Status of Drill-Stem Testing Techniques and Analysis
H. K. VAN POOLLEN THE OHIO OIL CO.
MEMBER AIME
Abstract
This paper is a compilation of the latest drill-stem testing
techniques. New tools are described, together with present-
day interpretation techniques, and their limitations are
given. The importance of proper times for shut-in and
flow periods are stressed. A number of suggestions for the
future are given, and a rather complete list of references
in the field of drill-stem testing has been supplied for use
by interested readers.
Introduction
A drill-stem test (DST) is a temporary completion. It
consists of a combination of a packer arrangement and
drill pipe or tubing. Valves are present in this arrange-
ment to open and close the tool, and pressure and temp-
erature recording devices are employed. Upon completion
of the test, the entire arrangement is withdrawn from the
well.
The purpose of a DST is (1) to determine whether or
not to complete the well and (2) to obtain reservoir or
aquifer information for exploration applications. The DST
will render a wealth of information - e.g., a sample of
the fluid itself, the actual productivity index, the reservoir
pressure, the theoretical productivity index and the amount
of well bore damage.
The fluid will show whether the well can be completed
as an oil well, a condensate well or a gas well; or, it will
show if the formation should be abandoned (for being a
water producer or for being dry). Tests can be run on the
sample to determine the hydrocarbons present, viscosity
of the mixture, API gravity, paraffin content, pour point
or gas-oil ratio. The water produced can be analyzed for
salinity and electrolytes present to aid in stratigraphic
correlation, and the resistivity of the water will aid the
logging engineer in his evaluation of the electric logs. The
DST further aids in determining gas-oil or oil-water con-
tacts, and the proximity of pinchouts or faults.
Two different productivity indices (PI) can be obtained
during the DST - (1) the actual PI and (2) the theoreti-
cal PI. Normally, the actual PI is lower than the theoretical
PI. A high actual PI shown by a given well probably will
be the deciding factor in favor of completing that well.
If the actual PI is low, however, the well possibly should
be abandoned. In all probability, it should be abandoned
Original manuscript received in Society of Petroleum Engineers office
Nov. 22. 1960. Revised manuscript received Feb. 23. 1961. Paper presented
at 5PE Formation Evalu ..tion Symposium. Nov. 2122. 1960. in Houston.
APRIL, 1961 SPE 1647-G Reprinted from the Aprii. 1961. Is.ue of JOUR:--lAL OF PETROLEUM TECH:--lOLOGY
LITTLETON, OHIO
if the theoretical PI is low; but if the theoretical PI is
high, chances for stimulating the well are still good (either
by removal of the skin surrounding the wellbore2 - 4 or by
further penetration of the productive zone) .
The reservoir pressure aids reservoir engineers in their
reserve calculations. It is important in exploration studies
dealing with entrapment of oil under hydrodynamic con-
ditions.
Trends in Drill-Stem Testing
With more and more emphasis on detailed interpretation,
the trend in drill-stem testing has been toward: (1) the use
of double closed-in pressure tests;* (2) more accurate
pressure recording devices; (3) more accurate and detailed
reading of pressure charts; (4) on-the-spot pressure eval-
uation of tests and calculations; (5) calculations by means
of digital computers; and (6) new tools enabling up-hole
testing, continuous testing and testing while drilling.
Basic Tools
Drill-stem testing can be divided into two main cate-
gories - open-hole and hook-wall. Since the operating and
mechanical principles of the two strings of tools are the
same, only the open-hole string will be discussed.
Trends in modern drill-stem testing have led to more
versatile and, consequently, more complete tools.'-1O The
various components that make up a test string can be as-
sembled in any number of combinations. Only the parts of
the string considered most important for interpretation will
be discussed (Fig. 1).
Starting at the bottom of the string, the most commori
testing tools and their main function are as follows:
The blanked-off pressure recorder (outside gauge) pro-
vides a step-by-step graphic story of the drill-stem test. By
comparison with other gauges in the string, it will reveal
the proper function of the testing string. No flow of fluids
from the formation passes by this gauge; consequently,
all pressures are recorded directly from the annulus below
the packer.
The perforated anchor supports the testing string and
keeps the packer seated in the well bore. The anchor is
provided with small holes (approximately 3/16 in.) to
allow passage of formation fluids and to screen debris that
might otherwise plug the fluid passages in the tool.
2References given at end of paper.
~'Where air chambers originally were used for the determination of
initial closed-in pressures, present-day practice trends toward the method
of initial flow followed by initial shut-in.
