Optimizing Automated Well Testing for the Unconventional Oil Field using a Modular Approach

Well testing equipment for unconventional onshore applications generally comprises a sand removal unit (Desander), a dual choke manifold, a test separator with metering, various types of tanks for temporary storage and in some cases a flare. This equipment is typically interconnected through high pressure temporary flowline generally referred to as flow-iron, which is made up from modular components that are joined by quick connect hammer unions. Installation of the equipment and the well testing itself is labor intensive. Personnel is on location 24 hours a day, working on or near high pressure piping and climbing onto open top tanks during well testing. This results in significant labor costs and exposes personnel to numerous health and safety risks. This paper starts with introducing a modularized Automated Well Testing system (AWT) which has been developed to rig-in and out faster, minimize personnel exposure to health and safety risks, minimize transport cost, reduce footprint and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions to operate the unit. A first unit has been built and applied at various shale plays across North America during the past two years. Learnings and conclusions from these applications are summarized and used to evaluate the design.