SPEO ORGANIZING TYPE OF ISSUING DOC. REF. N. PAG. 1 

DEPARTMENT  ACTIVITY' DEPT. TYPE
ENI S.p.A. 
OF 115 
  E&P Division 
STAP P 1 M 7130

Eni S.p.A. Exploration & Production division

Drilling Completion & Production Optimization

Well Operating Standards

WELL TEST PROCEDURES MANUAL

Date of validity: 01-01-2005

Revision/Reproductio n Record:
2
1 01-12-2004
0 General Issue 28-06-1999
Rev.No Reason for revision/reproduction Date

Technical Validation
P repared P. Magarini  Signature(s): Date:
02-11-2004

C ontrolled C Lanzetta Signature(s): Date:

02-11-2004

 A pproved F Trilli Signature(s): Date:

02-11-2004

Endorsement
V erified C Lanzetta Signature(s): Date:
30-11-2004

E ndorsed F. Trilli Signature(s): Date:

30-11-2004

I ssued  A. Calderoni Signature(s): Date:

30-11-2004

The present document is CONFIDENTIAL and it is the property of Eni

It shall not be shown to third parties nor shall it be used for reasons different from those owing to which it was given.
 

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INDEX
1.  INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 8 
1.1  PURPOSE OF THE MANUAL .............................................................................. 8 
1.2  IMPLEMENTATION .............................................................................................. 8 
1.3  UPDATING, AMENDMENT, CONTROL & DEROGATION................................... 9 
1.4  OBJECTIVES........................................................................................................ 9 
1.5  DRILLING INSTALLATIONS ................................................................................ 10 

2.  TYPES OF PRODUCTION TEST ..................................................................................... 11 

2.1  DRAWDOWN........................................................................................................ 11 
2.2  MULTI-RATE DRAWDOWN ................................................................................. 11 
2.3  BUILD-UP ............................................................................................................. 11 
2.4  DELIVERABILITY ................................................................................................. 11 
2.4.1  FLOW-ON-FLOW.................................................................................. 12 
2.4.2 ISOCHRONAL ...................................................................................... 12
2.4.3  MODIFIED ISOCHRONAL .................................................................... 12 
2.4.4  RESERVOIR L IMIT ............................................................................... 12 
2.5  INTERFERENCE .................................................................................................. 13 
2.6  INJECTIVITY......................................................................................................... 13 

3.  GENERAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES................................................................. 14 

3.1  RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES....................................................................... 14 
3.1.1  COMPANY DRILLING AND COMPLETION SUPERVISOR ................. 14 
3.1.2  COMPANY JUNIOR DRILLING AND COMPLETION
SUPERVISOR ....................................................................................... 15 
3.1.3  COMPANY DRILLING ENGINEER ....................................................... 15 
3.1.4  COMPANY PRODUCTION TEST SUPERVISOR ................................. 15 
3.1.5  COMPANY WELL SITE GEOLOGIST .................................................. 15 
3.1.6  CONTRACTOR TOOLPUSHER ........................................................... 16 
3.1.7  CONTRACT PRODUCTION TEST CHIEF OPERATOR ....................... 16 
3.1.8  CONTRACTOR DOWNHOLE TOOL OPERATOR ............................... 16 
3.1.9  WIRELINE SUPERVISOR..................................................................... 16 
3.1.10  COMPANY STIMULATION ENGINEER................................................ 16 
3.1.11  COMPANY RESERVOIR ENGINEER................................................... 16 
3.2  RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES ON SHORT DURATION TESTS ................... 17 
3.2.1  COMPANY DRILLING AND COMPLETION SUPERVISOR ................. 17 
3.2.2  COMPANY JUNIOR DRILLING AND COMPLETION
SUPERVISOR ....................................................................................... 17 
3.2.3  COMPANY WELL SITE GEOLOGIST .................................................. 17 
3.2.4  CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL .............................................................. 17 

4.  WELL TESTING PROGRAMME ...................................................................................... 18 

 

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4.1  CONTENTS........................................................................................................... 18 

5.  SAFETY BARRIERS ........................................................................................................ 19 

5.1  WELL TEST FLUID............................................................................................... 19 
5.2  MECHANICAL B ARRIERS - ANNULUS SIDE ..................................................... 20 
5.2.1  SSTT ARRANGEMENT ........................................................................ 20 
5.2.2  SAFETY VALVE ARRANGEMENT....................................................... 22 
5.3  MECHANICAL BA RRIERS - PRODUCTION SIDE............................................... 23 
5.3.1  TESTER VALVE ................................................................................... 23 
5.3.2  TUBING RETRIEVABL E SAFETY VALVE (TRSV) OR (SSSV) ........... 24 
5.3.3  CASING OVERPRESSURE VALVE ..................................................... 24 

