Data

Acquisition
Services
© Schlumberger 2000
Schlumberger
225 Schlumberger Drive
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transcribed in any form or
by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photo-
copying and recording, without prior written permission
of the publisher
SMP-7086-4

An asterisk (*) is used throughout this document to denote a mark of Schlumberger.

Floco® is a registered trademark of Barton Instrument Systems, LLC.
HASTELLOY® is a registered trademark of Haynes International, Inc.
HP® is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company.
Kimray® is a registered trademark of Kimray, Inc.
Quartzdyne® is a registered trademark of Quartzdyne Inc.
Ranarex® is a registered trademark of EG&G Chandler Engineering Company.
Rotron™ is a trademark of Ametek, Inc.
Unix® is a registered trademark of The Open Group.
Windows™ is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
 Contents

Laboratory and Acquisition Cabin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Environmental parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Laboratory area description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Gauge Metrology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Static parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Dynamic parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Transient response during temperature variation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Transient response during pressure variation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Dynamic response during pressure and temperature shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Multiphase Flowmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Operating envelope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Surface testing acquisition network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SMART system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
STAF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Absolute pressure sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
STPS-A pressure transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
STPS-C/D pressure transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Differential pressure sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Temperature sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Flowmeter pulse sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Enhanced liquid measurement flowmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Universal Pressure Platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Gauge requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Reliability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Data quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Flexibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
UPP versatility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
UNIGAGE recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
UNIGAGE CQG pressure gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Single-point measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Benefits and features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
UNIGAGE quartz pressure gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Benefits and features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
UNIGAGE H-Sapphire pressure gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Unique construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Test performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
UNIGAGE Sapphire pressure gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Data Acquisition Services ■ Contents iii

 Monolithic recorder and sensor section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Test performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
UPP setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Memory guard feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Complete history log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Communication through battery feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Reporting and data transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Gauge calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
DataLatch System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
DST gauge adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
DGA with downhole LINC wireline adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
LINC downhole coupler assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
LINC running tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Downhole Shut-In Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Multislickline downhole shut-in tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Explosive-free shut-in tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

iv
 Laboratory and
Acquisition Cabin

This fourth book in the Schlumberger Testing Services set describes the acquisition of well
testing data from the endpoint laboratory and acquisition cabin through the various surface and
downhole equipment and techniques. Also reviewed are the operating parameters for pressure
transducers, the critical components for measuring accurate, reliable data.
The combined laboratory and acquisition cabin is the brain center of the well test operation
(Fig. 1). It offers the engineer full computer processing facilities with the SMART* Schlumberger
Modular Acquisition Recording Terminal to acquire, validate and process all well test data. The
cabin is also designed with all the necessary hardware to perform basic analysis on the forma-
tion fluid.

Figure 1. Laboratory and acquisition cabin.

Environmental parameters
The cabin is designed to operate between the temperatures of –4° and 113°F [–20° and 45°C].
The STAC-BA cabin is equipped with a cab pressurization system for use in Zone 2 hazardous
areas.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Laboratory and Acquistion Cabin 1

 Laboratory area description
The laboratory area (Fig. 2) has a separate door and is designed to efficiently incorporate the
usual tools in the testing lab for oil and gas measurements. The laboratory area has
■ stainless-steel cabinets up to standing work top heights
■ removable stainless-steel sink so that unused oil samples can be carried to proper disposal
areas on the rig site
■ electrical centrifuge for 100-cc sampling bottles, permanently installed but easily accessed
under work counter
■ rack for tube with part number sticker for easy reordering
■ wall-mounted support for the standard Ranarex® or optional Kimray® gravitometer, with small
hoses and valves preinstalled to the outside intake (with quick connect and mate), combined
outside exhaust (push-in barbed connector) and storage space for pulleys and accessories
■ waterproof ground fault interruption (GFI) protected 110- and 220-V outlets
■ shared air conditioning and pressurization with the acquisition area.

Table 1. Laboratory and Acquisition Cabin Specifications

Unit STAC-AA STAC-BA
Service Clean air Zone 2

Footprint ft [m] 12.7 × 8.1 [3.87 × 2.47] 12.7 × 8.1 [3.87 × 2.47]

Height ft [m] 9.9 [3.02] 9.9 [3.02]

Weight lbm [kg] 4630 [2100] 5180 [2350]

2
Figure 2. Laboratory and acquisition cabin areas.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Laboratory and Acquisition Cabin 3

 Gauge Metrology

In well testing, Schlumberger uses mechanical and electrical gauges to acquire data at the sur-
face and downhole. The performance of these gauges depends on many parameters and is
paramount to producing accurate, reliable data. This section describes the parameters that
affect pressure gauges.
Before looking at the different components and techniques, it is important to emphasize the
severe difference in environment between a pressure/temperature transducer required for
surface measurement and that of one required for downhole measurement. Whereas this may
seem obvious, the effects of pressure and temperature on the associated electronics can severely
affect the measurement and this needs to be understood and accounted for in the design of
the instrument.
Many parameters affect a gauge’s performance, and it is important to understand them when
selecting a gauge. Typical pressure measurement parameters can be split into the following
main classes:
■ static parameters

■ dynamic parameters.

Static parameters
Static parameters describe the transducer performance in these static conditions:
■ accuracy
■ resolution
■ stability
■ sensitivity.

Accuracy
Accuracy is considered to be the algebraic sum of all the errors that influence the pressure
measurement. These errors are due to mean quadratic deviation (MQD), hysteresis and
repeatability.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Gauge Metrology 5

 Mean quadratic deviation
MQD is a measure for the quality of the mathematical fit of the sensor response at one constant
temperature (Fig. 3). This parameter is a function of the transducer linearity (i.e., the closeness
of a calibration curve to a specified straight line) and of the calibration procedure (i.e., coeffi-
cient grid and polynomial function used).

Input

For a given temperature T

Pai Pci – Pai
Nominal i =n
Applied
∑ n (Pc − Pa i )
straight line 1 2
pressure MQD = i
i =1

Pai Pci Output

Computed pressure
Figure 3. Mean quadratic deviation.

Hysteresis
Hysteresis is the maximum discrepancy of the output of the transducer signal between increas-
ing and decreasing pressure (or temperature) excursions (Fig. 4).

Input

Pmax For a given temperature T

Hysteresis = ∆P

Applied Pa ∆P
pressure

Pdown Pup Pmax Output

Figure 4. Hysteresis.

6
 Repeatability
Repeatability is defined as the discrepancy between two consecutive measurements of a given
pressure.
As shown in Fig. 5, repeatability is not affected by hysteresis because both measurements are
performed using the same procedure. Temperature sensitivity, or dP/dT, is the ratio of the tem-
perature sensitivity (of the pressure signal) to the pressure sensitivity. For example, a gauge with
a dP/dT of 5 psi/°C and an associated temperature sensor of 0.1°C accuracy will induce an error
of 5 psi/°C × 0.1°C = 0.5 psi.

Input

Pmax

For a given temperature T

Applied
Repeatability = P – P ′
pressure

Pa

P ′P Pmax Output
Figure 5. Repeatability.

Resolution
Resolution is the minimum pressure change that is detected by the sensor (Fig. 6). When refer-
ring to a gauge resolution, it is important to take into account the associated electronics as the
two are always used together. It is also important to measure the resolution with respect to a spe-
cific sampling time. Gauge resolution is equal to the sum of three factors:
■ sensor resolution
■ digitizer resolution
■ electronic noise induced by the amplification chain.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Gauge Metrology 7

 Output

For a given temperature T

Resolution = Pb – Pa

Sensor
output Sn + 1
Sn

Sn – 1 Resolution

Pa Pb Input
Applied pressure

Figure 6. Resolution.

In the case of tools equipped with strain gauge transducers, this last factor is the predomi-
nant parameter by an order of magnitude. In addition, mechanically induced noise may be a
factor that limits gauge resolution because some gauges behave as microphones or accelerometers.
This may be an important consideration during tests when there is fluid movement or tool
movement downhole.

8
 Stability
Stability is the ability of a sensor to retain its performance characteristics for a relatively long
period of time. Stability is the sensor mean drift in psi per day obtained at a given pressure and
temperature. Three levels of stability can be defined:
■ short-term stability for the first day of a test
■ medium-term stability for the following six days
■ long-term stability for a minimum of one month.
In Fig. 7 the WCQR quartz gauge shows good stability as it tracks atmospheric pressure changes on
the downhole pressure. The conventional quartz gauge is drifting upward showing poor stability.

