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A Revolution in Reservoir Characterization

Article · January 1996

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 A revolution in reservoir
characterization
ireline formation testers have evolved through a series of
W innovations and small refinements. The new Modular Formation
Dynamics Tester (MDT*) tool now offers major innovation - multiple
sampling during a single wireline run, and rapid pressure
measurement using new generation quartz gauges that stabilise
quickly to measure formation pressure. Multiple, uncontaminated
fluid samples, fast and accurate pressure surveys, determination of
permeability anisotropy and even a mini drillstem test on wireline are
all within the reach of the engineer today.
In this article Cosan Ayan, Adrian Douglas and Fikri Kuchuk show
some of the initial applications of the MDT tool.

Special Contribution - Anya Radeka for thorough and challenging field testing of the MDT
tool in the Middle East while with the Technique Department in Dubai.
W
hen wireline formation testers
were introduced, almost 40
years ago, there was one simple
objective - fluid sampling. The first wire-
line testing tool, the Formation Tester, Electric power Electric power
was introduced in 1955, specifically to col- module module
lect reservoir fluid samples, but could
only collect one sample per trip in the
well. This tool was replaced first by the
Hydraulic power Hydraulic power
Formation Interval Tester (FIT*) and
module module
then, in 1975, by the Repeat Formation
Tester (RFT*) tool.
The arrival of the RFT tool allowed
operators to devise new applications for Probe module
wireline testing. The fluid sampling capa- Probe module
bilities of the RFT tool often played a sec-
ondary role to the repeat pressure
measurements which this tool made pos- Dual probe
sible for the first time. module
The most recent step of this evolu-
tionary progression is the development
of the Modular Dynamics Formation Flow control
Tester (MDT*) tool. As a replacement for module
the RFT tool, the MDT tool offers signifi-
cant improvements in pressure measure-
ment, thanks to its Combinable Quartz Sample modules Optical fluid
Gauge (CQG*) and improved sampling analysis module
capabilities (figure 3.1).
The collection of condensates and
critical fluids at the sandface, one of the
most difficult downhole sampling opera- Multi-sample
tions, can be carried out quickly and effi- modules
ciently using the new tool with very
small pressure drawdowns.
Recently, the MDT tool was used to
determine lateral hydraulic continuity in
a Middle East sandstone reservoir. The Sample
tool was run in a horizontal well using modules
the Tough Logging Conditions (TLC*) sys-
tem. Deployed in its basic configuration,
the MDT tool generated a pressure pro-
file (figure 3.2) which indicated a low Dual-
packer
porosity interval between x280 ft and Pump-out
module
x350 ft, which acted as a flow barrier, and module
consequently a significant pressure differ-
ential had developed across this interval.
One of the most important improve-
ments offered by the new tool is the abil- This feature allows the engineer to Fig. 3.1: A MODEL OF MODULARITY: The
ity to control a multitude of tool functions reduce chamber volume for faster tests standard MDT with the single probe module
from the surface. The MDT tool’s single in tight zones where flow rates are very and multiple sample chambers. The single
probe module contains a 20 cc pre-test low. Another type of surface pre-test is to probe module offers a variable pre-test
chamber and a new CQG (Combinable Quartz
chamber. However, the size of this cham- set the maximum allowable pressure Gauge) which provides fast and accurate
ber can be adjusted from the MAXIS-500* drop during the test. This prevents gas pressure measurements. The optional modules
(wellsite surface instrumentation) acqui- liberation around the probe in tight for- provide permeability anisotropy, mini DST
sition unit. mations. (drillstem test), sampling and fluid
identification capabilities. The tool's modular
design enables engineers to select the modules
required for a particular operation.

44 Middle East Well Evaluation Review

 4000
HYP(psia)
HYP(psia)

2000

x250

x300

x350

x400

x450

x500

x550
-.15
2.95
RHOB(G/C3)

NPHI
45
95

Fig. 3.2: SIDEWAYS GLANCE: An MDT tool-derived pressure profile and the density-neutron log recorded in a horizontal well in a Middle East sandstone.
The MDT tool was run in this well to verify hydraulic continuity throughout the reservoir. The density-neutron plot shows a relatively low porosity
interval from x280 ft to x350 ft. Unfortunately, it is not apparent from these logs whether or not the zone is a permeability barrier. However, the formation
pressure measured with the MDT tool gives a clear indication of pressure discontinuity along the well trajectory.