6.  TEST STRING EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................ 25 

6.1  GENERAL ............................................................................................................. 25 
6.2  COMMON TEST TOOLS DESCRIPTION ............................................................. 30 
6.2.1  BEVELLED MULE SHOE ..................................................................... 30 
6.2.2  PERFORATED JOINT/PORTED SUB .................................................. 30 
6.2.3  GAUGE CASE (BUNDLE CARRIER) ................................................... 30 
6.2.4  PIPE TESTER VALVE .......................................................................... 30 
6.2.5  RETRIEVABLE TEST PACKER ........................................................... 30 
6.2.6  CIRCULATING VALVE (BYPASS VALVE) .......................................... 30 
6.2.7  SAFETY JOINT..................................................................................... 31 
6.2.8  HYDRAULIC JAR ................................................................................. 31 
6.2.9  DOWNHOLE TESTER VALVE ............................................................. 31 
6.2.10  SINGLE OPERATION REVERSING SUB............................................. 31 
6.2.11  MULTIPLE OPERATION CIRCULATING VALVE ................................ 31 
6.2.12  DRILL COLL AR .................................................................................... 31 
6.2.13  SLIP JOINT........................................................................................... 32 
6.2.14  CROSSOVERS ..................................................................................... 32 
6.3  HIGH PRESSURE WELLS ................................................................................... 32 
6.4  SUB-SEA TEST TOOLS USED ON SEMI-SUBMERSIBLES ............................... 32 
6.4.1  SUB-SEA TEST TREE.......................................................................... 32 
6.4.2  FLUTED HANGER................................................................................ 33 
6.4.3  SLICK JOINT (POLISHED JOINT) ....................................................... 33 
6.4.4  SSTT VALVE ASSEMBLY.................................................................... 34 
6.4.5  LATCH ASSEMBLY.............................................................................. 34 
6.4.6  BLEED OFF VALVE AND RETAINER VALVE ..................................... 34 
6.5  FISHING TOOL..................................................................................................... 35 
6.6  LUBRICATOR VAL VE.......................................................................................... 35 
6.7  TOOLS FOR DYNAMIC POSITIONING RIG......................................................... 36 
6.7.1  SHEAR JOINT ...................................................................................... 36 
6.7.2  ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM ..................................... 36 
6.7.3  REAL-TIME SURFACE READ-OUT OF SUB SEA PRESSURE
 AND TEMPERATURE........................................................................... 37 

7.  SURFACE EQUIPMENT .................................................................................................. 38 

 

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7.1  TEST PACKAGE .................................................................................................. 38 

7.1.1  FLOWHEAD OR SURFACE TEST TREE ............................................. 38 
7.1.2  FLEXIBLE FL OW LINES AND PIPING................................................. 38 
7.1.3  DATA/INJECTION HEADER................................................................. 39 
7.1.4  CHOKE MANIFOLD.............................................................................. 39 
7.1.5  STEAM GENERATOR AND HEAT EXCHANGER / INDIRECT
HEATER................................................................................................ 40 
7.1.6  SEPARATOR........................................................................................ 41 
7.1.7  DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM............................................................. 43 
7.1.8  GAUGE/SURGE TANKS ...................................................................... 43 
7.1.9  TRANSFER PUMP................................................................................ 44 
7.1.10  DIVERTER MANIFOLDS ...................................................................... 44 
7.1.11  BURNERS............................................................................................. 44 
7.1.12  BOOMS................................................................................................. 45 
7.1.13  GAS TORCHES .................................................................................... 45 
7.1.14  STORAGE TANKS FOR LIGHT AND HEAVY OIL ............................... 45 
7.1.15  TANKER TRUCK CHARGING SYSTEM .............................................. 46 
7.2  EMERGENCY SHUT DOWN SYSTEM ................................................................. 50 
7.3   ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT.................................................................................. 50 
7.3.1  CHEMICAL INJECTION PUMP ............................................................ 50 
7.3.2  SAND DETECTORS ............................................................................. 50 
7.3.3  CROSSOVERS ..................................................................................... 51 
7.4  RIG EQUIPMENT.................................................................................................. 51 
7.5  DATA GATHERING INSTRUMENTATION........................................................... 51 
7.5.1  OFFSHORE LABORATORY AND INSTRUMENT MANIFOLD
EQUIPMENT ......................................................................................... 51 
7.5.2  SEPARATOR........................................................................................ 52 
7.5.3  SURGE OR METERING TANK ............................................................. 52 
7.5.4  STEAM HEATER .................................................................................. 52 

8.  BOTTOM HOLE DATA ACQUISITION ............................................................................ 53 

8.1  EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION................................................................................ 53 
8.1.1  WIRELINE UNIT.................................................................................... 53 
8.1.2   ADAPTER FLANGE.............................................................................. 53 
8.1.3  BOP ...................................................................................................... 53 
8.1.4  TOOL TRAP.......................................................................................... 53 
8.1.5  LUBRICATOR RISERS......................................................................... 54 
8.1.6  FLOW TUBE TYPE STUFFING BOX.................................................... 54 
8.1.7  SAFETY CHECK VALVE...................................................................... 54 
8.1.8  INJECTION NIPPLE ............................................................................. 54 
8.1.9  TOOL CATCHER .................................................................................. 55 
8.1.10  DOWN HOLE PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE GAUGES ............... 55 
8.1.10.1  GAUGE TYPES................................................................... 55 
8.1.10.2  GAUGE INSTALLATION ..................................................... 56 
8.1.11  PRODUCTION LOGGING TOOL .......................................................... 58 
8.1.12  DOWN HOLE SAMPLING TOOL.......................................................... 58 

