Well Testing and Analysis

Well testing and analysis is a crucial diagnostic field in petroleum engineering focused on evaluating the characteristics of a reservoir and the performance of a well. The process involves intentionally manipulating a well's flow rate (e.g., producing it or shutting it in) and meticulously recording the resulting pressure changes over time at the surface or downhole. By analyzing these pressure transient data, engineers can determine vital reservoir properties such as permeability, skin factor (a measure of near-wellbore damage or stimulation), reservoir pressure, and the presence of boundaries, which are essential for forecasting production, optimizing recovery, and making informed field development decisions.

1. Introduction to Well Testing
   1. Purpose and Objectives of Well Testing
      1. Reservoir Characterization
         1. Estimating Permeability
         2. Determining Reservoir Pressure
         3. Identifying Reservoir Boundaries
         4. Assessing Heterogeneity
      2. Well Performance Evaluation
         1. Determining Well Productivity
         2. Identifying Well Damage
         3. Evaluating Stimulation Effectiveness
         4. Assessing Completion Efficiency
      3. Field Development Planning
         1. Estimating Reserves
         2. Planning Well Placement
         3. Optimizing Production Strategies
   2. Historical Development of Well Testing
      1. Early Well Testing Methods
      2. Evolution of Pressure Transient Analysis
      3. Advances in Data Acquisition Technology
      4. Modern Digital Systems
   3. Key Terminology and Definitions
      1. Well Test
      2. Pressure Transient
      3. Drawdown
      4. Buildup
      5. Skin Factor
      6. Wellbore Storage
      7. Flow Regime
      8. Permeability
      9. Transmissibility
      10. Storativity