A revolution in reservoir

characterization
W
ireline formation testers have evolved through a series of
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.
44 Middle East Well Evaluation Review
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,
was introduced in 1955, specifically to col-
lect reservoir fluid samples, but could
only collect one sample per trip in the
well. This tool was replaced first by the
Formation Interval Tester (FIT*) and
then, in 1975, by the Repeat Formation
Tester (RFT*) tool.
The arrival of the RFT tool allowed
operators to devise new applications for
wireline testing. The fluid sampling capa-
bilities of the RFT tool often played a sec-
ondary role to the repeat pressure
measurements which this tool made pos-
sible for the first time.
The most recent step of this evolu-
tionary progression is the development
of the Modular Dynamics Formation
Tester (MDT*) tool. As a replacement for
the RFT tool, the MDT tool offers signifi-
cant improvements in pressure measure-
ment, thanks to its Combinable Quartz
Gauge (CQG*) and improved sampling
capabilities (figure 3.1).
The collection of condensates and
critical fluids at the sandface, one of the
most difficult downhole sampling opera-
tions, can be carried out quickly and effi-
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
tool was run in a horizontal well using
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
porosity interval between x280 ft and
x350ft, which acted as a flow barrier, and
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-
ity to control a multitude of tool functions
from the surface. The MDT tools single
probe module contains a 20 cc pre-test
chamber. However, the size of this cham-
ber can be adjusted from the MAXIS-500*
(wellsite surface instrumentation) acqui-
sition unit.
Electric power
module
Sample modules
Hydraulic power
module
Hydraulic power
module
Probe module
Probe module
Sample
modules
Electric power
module
Multi-sample
modules
Pump-out
module
Optical fluid
analysis module
Flow control
module
Dual probe
module
Dual-
packer
module

Fig. 3.1: A MODEL OF MODULARITY: The

standard MDT with the single probe module
and multiple sample chambers. The single
probe module offers a variable pre-test
chamber and a new CQG (Combinable Quartz
Gauge) which provides fast and accurate
pressure measurements. The optional modules
provide permeability anisotropy, mini DST
(drillstem test), sampling and fluid
identification capabilities. The tool's modular
design enables engineers to select the modules
required for a particular operation.
This feature allows the engineer to
reduce chamber volume for faster tests
in tight zones where flow rates are very
low. Another type of surface pre-test is to
set the maximum allowable pressure
drop during the test. This prevents gas
liberation around the probe in tight for-
mations.
45 Number 16, 1996.
Figure 3.3 shows two pre-tests which
were carried out at the same depth. The
first used a pre-test chamber size of 7cc
and achieved stabilized build-up pres-
sures in five minutes. The other, which
filled a 20 cc chamber, required 17 min-
utes to reach formation pressure. The
option of variable pre-test chamber size
means faster surveys and helps the engi-
neer to avoid dry/incomplete tests in
low-permeability zones.
Fluid contacts
The depths at which water is overlain
by oil (the oil-water contact) and oil is
overlain by gas (the gas-oil contact) are
very important reservoir parameters.
Once we have an accurate picture of
the reservoirs internal boundaries we
can estimate actual volume of oil and
gas in place. This is clearly very impor-
tant in the early stages of field develop-
ment, when the emphasi s i s on
identifying overall reservoir extent. The
well completion methods selected to
minimize gas-water coning will depend
on the locations of the gas-oil and oil-
water contacts.
H
Y
P
(
p
s
i
a
)
H
Y
P
(
p
s
i
a
)
R
H
O
B
(
G
/
C
3
)
9
5
4
5
2
.
9
5
-
.
1
5
N
P
H
I
2
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
x
2
5
0
x
3
0
0
x
3
5
0
x
4
0
0
x
4
5
0
x
5
0
0
x
5
5
0

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 x350ft. 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.
100 200 300 400 500
1100
1102
1104
1106
1108
1110
Time (sec)
P
r
e
s
s
u
r
e

(
p
s
i
)
7 cc pre-test
at x120 ft
100 200 300 400 500
1100
1102
1104
1106
1108
1110
Time (sec)
P
r
e
s
s
u
r
e

