Theory and Practice of the Closed-Chamber

Drillstelll Test Method

L. G. Alexander, L. G. Alexander and Associates, Ltd.

Introduction
The objective of drillstem testing (DST) is to obtain
information on pressure, well potential, and fluid content
of a reservoir. Accurate pressure data is required for
hydrodynamic studies and as a starting point for reservoir
studies. Well potential is determined from information on
pressures and flow rates as a function of time. Fluid
content of a reservoir can be established only if sufficient
fluid has been produced to be identified in the drillpipe or
caught in the sample chambers.
This paper describes the closed-chamber technique l , 2
with which it is possible to monitor the initial flow period
of the drillstem test. It provides good field estimates of
gas and liquid flow rates during preflow periods. These
rates then can be used to determine minimum flow times
necessary for fluid recovery and for presetting sur-
face equipment, should the remainder of the test be
conventional.
Knowledge of the flow rate is useful for estimating the
duration of shut- in time necessary to obtain a satisfactory
pressure buildup. In addition, it is possible to calculate
permeability from the initial buildup.
Description of a Closed-Chamber Test
A closed-chamber test is similar to a conventional DST in
many ways. The major difference is that in the closed-
chamber test, the well is closed in at the surface when
producing and open at the surface only when shut in at the
formation. Instrumentation for the closed-chamber test
is such that fluid influx is monitored throughout the
test. Flow rates can be estimated as the test progresses.
Flow rates and recoveries can be confirmed upon test
completion.
Fig. 1 shows the surface equipment used in conven-
tional DST's. Fig. 2 describes the additional gauge man-
ifold needed at the surface for closed-chamber testing.
This gauge manifold is used to observe and to record
surface pressures during the test. Fig. 3 depicts subsur-
face equipment for closed-chamber testing. It is the same
as that used for conventional testing, except for a pressure
recorder located above the test valve. The pressure record
is used to calculate fluid influx during the test and to
confirm flow rates upon test completion.
Theory
Most DST's are run with empty drillpipe. When the test
valve is open, gas and liquids enter the drill pipe and flow
to the surface. Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a
typical test, where liquids are allowed in, but do not flow
to surface. Gas is free to flow in and out of the drillpipe.
Under normal operating conditions, gas is vented at the
same rate as it enters, and no change of mass occurs in the
system. However, if the flow rate of gas being vented
differs from the entering flow rate, then the system mass
will change according to the following mass balance for
single-phase gas flow:
d(mass in system)/dt = (mass rate in - mass rate out),
................................ (1)
where
mass in system = pMV/RTz
mass rate in = PscMqin/RTsc
mass rate out = P.w.Mqou/RTsc

This paper describes a new method ofdrillstem testing to provide greater safety, precision,
flexibility and secrecy than conventional methods. As testing progresses, the surface valve is
closed during flow periods, and surface pressures are monitored to compute gas and/or liquid
rate. Theoretical development ofpertinent equations is discussed, and afield example is given
to illustrate their use. Recommended procedures before and during the test are provided.

DECEMBER, 1977 1539

 d(pMV/RTz)/dt = PscM(qin -qout)IRTsc ' Eq. 3 now reduces to
Assuming that Tz is constant, then qin = (286/Tz) (Vdp/dt) (4)
M(Vdpldt + pdVldt)/RTz = PscM(qin - qout)IRTsc This is the fundamental equation for determining flow
or rate of clean gas. Fig. 5 is a graphical display of this
equation, assuming T = 520 oR and z = 0.95.
qin - qout = Tsc(Vdp/dt + pdV/dt)/PscTz. . ..... (2) Case 2: Surface valve is closed, test valve is open, and
For a standard temperature of 60 of (520 OR), a pres- only water is produced.
sure base of 14.65 psia, when the flow rate is measured in q out = 0, q in = 0
Mscf/D, and the volume in bbl, Eq. 2 reduces to
Eq. 3 reduces to
qin - qout = 286 (Vdpldt + pdVldt)/Tz. . (3)
Vdpldt = -JjdV/dt. . (5)
The term dVldt is the rate at which liquid enters the
drillpipe. This equation relates rate of water influx to change in
Let us consider four cases. pressure.
Case 1: Surface valve is closed, test valve is open, and The average chamber pressure p is related to surface
only gas is produced. pressure p as follows: 1

qout = 0, dV/dt = 0 p = p(eGL/53.34 Tz -1)/(GL/53 .34Tz). . (6)

~ DRILL PIPE TO SURFACE

; 1

~-- PUMP-OUT SUB

OPE"ATlNG VALVE LOWER CHAMBER PRESSURE RECORDER

~:
-+1+--- TESTING VALVE, CHOKE ASSEMBLY & SAMPLER

INSIDE PRESSURE RECORDER

HYDRAULIC JAR S

.~-- SAFETY JOINT & CASING BY-PASS

BUBBLE HOSE ~~-- TESTING PACKER

I~-- SLOTTED DRILL PIPE

OUTSIDE PRESSURE RECORDER

Fig. 1- Surface equipment for conventional testing.