333
 The packer assembly provides a bridge in the well bore Then it is shut in to record the initial closed-in pressure.
between the drilling fluid and the zone to be tested. The The initial flow and shut-in periods also may be estab-
hydrostatic head is withheld from the formation by means lished by means of a conventional tester valve. After the
of the packer. packer is set, the by-pass closes and the tester valve opens.
The flow-stream gauge (inside gauge.) also will give a This is the beginning of the initial flow period. To shut-in
concise picture of the testing operation. This pressure the well, the pipe is lifted enough to close the tester valve
recorder is placed in the flow stream above the packer and but not enough to unseat the packer. A special arrange-
below the tester valve. All pressure fluctuations must pass ment keeps the by-pass from opening."
through the perforated anchor to reach this recorder. Important optional components of a testing string are
The tester valve prevents entry of drilling fluids into the safety joints, jars, bottom-hole choke, reversing sub, etc.
empty drill pipe while the pipe is being run into the hole. (Local conditions will govern location of the tools in the
It also retains a sample of the formation fluids recovered string and their application.)
while pulling out of the hole. Several improvements on
the tester valve have been offered the industry in recent Testing Without Use of Anchor Pipe
years.
The air-chamber gauge generally is run inside the air It is frequently desired to test only a certain part of a
chamber on tests where an initial closed-in pressure is formation. In this case, two packer arrangements are used
taken and provides a means of checking the air chamber in such a manner that they "straddle" the zone of interest.
for fluid entry prior to the opening of the tester valve. The anchor pipe is blanked off. The lower packer separates
the bottom of the hole from the formation, and the upper
An auxiliary valve placed at a distance above the tester packer separates the formation from the annular space
valve provides an air chamber into which compressed mud above the upper packer. In straddle-packer testing, long
below the packer can expand when the tester valve is anchor pipes frequently are used, extending from the zone
opened. This method allows the pressure beneath the of interest to total depth.
packer to drop below reservoir pressure, followed by a It is possible now to perform straddle tests without the
rapid build-up of the formation pressure prior to any use of anchor pipe.",5l The tool which replaces the anchor
appreciable amount of production. pipe consists of mechanical slips mounted on a wedge-
Two types of auxiliary valves are available for the dual shaped body, a set of open-hole type drag springs, and a
closed-in pressure procedure." One is the disc valve, which J-slot locking mechanism to hold the slips in the unset
consists of a steel body with a fluid passage blanked-off by position while going into the hole. To set the tool, the drill
an aluminum disc. This type of valve is opened by dropping stem is picked up slightly, rotated and lowered, releasing
a steel bar to rupture the disc. Another valve is a rotation the J-slot locking mechanism and allowing the slips to
type which has a three-position sleeve. The valve is run expand. After the slips are set against the wall of the hole,
into the hole in the closed position and is opened by they provide support for the drill-pipe weight that must
rotation. Further rotation will again close the valve and be applied to set the packers and open the tester valve. To
provide a final closed-in pressure. release the slips, the drill stem is picked up, which reposi-
Also available to the industry is another rotation-type tions the locking mechanism and readies the tool for re-
auxiliary valve!"" This newer type of auxiliary valve offers setting.
two advantages over the other equipment. It eliminates the
additional piece of equipment necessary to reverse out the Testing Procedures
recovery obtained on the DST, and the air-chamber is DST's can he classified as (1) conventional, (2) double
eliminated. This valve is opened to flow for a period just closed-in using air chambers and (3) double closed-in
long enough to bleed-off the pressure below the packer. with a flow period preceding each shut-in.
Conventional DST
DRILL PIPE - - - - - i 4~I
- The conventional DST consists of four periods (Fig. 2)
- (1) going in the hole, (2) flow into tool, (3) shut-in
AUXILIARY VALVE-------',* .. u.
ANDIOR , period, and (4) coming out of the hole. Detailed chart
CIRCULATING VALVE
~L descriptions have been treated adequately in the litera-
AIR CHAMBER GAUGE I ture.",I2,52
(OPTIONALl ~
The increase in pressure during Period 1 is caused by

.
--:.:>+.