(
p
s
i
)
20 cc pre-test
at x120 ft
Fig. 3.3: TIME SAVER:
Stabilization times can
be reduced by lowering
the volume withdrawn
during pre-tests. Pre-tests
taken at the same depth
show that while a build-
up preceded by 7 cc
drawdown (a) stabilizes
in five minutes, it takes
17 minutes to reach
formation pressure
when withdrawing 20 cc
during drawdown (b).
(a)
(b)
46 Middle East Well Evaluation Review
Density-Neutron Pressure (psi) Resistivity
TVD
7200
7100
Water
Oil
Gas

GR
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 (H
2
S). 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 9m.
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 H
2
S 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.
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.
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
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 whi ch coul d be gathered
should be of the highest quality. The
MDT tool was run with two H
2
S 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.
x474.8
x474.6
x474.4
x474.2
x474.8
30 60 90 120 150 30 60 90 120 150
x474.6
x474.4
x474.2
x474.8
x474.6
x474.4
x474.2
x474.8
x474.6
x474.4
x474.2
Delta time sec
Delta time sec












P
r
e
s
s
u
r
e
s

(
R
a
w

a
n
d

s
m
o
o
t
h
e
d
)


p
s
i
a












P
r
e
s
s
u
r
e
s

(
R
a
w

a
n
d

s
m
o
o
t
h
e
d
)


p
s
i
a
(a) (b)
47 Number 16, 1996.
One wireline testing technique involves
the collection of numerous point pressure
measurements to establish a pressure gra-
dient which defines reservoir fluid type.
The restrictions imposed by limited preci-
sion in strain gauge measured pressures
and uncertainty related to depth, have, in
the past, confined this technique to thick
reservoirs.
A high-precision quartz gauge intro-
duced in 1980 allowed gradients to be
measured in thinner beds, but depth
placement uncertainty and long stabiliza-
tion times made this unattractive.
By running fast-response, high-preci-
sion quartz gauges, the MDT tool has over-
come the stabilization delay inherent in
previous quartz gauges. The tandem
assembly (figure 3.6b) removes depth
uncertainty because the separation dis-
tance is fixed. Reservoir fluid density can
be determined over 8 ft thick intervals or
even 2.3 ft intervals, when conditions are
favourable.
A new technique, which compensates
for the uncertainty between the paired
gauges by normalization to a downhole
measurement of the mud pressure gradi-
ent, allows the operator to double the
number of pressure points obtained at
each station, offering a major time saving
on tradi ti onal contact determi nati on
methods.
Using this method, reservoir fluid den-
sity can be quickly and accurately deter-
mined over short intervals (table 1). This
provides a direct hydrocarbon determina-
tion independent of water resistivity (R
w
)
invasion or lithological model.
The emergence and refinement of new
techniques indicate that log analysts are
determined to explore the full potential of
the MDT tool.
IT TAKES TWO TO TANDEM
Station (ft) Log Pressure derived fluid
interpretation density (g/cc)
A x390 Oil 0.6
B x446 Oil 0.4
C x452 Oil 0.5
D x457 Oil 0.4
E x465 Oil 0.6
Oil-water
contact
F x539 Water 0.9
G x573 Water 1.0
Table 1: Multiple
stations and the
interpretations based
on readings from
quartz gauge and
strain gauge spaced
2.3 ft apart.
Pressure (psi)

550

450
D
e
p
t
h
(
f
t
)
x425

x550

650

x575

x700
x700

x825
GAS
OIL
WATER
Fluid density
from pressure
gradient (g/cc)

0.6

1.2
Gas - oil - water
Fluid density from
pressure gradient (g/cc)

0.6

Gas

Oil

Water

OIL

0
X450

X575

1.2

WATER
2.3ft

Table 1 - Fluid density determinations

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-
ered the quality samples and fluid con-
tact determination provided by wireline
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
important when production tests on sour
gas are to be carried out in populated or
environmentally sensitive areas.
Fig. 3.6: TANDEMPRESSURE
GAUGES: A large number of
single probe pressure
measurements (left) allow the
reservoir gradient to be
established statistically. These
gradients (or fluid density)
indicate the fluid type present.
When a quartz gauge and a strain
gauge are used together (below),
with a spacing of just 2.3 ft, the
vertical resolution improves
significantly. These examples are
plotted with the same depth scale.
Two quartz gauges would have
given even greater precision.
(a)
(b)
48 Middle East Well Evaluation Review
0
1800
2400
3000
3600
4200
4800
P
r
e
s
s
u
r
e
,

p
s
i
g
0
Time (sec)
Pre-test chamber volume: 20.1cc Gauge: BSG1 Res: 0.040psi
Depth: X586.08 ft