Conventional quartz gauge

6621.3 14.9

Atmospheric
6621.1 pressure 14.7
Pressure Atmospheric
(psia) pressure
6620.9 14.5 (psia)

WCQR quartz gauge

6620.7 14.3

0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Time (hr)

Figure 7. Stability.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Gauge Metrology 9

 Sensitivity
As shown in Fig. 8, sensitivity is the ratio of the transducer output variation induced by a change
of pressure to this change of pressure. In other words, sensitivity represents the slope of the
transducer output verses the pressure curve.

Output

Sn + 1
For a given temperature T

∆S Sensitivity = slope
= ∆S
∆P
Sensor Sn
output

∆P

Pan Pan + 1 Input

Applied pressure

Figure 8. Sensitivity.

Dynamic parameters
Dynamic parameters describe transducer performance in dynamic conditions. This classifi-
cation includes
■ transient response during temperature variation
■ transient response during pressure variation
■ dynamic response during pressure and temperature shock.

Transient response during temperature variation

Sensor response is monitored under dynamic temperature conditions while the applied pressure
is kept constant.
As shown in Fig. 9, the peak error represents the maximum discrepancy between the applied
pressure and the stabilized sensor output. By general consensus, the stabilization time repre-
sents the time needed to be within 1 psi of the stabilized pressure. The offset represents the
difference between the initial and final pressure. This parameter provides the time required to
get a reliable pressure measurement for a given temperature variation.

10
 To + ∆T

To

Stabilization time
Po Offset = ∆P
Temperature
pressure 1 psi

Peak
error

Time

Figure 9. Transient sensor response during temperature variation.

Transient response during pressure variation

Sensor response is recorded before and after a pressure variation while the temperature is kept
constant (Fig. 10). Peak error and stabilization time are measured as previously described for a
temperature variation.

Po
Po – Pstep

Po
Po – Pstep Stabilization time
Offset = ∆P
1 psi
Pressure

Peak
error

Time

Figure 10. Transient sensor response during pressure variation.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Gauge Metrology 11

 Dynamic response during pressure and temperature shock
Sensor response recorded before and after a pressure and temperature shock is shown in Fig. 11.

5160
CRG crystal gauge

5140
SLSR
Pressure
(psi)
UNIGAGE sensor

5120 HPR sensor

2 2.1 2.2 2.3

Time (hr)

Figure 11. Dynamic sensor response during pressure and temperature shock.

12
 Multiphase
Flowmeter

Multiphase flowmeters (MPFM) allow continuous rate measurement in individual phases in a

well without prior separation.
Applications cover those where a standard three-phase separator is used to measure multi-
phase flow. These include permanent metering, where the meter is permanently installed at a
client manifold or facility to measure flows on a permanent basis, and periodic testing (Fig. 12),
where mobile meters are used to perform surface flow rate measurements to determine individ-
ual well performance when no fluid separation is needed.

Figure 12. PhaseTester* Vx* 52 multiphase flowmeter.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Multiphase Flowmeter 13

 The main benefits and features of multiphase metering are
■ quicker, more efficient well testing
■ reduced field development costs
■ early water detection
■ improved well diagnostics
■ rig time savings
■ eliminated test lines
■ remote operation
■ safer installation and operation
■ reduced gas flaring
■ small, lightweight and simple to operate
■ repeatable, highly accurate mesurements
■ SCADA compatible
■ exceptional dynamic response owing to low volume and rapid stabilization
■ no separation
■ measures slug, foam and emulsion flows
■ marine ready
■ extensively qualified field proven design
■ data available electronically
■ high-pressure rating
■ no moving parts—low maintenance
■ no flowing calibration.
The permanent metering and periodic testing multiphase flow measurement techniques are
both based on a venturi section to measure the flow velocity and a dual-energy gamma ray
densitometer and fraction meter to provide the holdup of each phase. The selection of a dual-
energy gamma densitometer and venturi has been the result of an intensive measurement
optimization program over many years and has been proved in the field to be the most robust
flow measurement method. Flow conditioning devices may be used upstream of the venturi sec-
tion to condition the well fluid (permanent metering). Multiphase flow prediction models that
require high acquisition rates are used in the periodic testing meter to determine the actual
phase flow rates.

Operating envelope
Use of the dual-energy gamma and venturi combination defines the operating envelope of the
meter. The gas-liquid envelope defines the region where the expected gas and liquid flow rates
from a specific well fall with respect to the operating range of the multiphase meter.
The multiphase flowmeter has an operating range that differs from the traditional separator.
The permanent metering and periodic testing operating ranges depend on
■ venturi throat internal diameter

■ pressure rating

■ venturi minimum and maximum ∆P

■ gas volume fraction (GVF) at line condition.

Schlumberger job design software is available to verify the usability of the multiphase flow-
meter for application purposes, and ensures that the expected operating parameters fit the
capability of the meter. This exercise can be rather complicated because the operating envelope

14
 is defined in terms of flow rates at line conditions, not at standard conditions. Typically, the ratio
of maximum to minimum liquid flow rates is 10; the maximum gas/liquid ratio (GLR) at line con-
ditions is also 10. The latter limitation can be overcome by increasing the line pressure. Note that
this envelope is valid only when liquid viscosity is within the meter’s specifications.
Figures 13 and 14 show the operating envelopes for the permanent metering and periodic
testing multiphase flowmeters, respectively. Tables 2 and 3 list the operating ranges and specifi-
cations for permanent metering. Tables 4 and 5 list those for periodic testing. A periodic testing
meter is shown in Fig. 15.
The envelope shown in Fig. 13 is limited by three borderlines. These lines reflect the pressure
drop at the venturi throat.
The diagram shows operating envelopes for four venturi diameters: 30, 50, 70 and 95 mm. The
actual gas flow rate is given along the horizontal axis, whereas the actual liquid flow rate is
represented by the vertical axis. Actual flow rate is the volumetric flow rate of gas and liquid
(oil + water) at the process pressure and temperature through the meter.
The three curves in the lower left corner of the diagram represent the minimum
recommended combination of liquid and gas flow rate at 10-, 50- and 100-bar operating pressure.
The corresponding curves in the middle of the diagram represent a pressure drop of 2 bar across
the multiphase flowmeter. The diagram gives a rough indication of the size of the most suitable
venturi diameter. Venturi diameter is selected in 5-mm steps (30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, etc.)

Venturi diameter (mm)

95 70 50 30
Operating pressure
70,000 40,000 20,000
50%

7000 10 bar
75%
35,000 18,000 50 bar
GVF =

60,000 6000 100 bar

F=

30,000 16,000
GV

Actual 50,000 14,000 5000

25,000 90%
liquid 12,000 ∆P = 28 psi F=
4000 GV
flow rate 40,000 20,000
(B/D) 10,000
30,000 3000
15,000 8000 95%
GVF =
20,000 10,000 6000 2000
∆P = 0.7 psi
4000
10,000 5000 1000
2000
0 0 0 0 30
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
50 Venturi
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 diameter
70 (mm)
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800
95
0 400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400 2800 3200
Actual gas flow rate (× 1000 ft3/D)

Figure 13. Permanent metering conventional operating gas-liquid envelopes.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Multiphase Flowmeter 15

 Maximum venturi pressure drop = 2000 mbar (7000 mbar with ∆P total)
Minimum venturi pressure drop = 100 mbar (50 mbar with reduced accuracy)
160
Pline = 10 bar

140 Pline = 30 bar

Pline = 50 bar

120

100
Total
liquid
volumetric 80
flow rate GLR = 10
(m3/h) GVF = 0.91
60
GLR = 20
GVF = 0.95
40

20

0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Gas volumetric flow rate – line conditions (m3/h)

Figure 14. Periodic testing conventional operating gas-liquid envelope.