TESTER VALVE AND
BY - PASS VALVE ~ ~ the weight of the mud column. When the packer is set
~ ACE J
and the tester valve is opened, this weight is removed and
~------- - --
- -F----
FLOW - STREAM GAUGE--i
- - -
replaced by the weight of the column in the drill pipe, being
either air or a cushion. The increase in pressure during
.... --
OPTIONAL TOOLS --~~. , -
G Period 2 results from the increasing weight of fluid flowing
(JARS,SAFETY JOINT
/ - --
AND ETC.) /
/
__ B 0 __H_ into the drill pipe. At the end of this period, a valve is
,
/
closed at the tool and further increase in pressure results
I

I
I
I
from the restoration of formation pressure. Next, the
I
/ packer is released and mud pressure takes over, which de-
/
PACKER ASSEMBLY - - - , - : _ I
/ creases again during Period 4 when the tool is run out
I
I
of the hole.
I

ANCHOR~
/
-./ Double Closed-in DST Using Air Chamber
PERFORATED 1:;"
The principle of measuring the initial shut-in pressure
BLANKED-OFF GAUGE
~\.~ . J is to produce a very small amount of fluid from the forma-
tion followed by a shut-in period long enough to allow
Fig. I-The main components of a typical drill-stem
for pressure equalization. The pressure measured after this
testing string. shut-in period is the "true" reservoir pressure.

334 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

1
0::
:::>
(J)
(J)
W
0::
a..
I
-TIME-
Fi~.2-Demonstration of important pmts of pressure charts
and water "ushion: (l) going into hole, (2) flow into tool,
(3) shut-in period, and (4) coming out of hole.
At first (and still at the present), an air chamber was
incorporated in the conventional testing string. The air
chamber is the volume inside the testing string between the
tester valve and an auxiliary valve. Fig. 1 shows the rela-
tive location of the valves and the resulting pressure charts.
When the packer is set and the tester valve is opened,
the mud which was trapped below the packer is allowed
to expand into the air chamber. The flow will stop as soon
as the air chamber becomes filled with both the mud and
the formation fluid. The pressure will build up, and within
a short time it will be very close to the original reservoir
pressure. After the initial shut-in pressure has been taken,
the auxiliary valve is opened and the test continued as if
it were a conventional DST.
The air-chamber method of measuring initial shut-in
pressure has limitations. To obtain a correct initial shut-in
pressure representative of the reservoir pressure, the air
chamber should be calculated precisely. A reasonably ac-
curate measurement of the borehole diameter is required.
The compressibility of the mud should be known, and some
idea should exist concerning the order of magnitude of the
reservoir pressure. Also, the hole should be very clean. The
bottom section of the hole may be partially filled with
cavings or cuttings which will not carry the load of the
testing string (false bottom), resulting in sliding of the
packer and the air chamber's becoming relatively too small.
When using an air chamber to obtain an initial shut-in
pressure, it is wise to clean the hole thoroughly and to
rely on the experience of the tester in any particular area.
It next becomes important to evaluate the validity of
measured initial shut-in pressure.
Fig. 3 illustrates a number of examples of initial shut-in
pressures obtained by means of an air chamber. Fig. 3a
demonstrates a perfect measurement. A definite curvature
in the beginning may be noticed, making it definitely differ-
ent from Fig. 3c. It demonstrates how the pressure below
the packer was released and a build-up of reservoir pressure
followed, ending with a flat portion. Fig. 3b is also a good
measurement; however, it may be difficult to distinguish it
from Fig. 3c because of the small amount of curvature. In
this case, the air chamber was somewhat small for the
prevailing conditions. Another reason may be the speed of
the clock used in this test. To see the curvature, the initial
APRIL, 1961
~ \J----\t----~-
TIME---
a
T1ME-
b
TIME-
C
,\P---\}---\d----
TIME- TIME-+- TlME_
d e f
Fig. 3-Examples of initial shut-in pressures obtained
by means of an air chamber.
shut-in pressure should not become static within 10 minutes
for a 12-hour clock, 20 minutes for a 24-hour clock, 40
minutes for a 48-hour clock, or 60 minutes for a 72-hour
clock.
Figs. 3d and 3e are initial shut-in pressure curves using
an air chamber which is too large for the prevailing con-
ditions. In this case, the reservoir pressure has not been
reached. Fig. 3f is another example of an air chamber
which is too small for the conditions. Notice how the pres-
sure bled off into the formation and approached reservoir
pressure.
Double Closed-in DST Using Two Flow Periods
Although the air chamber is still used exclusively in
certain areas, the many disadvantages of this method led
to the use of the method based on two flow periods. The
principle is the same; that is, prior to measuring the reser-
voir, the pressure below the packer is reduced to just a
little less than the reservoir pressure. This now is accom-
plished by opening the tool to flow for a short period, after
which the tool is shut in. The tool then is opened for flow,
and the rest of the test is conducted in the conventional
manner.