Mud Pressure before test = 4762.12 psig

Mud Pressure after test = 4761.44 psig
Last build-up pressure = 3893.20 psig
Drawdown mobility = 8.9 md/cp
600 900 1200 1500 1800 2100 2400
R
e
s
i
s
t
i
v
i
t
y
,

o
h
m
m
0
30
24
18
12
6

Fig. 3.7: PUMP,

THROTTLE AND
SAMPLE: After pumping
9litres of mud filtrate in
this well, the flowline
resistivity cell (black
line) shows an increase.
The pumpout module
was stopped and
reservoir fluid directed
into a sample chamber.
During sampling, the
throttle valve keeps
sampling pressure
around 3500 psia (red
line). When opened at
the PVT laboratory, the
sample chamber was
found to contain
hydrocarbon gas and
500cc water.
Fig. 3.8: SWEEPING
CLEAN? Two openhole
log evaluations using
the original formation
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
injection water. Log
evaluation based on
formation water
resistivity suggests poor
sweep efficiency. When
the actual water
resistivity (measured
using the MDT tool)
was substituted in the
equation, a more
accurate and
encouraging result for
sweep efficiency was
obtained.
SW for RW = .018
(PU) 0 100.00
GR
0 100
1:500ft
SW for RW = .047
(PU) 0 100.00
Oil (RW = .047)
SW for RW = .047

(PU)

0 100.00
Water
Electronic power
module
Hydraulic power
module
Power module
Sample module
Sample module
Pumpout module
Oil (RW = .018)
Clean sampling at a range
of depths
One of the main objectives for wireline
formation testers has always been, and
will continue to be, reservoir fluid sam-
pling. Conventional tools can collect up
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 reservoirs 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
49 Number 16, 1996.
CO C C C i-C n-C i-C n-C C C
2 1 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 7+
Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3
Sample 4
C
o
m
p
o
n
e
n
t

%
0.01
0.1

1
10
100
Component
Fluid flow
Oil
Gas
Gas detector
Lamp
Liquid detector
Light-emitting
diode
Water
computer, automatically keep the sam-
pling pressure above a specified value to
ensure representative samples, limiting
drawdown during sampling. A key factor
in achieving a small drawdown is the for-
mation mobility: the best control over
sampling drawdown is achieved in high
mobility formations.
Another sampling application is the col-
lection of pure formation water samples.
The tools pumpout capability has pro-
vided, for the first time, the means to cap-
ture pure water samples in situ.
Pumpout in action
A sample taken from a reservoir in the
United Arab Emirates provides a clear
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
pumpout module is used to pump fluids
from the formation into the wellbore.
The low resistivity of the fluid indicates
that mud filtrate is being pumped. After
pumping approximately 8 litres, a spike
develops in the flowline resistivity
curve, indicating hydrocarbon flow.
At this stage, the pumpout operation
is halted and a sample chamber opened.
During sampling, the resistivity curve
confirms a hydrocarbon sample. This
real-time fluid identification eliminates
the uncertainty and time wasted by con-
ventional sampling.
Sweeping statements
Formation water resistivity is a vital input
for open-hole log analysis. Waterflood
sweep efficiency in a Middle East reser-
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.
A very pessimistic view of sweep
effectiveness was obtained using the ini-
tial connate water resistivity value of
0.018 /m. The MDT tool was set at
x168 ft and, after pre-test, the pumpout
module produced 27 litres of fluid from
the formation. Once the pumpout opera-
tion had been completed, a one-gallon
(approximately 3.8 litres) sample cham-
ber was opened to collect the formation
water sample. The pumpout then
pumped an additional 5.3 litres into the
wellbore before a 450 cc water sample
was collected in one of the multi-sample
modules bottles. Analysis of the water
samples collected in this way indicated a
water resistivity of 0.047/m. Open-hole
log analysis using this new value offered
a much more accurate (and optimistic)
view of the waterflood (figure 3.8).
Fig. 3.10: The Optical
Fluid Analyzer has a
two-sensor system
which allows it to
detect and analyze
liquids and to detect
gas. This allows high-
quality oil and gas
samples to be diverted
into the sample
chambers after mud
and mud filtrate have
been pumped through
the system.
Fig. 3.9: FOUR OF A KIND: The results of PVT compositional analysis on four samples from
the same reservoir indicate a strong degree of similarity between the samples.
The multi- sample module has six
450 cc chambers. These chambers can
be transported without fluid transfer at
the wellsite. Drawdown during sampling
can be controlled by throttling valves
and water cushions.
If every MDT tool sample consists of
representative reservoir fluids, duplicate
samples from a particular depth should
show identical compositions. Four sam-
ples, recovered from a reservoir fluid in
near critical conditions, are shown in fig-
ure 3.9. These samples were obtained
with a maximum drawdown of just 8 psi,
thanks to water cushions, the throttling
valve and high formation mobility. The
sample chambers are designed to allow
transport of the samples to a PVT labora-
tory, without transferring the sample to a
shipping bottle. The compositional analy-
sis of the four samples, as well as other
fluid parameters (such as flash gas/liquid
ratios, bubble point and tank liquid den-
sities) show excellent agreement con-
firming the validity of the samples. In the
past, a large proportion of tests
attempted to sample unsuitable zones.
The new MDT tool offers us the chance
to examine the fluid before we collect it.
This sample preview capability means
that the correct fluids will be brought to
the surface for analysis (figure 3.10).
50 Middle East Well Evaluation Review
Perfect permeability
Core permeability measurements have
long been focused on calculating hori-
zontal values, with vertical permeability
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
which represent barriers to vertical fluid
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.
Pre-testing with the MDT tools 20 cc
chamber gives a value for drawdown
mobility for each test. These values
reflect a combination of horizontal and
vertical mobilities, often referred to as
the spherical mobility.
The separate vertical and horizontal
components cannot be distinguished
from pre-tests and the small amount of
Flow rate, cc/sec
Pressure at the
vertical probe,
psia
T
im
e
(s
e
c
)
Flow into sink probe
Pressure at
the horizontal
probe, psia
Fig. 3.11a: STEP ONE: A multiprobe test carried
out by the MDT tool acquires pressure data at
horizontal and vertical probes. Flow rate data
is either measured directly by the flow control
module or calculated from the pumpout or
sampling process.
Fig. 3.11b: STEP TWO: The pressure changes,
plotted against time at both probes, are used to
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.
P
r
e
s
s
u
r
e

