Traditional well logging methods, such as resistivity, acoustic, nuclear
and NMR, provide indirect information related to fluid and formation
properties. The "formation tester," offered in wireline and MWD/LWD
operations, is different. It collects actual downhole fluid samples for
surface analysis, and through pressure transient analysis, provides
direct measurements for pore pressure, mobility, permeability and
anisotropy. These are vital to real-time drilling safety, geosteering,
hydraulic fracturing and economic analysis.
Methods for formation testing analysis, while commercially important and
accounting for a substantial part of service company profits, however,
are shrouded in secrecy. Unfortunately, many are poorly constructed, and
because details are not available, industry researchers are not able to
improve upon them. This new book explains conventional models and
develops new powerful algorithms for "double-drawdown" and "advanced
phase delay" early-time analysis - importantly, it is now possible to
predict both horizontal and vertical permeabilities, plus pore pressure,
within seconds of well logging in very low mobility reservoirs. Other
subjects including inertial Forchheimer effects in contamination
modeling and time-dependent flowline volumes are also developed. All of
the methods are explained in complete detail. Equations are offered for
users to incorporate in their own models, but convenient, easy-to-use
software is available for those needing immediate answers.
The leading author is a well known petrophysicist, with hands-on
experience at Schlumberger, Halliburton, BP Exploration and other
companies. His work is used commercially at major oil service companies,
and important extensions to his formation testing models have been
supported by prestigious grants from the United States Department of
Energy. His new collaboration with China National Offshore Oil
Corporation marks an important turning point, where advanced simulation
models and hardware are evolving side-by-side to define a new generation
of formation testing logging instruments. The present book provides more
than formulations and solutions: it offers a close look at formation
tester development "behind the scenes," as the China National Offshore
Oil Corporation opens up its research, engineering and manufacturing
facilities through a collection of interesting photographs to show how
formation testing tools are developed from start to finish.