FORMATION PERFORATIONS
~-- BRIDGE PLUG
REMOTEL Y CONTROLLED VALVE
- - - 4 - - PRODUCTION CASING
HIGH-PRESSURE
FLEXIBLE HOSE
I Fig. 3-Down-hole tool configuration of closed-chamber DST.

AMERADA-TYPE
YI
.. qout !gas)

MASS BALANCE EOUATION

PRESSUR' GAUG'1, = (286V/Tzl (dp/dt) + (286plTzl (dV/dt)

v - bbl
PRESSURE GAUGE I T -
z -
oR
Deviation factor
q - Mscf/day
BUBBLE HOSE
oUJ
000
0 00
~

*- - bbl/min

psi/min
°000
Liquid influx p - psia
000
.. qin (gas) or (~as liquid mixturel

Fig. 4-Schematic flow diagram during producing interval of a

Fig. 2-Surface equipment for closed-chamber testing. typical DST.

1540 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

 TABLE 1-WATER PRODUCTION AS PERCENTAGE OF INITIAL CHAMBER VOLUME VS SURFACE
PRESSURE

Surface Gas-Free Water Production With Complete Solution Gas Breakout (percent)
Pressure Production A: 600 1,000 1,500 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 8,000
(psig) (percent) B: 1.05 1.58 2.10 2.50 3.29 3.95 4.48 4.87 5.53
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 6 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1
2 11 6 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 2
3 16 9 7 6 6 5 4 4 3 3
4 21 12 10 8 7 6 5 5 4 4
5 25 14 12 10 9 7 6 6 5 5
6 28 17 14 12 10 9 8 7 7 6
7 32 19 16 13 12 10 9 8 8 7
8 35 21 17 15 13 11 10 9 8 8
9 37 23 19 17 15 12 11 10 9 9
10 40 25 21 18 16 14 12 11 10 9
[§J ~ 33 28 25 ~ 19 17 16 15 14
20 57 40 35 31 28 24 22 20 19 17
25 62 45 40 35 33 28 26 24 22 21
30 67 50 44 40 37 32 29 27 26 24
35 70 54 48 43 40 36 32 30 29 27
40 73 57 51 47 44 39 35 33 32 29
45 75 60 54 50 47 42 38 36 34 32
50 77 62 57 52 49 44 41 38 37 34
60 80 67 61 57 54 49 45 43 41 38
80 84 73 68 64 61 56 52 50 48 45
100 87 77 73 69 66 61 58 55 54 51
150 91 83 80 77 74 70 67 65 63 61
200 93 87 84 81 80 76 73 71 70 68
A: Reservoir pressure, psig
B: Water-oil ratio, sbbl/bbl

Case 3: Surface valve is open, test valve is closed,

venting gas.
qin = 0, dVldt = 0
-q out = (286ITz) (Vdpldt). 0 •••••••••• 0 •••••• (7)
By measuring qout and the rate of change of pressure,
dpldt, the volume of gas in the drillpipe can be calculated.
Knowing the original volume of drillpipe, it is a simple 200
10
matter to determine the amount of liquid in the drillpipe.
Case 4: Surface valve is closed, test valve is open,
producing gas and liquid. 180

qout = 0, dVldt =1= 0

qin = 286(Vdpldt + pdVldt)ITz (8) c 160
{,
'§.
This equation can be solved only when both V and dVldt
I
are known. At the end of the flow period, V is deter- .g-1-5
14O

mined. dVldt is assumed constant throughout the flow w·

0::

period. The use of this equation generally is limited to

final calculations when the test is over and all subsurface
pressure charts have been analyzed.
i
u
w
120

