to another depth. If an operational sample is required, one of two
valves to two chambers is opened so that fluid flows into a chamber. The fluid
sample is commonly 10 liters.

The most common problems are:

A Tight Test. If the sample is very impermeable the sampling pressure drops to near
zero. In this case it will take too long to obtain a pressure reading and the tool may
stick in the borehole.
Stuck Tool. Usually when the tool has been set at a given depth for some time.
Plugging. Reservoir grains from the formation may enter the tool and block the flow
lines, especially in unconsolidated samples. This problem is reduced by the filter in
the sampling probe, but fine grains may still get through.
Seal Failure. If the packer fails, the drilling mud will be sampled and the mud
pressure will be recorded.

Log Quality Control:

1) Depth Matching
2) Hydrostatic Pressure (HP) Before and After
3) Mud Density Calculation and Comparison
4) Formation Pressure Buildup Data QA and QC
Strain Gauges: Wellsite Calibration & Verification
Quartz Gauges: Factory Calibrated

MDT
The available modules are as follows:
MRPC Electrical Power Cartridge. This module converts AC power from the
surface to provide DC power for all other modules in the configuration and can only
be connected at the top of the string.
MRHY Hydraulic Power Module. This module contains an electric motor and
hydraulic pump to provide hydraulic power for setting and retracting the probe
modules. It can be placed almost anywhere in the tool string, but must be adjacent
to the probe module that it is powering.
MRPS Single Probe Module. This module contains the probe assembly with
packer and telescoping back-up pistons. It also houses the pressure gauges, fluid
resistivity and temperature sensors and the pre-test facility. It can be placed
anywhere in the string, but must be connected directly to the hydraulic power
module. There are two versions of the MRPS, one with strain gauge only and one
with both strain and quartz gauges.
MRSC Conventional Sample Chamber Modules. These are available in three
sizes: 1, 2- and 6 gallons. The 1 and 2- gallon chambers exist in both H2S and
non-H2S versions. The 1 and 2- gallon chambers can be placed anywhere in the
string; however, the 6 gallon chamber can only be placed at the bottom since it does
not have a flowline or electrical bus. The 6 gallon chamber can be expanded in
volume in multiples of 6 gallons by adding more sample cylinders.
MRMS Multi-Sample Module. The MRMS contains 6 sample bottles of 450 cc
each. The bottles are not part of the MRMS asset. In fact, they must be ordered
separately as MPSR-AB. This module allows one to collect up to 6 samples for PVT
(Pressure Volume Temperature) analysis per trip downhole
MRPO Pumpout Module. This module allows you to pump reservoir fluid to the
borehole so that virgin fluid can be recovered. The module can also be used to pump
fluid from the borehole into the flowline for inflating the packers of the dual packer
module. There is a facility which allows the module to pump within the flowline
(e.g. from a sample chamber to the inflatable packers).
MRFA Optical Fluid Analyzer Module. This module uses optical techniques to
detect the presence of oil, water and gas in the flowline. Visible and near infra-red

spectroscopy allows it to distinguish between oil and water while reflection

techniques allow gas detection.
MRPD Dual-Probe Module. This module contains two probes mounted
diametrically opposite each other. It is connected below a single probe module to
form a multiprobe system. This system is used to make anisotropic permeability
measurements. A large volume pretest with known flowrate is necessary to create
large enough pulses in the formation. For this reason the flow control module is used
in conjunction with the multi-probe system. Two versions of MRPD exist, one with
strain gauge only at the "horizontal" probe and one with both a quartz gauge and a
strain gauge at the "horizontal" probe.
MRCF Flow Control Module. This module contains a 1 liter pretest chamber
where the flowrate can be accurately measured and controlled. It can be used to
create a large enough pressure pulse in the formation for multiprobe measurements.
The MRCF can also be used in conjunction with the MRMS as a 1-liter receiver for
the MRMS water cushions. This allows sampling at an accurately controlled
flowrate or drawdown. However, note that the MRCF cannot be used as an
additional sample chamber for the purpose of bringing fluid to the surface.
MRPA Dual Packer Module. Two inflatable packers are mounted on this module.
When inflated, they isolate an area of borehole wall about two thousand times the
area of a conventional probe. This allows a large volume drawdown at high flowrate
followed by a build up test to estimate permeability further into the reservoir (50 to
80 feet). There are two versions of the MRPA available, one with a strain gauge only
and one with both strain and quartz gauges.

