Interference well testing—variable fluid flow rate

Abstract

At present when conducting an interference well test a constant flow rate (at the 'active' well) is utilized and the type-curve matching technique (where only 2–3 values of pressure drops are matched) is used to estimate the porosity–total compressibility product and formation permeability. For oil and geothermal reservoirs with low formation permeability the duration of the test may require a long period of time and it can be difficult to maintain a constant flow rate. The qualitative term 'long' period of time means that (at a given distance between the 'active' and 'observational' well) more test time (for low permeability formations) is needed to obtain tangible pressure drops in the 'observational' well. In this study we present working equations which will allow us to process field data when the flow rate at the 'active' well is a function of time. The shut-in period is also considered. A new method of field data processing, where all measured pressure drops are utilized, is proposed. The suggested method allows us to make use of the statistical theory to obtain error estimates on the regression parameters. It is also shown that when high precision (resolution) pressure gauges are employed the pressure time derivative equations can be used for the determination of formation hydraulic diffusivity. An example is presented to demonstrate the data processing procedure.