CSG well testing—Santos' experience in Queensland

Abstract

Permeability of the cleat system is a key factor controlling the productivity of CSG reservoirs and, therefore, the commerciality of development projects. Well testing is routinely used to provide representative values of coal permeability. The authors’ experience has shown pressure transient behaviour in coal reservoirs to be similar to those in primary porosity systems, with pseudo radial flow frequently observed, and the dual-porosity signature largely absent. Despite the authors’ best efforts in test design, large permeability variation and extremely high skin factors have been seen. The authors have run variations of drill stem tests (DSTs), injection tests, and wireline tests to understand the dependency of results to test methods, and the validity of results obtained. Pertinent examples of each type of test are discussed. Finally, recommendations to reconcile well test results to actual well performance are presented.