d
e
r
i
v
a
t
i
v
e
Time (sec)
Spherical flow
slope = -0.5
Horiz. mobility = 5.46 md/cp
Vert. mobility = 2.58 md/cp
Phi
*
Ct = 1.42E-06 (1/psi)
1/ time (sec)
0.0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1.0 1.25 1.5 1.75 2.0
D
e
l
t
a

-

p
r
e
s
s
u
r
e

(
p
s
i
)
Spherical Analysis
Deconvolved vert. pressure
Deconvolved horiz. pressure
Pressure at vertical probe
Pressure at horizontal probe
Flow rate

Fig. 3.11c: STEP

THREE: For spherical
flow, a spherical time
function plot is
generated. This is
achieved by using
pressure-rate
deconvolution to
obtain first estimates
for horizontal and
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
function of vertical
diffusivity.
fluid withdrawn from the formation
means that the drawdown mobility esti-
mate applies to a relatively small area
around the probe. The danger of sam-
pling small areas is that they may be
affected by formation damage close to
the probe, gas breakout in tight forma-
tions, fines migration and probe plugging.
51 Number 16, 1996.
A larger withdrawal and the use of
more than one probe eliminates most of
these near-probe effects, allowing us to
evaluate important formation properties
on a larger scale. These include horizon-
tal and vertical mobility (which is perme-
ability divided by viscosity), and the
porosity-compressibility product.
Four steps to finding
formation properties
Using the dual probe module, the single
probe module and the flow control mod-
ule, repeated vertical interference tests
can be performed along the wellbore.
The flow control module takes 1 litre of
formation fluid into a chamber, displac-
ing a piston in the process.
During the test, flow rates are moni-
tored (figure 3.11a). Acquired flow rate
and pressure data from the observation
probes can be analyzed to yield forma-
tion properties. The pressure change at
the probes is used to construct a flow
regime identification plot (figure 3.11b).
For spherical flow, a spherical time func-
tion plot is generated by using pressure-
rate deconvolution to estimate the
horizontal and vertical mobilities (figure
3. 11c). The best match between
observed and calculated pressures is
obtained by using a model coupled to a
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.
Fig. 3.11d: STEP
FOUR: In an effort to
get the best match
between observed
and calculated
pressures the initial
estimates are used in
a model coupled to a
parameter estimator.
The final match is
shown using
pressures at the
horizontal and
vertical probes.
Verifications
Reconstructed horizontal
Pressure at horizontal probe
Reconstructed vertical
Pressure at vertical probe
Flow rate
0
-15
0
15
30
D
e
l
t
a
-
p
r
e
s
s
u
r
e