A useful formula to have when only mud or water is ~ 100

Vl
being produced is derived in the Appendix. LL
a
VpiV = (P2 - pt)/(p + 14.65) (9)
w
t:l
Z 80
<!
:I:
VplV is the fraction of drillpipe fillup. Table 1 shows U
LL

this fillup (a percentage) as a function of surface pressure a

w
t-
if initial surface pressure is 0 psig. The effect of solution ~
gas breakout would be to reduce recovery volumes from
the theoretical value. When complete solution gas break- q ~ 0.6 v;W
out is considered, Eqo 9 can be modified to q = Flow rate, Mscf/day
V = Chamber volume, bbl
VjV= (P2 - Pt)/[(Pl + 14.65)R + (P2 + 14.65)]. ~ = Pressure change at surface, psig/min

•••••••••••••••••• 0 ••• 0 • 0 ••• 0 •• (10)

For example, a well testing gas-free water with a
2000 4000 6000 8000 10,000 12,000
surface pressure of 15 psig will have produced 50 percent FLOW RATE, q - MSCF/DAY
of the original chamber volume (Table 1). If reservoir Fig. 5-Rate of change of surface pressure vs flow rate for
pressure was 2,000 psi, and all of the solution gas was various chamber volumes.

DECEMBER, 1977 1541

liberated, then recovery would be reduced to 23 percent. G = 0.65 (from knowledge of the area)
A recovery of less than 23 percent indicates the presence z = 0.9 (assumed or calculated if sufficient
of free gas. available data).
Pretest Planning 3. Expected maximum gas flow rate is
With a complete set of equations one can estimate the qg =pFp Y(520/GTz) .
magnitude of surface pressures, if the test encounters
either gas or water. In this case,
Gas Calculations. To calculate pressures that may be qq = (4,500 + 14.65) x 2.08 x
expected if gas is produced during a test, steps are taken Y(520/0.65 x 680 x 0.9
as follows. = 10,736 Mscf/D.
1. Specify size and number of chokes. The objective
is to use the smallest choke consistent with potential 4. Volume of chamber (bbl) is
plugging problems. V = pipe length in ft x capacity in bbl/ft
2. Estimate bottom-hole pressure from the best avail- = 10,000 x 0.0108
able data for a particular area.
3. Estimate bottom-hole temperature and deviation = 108 bbl.
factor and calculate chamber volume (bbl). 5. Maximum rate of pressure change rearranging Eq.
4. Calculate maximum gas flow rate from the equa- 4 gives
tion for critical flow
dp/dt = qin Tz/286V.
qg = pFp Y(520/GTz) (11) A reasonable estimate would be 130 OF (590 OR) tempera-
5. Use Eq. 4 to determine the expected maximum rate ture and 0.9 as the deviation factor.
of pressure change (psi/min). dp/dt = 10,736 x 590 x 0.9/(286 X 108)
The observed rate of surface pressure change will be = 186 psi/min.
considerably less than the calculated value because of
well damage, formation drawdown, and possible reduc- Surface Pressure Change With Water Production.
tion of the choke constant by tool configuration. The maximum flow rate of water can be estimated from
Eq. 12 as
Water Calculations. To determine the effect of water
production on pressures during the test, a similar proce- qw = 0.35 d 2 yP
dure should be followed. = 0.35(3/8)2 v' 4,500
1. Determine the size of the smallest choke.
2. Estimate bottom-hole pressure from the best avail- = 3.30 bbl/min (-dV/dt).
able data for the area. Expected Maximum Pressure Change at Surface.
3. Calculate maximum flow rate using the equation Eq. 5 can be rearranged and used directly.
qw = 0.35 d 2 vP (flow through an orifice). . .. (12) dp/dt = (-p/V) (dV/dt)

4. Calculate the chamber volume (bbl). where

5. Solve Eq. 5 for dp/dt where dV/dt = q (as calcu- p = p(eGL/53.34Tz - 1) 53.34Tz/GL
lated in Step 3), and assume that surface pressure (psia) is
= [14.65 x 53.34 x 590 x 0.9/(10,000 x 0.65) ]
the same as average pressure.
A rate of change in pressure response significantly [ eOo,ooo )t 0.65Y<53.34 )t 590 )t 0.9) - 1]
higher than this value indicates the presence of hydrocar- = 16.47 psia.
bons, either as oil or gas. A lesser rate does not preclude
an extremely low rate of gas or oil production. Therefore
dp/dt = -16.47 x -3.30/108
Example of Pretest Planning
= 0.50 psi/min.
Assume a well is to be tested at 10,000 ft using 4-in.
drillpipe with a capacity of 0.0108 bbl/ft. The test tool Solution gas breakout would increase this rate of pres-
consists of a single 3/g-in. choke. sure change slightly, so for estimating purposes double
this to 1.0 psi/min.
Surface Pressure Change With Gas Production. This pretest planning indicates one should not expect
1. Estimate bottom-hole pressure. pressure changes greater than 186 psi/min. If observed
Regional gradient = 0.45 psi/ft;
TABLE 2~FlOW COEFFICIENTS FOR VARIOUS CHOKE
hence, CONFIGURATIONS*
p = 0.45 X 10,000 Number of 3/s -in. Chokes Flow Coefficient
1 . 2.08
= 4,500 psig. 2 .. 1.89
2. Estimate bottom-hole temperature, gravity, and 3 .. 1.63
compressibility factor as 4 .. 1.40
5 .. 1.26
T = 220 OF (680 OR) (from knowledge of the 10 .. 0.86
area) 'From Christman and Masonheimer.