The advantages of this method are that guesswork is
eliminated and that, if necessary, the reservoir pressure may
be calculated from both the initial and final shut-in. One
should keep in mind, however, that it is preferable to
measure the reservoir pressure rather than to calculate it.
Fig. 4 is an example of a two-flow-period test. Although
the initial shut-in pressure curve appears fairly flat, the
initial pressure is still less than the final shut-in pressure.
Had the initial flow been shorter, a more complete initial
shut-in pressure would have resulted.
Water and Gas Cushions
A water cushion consists of a column of water above
the testing tool inside the drill stem. When high pressures
with high productivity is expected, the cushion will slow
down the initial rate of flow. It decreases the possibility of
pulling in the formation because of the sudden drop in
pressure. It reduces the possibility of forming a gas block
in tight formations. Therefore, it may be possible that a
greater recovery is obtained with the use of a cushion. It
prevents collapsing of the testing string in very deep wells
or where the mud is extremely heavy.
335

TIME
Fi.g. 4-Douhle shut-in pressure using two flow periods.
Initial closed-in pressure = 1,518 psi; final
shut-in pressure = 1,520 psi.
A disadvantage of a water cushion may be that a low-
pressure reservoir could be undetected due to the inability
to record pressure data or recover a sample. One service
offers a back-pressure valve which supports the water
cushion and provides an air space between the water
cushion and the testing tool!5 The valve is run on top of
the drill collars, and the air space provides a means for
recovering a sample and pressure data even if the forma-
tion pressure is less than the water-cushion pressure. If the
formation pressure is higher than the water-cushion pres-
sure, the valve will open and allow the formation to
produce.
Both natural gas and nitrogen under pressure have been
used as a cushion. Originally, the entire drill stem was
pressured up. In some areas, use is made of bottled nitro-
gen.IT, .."., .. One of the later developments in the use of gas
cushions is a valve which is installed on top of the cushion.
The valve, set to maintain enough pressure to prevent the
drill pipe from collapsing, eliminates the need for filling
the entire string with nitrogen. When the fluid pressure
of the formation rises above the pressure set on the valve,
the valve opens, allowing formation fluids to flow into the
pipe.
The speed by which the pipe can be filled with nitrogen
as compared to a fluid cushion is an advantage. The fact
that nitrogen is practically inert makes it possible to obtain
uncontaminated formation fluid samples. It further de-
creases the possibility of damaging the formation in the
case of low pressures. With the use of gas cushions, it is
possible to alternately increase or decrease the pressure on
the cushion in an attempt to remove temporary well bore
damage.
Multiple-Zone Sampling
A recently developed tool46 makes it possible to obtain
formation fluid samples and shut-in pressures from several
zones, or several sections of a single zone, with only one
trip of the drill pipe. 20 It consists of two assemblies - the
conventional testing string, and the sampler which is run
on a wire line and which can be retrieved for each test.
Samples of up to 25 gal or more can be taken from test
intervals as small as 1 ft.
A straddle-packer arrangement is run on the drill stem
to the desired zone and set. Next, a sampler is run inside
the drill pipe. This arrangement permits withdrawal of
samples from the reservoir and the recording of pressures.
The sampler contains two pressure recorders, one in the
336
sampler chamber and one outside the ehamber below the
testing valve. Fig. 5 shows examples of the pressure charts.
The blanked-off gauge records hydrostatic mud pressure
as the sampler is lowered inside the drill pipe (A-B), pres-
sure changes in the test interval during the sampling period
independent of fluid flow (C-D), final hydrcstatic pressure
of the mud column (E), and returning out of the hole
(E-F) .
This tool has its greatest advantage when used in con-
junction with straddle packers without anchor pipc. Many
zones can be tested and sampled during a single trip of the
drill stem. The tool enables the narrow location of the
water-oil cr oil-gas contacts by setting the tool at different
depths within a zone. In a similar manner, one may be
able to determine the permeability profile within a zone.
Limitations are the size of the sampling chamber and
the lack of an easy interpretation method. By knowing the
size of the sampler chamber and by determining the com-
pressibility of the fluids produced, one should be able to
calculate certain reservoir parameters and wellbore damage.