Figure 3.3 shows two pre-tests which (a) 1110 Fig. 3.3: TIME SAVER:
were carried out at the same depth. The Stabilization times can
first used a pre-test chamber size of 7 cc be reduced by lowering
1108 the volume withdrawn
and achieved stabilized build-up pres-
during pre-tests. Pre-tests
sures in five minutes. The other, which
Pressure (psi)

taken at the same depth

filled a 20 cc chamber, required 17 min- 1106 show that while a build-
utes to reach formation pressure. The up preceded by 7 cc
option of variable pre-test chamber size drawdown (a) stabilizes
means faster surveys and helps the engi- 1104 in five minutes, it takes
7 cc pre-test 17 minutes to reach
neer to avoid dry/incomplete tests in
at x120 ft formation pressure
low-permeability zones.
1102 when withdrawing 20 cc
during drawdown (b).
Fluid contacts
1100
The depths at which water is overlain 100 200 300 400 500
by oil (the oil-water contact) and oil is
overlain by gas (the gas-oil contact) are Time (sec)
very important reservoir parameters.
Once we have an accurate picture of
the reservoir’s internal boundaries we
can estimate actual volume of oil and (b) 1110
gas in place. This is clearly very impor-
tant in the early stages of field develop-
ment, when the emphasis is on 1108
identifying overall reservoir extent. The
Pressure (psi)

well completion methods selected to

1106
minimize gas-water coning will depend
on the locations of the gas-oil and oil-
water contacts. 1104
20 cc pre-test
at x120 ft
1102

1100
100 200 300 400 500

Time (sec)

Number 16, 1996. 45

 7100
TVD
GR
7200
Density-Neutron
(a)
x474.8
(Raw and smoothed) psia
x474.6
Pressures
x474.4
x474.2
30
The excellent resolution and accuracy
possible with quartz gauges makes them
the obvious choice for determining these
fluid contacts (figure 3.4). Conventional
quartz gauges, however, require long sta-
bilization periods when subjected to sud-
den pressure and temperature changes,
such as those encountered during the
pre-testing of oil and gas wells.
Strain gauges have a better dynamic
response (i.e. they give a stable reading
much sooner) than the conventional
quartz gauge. However, they are not
accurate enough for most fluid gradient
determinations. The CQG offers the
dynamic behaviour of the strain gauge
coupled with the accuracy of a quartz
gauge (figure 3.5).
The CQG owes its exceptional
dynamic response to the fact that temper-
ature and pressure measurements are
made with a single quartz resonator. This
breakthrough was achieved by forcing
the resonator to oscillate simultaneously
in two different modes (frequencies). One
mode is dominantly pressure-sensitive,
while the other is influenced mainly by
temperature. This means that the adia-
batic effect introduced by pressure varia-
tion is immediately sensed by the
temperature mode and automatically
46
Gas
Oil
Water
Pressure (psi) Resistivity
(b)
x474.8
(Raw and smoothed) psia
x474.6
Pressures
x474.4
x474.2
60 90 120 150
Delta time sec
compensated, ensuring an excellent
dynamic response. A few minutes can be
saved during each test and, when many
pre-tests are performed, the minutes add
up to hours of rig time.
Sweet success in sour gas
Home Oil and partners recently drilled a
carbonate test well in Alberta, Canada.
The hydrocarbon target was a gas zone
rich in natural gas liquids and highly toxic
hydrogen sulphide (H2S). The reservoir
was highly dolomitized and contained a
lot of vugs. This vuggy character meant
that conventional logging could not iden-
tify fluid gas contacts precisely, with dis-
crepancies between logging runs of
approximately 9 m.
It is vital that the exact contact depths
are known in order to estimate reserves -
a particularly important consideration in
sour gas reservoirs. Reservoirs with a
high H2S content require special ‘scrub-
bing’ facilities which may be too expen-
sive to install on a small field. An
over-estimate of reserves could encour-
age development of an uneconomic
field, while an under-estimate might
result in a missed opportunity.
Fig. 3.4: FLUID FINDER:
Formation pressures
can be used to define
fluid type at any given
depth within the
reservoir and to locate
fluid contacts.
30 60 90 120 150
Delta time sec
Fig. 3.5: GAUGE THE DIFFERENCE: In this
example the module was equipped with a
conventional quartz gauge and the CQG. This
allowed a direct comparison between the two
pressure datasets during each pre-test. The
conventional gauge (a) had not reached
formation pressure after 150 seconds, while the
CQG (b) was fully stabilized after just 100
seconds.
In this case the operator decided
that a wireline testing tool was required
to help identify these key contacts. It
was expected that the reservoir would
provide very few opportunities for
packer seats. Home Oil decided that
any data which could be gathered
should be of the highest quality. The
MDT tool was run with two H2S sample
chambers, the single probe module and
the Optical Fluid Analyzer (OFA*).
In this case the MDT tool recorded
data which allowed engineers to deter-
mine the reservoir fluid contacts and
captured representative fluid samples.
Middle East Well Evaluation Review
IT TAKES TWO TO TANDEM
One wireline testing technique involves (a) Fluid density
the collection of numerous point pressure from pressure
measurements to establish a pressure gra- Pressure (psi) gradient (g/cc)
dient which defines reservoir fluid type. Gas - oil - water
The restrictions imposed by limited preci- 450 550 650 0 0.6 1.2
x425 Fig. 3.6: TANDEM PRESSURE
sion in strain gauge measured pressures
and uncertainty related to depth, have, in GAUGES: A large number of
single probe pressure
the past, confined this technique to thick