9.  PERFORATING SYSTEMS.............................................................................................. 59 

9.1  TUBING CONVEYED PERFORATING ................................................................. 59 
 

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9.2  WIRELINE CONVEYED PERFORATING ............................................................. 59 

9.3  PROCEDURES FOR PERFORATING.................................................................. 59 

10. PREPARING THE WELL FOR TESTING......................................................................... 61 

10.1  PREPARATORY OPERATIONS FOR TESTING.................................................. 61 
10.1.1  GUIDELINES FOR TESTING 7INS LINER LAP ................................... 61 
10.1.2  GUIDELINES FOR TESTING 95/8INS LINER LAP ................................ 61 
10.1.3  GENERAL TECHNICAL PREPARATIONS .......................................... 61 
10.2  BRINE PREPARATION ........................................................................................ 62 
10.2.1  ONSHORE PREPARATION OF B RINE................................................ 62 
10.2.2  TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSFER OF FLUIDS............................. 62 
10.2.3  RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................... 62 
10.2.4  RIG SITE PREPARATIONS.................................................................. 63 
10.2.5  WELL AND SURFACE SYSTEM DISPLACEMENT TO BRINE ........... 64 
10.2.6  DISPLACEMENT PROCEDURE........................................................... 65 
10.2.7  ON-LOCATION FILTRATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BRINE.......... 65 
10.3  DOWNHOLE EQUIPMENT PREPARATION ........................................................ 66 
10.3.1  TEST TOOLS........................................................................................ 66 
10.4  TUBING PREPARATION...................................................................................... 66 
10.4.1  TUBING CONNECTIONS ..................................................................... 66 
10.4.2  TUBING GRADE................................................................................... 67 
10.4.3  MATERIAL ............................................................................................ 67 
10.4.4  WEIGHT PER FOOT ............................................................................. 67 
10.4.5  DRIFT.................................................................................................... 68 
10.4.6  CAPACITY ............................................................................................ 68 
10.4.7  DISPLACEMENT .................................................................................. 68 
10.4.8  TORQUE ............................................................................................... 68 
10.4.9  INSPECTION ........................................................................................ 68 
10.4.10  TUBING MOVEMENT ........................................................................... 69 
10.5  LANDING STRING SPACE-OUT.......................................................................... 70 
10.5.1  LANDING STRING SPACE-OUT PROCEDURE .................................. 73 
10.6  GENERAL WELL TEST PREPARATION ............................................................. 73 
10.6.1  CREW ARRIVAL ON LOCATION ......................................................... 73 
10.6.2  INVENTORY OF EQUIPMENT ONSITE................................................ 73 
10.6.3  PRELIMINARY INSPECTIONS............................................................. 74 
10.7  PRE TEST EQUIPMENT CHECKS....................................................................... 75 
10.8  PRESSURE TESTING EQUIPMENT .................................................................... 76 
10.8.1  SURFACE TEST TREE......................................................................... 77 

11. TEST STRING INSTALLA TION ....................................................................................... 80 

11.1  GENERAL ............................................................................................................. 80 
11.2  TUBING HANDLING............................................................................................. 81 
11.3  RUNNING AND PULLING .................................................................................... 81 
11.4  PACKER A ND TEST STRING RUNNING PROCEDURE ..................................... 82 
11.5  RUNNING THE TEST STRING WITH A RETRIEVABLE PACKER ...................... 82 
 

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11.6  RUNNING A TEST STRING WITH A PERMANENT PACKER ............................. 83 

12. WELL TEST PROCEDURES ........................................................................................... 85 

12.1   ANNULUS CONTROL AND PRESSURE MONITORING ..................................... 85 
12.2  TEST EXECUTION ............................................................................................... 85 

13. WELL TEST DATA REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................. 87 

13.1  PRE-TEST PREPARATION.................................................................................. 87 
13.2  METERING REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................. 87 
13.3  DATA REPORTING .............................................................................................. 88 
13.4  WELL TEST DATA ACQUSITION PROCEDURE................................................. 89 

14. SAMPLING....................................................................................................................... 90 

14.1  CONDITIONING THE WELL ................................................................................. 90 
14.2  DOWNHOLE SAMPLING ..................................................................................... 90 
14.3  SURFACE SAMPLING ......................................................................................... 91 
14.3.1  GENERAL ............................................................................................. 91 
14.3.2  SAMPLE QUANTITIES ......................................................................... 92 
14.3.3  SAMPLING POINTS ............................................................................. 92 
14.3.4  SURFACE GAS SAMPLING................................................................. 93 
14.4  SURFACE OIL SAMPLING .................................................................................. 94 
14.5  SAMPLE TRANSFER AND HANDLING............................................................... 95 
14.6  SAFETY ................................................................................................................ 96 
14.6.1  BOTTOM-HOLE SAMPLING PREPARATIONS ................................... 96 
14.6.2  RIGGING UP SAMPLERS TO WIRELINE ............................................ 97 
14.6.3  RIGGING DOWN SAMPLERS FROM WIRELINE ................................ 97 
14.6.4  BOTTOMHOLE SAMPLE TRANSFER AND VALIDATIONS................ 97 
14.6.5  SEPARATOR/WELLHEAD SAMPLING ............................................... 98 
14.6.6  SAMPLE STORAGE ............................................................................. 98 