1542 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

pressure changes are more than 1.0 psi/min, then hydro- minutes, an initial shut-in of 120 minutes, a second flow
carbons likely are present, either as gas or oil. of 60 minutes, and a final shut- in of 90 minutes was run
recently. The observed surface pressures during the flow
Test Procedures periods were as follows.
Based on field experience, the following step-by-step Initial Flow
procedure is recommended for closed-chamber drillstem Cumulative Manometer
testing. Flow Time( t) Pressure
Initial Flow (minutes) (inches of water)

1. Calculate the expected pressure change if the test o 0.0

encounters gas or water (pretest planning). 1 1.2
2. Connect a water manometer to the pressure-gauge 2 2.3
manifold. 3 2.7
3. Open the tool with onl y the bubble hose open. 4 2.6
When bubbles appear in the bucket, turn off the bubble 5 3.6
hose and start the stop-watch. 6 3.8
4. Observe and record pressures every minute. 7 3.8
5. Terminate initial flow after approximately 10 min- 8 4.0
utes, or when pressure reaches a predetermined safe 9 4.0
operating level. 10 4.2
6. Record the exact duration of initial flow period. Final Flow
Cumulative Gauge Pressure
Initial Shut-in Buildup Rate (t:1plt:1t)
Flow Time( t) Pressure
1. Shut in for at least 1 hour. (minutes) (psig) (psig/min)
---
2. During this shut-in, wait until surface pressure is
stable. If surface pressure is greater than 15 psig, then a
o o
5 2.4 0.48
critical flow prover with a 1/16-in. plate can be installed
10 3.6 0.24
on the blowdown line. Vent the critical flow prover to
15 4.5 0.18
atmosphere and record chamber pressures for a few
20 5.6 0.22
minutes. The free-gas volume, and hence the amount
25 7.0 0.28
of liquid produced, can be calculated then from Eqs. 7
30 8.0 0.20
and 11.
35 9.3 0.26
3. Review test objectives and plan the remainder of
40 10.5 0.24
the test on that basis.
45 11.6 0.22
Field Example 50 13.2 0.32
Data 55 14.5 0.26
60 16.0 0.30
A closed-chamber test consisting of a preflow of 10
The initial chamber volume was 49.7 bbl. The recov-
TABLE 3-CRITICAL-FLOW PROVER FACTORS*
ery reported was 1.8 bbl of fil tra te and muddy water. The
blowdown was reported as air only.
Fp (Mcf/D/psia)
T,) = 520 oR (60 OF) Analysis
P = 14.65 psia
During the preflow period, it was evident from surface
2-in. Prover 4-in. Prover
and subsurface pressure records that only fluid entered
Orifice Diameter Orifice Diameter
(in.) Fp (in.) Fp the drillpipe. An estimate of fluid influx can be made
from Eq. 9.
1116 0.06569 114 1.074
3132 0.1446 3/8 2.114 Vp = V(P2 - Pl)/(P2 + 14.65)
% 0.2716 V2 4.319 = 49.7 (4.2 x 0.03611 - 0)
=¥16 0.6237 5Js 6.729
7132 0.8608 3/4 9.643
/(4.2 x 0.03611 + 14.65)
114 1.115 7;/8 13.11 = 0.5 bbl.
5/16 1.714 1 17.08
3fs 2.439 1% 21.52 At the start of the second flow period, the new chamber
7/16 3.495 1114 26.57 volume was the original volume less fluid influx during
V2 4.388 13/a 31.99 the preflow. In this case, the new volume is (49.7 - 0.5)
5Js 6.638 1V2 32.12 or 49.2 bbl. A total recovery of 1.8 bbl was reported;
3/4 9.694 13/4 52.07 therefore, 1.3 bbl were produced during the second flow
7;/a. 13.33 2 68.80
1 17.53 2114 88.19 period. The volume of gas produced during the second
1% 22.45 2V2 110.6 flow period can be determined from the fundamental gas
1114 28.34 23/4 136.9 equation,
13/a 34.82 3 168.3
1V2 43.19 P1V1IT1z 1=P2V 2IT 2Z2'
Based on data from USBM Monograph 7, Tables 26 and 27,122-123. At a standard temperature of 60 OF (520 OR) and an
'Reproduced from Ref. 1,64. initial pressure of 14.65 psia, the number of standard