However, no method is presently available whereby such
analyses can be made in field offices. Besides a qualitative
value for prcductive capacity, the reservoir data is limited
at present to the equalized reservoir pressure.
Testing While Drilling
A special formation evaluation tool" is available now
which makes it possible to sample zones encountered while
drilling, without the necessity of round trips. The principle
of the test is quite similar to the method of multiple-zone
sampling described in the previous section. Again, there are
two assemblies - the packer assembly and the sampler.
The packer assembly is made up as part of the drilling
string and contains an inflation-type packer. The sampler
is retrievable, similar to the one described in the previous
section.
Sampling the formation is done with the bit on bottom,
the sampled interval being 3 to 4 ft. The manipulation of
valves and setting of the packers is accomplished by rais-
Fig. 5-Charb obtaincd using mu!tiple-zonc sampler. AB,
running sampler in hole; B, initial hydrostatic mud pres-
sure; C, tester valve opencd; CoD, formation build-up; D,
tester valve closed; E, final hydrostatic pressure; E-F, re-
trieving sampler; and F-G, releasing pressure at surface.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
ing and lowering the pump pressun: without moving the
drill pipe. The pressures applied on the drill pipe usually
are on the order of 1,000 psi during the testing period.
The advantage is that the formation may be tested im-
mediately following penetration by the bit without neces-
sitating a round trip of the drill pipe. The limitations are
the same as for the multiple wireline sampler - the size
of the sampling chamber and the lack of an easy interpre-
tation method.
Completion Testing Tool
During the last few years, a tool has been developed
which makes it possible to treat and test the well with the
same tool. ",,23,43,53 The tool has a full-bore opening which
permits almost any kind of workover. Any number of these
operations can be performed in any desired sequence, and
no round trips are necessary. The testing is performed
making use of a valve arrangement run on a wire line.
The packer is a multipurpose hook-wall type, and an
integral part is a circulating valve that can be locked in
either open or closed position. During squeezing, treating
and testing operations, the valve is locked closed and can
be opened at any time to allow circulation above the
packer. Attached to the lower end of the valve is a pressure
gauge for testing purposes.
To obtain a sample of the formation fluid, a swab is run
prior to retrieving the valve, or the fluid is reversed out
following retrieving of the valve.
Without the valve positioned in the tool, workovers can
be performed through the tool. Following a workover, the
formation can be tested again by running in the valve,
swabbing dry above the valve, and continuing as usual.
Chemical Cleaner
A tool which permits the chemical cleaning of a forma-
tion prior to actual testing has been used." The purpose of
the chemical cleaning is to remove mud damage which
otherwise might obscure the test. The tool consists of a
pump run immediately above the tester valve and operated
by application of the drill-pipe weight.
Pressure Recorders
Several types of pressure recorders are used in drill-
stem testing. The merit of one kind over another is a point
for argument. However, no gauge can maintain its accuracy
without due maintenance. By running more than one gauge
~ TIME
Fig. 6-Stair-stepping of gauge.
APRIL, 1961
en the test, the accuracy of the gauge during the particular
test can be estimated. Fig. 6 shows stair-stepping of a
gauge. This is caused by the recorder's hanging up and is
usually a result of poor maintenance. No accuracy should
be expected if stair-stepping occurs.
To obtain maximum accuracy, the proper-size gauge
and clock should be used for the test. The gauge size should
be approximately 125 per cent of the maximum reading
expected. Also, the type of reading instrument may in-
fluence the accuracy of the final answer.
Interpretation
The theery of pressure build-up interpretation and ex-
trapolation has been covered extensively in the literature."-"
Usually, the build-up pressures are plotted vs 10glO [( T +
0) /0] where T is the time the tool was open to flow and
o is the time the tool was closed in during the final shut-
in period. The best straight line is drawn through these
points and is extended to intersect the line for which
[( T + 0) /0] = 1. The pressure at this point of intersection
supposedly is equal to the aquifer pressure. The value
should be the same as that of the measured initial shut-in
pressure. The slope of the straight line obtained in this
manner can be used to calculate the permeability of the
formation and to estimate effects of well bore damage from
the following equations.
q
Kh (md-ft) = 162 6 - - ( B/D ). (1)
'" cp . slope psi/cycle '
FC]P - FFP( psi )
Damage Ratio = 0.183 . I ;
slope pSI/cyc e
(2)
or
FClP - FFP
Damage Ratio = --;--=--c--=:-::-;:-
log T + 2.63 slope
(3)
where K = permeability (md),
h = formation thickness (ft),
p. = viscosity (cp),
q = flow rate (res B/D),
FChJ = final closed-in pressure (psi),
FFP = final flow pressure (psi), and
T = flow time (minutes).