15. WIRELINE OPERATIONS................................................................................................ 99 

16. HYDRATE PREVENTION ................................................................................................ 100 

17. NITROGEN OPERATIONS .............................................................................................. 101 

18. COILED TUBING OPERATIONS ..................................................................................... 102 

19. WELL KILLING ABANDONMENT ................................................................................... 103 

19.1  WELL KILLING..................................................................................................... 103 
19.2  WELL KIL LING ABANDONMENT........................................................................ 103 
 

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2. TYPES OF PRODUCTION TEST

2.1 DRAWDOWN
 A drawdown test entails flowing the well and analysing the pressure response as the
reservoir pressure is reduced below its original pressure. This is termed drawdown. It is
not usual to conduct solely a drawdown test on an exploration well as it is impossible to
maintain a constant production rate throughout the test period as the well must first clean-
up. During a test where reservoir fluids do not flow to surface, analysis is still possible.
This was the original definition of a drill stem test or DST. However, it is not normal
nowadays to plan a test on this basis.

2.2 MULTI-RATE DRAWDOWN

 A multi-rate drawdown test may be run when flowrates are unstable or there are
mechanical difficulties with the surface equipment. This is usually more applicable to gas
wells but can be analysed using the Odeh-Jones plot for liquids or the Thomas-Essi plot
for gas.
It is normal to conduct a build-up test after a drawdown test.
The drawdown data should also be analysed using type curves, in conjunction with the
build up test.

2.3 BUILD-UP
 A build-up test requires the reservoir to be flowed to cause a drawdown then the well is
closed in to allow the pressure to increase back to, or near to, the original pressure, which
is termed the pressure build-up or PBU. This is the normal type of test conducted on oil
well and can be analysed using the classic Horner Plot or superposition.
From these the permeability-height product, kh, and the near wellbore skin can be
analysed.
On low production rate gas wells, where there is a flow rate dependant skin, a simple form
of test to evaluate the rate dependant skin coefficient, D, is to conduct a second flow and
PBU at a different rate to the first flow and PBU. This is the simplest form of deliverability
test described below.

2.4 DELIVERABILITY
 A deliverability test is conducted to determine the well’s Inflow Performance Relation, IPR,
and in the case of gas wells the Absolute Open Flow Potential, AOFP, and the rate
dependant skin coefficient, D.
The AOFP is the theoretical fluid rate at which the well would produce if the reservoir sand
face was reduced to atmospheric pressure.
This calculated rate is only of importance in certain countries where government bodies
set the maximum rate at which the well may be produced as a proportion of this flow rate.
 

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There are three types of deliverability test:

•  Flow on Flow Test.
•  Isochronal Test.
•  The Modified Isochronal Test.

2.4.1 FLOW-ON-FLOW
Conducting a flow-on-flow test entails flowing the well until the flowing pressure stabilises
and then repeating this at several different rates. Usually the rate is increased at each step
ensuring that stabilised flow is achievable. The durations of each flow period are equal.
This type of test is applicable to high rate gas well testing and is followed by a single
pressure build up period.

2.4.2 ISOCHRONAL
 An Isochronal test consist of a similar series of flow rates as the flow-on-flow test, each
rate of equal duration and separated by a pressure build-up long enough to reach the
stabilised reservoir pressure. The final flow period is extended to achieve a stabilised
flowing pressure for defining the IPR.

2.4.3 MODIFIED ISOCHRONAL

The modified isochronal test is used on tight reservoirs where it takes a long time for the
shut-in pressure to stabilise. The flow and shut-in periods are of the same length, except
the final flow period which is extended similar to the isochronal test. The flow rate again is
increased at each step.

2.4.4 RESERVOIR LIMIT

 A reservoir limit test is an extended drawdown test which is conducted on closed reservoir
systems to determine their volume. It is only applicable where there is no regional aquifer
support. The well is produced at a constant rate until an observed pressure drop, linear
with time, is achieved. Surface readout pressure gauges should be used in this test.
It is common practice to follow the extended drawdown with a pressure build-up. The
difference between the initial reservoir pressure, and the pressure to which it returns, is
the depletion. The reservoir volume may be estimated directly from the depletion, also the
volume of produced fluid and the effective isothermal compressibility of the system. The
volume produced must be sufficient, based on the maximum reservoir size, to provide a
measurable pressure difference on the pressure gauges; these must therefore be of the
high accuracy electronic type gauges with negligible drift.
 

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2.5 INTERFERENCE
 An interference test is conducted to investigate the average reservoir properties and
connectivity between two or more wells. It may also be conducted on a single well to
determine the vertical permeability between separate reservoir zones.
 A well-to-well interference test is not carried out offshore at the exploration or appraisal
stage as it is more applicable to developed fields. Pulse testing, where the flowrate at one
of the wells is varied in a series of steps, is sometimes used to overcome the background
reservoir pressure behaviour when it is a problem.