16
Table 2. Permanent Metering Measuring Section and Flow Computer Operating Ranges
Unit MPFM
Venturi throat diameter in. [mm] 19⁄16 [40] 131⁄32 [50]

Max ∆P psi [bar] 28.1 [2] 28.1 [2]

Gamma composition Barium-133 source (10-mCi activity)

Max liquid flow rate B/D at 725 psi 13,000 [2070] 20,000 [3180]
[m3/d at 50 bar]

Min liquid flow rate (no gas) B/D at 725 psi ~2500 [~397] 4000 [636]
[m3/d at 50 bar]

Max gas flow rate Mscf/D at 725 psi 380 [10,760] 600 [16,990]
[m3/d at 50 bar]

Min gas flow rate Mscf/D at 725 psi 70 [1982] 106 [3000]
[m3/d at 50 bar]
Note: The maximum flow rates are dependent only on the maximum allowable pressure drop through the system. The indicated maximum flow rates may be
increased, provided that a high-pressure drop through the meter is acceptable.

Table 3. Permanent Metering Measuring Section and Flow Computer Specifications

Unit MPFM
Working pressure psi [bar] 5000 [345]

Test pressure psi [bar] 8000 [550]

Gamma detector pressure and °F [°C] –4 to 350 [–20 to 175]

temperature, process interface

Transmitters P and T °F [°C] –4 to 185 [–20 to 85]

Flow computer °F [°C] –4 to 140 [–20 to 60]

Service computer °F [°C] 32 to 104 [0 to 40]

Viscosity cp 100

Inlet flange On request

Outlet flange On request

Footprint ft [m] 5.5 ft × 6.6 [1.67 × 2.00]

Height ft [m] 7.9 [2.42]

Weight lbm [kg] 8000 [3630]

Certification Hazardous area Zone 1, DNV certification, EMC and H2S service (per NACE)

Data Acquisition Services ■ Multiphase Flowmeter 17

Table 4. Periodic Testing Measuring Section and Flow Computer Operating Ranges
Unit PhaseTester Vx 52
Venturi throat diameter in. [mm] 2.04 [52]

Max ∆P psi [bar] 101.5 [7]

Gamma composition Gadolinium-153 source (100-mCi activity)

Max liquid flow rate (no gas) B/D [m3/d] 23,500 [3734]

Min liquid flow rate (no gas) B/D [m3/d] 3000 [476]

Max gas flow rate (no liquid) MMscf/D at 4500 psi 100 [2.83]
[MMm3/d at 310 bar]

Min gas flow rate (no liquid) Mscf/D at 80 psi 1300 [36.8]
[MMm3/d at 5.52 bar]

Table 5. Periodic Testing Measuring Section and Flow Computer Specifications

Unit PhaseTester Vx 52
Working pressure psi [bar] 5000 [345]

Test pressure psi [bar] 10,000 [690]

Operating temperature rating °F [°C] –4 to 302 [–20 to 150]

Instruments temperature rating °F [°C] –40 to 185 [–40 to 85]

Inlet flange 5-in. modified gray lock

Outlet flange 5-in. modified gray lock

Footprint ft [m] 4.92 × 5.24 [1.5 × 1.6]

Height ft [m] 5.57 [1.7]

Weight lbm [kg] 2865 [1300]

Certification Hazardous area Zone 1, DNV certification, EMC and H2S service (per NACE)

18
 Gamma
densitometer

Adjustable choke Inlet

Venturi Outlet

Figure 15. PhaseTester Vx 52 multiphase flowmeter.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Multiphase Flowmeter 19

 Sensors

Sensors measure pressure, temperature and flow. Sensors include transmitters, which contain
electronics to send the information to a data acquisition facility.

Surface testing acquisition network

As shown in Fig. 16, the surface testing acquisition network (STAN) consists of
■ sensors required to make all surface well testing pressure, temperature and flow
measurements
■ mechanical adaptation to install them on the existing surface testing equipment
■ connecting cables
■ one or more surface testing acquisition front ends (STAF) connected to a SMART computer.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Sensors 21

 SMART STAF

Hazardous area

Gas
pressure
Gas differential
pressure Gas temperature
Gas

Annulus
pressure

Down choke
pressure

Wellhead
Water flow rate pressure
Water Choke
manifold Wellhead
temperature
Oil
Well fluid
Oil temperature
Oil flow rate (Rotron and Floco)

Wellhead

Transmitter Casing

Figure 16. Surface testing acquistion network.

22
 SMART system
As shown in Fig. 17, the SMART system consists of a data acquisition personal computer (PC) and
proprietary software that runs under the Unix® operating system.

Figure 17. SMART system.

STAF
The STAF is a front-end connection box (Fig. 18 and Table 6) that acquires signals from the trans-
mitters and supplies power to them. It includes the intrinsically safe barriers, which isolate the
electrical circuits located in the safe area from the transmitters located in the hazardous areas.

Figure 18. STAF connection box.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Sensors 23

Table 6. STAF-AB Specifications
Unit STAF-AB
Basic Wellhead Cables and Sensor Set (SBWS-A)
STTS-B 1 Temperature transmitter °F [°C] –58 to 300 [–50 to 150]

STPS-C 3 Pressure transmitter with LCD psi [bar] 10,000 [690]

Pressure liners 3 Liner 1⁄8 in. psi [bar] 15,000 [1035]

Cables 1 Six-pair umbilical ft [m] 328 [100]

1 Six-arm cable concentrator ft [m] 16 [5]

1 Transmitter extension cable ft [m] 33 [10]

STAN Basic Separator Cables and Transmitter Set (SBSS-A)

STTS-A 1 Temperature transmitter (long) °F [°C] –58 to 300 [–50 to 150]

STTS-B 1 Temperature transmitter (short) °F [°C] –58 to 300 [–50 to 150]

STPS-A 1 Pressure transmitter psi [bar] 1500 [104]

SDPS-A 1 Testing differential pressure in. of H2O [cm of mercury] 400 [75]
transmitter

SFNT-A 1 Namur transmitter Floco

SRNT-A 1 Namur transmitter Rotron

Cables 1 Six-pair umbilical ft [m] 328 [100]

1 Six-arm cable concentrator ft [m] 16 [5]

1 Transmitter extension cable ft [m] 33 [10]

24
 Absolute pressure sensor
STPS-A pressure transmitter
The STPS-A pressure transmitter (Table 7) is designed with a four-arm 350-ohm strain gauge
bridge and has a welded stainless-steel construction. The measuring diaphragm is made of
HASTELLOY® metal alloys. This absolute-pressure transmitter has an internally sealed 0-psi ref-
erence. The transmitter electronics are optimized to reduce the temperature sensitivity effects.

STPS-C/D pressure transmitter

The STPS-C/D pressure transmitter (Fig. 19 and Table 7) is a one-piece machined stainless-steel
diaphragm with a sputtered thin-film strain gauge. A 16-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC)
first digitizes the analog signals from the pressure and built-in temperature transmitter. A micro-
processor computes the temperature compensation from a look-up calibration table stored in an
electrically erasable (user) programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Finally a 12-bit digital-
to-analog converter (DAC) generates the temperature-compensated analog pressure signal.

Figure 19. STPS-C/D pressure transmitter.

Table 7. STPS-A, STPS-C and STPS-D Specifications

Unit STPS-A STPS-C STPS-D
Pressure range psi [bar] 0–1500 [0–104] 0–10,000 [0–690] 0–16,000 [o–1104]

Temperature range °F [°C] –100 to 325 [–73 to 162] –40 to 185 [–40 to 85]

Compensation range °F [°C] 1 to 185 [–17 to 85] –4 to 158 [–20 to 70]

Accuracy Full scale ±0.10% ±0.20%

Environment Intrinsically safe— Intrinsically safe—EEx ia IIC

EEx ia IIC T5

Certification NEMKO Nr. Ex - 95.D.209 S.C.S. No. Ex95D2129X

Data Acquisition Services ■ Sensors 25

 Differential pressure sensor
The differential pressure sensor gauge (Fig. 20 and Table 8) includes a piezoelectric transmitter
that is made of three different sensing elements. One sensor measures the differential pressure,
a second one measures the temperature, and the third one measures the static pressure. An elec-
tronic module controlled by a microprocessor is used to compensate data for temperature- and
static pressure-induced errors. Only the corrected differential pressure information is available
as a 4- to 20-mA signal.

Figure 20. SDPS-A gauge.