The equations for damage ratio are only approximations,
but as such they should be considered very useful. The
value for the damage ratio is an indication of how much
more the well could have produced if no "wellbore damage"
were obstructing the flow into the well.
Theoretically, a straight line will be obtained through
the pressure points. In practice, however, this line frequent-
ly is curved. The curvature usually is more severe on low-
recovery wells. These wells either are located in low-
permeability reservoirs or have been damaged extensively.
If the well is allowed to be left shut-in long ensugh, a
straight-linc portion will result. The accuracy of the ex-
trapolated reservoir pressure is influenced strongly by the
length of shut-in time." Similarly, the wreng slope may be
l;ScJ to calculate the permeability and the damage ratio.
If the damage ratio calculates to be less than 0.7, one may
lVis~ to check the validity cf the slope used. Having both
an initial and final shut-in pressure definitely is helpful
in determining the correct slope of the plot.
Suggested Times for Flow and Shut-in Periods
Obviously the proper times for flow and shut-in periods
337
become rather important. The following rules-of-thumb
may be helpful.
1. To obtain a representative value, use at least 30 min-
utes for measuring the initial closed-in pressure, prefer-
ably longer. This includes the time for the initial flow period
if that method is used. If only less time can be allowed
for the initial closed-in pressure, it is better to eliminate
that measurement and use the time for other parts of the
test.
2. If the initial flow method is used to obtain the initial
shut-in pressure, this flow period should only be long
enough to allow the mud below the packer to expand so
that the mud pressure will be less than the formation pres-
sure. Such expansion occurs rather quickly and can be
recognized when "bubbles" are noticed in the surface
"bucket". The tool then should be closed as quickly as
possible. Watch for any pipe movement which may result
from the packer sliding down (in case of a false bottom
due to hole conditions).
3. The major consideration for time on bottom is hole
condition. Subtract the time required to obtain the initial
shut-in pressure from the total time allowed. This difference
is equal to final flow time plus final shut-in time. The ratio
of the flow time and final shut-in time is suggested to be
as follows. In case of good recovery, make the shut-in
time at least one-half the flow time. In case of poor recov- . - TIME
ery, make the shut-in at least twice the flowing time. (The Fig. 7-S-type curves: (a) mud leak, and (h) "afterflow".
length of flow time may influence the evaluation of a DST.
It is possible that the mud-filtrate invasion prior to testing
is of such magnitude that the actual productive fluids are the reservoir pressure if one expects to use simple calcUla-
obscured on the test.") tions requirieg desk calculators only.
As already indicated, the times used on DST's frequently
S-Type Curve are insufficient to locate barriers. Similarly, only in
Two kinds of S-type curves exist. One kind is due to rare instances can one determine the size of a small reser-
mud by-passing the packer through vertical permeability. voir. Several methods of pressure drawdown and build-up
In that case, the extrapolated reservoir pressure should be analysis have been developed which permit barrier detection
close to the hydrostatic mud pressure. It will reach that and allow the estimation of such reservoir paramenters. By
point by the way of a curved line on the pressure-vs-Iog means of these methods, it further should be possible to
[( T + 0) / OJ plot. The other kind is due to saturation
locate gas-oil and gas-water contacts. The prime require-
variations. During the flow period, the drawdown is very ment becomes the length of time necessary. The time re-
high. As a result, gas will come out of solution and mayor quirements may be many hours of flow. Besides the rig
may not form a temporary gas block. After the well is shut cost and the fear of packers becoming stuck, the well will
in, the pressure gradually rises and the gas will go back frequently kill itself during such a period. Therefore, look-
into solution. As a result, some "after production" into the ing into the future, it might be advisable to have some sort
gas-filled pores will take place. On poor producers, this of pump which is capable of pumping a well on a drill-stem
after-production will be noticeable as a definite "S", where test at a constant rate of flow. This tool would be a major
on good producers this effect occurs very quickly and is asset for the purpose of exploration.
not too noticeable. Fig. 7a is an example of an S-type curve Present methods of interpretation are limited to wells
as a result of mud leakage, and Fig. 7b is an example of producing at moderate rates of flow. No simple method is
after-production. available for interpreting tests conducted on high-capacity
wells which kill themselves during the test.