2.6 INJECTIVITY
In these tests a fluid, usually seawater offshore is injected to establish the formation’s
injection potential and also its fracture pressure, which can be determined by conducting a
step rate test. Very high surface injection pressures may be required in order to fracture
the formation.
The water can be filtered and treated with scale inhibitor, biocide and oxygen scavenger, if
required. Once a well is fractured, which may also be caused by the thermal shock of the
cold injection water reaching the sandface, a short term injection test will generally not
provide a good measure of the long term injectivity performance.

 After the injectivity test, the pressure fall off is measured. The analysis of this test is similar
to a pressure build-up, but is complicated by the cold water bank.
 

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5.3 MECHANICAL BARRIERS - PRODUCTION SIDE

On the production side there are a number of barriers or valves, which may be closed to
shut-off well flow. However some are solely operational devices. The barriers used in well
control are:

Semi-submersibl e string - Latched

•  Tester valve
•  SSTT
•  Surface test tree.

Semi-submersibl e string - Unlatched

•  Tester valve
•  SSTT.

Jack-Up
•  Tester valve
•  Safety valve
•  Surface test tree.

Land well
•  Tester valve
•  Safety valve
•  Surface test tree.

5.3.1 TESTER VALVE

The tester valve is an annulus pressure operated fail safe safety valve. It remains open by
maintaining a minimum pressure on the annulus with the cement pump. Bleeding off the
pressure or a leak on the annulus side closes the valve.
The tester may have an alternate lock open cycle device and it is extremely important that
this type of valve is set in the position where the loss of pressure closes the valve. It is
unsafe to leave the tester valve in the open cycle position as in an emergency situation
there may not be sufficient time to cycle the valve closed.
The tester valve may be considered as the primary barrier during the production phase.
 

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5.3.2 TUBING RETRIEVABLE SAFETY VAL VE (TRSV) OR (SSSV)

This is a valve normally installed about 100m below the wellhead or below the mud line in
permanent on-shore and off-shore completions respectively.
This type of valve can also be installed inside the BOP for well testing as an additional
downhole barrier on land wells or on jack-up rigs, see Figure 5-2  for the various
configurations of BOP stacks combinations relating to the production casing size.
Due to the valve OD (7-8ins) available today in the market, its use with 7” production
casing is only possible by installing a spacer spool between the tubing spool and the pipe
rams closed on a slick joint directly connected to the upper side of the valve itself. A space
of at least two metres between pipe rams and top of tubing spool is required.
The valve OD must be larger than the slick joint to provide a shoulder to prevent upward
string movement.
 A small size test string with a 5.25ins OD safety valve can be used with 7ins casing, as
indicated.
In all cases the valve is operated by hydraulic pressure through a control line and is fail
safe when this pressure is bled off. The slick joint body has an internal hydraulic passage
for the control line.
The safety valve can be considered the secondary barrier during production.

5.3.3 CASING OVERPRESSURE VAL VE

 A test string design which includes an overpressure rupture disk, or any other system
sensible to casing overpressure, should have an additional single shot downhole safety
valve to shut off flow when annulus pressure increases in an uncontrolled manner.
This additional safety feature is recommended only in particular situations where there are
very high pressures and/or production casing is not suitable for sudden high
overpressures due to the test string leaking.
This valve is usually used with the single shot circulating valve which is casing pressure
operated and positioned above the safety valve, hence will open at the same time the
safety valve closes. This allows the flow line to bleed off the overpressure.
 

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6. TEST STRING EQUIPMENT

6.1 GENERAL
The well testing objectives, test location and relevant planning will dictate which is the
most suitable test string configuration to be used. Some generic test strings used for
testing from various installations are shown over leaf:
For well tests performed inside a 7ins production liner, use full opening test tools with a
2.25ins ID. In larger production casing sizes the same tools will be used with a larger
packer. In 5-51/2ins some problems can be envisaged: availability, reliability and reduced
ID limitations to run W/L. tools, etc. smaller test tools will be required, but similarly, the
tools should be full opening to allow production logging across perforated intervals. For a
barefoot test, conventional test tools will usually be used with a packer set inside the
95/8ins casing.
If conditions allow, the bottom of the test string should be 100ft above the top perforation
to allow production logging, reperforating and/or acid treatment of the interval.
In the following description are included tools that are required both in production tests
and conventional tests. The list of tools is not exhaustive, and other tools may be included.
However, the test string should be kept as simple as possible to reduce the risk of
mechanical failure. The tools should be dressed with elastomers suitable for the operating
environment, considering packer fluids, prognosed production fluids, temperature and the
stimulation programme, if applicable.
The tools must be rated for the requested working pressure (in order to withstand the
maximum forecast bottom-hole/well head pressure with a suitable safety factor).
In a well testing through a completion string, prior to flowing, the annulus will be
pressurised to 500 psi and this pressure will be held, monitored and recorded throughout
the entire test.
 