26
Table 8. SDPS-A Specifications
Unit SDPS-A
∆P range in. of H2O at 60°F [cm of mercury at 16°C] 400 [75]

Temperature range °F [°C] –40 to 200 [–40 to 93]

Absolute line pressure psi [bar] 3050 [210]

Compensation range °F [°C] –40 to 185 [–40 to 85]

Accuracy Full scale ±0.075%

Environment Intrinsically safe—EEx ia IIC T5

Certification LCIE 95.D6081 X

Data Acquisition Services ■ Sensors 27

 Temperature sensor
The probe-type temperature sensor (Fig. 21 and Table 9) is a PT100 (100-ohm platinum resistor
at 32ºF [0ºC]) associated with a combined monitor and transmitter.

Figure 21. Probe-type temperature sensor.

Table 9. STTS-A and STTS-B Specifications

Unit STTS-A STTS-B
Probe length in. [mm] 14 [350] 6 [150]

Temperature range °F [°C] –4 to 194 [–20 to 90]

Accuracy Measured value ±0.25%

Environment Intrinsically safe—EEx ia IICT6/T5

Certification NEMKO Nr. Ex 93.C.112755

28
 Flowmeter pulse sensor
The flowmeter pulse sensor (Table 10) transmits the flow information given by the Floco and the
Rotron flowmeters in accordance with the Namur standard. Both flowmeters are fitted with an
inductive emitter, which generates current variations as the teeth of the wheel that is driven by
the flowmeter pass in front of the sensor.

Table 10. SFNT-A and SFNT-B Specifications

SFNT-A SFNT-B
Signal type Namur Namur

Flowmeter Floco gear combination Rotron gear combination

Environment Intrinsically safe—EEx ia IIC T6 Intrinsically safe—EEx ia IIC T6

Certification PTB Nr. Ex—83/2022 X PTB Nr. Ex—83/2022 X

Enhanced liquid measurement flowmeter

The enhanced liquid measurement flowmeter (ELMF) is an advanced flow sensor. This optional
separator oil flowmeter is based on a 3-in. Coriolis mass flowmeter. It measures both mass flow
and fluid density at live conditions. The corresponding signals are acquired by the STAN.
This new sensor measures the density of a liquid flow in a pipe. The sensor consists of a pipe,
which is oscillated. A change in the density of the liquid flow inside the tube, which causes a
change of inertial mass, changes the resonance frequency of the vibrating pipe. Thus, the
resonance frequency is a measure of the density of the liquid in the tube.
The structure is also used as a mass flowmeter. A liquid flowing in a pipe, which is oscillated
in a resonant mode, results in a measured superimposed twisting of the structure that is
proportional to the liquid mass flow.
Figure 22 shows how liquid flows in and out of an ELMF sensor (Fig. 23) through a vibrating
pipe. It also shows how the structure twists in proportion to the liquid mass flow. ELMF specifi-
cations are listed in Table 11.

Fluid outlet

Resonance

Fluid inlet

Twist angle

Figure 22. ELMF structure.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Sensors 29

Figure 23. Enhanced liquid measurement flowmeter.

Table 11. ELMF Specifications

Unit ELMF
Service NACE MR-01-75

Nominal size in. [mm] 3.0 [76]

Operating pressure psi at 100°F [bar at 38°C] 1440 [100]

Operating temperature °F [°C] –400 to 400 [–240 to 204]

Min flow rate BOPD [m3/d] 140 [533]

Max flow rate BOPD [m3/d] 22,500 [3577]

Accuracy % of reading ±0.6 < 1250 BOPD

±0.2 > 1250 BOPD

Certification Meter EEx ib IIBT6

Transmitter EEx ib IIC (safe zone)

30
 Universal
Pressure Platform

The universal pressure platform (UPP) (Fig. 24) can handle any pressure measurement need,
from a slickline well test to a drillstem test (DST). This versatile modular platform, which is
based on the UNIGAGE* recorder, can be adapted to specific well test objectives and expected
downhole conditions by combining the recorder with any of four different sensors:
■ CQG* Crystal Quartz Gauge sensor
■ Quartzdyne® sensor customized by Schlumberger
■ Sapphire* quartz gauge sensor
■ H-Sapphire sensor, which is designed for extremely hostile conditions.

Figure 24. Universal pressure platform.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Universal Pressure Platform 31

 Gauge requirements
The electronic memory gauges used in well tests are often exposed to severe shocks, high pres-
sures and temperatures, and corrosive fluids such as H2S, CO2 and acid for periods lasting from a
few hours to several months. To achieve test objectives despite harsh conditions, the gauges must
meet high standards of
■ reliability
■ data quality
■ flexibility.

Reliability
Gauges must be able to reliably acquire pressure data under all conditions without problems.
Redundancy and backup gauges should not be necessary.

Data quality
The data acquired must be of high quality. If the data drift or the gauge is unable to resolve small
pressure changes, the data may not be interpretable and the objectives of the well test will not
be met. Pressure measurements should be made as close to the sandface as possible to avoid the
effects of phase segregation.

Flexibility
Gauges are run in a variety of ways:
■ on slickline
■ set in completion nipples
■ in gauge carriers on DST strings
■ on electric wireline.
Consequently, both hardware and software must have the flexibility to accommodate a wide
range of acquisition methods.

32
 UPP versatility
All recorder-sensor combinations (Fig. 25) can use battery power to run on slickline or in tubu-
lars for downhole recording. They can also be run on wireline or with the DataLatch* system to
provide surface readout through a wireline interface.
Up to four UPP gauges can be mounted in the fullbore DST gauge adapter (DGA) for use with
the DataLatch system. These gauges can be selectively ported to measure and record pressure
above the tester valve, below the tester valve or in the annulus.
The communications module of the DST LINC* wireline adapter (DWLA) and the LINC
latched inductive coupling work in conjunction with the DGA to provide two-way communication
with the surface during the test. This two-way communication allows gauge data to be down-
loaded at convenient intervals and permits reprogramming of the gauges as required to maintain
complete test program flexibility and control.

Slickline DST Electric DataLatch Permanent

carrier line tool gauge

Downhole Recorders Surface Readouts

Figure 25. UPP recorder-sensor combinations.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Universal Pressure Platform 33

 UNIGAGE recorder
The UNIGAGE recorder is common to the entire family of UPP gauges (Fig. 26). It has a processor
with intelligent firmware for data processing and programming, an EEPROM to store data and an
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip for signal processing.
Because the UNIGAGE recorder can be used for both surface readout and downhole
recording, changing the test program does not necessarily require changing gauges. This versa-
tility provides great flexibility in conducting a test. Ruggedized construction (class 6) enables the
UNIGAGE recorder to withstand shocks generated by tubing-conveyed perforating (TCP) and jar-
ring. Potential connection failures are eliminated because gauges are set up and read through
the battery. In remote areas where power is not available, a PC or hand-held monitor can be used
for gauge setup and reading.
Scan rates as fast as 0.1 s enable the UNIGAGE recorder to capture even the most rapid pres-
sure changes. It can record for long periods of time at fast scan rates because it is able to store
up to 120,000 data sets, and its memory can be upgraded to 480,000 data sets simply by replacing
the memory chip.
Up to 16 different programmable windows, each with its own scan rate, delay and duration,
allow customization to meet test requirements. To facilitate maintenance and job planning, a
complete history log of all previous jobs is stored in the recorder’s memory. Data are not lost
if the battery becomes depleted, and a memory guard ensures data acquisition even if the test
program is changed.
When selected, the memory guard extends memory life by increasing the scanning rate when
80% of the memory is filled. Typically, the last 20% of the UNIGAGE recorder’s memory lasts for
300 hr.
All UPP gauge components, including the recorder, have an OD of only 1.2 in. This minimizes
flow path restriction and allows up to four UPP gauges to be used in the DataLatch system’s
5-in. OD, 21⁄4-in. ID, 15,000-psi gauge carrier.
The UNIGAGE recorder is rated for operation up to 375°F [190°C] and 20,000 psi.

34
 Battery Electric
section line
(single- or section
double-life
pack)

Microcontroller

UNIGAGE EEPROM
recorder data memory
section

ASIC

Sensor
subsection

CQG quartz Customized H-Sapphire Sapphire

sensor Quartzdyne sensor sensor
sensor

Figure 26. UNIGAGE recorder.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Universal Pressure Platform 35

 UNIGAGE CQG pressure gauge
The modular UPP gauge that combines a UNIGAGE section with a CQG Compensated Quartz
Gauge provides the best pressure measurement available in terms of noise, drift, accuracy,
dynamic response and resolution. Like all UPP gauges, it can be used for both downhole record-
ing and surface readout and is fully compatible with the DataLatch system.