Limitations of Present-Day Interpretation Techniques Application of Computers for DST Interpretation
The routine interpretation methods used today make it Although the standard interpretation method outlined
possible to calculate (1) reservoir pressure, (2) permea- previously is simple enough for desk calculations, high-
bility, (3) wellbore damage, (4) well capacity and (5) speed digital computers have been used successfully." The
location of an ideal linear barrier. The location of an ideal advantages of a mechanized system are threefold: (1)
linear barrier has been discussed in the literature."'" It has large quantities of tests can be interpreted and made avail-
been the author's experience that such methods will be able for distribution; (2) a more complete evaluation and
applicable in only a very few cases with the times used screening of tests can be effected; and (3) individual
on today's DST's and only if the barrier is very close. human errors are eliminated.
The methods described herein are only applicable to oil High-speed digital computers become even more valuable
and/or water producers. With the drawdowns used today in those cases where routine desk-type calculations do not
during the flowing period, these methods should be con- suffice.
sidered to be limited for gas wells to the determination of Analog computers also have been used for the purpose
(1) reservoir pressure, and (2) open-flow capacity under of DST ihterpretation. 38 Although the analog computer may
DST conditions. To obtain valid information from gas be an excellent tool for DST research, it is too cumbersome
wells, the drawdowns should be kept within 10 per cent of for DST interpretation and analysis.

338 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

DST Data Centers
Several centers for the exchange of well information have
been in existence for many years. Electrical and nuclear
well logs were made available to the industry in this man-
ner. Only recently have centers",,40 been set up to handle
DST records.
Future Possibilities
Today, excellent tools are available to perform DST's,
but average DST procedure applied today does not fully
utilize these tools. Much is still to be gained from proper
timing and interpretation of each test with today's methods.
Nevertheless, new techniques could be helpful. In the fol-
lowing paragraphs, a number of suggestions are made.
These suggestions do not all appear to be practical at this
particular time, due to either technique or economics;
however, they may become feasible in the future.
The subsurface pump, and the effect it may have on driIl-
stem test possibilities, was mentioned in the section on
limitations of interpretation methods.
Surface recordings already are used on an experimental
basis. By this means, the test can be monitored from the
surface. The produced fluid and its rate could be deter-
mined while the tool is still in the hole, the information
could be interpreted during the test; making it possible to
obtain proper shut-in times; and the information would be
transmitted to the surface sooner, allowing more time for
decision-making. The same advantages could be obtained
if today's recording instruments were made retrievable
together with a sampler.
Field chart-readers, capable of detailed pressure-chart
readings, would be helpful with today's tools and gauges.
Presently, it takes at least 24 hours to obtain the data
necessary to evaluate a DST properly.
Pressure differential gauges will be helpful in detecting
very small pressure differences. Today, it takes O.OOl-in.
deflection on a 4,OOO-psi gauge to detect 1 psi. The pressure
increases very slowly towards the end of a build-up curve,
and interpretations would become more meaningful if more
accurate readings could be obtained during this period -
interpretation methods presently shelved possibly could
again become useful techniques.
References
1. Black, W. M.: Jour. Pet. T'ech. (June, 1956) VIII, No.6, 21.
2. van Everdingen, A. F.: Trans., AIME (1953) 198, 171.
3. Hurst, W.: Pet. Eng. (Oct., 1953) B6.
4. Jones, F. O. and Neil, J. D.: "The Effect of Clay Blocking
and Low Permeability on Formation Testing", Paper 1515G
presented at 35th Annual Fall Meeting of SPE in Denver
(Oct. 25, 1960).
5. Nisle, R. G.: Trans., AIME (1958) 213,85.
6. Brons, F. and Marting, V. E.: Jour. Pet. Tech. (Feb., 1961)
VIII, No.2, 172.
7. Pitman, R. A. and Potter, A. R.: "DST in Canada", Current
Trends and Equipment (Aug. 20, 1956) 173.
8. Liedholm, C. c.: Oil and Gas Jour. (Nov. 5, 1956) 1I3.
9. Bleakley, W. B.: Oil and Gas Jour. (Dec. 22, 1958) 58.
10. Richardson, C. R.: Pet. Eng., Part A (Aug., 1960) B36; Part
B (Sept., 1960) B64.
11. Olson, C. c.: World Oil (Feb., 1953) 155.
12. Pierot, M.: "Anomalies des disgrammes de tests. Essai de
diagnostic", Rev. Inst. Francais du Petrole (May, 1955) 365.