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Figur e 6-1 - Typical Jack Up/Land Test Strin g - Packer Wit h TCP Guns On Packer
 

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Figure 6-2 - Typical Test String - Production Packer With TCP Guns Stabbed Through
 

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Figur e 6-3 - Typic al Jack Up/Land Test Stri ng - Retri evable Packer
 

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Figur e 6-4 - Typical Semi-Submersi ble Test Stri ng - Retri evable Packer
 

S P E O  IDENTIFICATION CODE PAG  37  OF  115 

ENI S.p.A. 
  E&P Division  REVISION
STAP-P-1-M-7130 0 1

The electro-hydraulic pod/control system shall be provided with:

•  Clamps to support the umbilical to the landing string, hold its position
over the thermal tubing couplings, and protect the umbilical from the
lateral movements of the marine riser.
•  “Unique” connections on the sub sea umbilical and surface jumper hose
to prevent accidental miscoupling,
•  A hose bundle protective shield for rotary table.

The sub sea umbilical provided shall permit up to 5 litre/minute methanol injection at 690
bar sub sea injection pressure.
Red alert on the rig and SSTT control panels shall not be interfaced as trouble prone
systems should not form part of a well control system. Simple BOP and SSTT control
systems shall be independent - linked by procedures.

6.7.3 REAL-TIME SURFACE READ-OUT OF SUB SEA PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE

To enable the proper measurements against hydrate problems to be taken at all times
real-time surface read-out of sub sea pressure and temperature shall be provided.
 

S P E O  IDENTIFICATION CODE PAG  38  OF  115 

ENI S.p.A. 
  E&P Division  REVISION
STAP-P-1-M-7130 0 1

7. SURFACE EQUIPMENT

This sub-section describes the components of the surface equipment and the criteria for
its use; typical lay-outs of the surface equipment for light oil, heavy oil and gas production
tests are respectively shown in Figure 7-1, Figure 7-2 and Figure 7-3. 
 A test pressure programme for the surface layout equipment must be prepared by the
contractor.

7.1 TEST PACKAGE

7.1.1 FLOWHEAD OR SURFACE TEST TREE

Modern flowheads are of solid block construction (a single steel block) as opposed to the
earlier modular units which were assembled from various separate components.
Irrespective of the type used, both should contain:
•  Upper Master Valve for emergency use only.
•  Lower Master Valve situated below the swivel for emergency use only.
•  Kill Wing Valve on the kill wing outlet connected to the cement pump or
the rig manifold.
•  Flow Wing Valve on the flow wing outlet, connected to the choke
manifold, which is the ESD actuated valve.
•  Swab Valve for isolation of the vertical wireline or coil tubing access.
•  Handling Sub which is the lubricator connection for wireline or coiled
tubing and is also used for lifting the tree.
•  Pressure Swivel which allows string rotation with the flow and kill lines
connected.

With the rig at its operating draft, the flowhead should be positioned so that it is at a
distance above the drill floor which is greater than the maximum amount of heave
anticipated, plus an allowance for tidal movement, for example 5 ft and an additional 5ft for
a safety margin.
Flexible flow lines are used to connect the flowhead kill wing and flow wing outlets
respectively to the rig manifold and the test choke manifold. A permanently installed test
line is sometimes available which runs from the drill floor to the choke manifold location.

7.1.2 FLEXIBL E FLOW LINES AND PIPING

Flexible flow lines must be installed on the flowhead correctly so as to avoid damage.
They must be connected so that they hang vertically from the flowhead wing outlets. The
hoses should never be hung across a windwall or from a horizontal connection unless
there is a pre-formed support to ensure they are not bent any tighter than their minimum
radius of 5ft.
Hoses are preferred to chiksan connections because of their flexibility, ease of hook up
and time saving. They are also less likely to leak since they have fewer connections. On
floaters, they connect the stationary flowhead to the moving rig and its permanent
pipework.
 

S P E O  IDENTIFICATION CODE PAG  39  OF  115 

ENI S.p.A. 
  E&P Division  REVISION
STAP-P-1-M-7130 0 1

Piping must have hammer connections with sealing devices and pressure rating
compatible with the application.
The hammer connection shall be welded on pipe for upstream application; it should be
welded on pipe for down stream application.
The connection for up stream application on HP-HT wells shall be flange type.
 Additional protection can be provided by installing relief valves in the lines. It is now
common practice to have a relief valve on the line between the heater and the separator to
accommodate for any blockage downstream which may cause an over-pressure in the
line. If there is a potential risk from plugging of the burner nozzles by sand production,
then consideration should be given to installing additional relief valves downstream of the
separator to protect this lower pressure rated pipework.
 All surface lines from the wellhead to the flare manifold and vessels must be pressure
tested using water; all pressures will be recorded on a Martin Decker type chart recorder.
 All surface lines will be anchored to the platform deck or to the ground.

Note: Ensure that the flexible flow lines are suitable for use with corro sive
brines.

