Guide · scoping
How to scope a production test versus an exploration test.
Copying a development flowback onto an exploration well is a reliable way to spend money and still not know the fluid.
Different customers of the data
A production test or flowback usually serves operations and a plant: clean up, sand, water, a rate you can nominate. An exploration or appraisal test serves a decision: fluids, pressures, mobility, commerciality.
Duration, sampling, DST vs surface test, and how much rate you are willing to flare all change with that customer.
Scoping questions
- What decision happens if the test is a success? A failure?
- Do you need samples, pressures, or a stabilized rate?
- Is H2S unknown (exploration) or characterized (development)?
- Is a DST or closed-chamber safer than a long surface flow?
- Who interprets, and what would make the data unusable?
Do not mix the RFPs
Vendors will happily quote a separator spread for either job. Your job is to not let them. Write two different envelopes if you have two different wells.
See exploration and appraisal test design and inline / AOF / deliverability.
| Factor | Exploration / appraisal | Production / development flowback |
|---|---|---|
| Typical product | Fluids, pressures, mobility, go/no-go | Clean-up, sand, rate, plant nomination |
| Unknowns | High — including H2S | Usually bounded |
| Common methods | DST, closed-chamber, designed DFIT, sampling | Surface package, inline, AOF |
| Failure mode | Spent the money, still cannot decide | Wrong package, extras, weak measurement |
| RFP emphasis | Sequence, tools, samples, interpretation | Rate envelope, duration, H2S, iron |
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