MDT has a bussed flowline which means the flowline passes through each module
except MRPC & MRSC-EB (6 gallon).

RFT vs MDT
Feature

RFT

MDT

Pretest volume

20 cc fixed

0-20 cc variable

Pretest rate

Two fixed rates

Variable

No control

Programmable

Avoid going below bubble point. Improved

perm calculation.

HP 0.01 % reading
+2 psi

CQG 0.01 % reading

+ 2 psi.

No comparative MDT advantage.

HP 0.01 psi.

CQG 0.01 psi

No comparative MDT advantage.

HP. Within 1 psi. in

10 minutes

CQG. Within 1 psi

in a few sec. with
dynamic correction
2 min. without
dynamic correction.

Faster pressure measurements. Up to 50%

time savings per pretest. More evident in
low-medium perm. RIG TIME SAVINGS

HP 0-12,000 psi.

CQG 0-15,000 psi

Samples per trip

2 samples maximum.
i.e. one segregated
sample per trip.

Fluid resistivity
Sensor

None

12 MRMS samples
plus additional sample
chambers.
Resistivity cell in
flowline. (0-20) ohmm with .01 ohm-m
resolution.
From 6.0 to 14 in.
without dressing the
tool.

Pretest
drawdown
pressure
Quartz gauge
accuracy
Quartz gauge
resolution
Quartz gauge
dynamic
response:
Response to
5000 psi shock.
Quartz gauge
pressure range

Tool hole size

dynamic range.

Large hole kit

From 6.0 to 9.0 in.

without dressing the
tool
Many spacer kits
available but
minimum hole size
also reduced.

Mechanical
Strength

N/A

Cased hole
usage

Kit Available

Large hole kit

works in 8.5 to 19.0
in. holes
160,000 lbs in tensile
mode. 166,000 lbs at
10,000 psi and
240 F
Cannot be used in
cased hole.

Comparative MDT Benefit

Faster pretest in low and medium
permeability. RIG TIME SAVINGS
Drawdown rate adapted to formation perm.
Avoid excessive drawdown and going below
bubble point. Improved perm calculation.

Pressure measurement possible in deeper

high pressure wells.
Reduced operating time due to less runs in
the hole for more than two samples per trip.
RIG TIME SAVINGS.
In situ Rw estimate. Real time decision
making during sampling saves time and
improves chamber utilization.
Increased probability to make measurements
in washed out holes even below tight
restrictions. Gets data where RFT cannot.
Gets data where RFT cannot.
More rugged for TLC operations. Less risk
of damage during fishing. Data available in
6.0 in hole with TLC. Not possible with
RFT on TLC.
No comparative MDT benefit.

MDT vs DST
MDT

DST

Gets the reservoir pressure point by point

Just 3 point pressure measurement

Investigates near wellbore regime

Much more deeper in reservoir

Takes time just as a trip

Takes time for days

No flow to surface so there is no need for

flare or disposal system
Doesnt evaluate the reservoir boundary &
fault

Flow to surface
Evaluates the reservoir boundary & fault

Evaluates the specific layer properties

Evaluates the whole reservoir

Specifies the depleted or thief zones

Doesnt do that
Measures , well productivity, IPR curve,
wellbore damage (S), reservoir boundaries &

faults, drainage radius,

Measures Pi, fluid gradient, fluid contacts,

vertical homogeneity and heterogeneity,
communications between layers