DECEMBER, 1977 1543

cubic feet in the drillpipe at the end of the test can be M = molecular weight
calculated. Assuming an average chamber temperature of P = pressure, psi
60 of and the value of Zl and Z2 as 1.0 and 0.98, qg = flow rate gas, Mscf/D
respectively, qw = flow rate water, bbl/min
R = gas constant (in Eq. 1)
VI = P2 V 2T IZ I R = gas/oil ratio, bbllbbl (in Eq. 10 and in Table 1)
P IT2 Z 2
t = time, minutes
= (16 + 14.65)(49.7 - 1.8) x 520 x 1 T = temperature, OR
14.65 x 520 x 098 V = volume, cu ft (or bbl)
= 102.3 bbl. z = deviation factor
Since the drillpipe contained (49.7 - 0.5) or 49.2 bbl Subscripts
at the beginning of the second flow period, the total gas
g = gas
produced during the second flow was (102.3 - 49.2) or
inst = ins tantaneous
53.1 bbl or 298 scf. This volume was produced over a
P = produced
period of 1 hour. Therefore, the average flow rate, qq, is
sc = standard conditions
equal to
w = water
qg = 298 x 24/1000
References
= 7.2 Mscf/D.
I. Alexander, L. G.: "Evaluation by Closed-Chamber Drillstem Well
The instantaneous flow rate at the end of the second Testing," paper presented at the 24th Annual Technical Meeting of
flow period can be estimated from Eq. 8, assuming that the Petroleum Society ofCIM, Edmonton, Alta., May 9-11,1973.
the average chamber pressure is the same as surface 2. Alexander, L. G.: "Planning and Interpreting Closed-Chamber
DSTs," World Oil (Dec. 1974) 179, No.7, 63-66.
pressure.
qinst = 286(Vdp/dt + jjdVldt)/Tz APPENDIX
= 286 [(49.7 - 1.8) x 0.3 Theoretical Pressure and Volume
+ (16 + 14.65) x -1.8/60]/520 Relationships for Pistonlike Water Influx
x 0.98 Start with the equation for corresponding states as
plVIITlz l = P2V21T2Z2' (A-I)
= 7.6 Mscf/D.
Had this test been run conventionally, the fact that the If one assumes T I = T2, Zl = Z2 and the system is closed
well produced gas likely would have been missed. at the surface, then
PIV I = P2V2, (A-2)
Conclusion
or
Experience in the field has shown that closed-chamber
drillstem testing is a safe, effective way of identifying PIV I =P2(V-Vp), (A-3)
and measuring formation fluids. Accurate flow rate and which can be rearranged as
pressure data are obtained for estimating productivity. VplV I = (P2 - P I )P 2, (A-4)*
Compared with conventional drillstem testing, the
closed-chamber method has an advantage in that it allows or
optimization of the test procedure from initial observa- VplV I = (P2 -PI)/(P2 + 14.65) (A-5)**
tions of pressure and fluid influx. If one assumes that surface pressure is the same as
Whenever a multiflow test is proposed, it is recom- average pressure, then the fraction of the pipe that is
mended strongly that the preflow portion of the testbe run full of water or mud can be calculated directly from
under closed-chamber conditions. The information Eq.5.
gathered during this period not only guides the design of
subsequent stages of the test, but provides better
documentation of test procedures and formation re-
sponses for future reference.

Nomenclature
d = diameter of choke, in.
e = 2.71828
Fp = choke constant (see Table 2 or Table 3)
G = gas gravity (air = 1)
L = length of gas column, ft

Original manuscript received in Society of Petroleum Engineers office Aug. 9, 1976.

Paper accepted for publication March 9,1977. Revised manuscript received Aug. 1,
19n. Paper (SPE 6024) was presented at the SPE-AIME 51st Annual Fall Tecbnical
Conference and Exhibition, held in New Orleans, Oct. 3-6, 1976. © Copyright 1977
*p = psia
American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc.
**p = psig

1544 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY