(05) INFERRED PRODUCTION TESTING OF OIL AND GAS WELLS
S.G Gibbs and Ken Nolen, Greenshot, LLC
Rowland Ramos, Pioneer Natural Resources
Production testing with digital electronic devices has been discussed for about 20 years amongst a small group. The idea has been implemented a few times with uncertain results. The uncertainty exists because the measurements were done with turbine meters which are themselves uncertain.
Recent testing has been accomplished by gauging calibrated tanks. We believe these measurements of liquid volumes can be viewed as perfect. Measurement of gas is done with computerized orifice meters which are known to be accurate as long as the correct orifice size is used.
This presentation compares perfect production tests made with tank gauges and test made with imperfect digital-electronic devices. What would the oilfield look like if testing with digital0electronic devices became the norm?