7.1.3 DATA/INJECTION HEADER

This item is usually situated immediately upstream of the choke. The data/injection header
is merely a section of pipe with several ports or connections to enable:
•  Chemical injection
•  Wellhead pressure recording
•  Temperature recording
•  Wellhead pressure recording with a dead weight tester
•  Wellhead sampling
•  Sand erosion monitoring
•  Bubble hose.

Each port shall be equipped with a block and bleed valve.

Most of the pressure and temperatures take off points will be duplicated for Data
 Acquisition System sensors.

7.1.4 CHOKE MANIFOLD

The choke manifold is a system of valves and chokes for controlling the flow from the well
and usually has two flow paths, one with facilities to install and change chokes of fixed
sizes and the other with an adjustable choke. Some choke manifolds may also incorporate
a bypass line.
Each flow path shall have a minimum of two closing valves which are used to direct the
flow through either of the chokes or the bypass and to provide isolation from pressure
when changing the fixed choke.
 A well shall be brought in using the adjustable choke and this choke should never be fully
closed against well flow.
 

S P E O  IDENTIFICATION CODE PAG  40  OF  115 

ENI S.p.A. 
  E&P Division  REVISION
STAP-P-1-M-7130 0 1

The flow should then be redirected to the appropriately sized fixed choke for stable flow
conditions.
The testing contractor should ensure that a full range of fixed chokes sizes are available in
good condition.
Due to the torturous path of the fluids through the choke, flow targets are positioned where
the flow velocities are high and impinge on the bends. Ensure that these have been
checked during the previous refurbishment to confirm they are still within specification.
Downstream choke manifold lines will preferably not be less than 3” OD.

7.1.5 STEAM GENERATOR AND HEAT EXCHANGER / INDIRECT HEATER

Heat is required from a steam generator and a heat exchanger or from an indirect heater
to:
•  Prevent hydrate formation when testing gas wells
•  Prevent wax deposition when testing high waxy, paraffin type crudes
•  Break foams or emulsions
•  Reduce viscosity of heavy oils.

The heat required to raise a gas by 1oF can be estimated from the formula:

2,550 x Gas Flow (mmscf/day) x Gas Specific Gravity (air = 1.000), BTU/hr/°F

The heat needed to raise oil by 1°F can be estimated from:

8.7 x Oil Flow (bbls/day) x Oil Density (gms/cm3), BTU/hr/°F.

The heat exchanger is set up with an external heating source, which should preferably be
steam from a steam generator.
The heat exchanger must be equipped with the following features:
•  A minimum of two coils with interconnection by means of a choke box
either enclosed in the vessel or by an external connection.
•  Isolation valves to enable bleeding off the coils for the purpose of
changing the choke.
•  A temperature control system regulating the external heating source
based on the required well fluid discharge temperature.
•  Pressure and temperature sensors both upstream and downstream of the
choke.
•  By-pass line with double valve arrangement together with isolation valves
on inlet and outlet of coils.
•  Two independent pressure relief devices protecting the steam vessel
against rupture. Each individual device shall be capable of discharging
the maximum well production rate in case of coil or tube rupture.
•  Gas detection system for the steam-condensate discharged from the
heater. This system shall be connected to an automatic shut-off device to
prevent gas-laden condensate returning to the supplying boiler.
 

S P E O  IDENTIFICATION CODE PAG  41  OF  115 

ENI S.p.A. 
  E&P Division  REVISION
STAP-P-1-M-7130 0 1

•  If the secondary coil has a lower pressure rating than the primary coil or
the down stream valve, the coil shall be equipped with a pressure relief
device.
•  A non-return valve for the steam inlet.

The indirect heater is set up with an internal heating source, consisting of a combustion
chamber, in contact with but hydraulically separated from the vessel.
The indirect heater must be equipped with the following features:
•  A minimum of two coils with interconnection by means of a choke box
either enclosed in the vessel or by an external connection.
•  Isolation valves to enable bleeding off the coils for the purpose of
changing the choke.
•  The choke box shall be manufactured to receive both fixed choke and
adjustable choke.
•  The adjustable choke assembly shall have pressure capabilities for the
purpose of testing high pressure coil tubing.
•  A temperature control system regulating the internal heating source
•  Pressure and temperature sensors both upstream and downstream of the
choke.
•  By-pass line with double valve arrangement together with isolation valves
on inlet and outlet of coils.
•  The internal heating source shall enable the burners to be fed with diesel
or gas coming from the well. The pilot light must be supplied by an
independent source.
•  The starter for both the pilot light and the burners shall be electric. The
electric circuit shall be explosion proof.
•  Shall be equipped with gas detector and combustion control device, in
order to prevent the starting of burners in presence of gas inside the
combustion chamber. Shall be provided by a fan in order to flow the
combustion chamber.

On high flow rate wells, a 4 inches bore steam heater should be used to reduce high back
pressures.
 Always use the largest steam heater and associated generator that space or deck loading
will allow as the extra output capacity will be a contingency for any serious problem which
may arise. The rig steam generator will usually not have the sufficient output and therefore
a diesel-fired steam generator in conjunction with the steam heat exchanger should be
provided by the surface test contractor.