(
p
s
i
)
F
l
o
w

r
a
t
e

(
c
c
/
s
e
c
)
45
60
75
-3
0
3
6
9
12
15
40 80 120
Delta-time (sec)
160 200 240 280
Horiz. mobility = 5.34md/cp
Vert. mobility = 2.78md/cp
Phi
*
C
t
= 1.96 E-06 l/psi
BS
Pump out
MUD CAKE
From CALI to BS
Gamma ray (GR)
(GAPI)
Caliper (CALI)
(IN)
Bit size (BS)
(IN)
Tension
(TENS)
(LBF)
Neutron porosity (NPHI)
(V/V) 6.0 16.0 0.0
2000.0
0.45 -0.15
6.0 16.0
PhotoElectric Factor (PEF)
(.....)
6.0 16.0
Bulk Density Correction (DRHO)
(G/C3)
6.0 16.0
0.0 100.0
Bulk Density (RHOB)
(G/C3)
RHOB-NPHI
from RHOB to NPHI
0.0 100.0
Test 2
kh/ = 47.1md/cp
kv/ = 18.8 md/cp
c = 1.97 x 10 /psi
t
-6 -1
Test 4
kh/ = 33.0 md/cp
kv/ = 11.0 md/cp
c = 5.00 x 10 /psi
t
-7 -1
Multiprobe test 2
Multiprobe test 4
Flow control & pump out
Multiprobe test 3, two attempts
Multiprobe test 1, two attempts
Flow control and pump out
Flow control
Fig. 3.12: This
example shows the
results of some
multiprobe tests. In
this carbonate
reservoir, the
objective was to
quantify vertical
communication
across dolomitic and
calcite-rich zones.
Test locations are
marked on the
openhole logs.
52 Middle East Well Evaluation Review
Delta-time (sec)
D
e
l
t
a
-
p
r
e
s
s
u
r
e

(
p
s
i
)
F
l
o
w

r
a
t
e

(
c
c
/
s
e
c
)
0 40 80 120 160 200 240 280 320
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0
-1.0 -1.5
0.0
1.5
3.0
4.5
6.0
7.5
Verifications
Reconstructed horizontal
Pressure at horizontal probe
Reconstructed vertical
Pressure at vertical probe
Flow rate
Horiz. mobility = 33md/cp
Vert. mobility = 2.78md/cp
Phi
*
C
t
= 5E-07 l/psi
Fig. 3.13: FLOW
CONTROL TEST:
Rates from the flow
control module,
observed and
simulated pressure
responses at both
probes during test 4
(see figure 3.12).
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.
Vertical
probe 2
Vertical
probe 1
Sink probe Horizontal
probe
Moblility
V2 (MD/CP)
0.0 20.0
Formation Pressure
V2 probe (psia)

2800.0 3000.0
Formation Pressure
V1 probe (psia)
2800.0 3000.0
Moblility,
V1 (MD/CP)
0.0 20.0
Moblility,
Sink probe
0.0 20.0
Moblility, Hor. probe
(MD/CP)
0.0 20.0
Formation Pressure
Sink probe (psia)

2800.0 3000.0
Formation Pressure
Hor. probe (psia)