13. Hatfield, C. D.: Pet. Eng. (Oct., 1958) B60.
14. Dixon, B. R.: World Oil (June, 1958) 191.
15. Wilson, G. E. and Holmes, J. R.: "Proper Preparation for
Drill Stem Testing", API Paper 9265D, San Antonio, Tex.
(March 1718, 1960); and "Make Your Drill Stem Test a
Success", Pet. Eng. (May, 1960) B40.
~PRIL. 1961
16. "Mud Control Big Key to Drill Stem Test", Drilling (Dec.,
1954).
17. Smith, A. W.: Pet. Eng. (May, 1959) B37.
18. Stormont, D. H.: Oil and Gas Jour. (Sept. 16, 1957) 122.
19. "Nitrogen: Growing Tool for Testing", Pet. Week (Feb. 7.
1958) 18.
20. Chisholm, P.: World Oil (May, 1960) 120.
21. Hyde, W. E. : World Oil (Sept., 1959) 63.
22. Farley, D. L. and Schwegman, H. E.: Pet. Eng. (Jan., 1958)
B69.
23. Farley, D. L.: "The Retrievable Valve Testing System Used in
Well Evaluation and Completion Operations", Paper 1297-G
presented at 34th Annual Fall Meeting of SPE in Dallas (Oct.
47, 1959).
24. Lancaster, E. V., Schwegman, H. E. and Wright, W. H.:
Oil and Gas Jour. (March 10, 1958) 186.
25. Horner, D. R.: "Pressure Build-up in Wells", Proc., Third
World Pet. Congress (1951) Sec. II., E. J. Brill, Leiden,
Holland.
26. Dolan, J. P., Einarsen, C. A. and Hill, G.. A.: Trans., AIME
(1957) 210, 318.
27. Zak, A. J., Jr. and Griffin, P., III: Oil and Gas Jour. (May
13, 1957) 136.
28. Zak, A. J., Jr. and Griffin, P., III: Oil and Gas Jour. (May 27,
1957) 125.
29. Zak, A. J., Jr. and Griffin, P., III: Oil and Gas Jour. (April
15, 1957) 122.
30. Zak, A.. , Jr. and Griffin, P., III: Oil and Gas Jour. (April
29, 1957) 193.
31. G.riffin, P., III: "Field Evaluation of Drill Stem Tests", AIME
paper presented at Calgary, Alta. (Nov. 14-15, 1957); and
bulletin of Johnston Testers, Inc.
32. Ammann, C. B.: Jour. Pet. Tech. (May, 1960) XII, No.5, 27.
33. Borisov, Yu. P. and Mukharskii, E. D.: Neftyanoe Khoz (1960)
38, No.1, 56. ATS translation RJ2337.
34. van Poollen, H. K.: World Oil (Nov., 1957) 138.
35. van Poollen, H. K. and Bateman, S. J.: World Oil (July,
1958) 90.
36. Grynberg, J.: Oil and Gas Jour. (June 22, 1959) 106.
37. DrillStem-Test Pressure Analysis, Report by Petroleum Re
search Corp., Denver.
38. Dolan, J. P. and Hill, G. A.: "Electric Analog Interpretation
of Drill Stem Test Pressure Buildup Curves", Paper 497G
presented at First Annual Regional Meeting of AIME Rocky
Mountain Petroleum Section in Denver (May 27, 1955).
39. Petroleum Research Corp., Denver.
10. Murray DST Exchange, Billings, Mont.
Brochures, Manuals, and Operational Procedures
Halliburton Co.
41. Dual Closedin-Pressure.
42. Dual ClosedinPressure Valve.
43. Locked Open ByPass for Modified HydroSpring Tester.
44. OffBottom Testing.
45. Retrievable Back Pressure Valve for Water Cushion.
46. Multiple Zone Wire Line Sampler.
47. CR (Continuous Retrievable) Sampler.
48. Restrievable Test-Treat-Squeeze Packer and Retrievable Valve
Tester.
49. Formation Testing Manual.
Johnston Testers
50. Four Stage Shutin Tool.
51. Selective Zone Testing.
52. The Interpretation of Drill Stem Test Data.
53. FullBore Test and Completion Tool.
54. Practical Drill Stem Testing Manual.
Cook Testing Co.
55. Cook Nitrogen Service.
56. Engineered Formation Testing Manual. ***
EDITOR'S NOTE: A PICTURE AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
OF H. K. VAN POOLLEN APPEAR ON PAGE 363.