Skip to main content
Top of the Page

A TECHNOLOGY UPDATE IN WIRELINE FORMATION TESTING

pressure measurements, introduced in the 1950s to
measuring pressure gradients and fluid contacts since the
1970s. Technology introduced in the late 1980s and
onwards added interval pressure transient testing,
focused sampling, and downhole fluid analysis. Thirty
years later, this paper shows data examples of a recently
developed formation testing platform in a wide range of
environments, and applications, that change how we
plan, acquire, and use formation testing.
The dual-flow-line architecture of the formation testing
platform is designed to systematically address
shortcomings of legacy technology, enabling focused
sampling in the tightest conventional formations, as well
as transient testing in high mobility environments.
Specialized pre-job planning software evaluates
conveyance options to minimize friction and borehole
contact, estimates the available flow rate, compares
cleanup performance of the different inlets, and
simulates transient testing responses. During the
operation, the platform uses hardware embedded
automation algorithms that execute routine tasks in a
consistent and highly efficient manner, leaving more
time for the user to focus on data quality and value of the
measurements.
Case studies from Mexico, Norway, and the US
demonstrate specific improvements in capability and
performance. Field data from Mexico shows focused
sampling of gas condensate from a heterogeneous submillidarcy
carbonate formation in an HP/HT well drilled
with oil-based mud. Controlled downhole
decompression of crude oil in the flowline at a sampling
station in Norway enabled real-time measurement of its
bubble point pressure to within 6 psi of that measured in
the laboratory. Another case study integrates accurate
relative asphaltene gradients into an existing reservoir
fluid study to prove reservoir connectivity across a large
lateral distance in a producing field. Application of the
dual packer subsystem demonstrates inflation within
four minutes and pure oil samples within 90 minutes on
station in a 1.5-md/cp fractured basement formation. The
fine pump control at a low rate enabled sampling just
below reservoir pressure in Alaska and a case from the
Gulf of Mexico demonstrates the real-time impact of
fluid properties on the understanding of reservoir
architecture and completion design.
The presented examples highlight the impact of
downhole automation, define the new operating
envelope for formation testing in the most challenging
environments, and highlight how the technology
development leads to decision making on a broad
reservoir scale by providing contextual answers rather
than an accumulation of facts and figures.
Standard price: 10.00
Discounted price: 1.00
10.00
You could save: 90%
Year: 2020
Author(s): Ashers Partouche, Bo Yang, Chen Tao, Tamim Sawaf, Lina Xu, Keith Nelson, Hua Chen, Deo Dindial, Simo
Company(s): Schumberger. consultant
Back to Top
SPWLA Business Office Address
8866 Gulf Freeway, Suite 320
Houston, TX 77017

SPWLA Contact Numbers
Phone: +1 (713) 947-8727
Fax: +1 (713) 947-8747

Copyright 1959 – 2025 SPWLA

Terms of Use  |  Privacy & Cookie Policy

Our vision is to advance the science of formation evaluation through electrical, nuclear, lithological, and other well logging techniques; to promote the proper application of these techniques to exploration for and exploitation of gas, oil and other naturally occurring substances; to maintain high ethical standards and to further the interests of persons professionally engaged in these endeavors. With the support of our Oil and Gas, Service, Software and Educational Institutions we can make a difference in the industry.