Depth(ft)
measurements (left) allow the
reservoirs. reservoir gradient to be
GAS
A high-precision quartz gauge intro- established statistically. These
duced in 1980 allowed gradients to be gradients (or fluid density)
measured in thinner beds, but depth indicate the fluid type present.
placement uncertainty and long stabiliza- When a quartz gauge and a strain
tion times made this unattractive. gauge are used together (below),
By running fast-response, high-preci- x550 with a spacing of just 2.3 ft, the
x575 vertical resolution improves
sion quartz gauges, the MDT tool has over-
significantly. These examples are
come the stabilization delay inherent in plotted with the same depth scale.
previous quartz gauges. The tandem Two quartz gauges would have
assembly (figure 3.6b) removes depth given even greater precision.
uncertainty because the separation dis- OIL
tance is fixed. Reservoir fluid density can
be determined over 8 ft thick intervals or (b) Fluid density from
even 2.3 ft intervals, when conditions are pressure gradient (g/cc)
favourable.
A new technique, which compensates x700
X450 0 0.6 1.2
x700
for the uncertainty between the paired
gauges by normalization to a downhole
measurement of the mud pressure gradi- OIL
ent, allows the operator to double the
number of pressure points obtained at WATER
each station, offering a major time saving
on traditional contact determination 2.3ft
methods. WATER
Using this method, reservoir fluid den- Gas Oil Water
sity can be quickly and accurately deter- x825 X575
mined over short intervals (table 1). This
provides a direct hydrocarbon determina-
tion independent of water resistivity (Rw)
Table 1 - Fluid density determinations
invasion or lithological model. Station (ft) Log Pressure derived fluid Table 1: Multiple
The emergence and refinement of new interpretation density (g/cc) stations and the
techniques indicate that log analysts are interpretations based
determined to explore the full potential of on readings from
A x390 Oil 0.6 quartz gauge and
the MDT tool. B x446 Oil 0.4 strain gauge spaced
C x452 Oil 0.5 2.3 ft apart.
D x457 Oil 0.4
E x465 Oil 0.6

Oil-water
contact

F x539 Water 0.9

G x573 Water 1.0

Sour gas exploration/development
calls for special evaluation techniques,
and in a climate of growing environmen-
tal awareness, restrictions on acid gas
flaring can severely limit production
tests.
The quality of the MDT tool results
allowed the operator to cancel an expen-
sive production test. Home Oil consid- important when production tests on sour
ered the quality samples and fluid con- gas are to be carried out in populated or
tact determination provided by wireline environmentally sensitive areas.
formation testing an effective and afford-
able alternative to production testing.
The MDT tool can contribute to well-
site safety and help to protect the envi-
ronment. These issues are particularly

Number 16, 1996. 47

 Depth: X586.08 ft Mud Pressure before test = 4762.12 psig Fig. 3.7: PUMP,
THROTTLE AND
Clean sampling at a range
Mud Pressure after test = 4761.44 psig
Last build-up pressure
Drawdown mobility
= 3893.20 psig
= 8.9 md/cp
SAMPLE: After pumping of depths
9 litres of mud filtrate in
4800 30 this well, the flowline One of the main objectives for wireline
resistivity cell (black formation testers has always been, and
4200 line) shows an increase.
24 will continue to be, reservoir fluid sam-
The pumpout module pling. Conventional tools can collect up

