DRILL STEM TESTING (SRO)
OVERVIEW
The Drill Stem Test (DST) plays a pivotal role in prospect evaluation and subsequent field development planning. Therefore, it is imperative to acquire reliable, high-accuracy downhole pressure and temperature data in a timely manner to allow the reservoir evaluation to be conducted without introducing additional uncertainty or delay.
Acoustic Data’s SonicGauge™ Wireless Monitoring System delivers surface-read-out (SRO) of downhole pressure and temperature data in real-time via acoustic telemetry transmitted through the tubing. Access to real-time reservoir response data allows live analysis of the well test, leading to fast and informed decision-making at wellsite or remotely via satellite or cellular communication. In turn, this decreases risk, rig time and lost production. Multiple SonicGauge wireless downhole gauges can be deployed along the test string to capture high accuracy, flowing and shut-in pressure and gradient data.
APPLICATIONS
BENEFITS
CASE STUDY | MULTIPLE AUSTRALIAN OPERATORS
The SonicGauge™ Wireless Monitoring System was deployed in various wells in Australia to support Drill Stem Testing operations by providing real-time surface read-out (SRO) of downhole data during shut-in and flowing conditions
CHALLENGE
The Australian operator requested real-time downhole DST data. EM telemetry could not provide this reliably in the Surat and Cooper Basins. One-minute data was required over several hours of testing to capture pressure buildup and drawdown characteristics.
SOLUTION
The DST contractor instrumented their test string with a single SonicGauge™ gauge in tandem with memory gauges inside and outside of the DST string. The SonicGauge™ gauge was installed inside the DST string below the downhole shut-in valve and was programmed to transmit data at 1-minute intervals directly to the Surface Data Logger. The SonicGauge was powered by 2x C cell batteries.
RESULTS
Real-time 1-minute data was recovered to surface from the single SonicGauge™ gauge from depths up to 1914mMD.
| OPERATION | DEPTH | DURATION |
|---|---|---|
| DST-1 - Surat Basin | 692m | 2h58m |
| DST-2 - Surat Basin | 564m | 3h23m |
| DST-3 - Surat Basin | 503m | 3h47m |
| DST-4 - Surat Basin | 628m | 0h19m |
| DST-5 - Surat Basin | 498m | 2h57m |
| DST-6 - Surat Basin | 481m | 4h02m |
| DST-7 - Cooper Basin | 1914m | 10h32m |
When SonicGauge™ gauge data was compared to data retrieved from the DataCan ¾”, 6,000psi piezo gauges run on the inside of the DST string, there was an exact overlay.
