Downhole Testing FAQs
Downhole Solutions
Drill Stem Testing Questions
What Is Drill Stem Testing?
More often than not, a drill stem test or DST, is used to determine the viability of a hydrocarbon reservoir. A drill stem test is performed by isolating an interval of interest or multiple formations in a reservoir and measuring pressure and flow through the temporary production tubing or drill pipe. The test provides insight into the reservoir’s permeability, pressure, and potential production rates. This data is crucial for making decisions about well development.
There are different ways to perform DSTs, depending on the well and the type of data needed, they include open-hole DSTs, cased-hole DSTs, and closed chamber testing, to name a few. Northstar has been performing DSTs since 1979.
What Is a Drill Stem Test Used For?
A drill stem test is used to determine the viability of a hydrocarbon reservoir. By isolating the formation and measuring pressure and flow, the recorded pressure data and data analysis (Pressure Transient Analysis) provide reservoir characterization parameters, including:
- Reservoir pressure
- Permeability
- Wellbore Damage/skin
- Deliverability
- Flow Regime – how fluid flows to the wellbore over time, eg. Though fractures or the permeable rock matrix
- Reservoir boundaries
Northstar has performed a variety of DSTs for our clients; check out the following case studies: New Reservoir in Oman and Potash Mine Safety
What Equipment is Needed for a Drill Stem Test?
Drill stem tests are often conducted across a variety of different scenarios and conditions, so the equipment needed for a drill stem test will vary depending on the client and their needs. Generally, Northstar will use downhole tools such as packers and plugs to isolate the formation, valves to control flow, and pressure gauges to monitor the well’s response. Additionally, surface equipment is required to measure flow rates and analyze the fluids produced during the test. Northstar’s clients also have access to Northstar Live 2.0, the company’s proprietary app that gives clients access to live data, support, and analysis during drill stem testing.
General Downhole Questions
What Are Downhole Tools?
Downhole tools are specialized products used in oil and gas, helium, geothermal, mining, and other industries to facilitate various operations within a wellbore. Northstar’s downhole tools include categories such as downhole test tools, downhole measurement and sampling tools, packers and plugs, surface-controlled test tools, and wireless surface readouts. Northstar’s tools are designed and manufactured to excel in the harshest downhole conditions, ensuring success in challenging circumstances. Downhole tools are essential for reservoir testing procedures, well intervention, and maintenance, ensuring the well’s integrity and productivity.
What Is Downhole Reservoir Testing?
Downhole reservoir testing is the process of evaluating characteristics of a hydrocarbon reservoir, geological formation, or other type of elemental reservoir. These tests help determine the reservoir’s ability to produce oil, gas, geothermal energy, helium, and more by analyzing pressure, flow rates, and other critical factors. Since 1979, Northstar Downhole Specialists have performed over 7,500 downhole tests to determine reservoir pressure, permeability, skin, or productivity for clients.
What Are the Procedures for Well Intervention?
Well intervention solutions involve using various downhole tools, such as well packers and retrievable bridge plugs, to perform maintenance, enhance production, or assess the well’s condition. These procedures are critical for ensuring the well’s long-term productivity and safety.
Retrievable Bridge Plug Questions
What Is a Retrievable Bridge Plug?
One of the most versatile tools in the industry, a retrievable bridge plug (RBP) is a type of downhole tool used to temporarily isolate a section of the wellbore. Unlike permanent bridge plugs, these can be removed after use, making them ideal for operations where temporary isolation is required, such as during a drill stem test or well intervention solutions. Northstar’s ODIN retrievable bridge plug is the only medium-expansion, V0-rated, high-pressure and high-temperature retrievable bridge plug with Stellar backup technology on the market! Contact us, today.
What Is the Purpose of a Retrievable Bridge Plug?
The purpose of a retrievable bridge plug (RBP) is to temporarily seal off a section of the wellbore during operations like testing, stimulation, or workovers. They can also be used for plugging of completions with damaged nipple profiles, temporary well suspension, thru-tubing completions, contingency packer setting, pre-installation in completion tailpipe for packer setting, and more. Once the operation is complete, the plug can be removed, allowing the well to be restored to its original condition.
How Do You Release a Retrievable Bridge Plug?
Northstar’sODIN retrievable bridge plug (RBP) features single trip retrieval. For safety, the two-stage retrieval requires a shear down followed by a straight pull to shear up, both with adjustable forces. The shear down equalizes the differential pressure through a large bypass. Pulling unsets the slips and sealing element. The element is pulled back to its original form (active element extension), ensuring the ODIN™ returns to its original OD.