Resistivity, ohmm
3600
Pressure, psig

was stopped and
18 reservoir fluid directed
into a sample chamber.
3000
During sampling, the
12
2400 throttle valve keeps
sampling pressure
1800
6 around 3500 psia (red
line). When opened at
the PVT laboratory, the
0 0
0 600 900 1200 1500 1800 2100 2400 sample chamber was
Time (sec) found to contain
hydrocarbon gas and
Pre-test chamber volume: 20.1cc Gauge: BSG1 Res: 0.040psi 500 cc water.
Water Fig. 3.8: SWEEPING
GR SW for RW = .018 Oil (RW = .018) CLEAN? Two openhole
0 100 0 (PU) 100.00 Oil (RW = .047) log evaluations using
SW for RW = .047 SW for RW = .047 the original formation
1:500ft 0 (PU) 100.00 0 (PU) 100.00 water and sample water
resistivity. In this Middle
East example, the
pumpout module was
used to displace the
mud filtrate and sample
the water, which
proved to be a mixture
of formation and
Electronic power
module injection water. Log
evaluation based on
Hydraulic power formation water
module resistivity suggests poor
Power module sweep efficiency. When
the actual water
resistivity (measured
Sample module
using the MDT tool)
was substituted in the
Sample module
equation, a more
accurate and
Pumpout module
encouraging result for
sweep efficiency was
obtained.
to two samples with each run into the
borehole. Unfortunately, the quality of
these samples is often impaired by the
presence of mud filtrate associated with
invasion during drilling.
Conventional wireline testers cannot
evaluate the purity of fluid entering the
chamber during sampling. The chambers
have to be returned to the surface before
the operator can determine whether or
not the samples are useful.
The MDT tool has overcome these dif-
ficulties - up to 12 sample chamber mod-
ules can be connected to the tool.
However, weight limitations (determined
by well conditions and cable strength)
generally restrict the number to six. The
multi-sample module contains a set of six
chambers, each with a 450 cc capacity,
and so can provide additional fluid sam-
ples during a single trip. This flexibility
allows the operator to sample at a vari-
ety of depths and produce a profile of
the reservoir’s fluid properties. The sur-
face unit can use the resistivity cell on
the probe module, or the Optical Fluid
Analysis module, to identify fluids (mud
filtrate, oil, water and gas) before taking
samples. The resistivity cell often has dif-
ficulties in identifying fluids when a well
has been drilled in oil-based muds and
may, in some cases, be unable to differ-
entiate oil from gas. The optical fluid ana-
lyzer has been designed to cope in these
circumstances, identifying mud filtrate,
oil, water and gas quickly and accu-
rately.
The final obstacle to the collection of
clean samples is mud filtrate invasion
into the formation. Fortunately, the MDT
tool has a solution. Mud filtrate can be
displaced by the pumpout module, a
miniature downhole pump which
pushes unwanted fluids into the bore-
hole before sampling begins.

Bubbles and dew

Having eliminated contaminants such as
mud filtrate from the sample our atten-
tion turns to the sample itself. To obtain
the high-quality samples suitable for PVT
we must avoid phase changes during
sampling.
Throttle valves prevent gas flashing
or liquid dropout during sampling. These
valves, under the control of the surface

48 Middle East Well Evaluation Review

computer, automatically keep the sam- 100
pling pressure above a specified value to
ensure representative samples, limiting
drawdown during sampling. A key factor Sample 1 Sample 3
in achieving a small drawdown is the for- Sample 2 Sample 4
mation mobility: the best control over
sampling drawdown is achieved in high 10
mobility formations.

Component %
Another sampling application is the col-
lection of pure formation water samples.
The tool’s pumpout capability has pro-
vided, for the first time, the means to cap-
ture pure water samples in situ. 1