7.1.6 SEPARATOR
The test separator is required to:
•  Separate the well flow into three phases: water, oil and gas
•  Measure the flow rate of each phase, at known conditions
•  Measure the shrinkage factor
•  Sample each phase at known temperature and pressure.
 

S P E O  IDENTIFICATION CODE PAG  42  OF  115 

ENI S.p.A. 
  E&P Division  REVISION
STAP-P-1-M-7130 0 1

The following features shall be included:

•  Pressure control system.
•  Oil and water level control system with liquid level glasses for water/oil
and oil/gas interface; in oil well test, the oil level should be kept as low as
possible.
•  Position for both manual data acquisition and computerized data
acquisition on vessel, gas line, oil line and water line.
•  Oil, gas and water metering facilities to cover the full flow capacity range
of the separator.
•  Changing of the gas orifice shall be possible without interrupting the
separation process.
•  Injection point for chemicals at inlet manifold.
•  Manhole so that internal visual inspection and cleaning can be
performed.
•  The inlet manifold shall allow the upstream fluid to be bypassed to either
the oil, gas or water discharge line. The manifold shall be equipped with
sufficient valves to isolate the vessel itself.
•  Two independent pressure relief devices protecting the vessel against
rupture. Each individual device shall be capable of discharging the design
production rate in case of overpressure. The first intervention relief valve
shall discharge in the outlet connected to the low pressure gas line. The
second intervention relief valve shall discharge to the atmosphere.
•  Drain line.
•  The flow control instruments shall be operated by either air or gas.

The separator pressure has to be kept as low as the well performance allows but in any
case lower than 50% of the upstream pressure (to maintain critical conditions).
The standard offshore separator is a horizontal three phase, 1,440 psi working pressure
unit. This can handle up to 60mmscf/day of dry gas or up to 10,000 bopd of oil and
associated gas at its working pressure. Other types of separators, such as the vertical or
spherical models and two-phase units may be used.
Gas is metered using a Daniel’s or similar type orifice plate gas meter. The static
pressure, pressure drop across the orifice plate and the temperature are all recorded.
From this data the gas flow rate is calculated.
The liquid flow rates are measured by positive displacement or vortex meters.
The oil shrinkage factor is physically measured by allowing a known volume of oil, under
controlled conditions, to de-pressurise and cool to ambient conditions. The shrinkage
factor is the ambient volume divided by the original volume. However, the small volume of
the shrinkage meter means that this is not an accurate measurement.
The oil flow rate is corrected for any volume taken up by gas, water, sand or sediment.
This volume is calculated by multiplying the combined volume by the BS&W measurement
and the tank/meter factor. Oil meters are calibrated onshore but it is also necessary to
divert the oil flow to a gauge tank for a short period to obtain a combined shrinkage/meter
factor as the meter calibration is subject to discrepancies arising from varying oil gravity
and viscosity.
The separator relief system is calibrated onshore and should never be function tested
offshore; hence the separator should only be tested to 90% of the relief valve setting.
 

S P E O  IDENTIFICATION CODE PAG  43  OF  115 

ENI S.p.A. 
  E&P Division  REVISION
STAP-P-1-M-7130 0 1

It is important that the separator bypass valves, diverter valves for the vent lines leading
from the separator relief valve, rupture disc or back-up relief valve, are checked for ease
of operation.

7.1.7 DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM

It is now common custom to use computerised Data Acquisition Systems (DAS) during
offshore well tests. However, it is essential that manual readings are still recorded
separately for correlation of results and as a contingency in the event of problems
occurring to the DAS.
These systems can collect, store and provide plots of:
•  Surface data
•  Downhole data from gauges
•  Memory gauge data

The main advantage of the DAS is that real time plots can be displayed at the well site for
troubleshooting. Another advantage is that all the surface (and possibly downhole) data is
collected in one system and can be supplied on a floppy disk for the operator to analyse
and subsequently prepare well reports.

7.1.8 GAUGE/SURGE TANKS

 A gauge tank is an atmospheric vessel whereas a surge tank is usually rated to 50psi WP
and is vented to the flare. A surge tank is essential for safe working if H2S production is
anticipated. Consequently, surge tanks should always be used on wildcat wells and gauge
tanks used only in low risk situations.
Tanks are used for checking the oil meter/shrinkage factors and for measuring volumes at
rates that are too low for accurate flow meter measurement. They usually have a capacity
of one hundred barrels and some have twin compartments so that one compartment can
be filled while the other is pumped to the burner/storage tank via the transfer pump.
Gauge tanks shall also include the following features:
•  A double compartment, non pressurized vessel
•  A gas vent line with adequate dimensions
•  Inlet and outlet manifolds
•  Sight glasses, calibration stripes and safety relief valve.

Surge tanks shall also include the following features:

•  The tank shall be suitable for two phase gas/oil separation.
•  Pressure control system.
•  Position for both manual data acquisition and computerized data
acquisition on vessel, gas line, oil line.
•  Level glasses for oil/gas interface.
•  The inlet manifold shall allow the upstream fluid to be bypassed to either
oil and gas discharge line. The manifold shall be equipped with sufficient
valves to isolate the vessel itself.