Single-point measurement
Pressure and temperature are both measured at exactly the same point on a single quartz crys-
tal. As a result, there is practically no drift (creep effect) the first day, and drift in the first week
is less than 0.2 psi. The single-point measurement improves accuracy and provides better data
because there are no correction temperature errors, and problems linked to nonuniform aging
are practically eliminated. Pressure and temperature transient errors can be nearly suppressed
by using a dynamic compensation algorithm, which also reduces the noise level seen on the pres-
sure channel caused by temperature changes.
The UNIGAGE CQG gauge was sensitive enough to track atmospheric pressure changes while
set at 15,000 ft in a test well, where the temperature was 311°F [155°C] and the pressure greater
than 6600 psi. Under the same conditions, the gauge resolved pressure changes as small as 0.01 psi
at a 1-s scan rate. Such a change is equivalent to removing or adding 1 in. of water in the well.
Figure 27 shows the stability of a UNIGAGE recorder with a CQG sensor in tracking atmos-
pheric pressure changes over a period of 120 hr while set at a depth of 15,000 ft.

6621.3
Conventional
6621.1 quartz gauge
14.9
Atmospheric
pressure
6620.9 14.7
Atmospheric
Pressure pressure
(psia) (psia)
6620.7 14.5

UNIGAGE-CQG section
6620.5 14.3

0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Time (hr)

Figure 27. UNIGAGE CQG performance.

36
 Applications
The UNIGAGE CQG sensor (Fig. 28) is suitable for all reservoir measurements but has particular
application where drift, resolution, accuracy, and fast pressure and temperature transients are
of primary concern, such as high-mobility gas and condensate wells. Its mechanical character-
istics allow the sensor to be used in high-shock environments, hydraulic fracturing and with
corrosive fluids.

Bridges

Lower electrode

Upper electrode
Quartz cylinder

Lower conductive plate

Vibrating plate
Upper conductive plate

Figure 28. UNIGAGE CQG sensor.

Benefits and features

The UNIGAGE CQG sensor has the following features and benefits (Fig. 29 and Table 12):
■ It provides superior-quality measurements because the sensors that measure the pressure and
the temperature are on the same crystal.
■ The CQG sensor has a better dynamic response during pressure and temperature transients
compared with other quartz gauges.
■ A software dynamic temperature compensation algorithm is used on the pressure data to
correct the errors due to temperature transients. The CQG provides a more stable and less
noisy pressure response.
■ The CQG sensor is extremely robust. The UNIGAGE CQG has been qualified for class 6 shocks
and vibrations. It can therefore be used with TCP and jarring while sustaining all metrological
specifications.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Universal Pressure Platform 37

Table 12. UNIGAGE CQG Specifications
Unit UNIGAGE CQG (WCQR-B)
Service H2S

Operating pressure rating psi [bar] 16,000 [1103]

Operating temperature rating °F [°C] 350 [177]

Diameter (OD) in. [mm] 1.2 [30]

Make-up length in. [mm] 71.2 [1808]

Shock environment Class 6†,‡

Downhole Recorder Specifications

Data storage capacity kbyte 256 (1 Mbyte with extended memory)

Data (P and T) set 100,000 (400,000 with extended memory)

Battery autonomy day 40, 70 (1-min scanning rate)

Battery autonomy extended life month 9

Scanning rate To 1.0 s (0.1-s steps)

1.0 s to 4 min (1-s steps)
4 to 20 min (5-s steps)

Metrological Specifications
Pressure accuracy psi [bar] ±1 to 2.5 [±0.07 to 0.172]

Pressure resolution (1-s scanning rate) psi [bar] 0.01 [0.0007]

Temperature accuracy °F [°C] ±0.9 [±0.5]

Temperature resolution °F [°C] 0.0018 [0.001]

Calibration range psi [bar ] 1,000 to 15,000 [69 to 1034]

°F [°C] 77 to 350 [25 to 175]
† Vibration: 10 to 185 Hz for 20 min, all three axes
‡ Shock: 500 g, 2 ms, three times per axis

38
 +

Battery section

Electric line
module

Recorder section
71.2 in.
[1808 mm]

Sensor section

Bellows

6.95 in.
[176 mm]

Figure 29. UNIGAGE CQG gauge.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Universal Pressure Platform 39

 UNIGAGE quartz pressure gauge
The UNIGAGE quartz pressure gauge is part of the UPP platform developed by Schlumberger.
This quartz gauge is built around a Quartzdyne sensor (Figs. 30 and 31) and can provide superior
measurements under difficult conditions. It is particularly designed for prolonged tests, high-
mobility wells and permanent installations. Like all UPP gauges, it can also be used with an
electric line for surface readout or inserted in a gauge carrier for DST applications. It is fully com-
patible with the DataLatch system.

Pressure inlet Pressure sensor crystal

Reference crystal

Bellows

Spacer Connection board

Pressure housing Temperature sensor crystal

Figure 30. UNIGAGE quartz sensor.

Electrode

Resonating element

Conductive plate (front)

Quartz cylinder

Figure 31. Quartzdyne pressure sensor crystal.

40
 Applications
The UNIGAGE quartz gauge is suitable for all reservoir measurements, but more specifically for
applications where drift and resolution are of primary concern, such as long-duration tests, high-
mobility wells, permanent installations and interference tests. Its mechanical characteristics
allow the UNIGAGE quartz gauge to be used in high-shock environments, hydraulic fracturing
and corrosive fluids.
In an operation for Total in the North Sea, two UPP gauges with quartz sensors were run in the
hole with a DST string, which stuck because of barite settlement. After 200 hr of jarring, the
string was recovered and the gauges read. Despite the punishment they had endured, the gauges
provided high-quality data (Fig. 32).

10000 200

8000 Pressure 175

Pressure Temperature
(psia) 6000 150 (°C)

4000 125

Temperature
0 100
0 100 200 300
Time (hr)

104

Log-log

103

DP and DP ′
(psia)

102

Derivative

101
10–2 10–1 100 101 102 103
Dt (hr)

Figure 32. UPP gauge data. The test ended at 100 hr, thereafter jarring the DST string.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Universal Pressure Platform 41

 Benefits and features
The UNIGAGE quartz gauge (Fig. 33 and Table 13) has the following features and benefits:
■ Good-quality measurements are obtained by the Schlumberger-customized Quartzdyne sensor
and its associated electronics.
■ The quartz sensor has a better dynamic response during pressure and temperature shocks
compared with conventional strain gauges.
■ The quartz sensor is extremely robust. The UNIGAGE quartz gauge is qualified for class 6
shocks and vibrations. It can therefore be used with TCP and jarring while sustaining all
metrological specifications.
■ A user-selectable data reduction algorithm permits only the storing of data when pressure or
temperature changes above a certain limit.
■ Sixteen different recording sessions can be programmed, each with its own scanning rate,
duration and data reduction option.
■ When selected, a memory guard feature extends the memory’s life by increasing the scanning
rate when 80% of the memory is filled.
■ A hand-held monitor can be used for gauge setup and reading in locations where power is
unavailable.
■ It has an OD of 1.2 in., pressure rating of 18,000 psi and temperature rating of 350°F [177°C].
It can scan as fast as 0.1 s per data set. The memory capacity is 120,000 data sets, and the stan-
dard battery autonomy is 75 days.