Pumpout in action
A sample taken from a reservoir in the
United Arab Emirates provides a clear 0.1
example of the effectiveness of the
pumpout module. Figure 3.7 shows the
pressure at the flowing probe along with
the flowline resistivity curve.
After pre-testing the formation, the 0.01
pumpout module is used to pump fluids CO 2 C1 C2 C3 i-C4 n-C 4 i-C 5 n-C 5 C6 C 7+
from the formation into the wellbore.
The low resistivity of the fluid indicates Component
that mud filtrate is being pumped. After
Fig. 3.9: FOUR OF A KIND: The results of PVT compositional analysis on four samples from
pumping approximately 8 litres, a spike
the same reservoir indicate a strong degree of similarity between the samples.
develops in the flowline resistivity
curve, indicating hydrocarbon flow.
At this stage, the pumpout operation
Fig. 3.10: The Optical
is halted and a sample chamber opened. Fluid Analyzer has a
During sampling, the resistivity curve two-sensor system
confirms a hydrocarbon sample. This Light-emitting
which allows it to
real-time fluid identification eliminates diode Gas detector detect and analyze
the uncertainty and time wasted by con- Lamp liquids and to detect
ventional sampling. gas. This allows high-
quality oil and gas
Sweeping statements Water samples to be diverted
Gas into the sample
Fluid flow Oil chambers after mud
Formation water resistivity is a vital input
and mud filtrate have
for open-hole log analysis. Waterflood been pumped through
sweep efficiency in a Middle East reser- Liquid detector the system.
voir was calculated using water resistiv-
ity data based on MDT tool samples.
Initial estimates of sweep efficiency using
open-hole logs were hampered by the
mixed salinity of water in the formation. The multi-sample module has six shipping bottle. The compositional analy-
A very pessimistic view of sweep 450 cc chambers. These chambers can sis of the four samples, as well as other
effectiveness was obtained using the ini- be transported without fluid transfer at fluid parameters (such as flash gas/liquid
tial connate water resistivity value of the wellsite. Drawdown during sampling ratios, bubble point and tank liquid den-
0.018 Ω/m. The MDT tool was set at can be controlled by throttling valves sities) show excellent agreement con-
x 168 ft and, after pre-test, the pumpout and water cushions. firming the validity of the samples. In the
module produced 27 litres of fluid from If every MDT tool sample consists of past, a large proportion of tests
the formation. Once the pumpout opera- representative reservoir fluids, duplicate attempted to sample unsuitable zones.
tion had been completed, a one-gallon samples from a particular depth should The new MDT tool offers us the chance
(approximately 3.8 litres) sample cham- show identical compositions. Four sam- to examine the fluid before we collect it.
ber was opened to collect the formation ples, recovered from a reservoir fluid in This sample ‘preview’ capability means
water sample. The pumpout then near critical conditions, are shown in fig- that the correct fluids will be brought to
pumped an additional 5.3 litres into the ure 3.9. These samples were obtained the surface for analysis (figure 3.10).
wellbore before a 450 cc water sample with a maximum drawdown of just 8 psi,
was collected in one of the multi-sample thanks to water cushions, the throttling
module’s bottles. Analysis of the water valve and high formation mobility. The
samples collected in this way indicated a sample chambers are designed to allow
water resistivity of 0.047Ω/m. Open-hole transport of the samples to a PVT labora-
log analysis using this new value offered tory, without transferring the sample to a
a much more accurate (and optimistic)
view of the waterflood (figure 3.8).

Number 16, 1996. 49

 Perfect permeability
Pressure at the Core permeability measurements have
vertical probe, long been focused on calculating hori-
psia zontal values, with vertical permeability
Flow rate, cc/sec
values often missing or hard to obtain.
Good samples for permeability evalua-
tion are often made on good core sec-
tions. The worst core sections - the parts
Pressure at
the horizontal
which represent barriers to vertical fluid
probe, psia movement - have been under-sampled
or ignored. Vertical permeability can be
determined by a single well transient
test, provided that both spherical and
radial flow regimes are observed, or by
using a packer to isolate the zones in
question and conducting a vertical inter-
ference test.
Time Pre-testing with the MDT tool’s 20 cc
(sec
) chamber gives a value for drawdown
Flow into sink probe
mobility for each test. These values
reflect a combination of horizontal and
vertical mobilities, often referred to as
Fig. 3.11a: STEP ONE: A multiprobe test carried
out by the MDT tool acquires pressure data at
the ‘spherical mobility’.
horizontal and vertical probes. Flow rate data The separate vertical and horizontal
is either measured directly by the flow control components cannot be distinguished
module or calculated from the pumpout or from pre-tests and the small amount of
sampling process.

Pressure derivative

Fig. 3.11b: STEP TWO: The pressure changes, Spherical flow

plotted against time at both probes, are used to slope = -0.5
construct a flow regime identification plot. This
involves pressure-pressure deconvolution and
produces a derivative plot similar to that
obtained from a well test. Spherical flow is the
most common regime, with a slope of -0.5 on
the derivative curve. Time (sec)

Horiz. mobility = 5.46 md/cp Fig. 3.11c: STEP fluid withdrawn from the formation
Vert. mobility = 2.58 md/cp THREE: For spherical means that the drawdown mobility esti-
Phi*Ct = 1.42E-06 (1/psi) flow, a spherical time mate applies to a relatively small area
function plot is around the probe. The danger of sam-
generated. This is
Spherical Analysis achieved by using
pling small areas is that they may be
Deconvolved vert. pressure pressure-rate affected by formation damage close to
Deconvolved horiz. pressure deconvolution to the probe, gas breakout in tight forma-
Pressure at vertical probe obtain first estimates tions, fines migration and probe plugging.
Delta - pressure (psi)

Pressure at horizontal probe for horizontal and

Flow rate vertical mobilities and
the porosity-
compressibility
product. For an infinite
medium, the maximum
pressure change at the
vertical probe is
inversely proportional
to the horizontal
mobility. The arrival
time of the pressure
disturbance is a
2.0 1.75 1.5 1.25 1.0 0.75 0.5 0.25 0.0 function of vertical
1/ time (sec) diffusivity.

50 Middle East Well Evaluation Review

 A larger withdrawal and the use of 75 Verifications 15 Fig. 3.11d: STEP
more than one probe eliminates most of FOUR: In an effort to
Reconstructed horizontal get the best match
these near-probe effects, allowing us to Pressure at horizontal probe
60 12 between observed
evaluate important formation properties Reconstructed vertical and calculated
on a larger scale. These include horizon- Pressure at vertical probe pressures the initial

Delta-pressure (psi)
tal and vertical mobility (which is perme- Flow rate

Flow rate (cc/sec)

45 9 estimates are used in
ability divided by viscosity), and the a model coupled to a
porosity-compressibility product. parameter estimator.
30 Horiz. mobility = 5.34md/cp 6 The final match is
Vert. mobility = 2.78md/cp
Four steps to finding Phi* Ct = 1.96 E-06 l/psi
shown using
pressures at the
formation properties 15 3 horizontal and
vertical probes.
Using the dual probe module, the single
probe module and the flow control mod- 0 0
ule, repeated vertical interference tests
can be performed along the wellbore.
-15 -3
The flow control module takes 1 litre of
formation fluid into a chamber, displac- 0 40 80 120 160 200 240 280
Delta-time (sec)
ing a piston in the process.
During the test, flow rates are moni-
tored (figure 3.11a). Acquired flow rate Fig. 3.12: This
and pressure data from the observation Multiprobe test 1, two attempts example shows the
probes can be analyzed to yield forma- Flow control and pump out results of some
tion properties. The pressure change at multiprobe tests. In
the probes is used to construct a flow this carbonate
regime identification plot (figure 3.11b). reservoir, the
For spherical flow, a spherical time func- objective was to
quantify vertical
tion plot is generated by using pressure- communication
rate deconvolution to estimate the across dolomitic and
horizontal and vertical mobilities (figure calcite-rich zones.
3.11c). The best match between Test locations are
observed and calculated pressures is marked on the
obtained by using a model coupled to a openhole logs.
parameter estimator (figure 3.11d).
The multiprobe configuration has
been used offshore in the Middle East to
quantify vertical communication
through calcite and dolomite zones. The
openhole logs and test locations are
shown in figure 3.12. Four tests were
conducted in this well using one single-
and one dual-probe module. The flow
rate sources were both pumpout and
flow control modules. Tests 1 and 3
showed no response at the vertical
observation probe which was 2.3 ft
above the active (or sink) probe. This
indicates that a geological feature is act-
ing as a barrier for the duration of the Test 2
test. Multiprobe test 2 kh/µ = 47.1md/cp
Flow control & pump out kv/µ = 18.8 md/cp
φc t = 1.97 x 10 /psi
-6 -1

Multiprobe test 3, two attempts

Pump out

BS

Test 4
Multiprobe test 4 kh/µ = 33.0 md/cp
Flow control kv/µ = 11.0 md/cp
Tension φct = 5.00 x 10-7 /psi-1
(TENS)
Bit size (BS) (LBF) Neutron porosity (NPHI)
6.0 (IN) 16.0 0.0 0.45 (V/V) -0.15
2000.0
Caliper (CALI) PhotoElectric Factor (PEF) Bulk Density Correction (DRHO)
6.0 (IN) 16.0 6.0 (.....) 16.0 6.0 (G/C3) 16.0
Gamma ray (GR) Bulk Density (RHOB)
0.0 (GAPI) 100.0 0.0 (G/C3) 100.0
MUD CAKE RHOB-NPHI
From CALI to BS from RHOB to NPHI

Number 16, 1996. 51

 Verifications
Fig. 3.13: FLOW Tests 2 and 4 produced responses at
CONTROL TEST: both monitor probes. Test 2 used the
Reconstructed horizontal Rates from the flow
Pressure at horizontal probe
pumpout module as the flow rate source.
control module, Test 4 was conducted through the
Reconstructed vertical observed and
Pressure at vertical probe simulated pressure
sink probe, using the flow control mod-
7.5 Flow rate 6.0 responses at both ule. Figure 3.13 shows the flow control
probes during test 4 rates and observed and simulated pres-
5.0 (see figure 3.12). sure responses at the monitor probes.
6.0 The results from these tests show that
the vertical permeability is about one
4.0
Delta-pressure (psi)

Flow rate (cc/sec)

4.5 third of the horizontal permeability. This
information will help reservoir engineers
3.0 to set up their reservoir simulation
3.0 model.
2.0 Sometimes, operating companies need
1.5 to know the extent of vertical communica-
1.0 tion across suspected barriers. Thick bar-
Horiz. mobility = 33md/cp riers can be accommodated by increasing
0.0 Vert. mobility = 2.78md/cp the spacing of the multiprobe from 2.3 ft to
Phi Ct = 5E-07 l/psi 0
* 10.3 ft with the addition of a fourth probe.
In this configuration the spacing between
-1.5 -1.0
0 40 80 120 160 200 240 280 320
Delta-time (sec)

Fig. 3.15: The four probe

MDT configuration was
used at four locations in
this well. The objective
was to quantify vertical
communication across
stylolitic zones. Stylolites Multiprobe Test -1
Vertical are thin, irregular rock Across D2
probe 2 boundaries which
develop in some
limestones (and
evaporites). They are Multiprobe Test - 2
caused by pressure Across D2-A
dissolution and re-
deposition of existing
sedimentary material.
Vertical Multiprobe Test - 3
probe 1 Multiprobe Test - 4
x200 Across D3

Horizontal Sink probe

probe

Moblility Formation Pressure Fluid % Matrix %

V2 (MD/CP) V2 probe (psia) 50 (PU) 0 100 (PU) 0
0.0 20.0 2800.0 3000.0
Porosity and Fluid Formation Analysis
Moblility, Formation Pressure Analysis by Volume by Volume
V1 (MD/CP) V1 probe (psia)
0.0 20.0 2800.0 Unmoved Clay
3000.0

Moblility, Formation Pressure Moved Dolomite

Sink probe Sink probe (psia)
0.0 20.0 2800.0 3000.0 Water Limestone

Porosity
Formation Pressure
Hor. probe (psia) Anhydrite
Moblility, Hor. probe
(MD/CP) 2800.0 3000.0
0.0 20.0

Fig. 3.14: FOUR PROBE FASHION: This

configuration, popular in some parts of the
Middle East, is intended to quantify vertical
communication across thick zones which are
believed to be flow barriers.

52 Middle East Well Evaluation Review

 Fig. 3.16: These FMI
images from tests 3
and 4 (see figure 3.15)
show the type of
x188.0 heterogeneity which
cannot be fully
identified using
openhole logs. These
images, taken after the
MDT survey, show the
exact position of each
x125 probe during the
x190.0
survey.

x150
x192.0

x175
x194.0

x200
x196.0

x198.0

x200.0

two vertical probes is 8 ft. This arrange-
ment (figure 3.14) has not been widely
used in the Middle East.
In this recent test, the configuration
was used onshore, with all three flow
rate sources (flow control, pumpout and
sample chamber modules). The objec-
tive was to identify the barrier properties
of stylolite horizons in a carbonate
sequence. The four tests carried out on
these horizons are presented in figure
3.15.
The Fullbore Formation MicroImager
(FMI*) images for the zones where test 3
and test 4 were carried out are shown in
figure 3.16. The probe locations are
clearly indicated on these images.
In test 3, a 3.5 litre volume was
pumped - causing a pressure drop at the
first vertical probe. The test continued
with activation of the pumpout module
from the first vertical probe. However,
the probe was situated in a tight zone
and the tool was reset for test 4.
The tool was moved 0.6 ft down the
well before the start of test 4. The first
vertical probe was activated, pumping
10.5 litres of formation fluids. A pressure
drop of 0.7 psi was observed at the sec-
ond vertical probe.

Number 16, 1996. 53

 Figures 3.17 and 3.18 show the 0.700
recorded and modelled responses at
horiz. mobility = 21.9 md/cp
vertical and sink probes. Results from all 0.630
of the transients are summarized in vert. mobility = 0.153 md/cp
Table 2. Note the response seen at the 0.560
vertical probe, in test 1, which was 10.3 ft phi*Ct = 3.0E-07 1/psi

Delta - pressure (psi)

above the sink probe. 0.490

Mini drillstem tests 0.420

Defining pressure points for fractured, 0.350

vuggy, very tight or highly-laminated for-
mations has often presented problems 0.280
for wireline formation testers.
The dual packer module available 0.210
with the MDT tool provides a much big-
ger flow area - isolating 3 ft of formation 0.140
between two inflatable packers. The area
open to flow is then three orders of mag- 0.070
nitude larger than a conventional probe. response at vertical 2
reconstructed vertical 2
This allows larger flow rates and less 0.000
drawdown than can be achieved with 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800
the probe.
Tests conducted with the dual packer Delta - time (sec)
module can be thought of as mini drill-
Fig. 3.17: THE VERTICAL MATCH: The response at the vertical probe, 8 ft above the active probe,
stem tests on wireline. The radius of was matched using a homogeneous model. The reservoir parameters are presented in Table 2.
investigation may reach tens of feet in a
test completed within a few minutes.
The Dual Packer Module helps to
overcome the testing problems encoun- 54
tered in highly fractured reservoirs. FMI
tool and Ultrasonic Borehole Imager* 48
(UBI) tool images (figure 3.19) were
used to identify a suitable test zone 42
which contains a fracture. A log-log plot
Delta - pressure (psi)

of pressure and pressure derivative and

36
a generalized superposition plot (figure
3.20) show measured data and the simu- horiz. mobility = 1.4 md/cp
lated pressure response produced by 30
the Schlumberger ZODIAC* (Zoned vert. mobility = 1.5 md/cp
Dynamic Interpretation Analysis and 24
Computation) well testing package. The phi*Ct = 1.06E-06 1/psi
correlation between measured and theo- 18
retical data is excellent.
12

6
pressure at sink probe
reconstructed sink
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800
Delta - time (sec)

Fig. 3.18: SINK MATCH: During the pumpout test from the first vertical probe, the sink probe, 2.3 ft
below, acts as an observation probe. The figure shows the pressure match at the sink probe. The
reservoir properties are presented in Table 2.

Table 2: Summary of reservoir properties

Test kh/µ, md/cp kv/µ, md/cp φct, 1/psi

1 (2.3 ft) 11.1 5.20 1.41E-06

2 (2.3 ft) 5.20 0.70 1.30E-06
2 (10.3 ft) 12.0 0.30 2.00E-07
3 (2.3 ft) 1.60 1.90 1.03E-06
4 (2.3 ft) 1.40 1.50 1.06E-06
4 (8 ft) 21.9 0.15 3.00E-07

54 Middle East Well Evaluation Review

 Log-log plot Fig. 3.20: This figure
3 shows the log-log plot
10 Pressure Change of pressure and
pressure derivative
and a generalized

∆p and derivative (psi)

superposition plot for
2 both measured and
10 Pressure
derivative simulated pressure
response. Note the
excellent match
1 which has been
10 obtained using
Radial Flow Regime conventional pressure
transient techniques.
0
10
-4 -3 -2 -1 0
10 10 10 10 10
∆ t (hr)

Superposition Plot

400

300
∆p(psi)

200

100

0
-4 -3 -2 -1 0
10 10 10 10 10

∆ t (h )

Fig. 3.19: Using the UBI (left) and FMI (right)

tools, suitable test zones can be selected and
tested (essentially a ‘mini drillstem test’) using
inflatable packers.

Wellbore storage using the MDT tool
is five orders of magnitude smaller than
a conventional DST. This allows full
characterization of the tested interval
after only 6 minutes of shut-in. These
‘mini DSTs’ are more efficient than con-
ventional DST tests and offer additional
advantages in relation to environmental
and safety issues.
Formation testing has come a long
way in the last 40 years. Sophisticated
pressure measurement and fluid
retrieval have become commonplace,
but, as always, the quest continues for
more information, gathered faster and
with greater accuracy.
The next step in the evolutionary pro-
cess of formation testing will be deter-
mined by the operators. The RFT tool,
after all, was designed primarily for fluid
sampling, but its pressure measurement
capabilities were generally considered
more important.
As the MDT tool replaces older sys-
tems, log analysts will find ways to
exploit the new technology and will ulti-
mately control the way in which this
powerful new system is developed.

Number 16, 1996. 55

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