2800.0 3000.0
Fluid %
50 (PU) 0
Porosity and Fluid
Analysis by Volume
Unmoved
Moved
Water
Clay
Dolomite
Limestone
Porosity
Anhydrite
Formation Analysis
by Volume
Matrix %
100 (PU) 0
Multiprobe Test -1
Across D2
Multiprobe Test - 2
Across D2-A
Multiprobe Test - 3
Multiprobe Test - 4
Across D3 x200
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
are thin, irregular rock
boundaries which
develop in some
limestones (and
evaporites). They are
caused by pressure
dissolution and re-
deposition of existing
sedimentary material.
Tests 2 and 4 produced responses at
both monitor probes. Test 2 used the
pumpout module as the flow rate source.
Test 4 was conducted through the
sink probe, using the flow control mod-
ule. Figure 3.13 shows the flow control
rates and observed and simulated pres-
sure responses at the monitor probes.
The results from these tests show that
the vertical permeability is about one
third of the horizontal permeability. This
information will help reservoir engineers
to set up their reservoir simulation
model.
Sometimes, operating companies need
to know the extent of vertical communica-
tion across suspected barriers. Thick bar-
riers can be accommodated by increasing
the spacing of the multiprobe from 2.3ft to
10.3ft with the addition of a fourth probe.
In this configuration the spacing between
53 Number 16, 1996.
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.
Fig. 3.16: These FMI
images from tests 3
and 4 (see figure 3.15)
show the type of
heterogeneity which
cannot be fully
identified using
openhole logs. These
images, taken after the
MDT survey, show the
exact position of each
probe during the
survey.
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
10.5litres of formation fluids. A pressure
drop of 0.7 psi was observed at the sec-
ond vertical probe.
x188.0
x190.0
x192.0
x194.0
x196.0
x198.0
x200.0
x125
x150
x175
x200
54 Middle East Well Evaluation Review
Figures 3. 17 and 3. 18 show the
recorded and modelled responses at
vertical and sink probes. Results from all
of the transients are summarized in
Table 2. Note the response seen at the
vertical probe, in test 1, which was 10.3ft
above the sink probe.
Mini drillstem tests
Defining pressure points for fractured,
vuggy, very tight or highly-laminated for-
mations has often presented problems
for wireline formation testers.
The dual packer module available
with the MDT tool provides a much big-
ger flow area - isolating 3 ft of formation
between two inflatable packers. The area
open to flow is then three orders of mag-
nitude larger than a conventional probe.
This allows larger flow rates and less
drawdown than can be achieved with
the probe.
Tests conducted with the dual packer
module can be thought of as mini drill-
stem tests on wireline. The radius of
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-
tered in highly fractured reservoirs. FMI
tool and Ultrasonic Borehole Imager*
(UBI) tool images (figure 3.19) were
used to identify a suitable test zone
which contains a fracture. A log-log plot
of pressure and pressure derivative and
a generalized superposition plot (figure
3.20) show measured data and the simu-
lated pressure response produced by
the Schlumberger ZODIAC* (Zoned
Dynamic Interpretation Analysis and
Computation) well testing package. The
correlation between measured and theo-
retical data is excellent.
pressure at sink probe
reconstructed sink
horiz. mobility = 1.4 md/cp
vert. mobility = 1.5 md/cp
phi*Ct = 1.06E-06 1/psi
0
54
48
42
36
30
24
18
12
6
0
200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800
Delta - time (sec)
D
e
l
t
a

-

p
r
e
s
s
u
r
e

(
p
s
i
)
Fig. 3.17: THE VERTICAL MATCH: The response at the vertical probe, 8 ft above the active probe,
was matched using a homogeneous model. The reservoir parameters are presented in Table 2.
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 k
h
/, md/cp k
v
/, md/cp c
t
, 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 (10.3ft) 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
0.000
0.070
0.140
0.210
0.280
0.350
0.420
0.490
0.560
0.700
0.630
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800
Delta - time (sec)
D
e
l
t
a

-

p
r
e
s
s
u
r
e

(
p
s
i
)
response at vertical 2
reconstructed vertical 2
horiz. mobility = 21.9 md/cp
vert. mobility = 0.153 md/cp
phi*Ct = 3.0E-07 1/psi
55 Number 16, 1996.
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.
Pressure Change
Log-log plot
10
0
10
1
10
2
10
3
10
-4
10
-3
10
-2
10
-1
10
0
t (hr)
t (h )
10
-4
10
-3
10
-2
10
-1
10
0

p

a
n
d

d
e
r
i
v
a
t
i
v
e

(
p
s
i
)
Pressure
derivative
Radial Flow Regime
Superposition Plot
400
300
200
100

p
(
p
s
i
)
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.
Fig. 3.20: This figure
shows the log-log plot
of pressure and
pressure derivative
and a generalized
superposition plot for
both measured and
simulated pressure
response. Note the
excellent match
which has been
obtained using
conventional pressure
transient techniques.