42
 +

Battery section

Electric line
module

68.4 in.
[1737 mm] Recorder section

Sensor section

Bellows

6.95 in.
[176 mm]

Figure 33. UNIGAGE quartz gauge.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Universal Pressure Platform 43

Table 13. UNIGAGE Quartz Specifications
Unit UNIGAGE Quartz (WTQR)
Service H2S

Operating pressure rating psi [bar] 18,000 [1241]

Operating temperature rating °F [°C] 350 [177]

Diameter (OD) in. [mm] 1.2 [29]

Make-up length in. [mm] 68.4 [1676]

Shock environment Class 6†,‡

Downhole Recorder Specifications

Data storage capacity kbyte 256 (1 Mbyte with extended memory)

Data (P and T ) set 120,000 (480,000 with extended memory)

Battery autonomy day 75

Battery autonomy extended life year 1 (on request)

Scanning rate Down to 0.1 s per data set

Metrological Specifications
Pressure accuracy psi [bar] ±3.2 [±0.22]

Pressure resolution psi [bar] 0.01 at 1-s scan [0.0007 at 1-s scan]

Temperature accuracy °F [°C] ±0.9 [±0.5]

Temperature resolution °F [°C] 0.002 [0.001]

Calibration range psi [bar] 1,000 to 16,000 [69 to 1103]

°F [°C] 77 to 350 [25 to 175]
† Vibration: 10 to 185 Hz for 20 min, all three axes
‡ Shock: 500 g, 2 ms, three times per axis

44
 UNIGAGE H-Sapphire pressure gauge
The UNIGAGE recorder and H-Sapphire sensor make up the modular UPP gauge that is designed
for hostile conditions such as pressures up to 20,000 psi and temperatures up to 375°F [190°C].
This gauge is also suitable for tests conducted under less severe conditions when the data
quality that a crystal sensor provides is not required.
Like the other gauges in the UPP family, this one can be used for both downhole recording and
surface readout and is fully compatible with the DataLatch system. However, it has a unique fea-
ture that allows it to be run in tandem with another UPP gauge on wireline. The ability to acquire
data simultaneously from the two different types of gauges provides redundancy and increases
the chances for a successful test in extremely hostile conditions.

Unique construction
The H-Sapphire sensor is built around a miniature vacuum-filled sapphire crystal (Fig. 34), which
has a thin-film strain-gauge bridge and a temperature compensation resistor deposited on its sur-
face. This unique construction provides the benefits of pressure stability and resolution,
reliability, temperature compensation, and pressure and temperature dynamic response.

Test performance
These benefits were clearly demonstrated during tests conducted in the Schlumberger test well.
The UPP gauge with an H-Sapphire sensor (Fig. 35 and Table 14) outperformed competitors’
gauges in drift, resolution and dynamic response. The competitors’ gauges were based on
conventional strain sensors.

Pressure sensor Temperature sensor

Vacuum

Neutral fluid

Sapphire capsule Elastic membrane

Pressure

Figure 34. UNIGAGE H-Sapphire pressure sensor.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Universal Pressure Platform 45

Table 14. UNIGAGE H-Sapphire Specifications
Unit UNIGAGE H-Sapphire (WTSR)
Service H2S

Operating pressure rating psi [bar] 20,000 [1379]

Operating temperature rating °F [°C] 375 [190]

Diameter (OD) in. [mm] 1.2 [29]

Make-up length in. [mm] 68.4 [1676]

Shock environment (TCP) Class 6†,‡

Downhole Recorder Specifications

Data storage capacity Mbyte 1.0

Data sets (P and T ) set 60,000

Battery autonomy day 30

Scanning rate Down to 0.1 s per data set

Metrological Specifications
Pressure accuracy psi [bar] ±5 up to 350°F [±0.3 up to 174°C]
±10 psi up to 375°F [±0.7 up to 190°C]

Pressure resolution psi [bar] 0.1 at 1-s scan [0.007 at 1-s scan]

Temperature accuracy °F [°C] ±1.4 [±0.8]

Temperature resolution °F [°C] 0.002 [0.001]

Calibration range psi [bar] 1,000 to 20,000 [69 to 1379]

°F [°C] 77 to 375 [25 to 190]
† Vibration: 10 to 185 Hz for 20 min, all three axes
‡ Shock: 500 g, 2 ms, three times per axis

46
 +

Battery section

Electric line
module

68.4 in.
[1676 mm] Recorder section

Sensor section

Buffer tube

6.95 in.
[176 mm]

Figure 35. UNIGAGE H-Sapphire gauge.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Universal Pressure Platform 47

 UNIGAGE Sapphire pressure gauge
The UPP gauge with a Sapphire sensor is cost effective and efficient for production well testing,
particularly when run on slickline for downhole recording. However, like all UPP gauges, it can
also be used with a wireline for surface readout and is fully compatible with the DataLatch
system.
This gauge provides quality sapphire measurements because its sensor has the same unique
construction as the H-Sapphire sensor—thin-film, strain-gauge bridge and temperature
compensation resistor deposited on the surface of a miniature vacuum-filled sapphire crystal
(Fig. 36).

Pressure sensor

Temperature sensor

Figure 36. UNIGAGE Sapphire construction.

Benefits
The benefits of the UNIGAGE Sapphire sensor are the same as those of the H-Sapphire sensor:
■ pressure stability and resolution
■ reliability
■ temperature compensation
■ pressure and temperature dynamic response.

Monolithic recorder and sensor section

The UPP Sapphire sensor gauge is not modular like the other UPP gauges. Instead, it has a
monolithic recorder and sensor section (Fig. 37), which does not adversely affect measurement
quality (Table 15).

Test performance
During field tests conducted in France, the UNIGAGE Sapphire gauge outperformed two com-
petitors’ gauges in drift, resolution and dynamic response. Both competitors’ gauges had
conventional strain sensors.
Two UPP gauges with Sapphire sensors spent nearly 40 days in a well, set in a completion
nipple. Throughout the test, which included an acid treatment, the difference in pressure
reading between the two gauges was less than 2 psi, and both gauges gave the same log-log
and derivative plots (Fig. 38).

48
 +

Battery section

Electric line
module

58.3 in.
[1480 mm] Recorder section

Sensor section

Buffer tube

6.95 in.
[176 mm]

Figure 37. UNIGAGE Sapphire gauge.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Universal Pressure Platform 49

Table 15. UNIGAGE Sapphire Gauge Specifications
Unit UNIGAGE Sapphire (SLSR)
Service H2S

Operating pressure rating psi [bar] 10,000 [690]

Operating temperature rating °F [°C] 266 [130]

Diameter (OD) in. [mm] 1.2 [30]

Make-up length in. [mm] 58.3 [1480]

Shock environment (TCP) Class 6†,‡

Downhole Recorder Specifications

Data storage capacity kbyte 256

Data sets (P and T ) set 120,000

Battery autonomy day 50

Battery autonomy extended month 6

Scanning rate 1 s to 4 min (1-s steps)

4 to 20 min (5-s steps)

Metrological Specifications
Pressure accuracy psi [bar] ±5 [±0.345]

Pressure resolution psi [bar] 0.05 psi at 1-s scan [0.003 at 1-s scan]

Temperature accuracy °F [°C] ±0.6 [±0.3]

Temperature resolution °F [°C] 0.02 [0.01]

Calibration range psi [bar] 15 to 10,000 [1 to 690]

† Vibration: 10 to 185 Hz for 20 min, all three axes
‡ Shock: 500 g, 2 ms, three times per axis

50
 2500

2000

1500
Pressure
(psia)
100

500

0
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42
Time (days)

103

Log-log
102

DP and DP ′
(psia)

101
Derivative

100
10–2 10–1 100 101 102 103
Dt (hr)

Figure 38. UNIGAGE Sapphire test results.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Universal Pressure Platform 51

 UPP setup
The user-friendly UPP programming software is menu- and window-driven (Fig. 39) and the fol-
lowing configurations can be used:
■ SMART system (Unix system)
■ Easy Record Software (ERS) (WindowsTM system)
■ HP® pocket terminal.
The software has 16 programmable windows and varying time windows can be programmed
with different scanning rates and data reduction algorithms, if required:
■ scanning rate—0.1 s to 20 min

■ delay time—0 to 42 days.

Setup Reading Utilities Reporting Maintenance Exit

Job parameters
Delay time: [hhh:mn] 1:00 No Duration Rate Reduction Memory
# [hhh:mn] [s] [Yes/No] [%]
1 68:00 15 No 11.1
2 1:00 0.2 No 21.0
3 20:30 10 No 45.4
Battery: Single
4 300:00 2 Yes 85.5
Memory guard: Yes
5 No

Estimated job parameters for CTU 6 No

7 No
Job duration: [days] 7:00
8 No
Average temperature: 150 degC 9 No

Figure 39. Sample setup screen.

Memory guard feature

If selected, the memory guard feature is activated when 80% of the memory is full. It typically pro-
vides more than 300 hr of recording with the remaining 20% of memory.

Complete history log

The UNIGAGE recorder electronics have been qualified and verified for 1000-hr usage at 350°F.
The software computes the cumulative tool usage (CTU) after each job and stores the updated
value in memory. The CTU and complete history log for all components in the gauge
can be seen at any time. This information is especially valuable when planning high-pressure,
high-temperature and long-duration operations.

52
 Communication through battery feature
The communication through battery feature allows the gauge to be read and set with the battery
connected and makes the UNIGAGE recorder compatible with the DGA. It provides the following
benefits:
■ Possible misruns resulting from battery connection are prevented.
■ Automatic self-test guarantees gauge operation within specifications before running in
the hole.
■ Multiple gauges are set to one reference time to eliminate any time shift after downloading
the data.

Reporting and data transfer

The reporting and data transfer feature allows extremely fast gauge reading—a full memory can
be read in 2 or 3 min. Reporting is made easy by a graphical user interface (GUI). Data can be
delivered on site in American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) format or in
one of the many customer-specialized formats available when using the SMART system.

Gauge calibration
All UPP gauges are periodically recalibrated at one of 20 calibration laboratories that
Schlumberger maintains worldwide. These laboratories are equipped with the same top-
quality calibrators used in gauge manufacture and are geographically distributed to minimize
shipping delays and ensure that calibrations are performed on schedule. Currently, gauge
calibration facilities are located in Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Dubai, Egypt,
France, Gabon, Holland, Japan, Libya, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Scotland, Singapore, Tunisia,
the United States and Venezuela.
Every gauge comes with a calibration document that provides the calculated coefficients
and other information obtained during the calibration. Figures 40 and 41 show the pressure
and temperature coefficients, respectively, for a UNIGAGE CQG gauge (WCQR) tool. Note that
16 coefficients are used for both pressure and temperature sensors to achieve the best fit.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Universal Pressure Platform 53

Figure 40. Pressure coefficients for a WCQR tool.

54
Figure 41. Temperature coefficients for a WCQR tool.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Universal Pressure Platform 55

 To obtain the pressure and temperature data, the sensor is exposed to a series of known pres-
sures under different stabilized temperatures. A calibration cell comprises
■ deadweight tester (DWT)

■ oven (oil bath)

■ computer

■ acquisition bay.

It typically takes 1 hr to go from one temperature to the next and then 3 hr to stabilize. For
pressure, it takes a few minutes to go from one pressure to the next and approximately
20 min to stabilize. One can easily see that a calibration could take more than 2 days to be
completed. When all the pressure and temperature steps are done, the computer generates all
the coefficients that are later entered in the tool’s memory in the form of an ASCII file.
Figure 42 shows a calibration system that is designed to calibrate several gauges at the same time.

Figure 42. Acquisition bay.

56
 Figure 43 shows the top of the oil bath where pressure sensors are immersed in oil for calibration.
The computer (Fig. 42) controls the oil bath temperature.

Figure 43. Oil bath cover.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Universal Pressure Platform 57

 Figure 44 shows a 20-kpsi autoloading DWT, which can be locally or remotely operated. It reduces
the calibration time and can be upgraded to 40 or 60 kpsi by changing the piston/cylinder assem-
bly. A barometer measures the barometric pressure used by the calibration master computer
during a calibration.

Figure 44. 20-kpsi autoloading DWT.

58
 Figure 45 shows a manual DWT that is used to calibrate sensors with a maximum pressure range
of 12 kpsi (e.g., surface pressure sensors).

Figure 45. Manual DWT.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Universal Pressure Platform 59

 DataLatch System

The versatile DataLatch system (Fig. 46) combines both downhole recording and surface read-
out for well testing operations. It is built around a fullbore gauge carrier called the DST gauge
adaptor (DGA), which can receive any combination of up to four UPP gauges. In its simplest con-
figuration, when only downhole recording is required, the DGA is run as a stand-alone gauge
carrier, either above or below the packer. When surface readout in conjunction with downhole
shut-in is required, two modules are added above the DGA.
The DST LINC wireline adapter (DLWA) is a fullbore downhole tool that interfaces between
the gauges and the power-latched inductive coupling (PowerLINC). The PowerLINC allows two-
way communication between the gauges and the surface through a reliable inductive coupling
that requires no electrical contacts. The female component is run with the DST string and the
male component is run on wireline. Typically, the wireline is run in the hole during buildups to
download data from the gauges and to start real-time acquisition. When necessary, the gauges
can be individually reprogrammed and powered from the surface, which is useful if the battery
autonomy is depleted and the job duration extended. It provides greater flexibility in achieving
the objectives of a test. Furthermore, the male component can also be run during drawdowns
without choking the flow, because it is safely latched in the female profile.
Each gauge, which is powered and programmed individually, can be selectively ported to read
the pressure above or below the test valve or in the annulus. These features combined with the
inductive coupling provide redundancy, flexibility and high-quality data.
Features of the DataLatch system are
■ number and choice of sensors

■ fullbore tool with no offset

■ each tool accessible and programmable separately through the LINC coupling tool

■ redundancy of the gauges

■ independent acquisition.

Data Acquisition Services ■ DataLatch System 61

 LINC surface SMART central
computer interface processing unit

SMART basic
services acquisition

Wireline

LINC running tool

Downhole coupler

LINC wireline adapter

DST gauge adapter

Test valve

Figure 46. DataLatch system configuration.

62
 DST gauge adapter
The DGA is a modular, scalable recorder carrier that can carry up to four recorders from the
UNIGAGE family. The DGA carrier offers a full choice of sensor types:
■ Sapphire pressure gauge
■ standard quartz gauge
■ CQG gauge.
As a stand-alone gauge carrier (Fig. 47) four slots of the DGA can be ported to read the
internal tubing pressure or the annulus pressure (Fig. 48).

Top sub,
3.5-in. IF or
3.5-in. PH6

Top Adapter
UNIGAGE
UNIGAGE

Blank

Slots 1, 2 and 3 Slot 0

Annulus Tubing
Pressure Adaptors
Bottom sub,
3.5-in. IF or
3.5-in. PH6

Figure 47. Stand-alone DGA.

Data Acquisition Services ■ DataLatch System 63

 Benefits and features
Benefits and features of the DGA are
■ facilitated fishing operations, especially within heavy-wall casing
■ true fullbore gauge carrier (21⁄4-in. ID)
■ no offset outside diameter (5-in. OD)
■ easy rig-up
■ short make-up length (9 ft) (Table 16).

Table 16. DGA Specifications

Unit DGA-C/D DGA-HT DGA-HP
Service H2S H2S H2S

Differential pressure rating psi [bar] 15,000 [1035] 15,000 [1035] 17,500 [1380]

ID max pressure rating psi [bar] 20,000 [1380] 22,000 [1517] 22,000 [1517]

OD max pressure rating psi [bar] 20,000 [1380] 22,000 [1517] 22,000 [1517]

Working temperature °F [°C] 350 [175] 400 [205] 400 [205]

OD in. [m] 5 [127] 5 [127] 5 [127]

ID in. [m] 21⁄4 [57] 21⁄4 [57] 2 [50]

Make-up torque ft-lbf [N⋅m] 4000 [5450] 4000 [5450] 4000 [5450]

Connection 3.5-in. IF 3.5-in. IF 3.5-in. IF

Make-up length ft [m] 9.0 [2.7] 9.0 [2.7] 9.0 [2.7]

Weight lbm [kg] 440 [200] 440 [200] 440 [200]

Class of service Class 6 (shock: 500 g, 2 ms)

64
 Carrier

21⁄4 in. Gauge strap

UNIGAGE tool

Top adapter

Blank

Annulus Tubing

Pressure Adaptors

Bottom adapter

Gauge strap

Reading above valve

Reading below valve

Figure 48. DGA slots.

Data Acquisition Services ■ DataLatch System 65

 DGA with downhole LINC wireline adapter
A DLWA can be run in surface readout (SRO) mode with a DLWA/LINC downhole coupler assem-
bly (LDCA). In SRO mode, one slot is dedicated to annulus, or above-valve, pressure and three
slots are dedicated to annulus, or below-valve, pressure.
The DLWA is a fullbore downhole tool that allows real-time cable communication and
transmission between the surface equipment and up to four UNIGAGE-type recorders. It is con-
nected to the top of the DGA (Fig. 49). An LDCA is always placed above the DLWA.
The DLWA consists of two electronic boards that provide the following functions:
■ communication with the surface in LINC mode

■ power to LINC signal

■ system clock

■ communication detection circuit.

