Using Downhole Displacement and Inferred Production for Verification of Measured Test Data

RAY, LOUIS, Case Services

This paper describes the techniques used by and the resulting experience of several shallow well rod pumped fields in an attempt to develop improved methods of measured well test data verification. Typically, the availability of measured well test data is constrained by test facility accuracy and the availability of the test facility for acceptable testing frequency. This technique involves the use of RPC (Rod Pumped Controller) calculated total fluid production as one source of production data for each well. A second source of production data comes from a wave equation driven diagnostic software program using load and position data gathered from each RPC to generate a downhole pump card from which pump displacement (production) can be calculated for all wells.The measured well test data for each well can then be compared with the "inferred production" and the "downhole displacement" data for any observed discrepancy. It is also possible for operating personnel to track daily individual well production with a high degree of accuracy without the use of actual well gauging facilities that might not be available on demand or giving questionable results. This paper will also address methods necessary to set-up RPC inferred production for reasonably accurate calculation, as well as necessary techniques for good displacement calculations from RPC dynagraph cards. The technique involves the use of central site software to facilitate RPC set-up and data telemetry.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90911©2000 AAPG Pacific Section and Western Region Society of Petroleum Engineers, Long Beach, California