Applications of Emerging Well Testing Technology in South Texas Gas Reservoirs

Abstract

ABSTRACT An emerging well testing technique, compressive IMPULSE Testing*, has been evaluated in tight, geopressured gas sands in South Texas. The technique relies on evaluating a reservoir's response to underbalanced perforating in a closed system. Bottomhole pressure is measured and analyzed to estimate reservoir pressure, permeability, and completion skin. Determining permeability, a critical stimulation design parameter, from conventional transient pressure analysis is often impossible or unreliable in these low productivity sands. Results from several case histories were used to evaluate the reliability of compressive IMPULSE Testing. Other techniques such as conventional transient pressure analysis were used to validate these results. In the proper application, reservoir parameters can be obtained quickly and cost effectively using compressive IMPULSE Testing. Specific cases were chosen to demonstrate important operational considerations and limitations of the technique.