DLWA

Top Adapter
UNIGAGE
UNIGAGE

DGA

Blank
Slot 0

Annulus Tubing
Pressure Adaptors
PCT adapter
PCTV

Figure 49. DGA with DLWA.

66
 LINC downhole coupler assembly
The PowerLINC downhole coupler assembly (LDCA) is a 5-in. OD by 21⁄4-in. ID fullbore downhole
electrical wireline connector (Fig. 50 and Table 17). It is designed to establish communication
between the gauges in the DGA and the surface computer through an inductive coupling.
This electromagnetic transmission without electrical contacts eliminates the uncertainty of
wet-connect systems. The PowerLINC consists of three main parts:
■ LDCA is part of the test string connected directly above the DLWA.

■ LINC running tool (LRT) is connected to the electric line and lowered into the well through
the test string.
■ LINC surface computer interface (LSCI) is at the surface to interface the LRT with the data
acquisition computer.
In addition, special risers of 3-in. ID, called flow barrels, are connected between the LDCA and
the drill collars to keep a flow area that corresponds to a 21⁄4-in. ID around the tool string. If the
drill collar ID is less than 27⁄8 in. and latched operations will be performed with the well flowing,
these risers should be used in the DST string between the drill collars and the LDCA. A minimum
of three risers is recommended for such operations (one to each weight bar).

Table 17. PowerLINC Specifications

Unit LDCA
Service H2S and acidizing

ID max pressure rating psi [bar] 15,000 [1035]

OD max pressure rating psi [bar] 15,000 [1035]

Working temperature °F [°C] 350 [175]

OD in. [mm] 5.0 [127]

ID in. [mm] 21⁄4 [57]

Make-up torque ft-lbf [N⋅m] 4000 [5450]

Connection top 3.5-in. API IF box

Connection bottom 41⁄4-in. 4 S.A. pin

Make-up length ft [m] 11.7 [3.6]

Weight lbm [kg] 365 [166]

Data Acquisition Services ■ DataLatch System 67

 Riser pipe

No-go profile latch

LDCA
LINC female coupler

Annular fluid by-pass

DLWA
To the gauges

Figure 50. LINC downhole coupler assembly.

68
 LINC running tool
The LRT (Table 18) is connected to the electric line and lowered into the well through the test
string. It consist of two sections (Fig. 51):
■ LINC running tool latch (LRTL)
■ LINC running tool cartridge (LRTC).
The LRTL and LRTC make up the male part of the coupling assembly. Cable tension and tool
weight are used to operate this tool by reciprocation.

Table 18. LRT Specifications

Unit LRT
Service H2S and acidizing

Working pressure psi [bar] 15,000 [1035]

Working temperature °F [°C] 350 [175]

Latch body in. [mm] 2 [51]

Tool body in. [mm] 111⁄16 [43]

Connection Cable head

Make-up length ft [m] 8.8 [2.7]

Weight lbm [kg] 41 [19]

Data Acquisition Services ■ DataLatch System 69

 Weight bars

J-slot index mechanism

LRTL

Selective profile latch keys

LRTC LINC male coupler

Figure 51. LRT assembly.

70
 Downhole Shut-In Tools

Good control over boundary conditions improves the results obtained from well testing.
Downhole shut-in tool valves have significantly improved control of well testing experiments
(Fig. 52). This tool has eliminated most of the drawbacks inherent in surface shut-in testing
(large wellbore storage, long afterflow period and large variation of the wellbore storage).
Another factor that has contributed to improved well testing practices is the advent of surface
readout in real time. This enables detection of problems that can be corrected, which avoids loss
of data and improves data quality. Furthermore, surface readout reveals when sufficient data
have been acquired to terminate the test, which optimizes rig time.
Downhole shut-in techniques play an important role in modern well testing. The schematic
diagram of a downhole shut-in valve shows how the pressure gauge monitors pressure in the
wellbore chamber that is created beneath the closed valve. The main advantages of using
downhole shut-in are the minimization of the wellbore storage effect and the duration of the
afterflow period.
Existing completions provide the means to perform transient analysis. When running the
completion, the operator includes nipples of various sizes in the string to allow for workover pro-
grams. Over the years, Schlumberger has developed several types of downhole shut-in tools.
These tools are run on slickline and anchor in the nipple. By manipulating the wireline, the tool
shuts in the formation, and the buildup can be analyzed.

Slickline

UNIGAGE recorder

Downhole shut-in tool

Figure 52. Downhole shut-in tool.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Downhole Shut-In Tools 71

 Figure 53 shows the comparative log-log plot of two well tests, one shut in at surface and the other
shut in downhole. In the surface shut-in test, wellbore storage masks the radial flow plateau for
more than 100 hr. The plateau emerges clearly in the downhole shut-in data after just 1 hr into
the transient.

100

Pressure 10–1
and pressure
derivative
(psi)

10–2

Downhole shut-in
Surface shut-in
10–3
10–2 10–1 100 101 100
Elapsed time (hr)

Figure 53. Comparative log-log plot of two well tests.

Multislickline downhole shut-in tool

The multislickline downhole shut-in tool (MSDST) is a downhole shut-in tool (Figs. 54 and 55 and
Table 19)that has a valve run using slickline and can be used with electric line for surface
read-out. The tool is operated by pulling on the wireline. The MSDST features a double-seal mech-
anism that makes the tool extremely reliable and resistant to sand and wellbore debris. The
latching principle allows the tool to be released in difficult conditions. The top of the tool adapts
to any kind of commercial locking mandrel, which provides the maximum possible flowing areas.

Table 19. MSDST Specifications

Unit MSDST-A
Service H2S

Max ∆P psi [bar] 5000 [345] (from above or below)

Min absolute pressure psi [bar] No restriction

Working temperature °F [°C] 375 [190]

Equivalent area (23⁄8-in. tool) in.2 [cm2] 1.0 [6.0]

72
 Running Valve Valve Pulling
Position Opened Closed Out
Figure 54. Valve positions of MSDST.

Data Acquisition Services ■ Downhole Shut-In Tools 73

 Prong adapter
Sand-saver plug

Actuator piston

Latch dogs

Prong adapter tip

Figure 55. MSDST and prong adapter.

74
 Explosive-free shut-in tool
The explosive-free shut-in tool (EFST) (Fig. 56 and Table 20) is a downhole shut-in tool for pro-
duction wells. It is functionally identical to the Battery-Operated Shut-in Tool (BOST) except that
the functions are performed mechanically, as there are no batteries, electronics or explosives. A
single shut-in can be preprogrammed. The tool is landed in its nipple on slickline. The downhole
valve closes after the chosen delay. At the end of the buildup, a prong is run to equalize across
the valve before retrieving it on slickline.
The UNIGAGE recorder can be connected directly below the actuator or hung in a lower nipple.

Benefits and features

The benefits and features of the EFST are as follows:
■ very short and slim for maximum flow in small completions
■ no explosives or batteries for easier transport
■ high-temperature rating.

Table 20. EFST Specifications

Unit ESFV-A (23⁄8 in.) ESFV-B (27⁄8 in.) ESFV-C (31⁄2 in.)
Service H2S H2S H2S

Max working pressure psi [bar] 10,000 absolute, 5000 differential [690, 345]

Min working pressure psi [bar] 150 [10] 150 [10]† 150 [10]

Working temperature °F [°C] 390 [200] 390 [200] 390 [200]

Length in. [mm] 11.7 [298] 12.1 [308] 12.6 [319]

Max OD in. [mm] 1.73 [44] 2.05 [52] 2.52 [64]

Sleeve in. [mm] 1.65 [42] 1.9 [48] 2.48 [63]

Equivalent diameter in. [mm] 1.02 [26] 1.25 [26] 1.67 [43]

ACTUATOR (ESFA)
Length in. [mm] 26.2 [665] 26.2 [665] 26.2 [665]

OD in. [mm] 1.5 [38] 1.5 [38] 1.5 [38]

Shut-in delay s Increments of 1⁄150 of full clock range

†0-psi kit available

Data Acquisition Services ■ Downhole Shut-In Tools 75

 Lock mandrel

EFST valve

31⁄ 2 in. 27⁄ 8 in. 23⁄ 8 in.

EFST actuator

UNIGAGE recorder

Figure 56. EFST valves.

76