With the time scale match point data and the permeability just deter-

mined, estimate the product <j>ct, using the following equation:

(13-4)

where r is the distance between the two wells. The type curve analysis
method is simple, fast, and accurate when the exponential integral (see Figure
13-3) applies; that is, when rD = r/rw > 20 and to/r2D > 0.5.
Knowing (/>, we can calculate total system compressibility, ct, and hence
estimate liquid saturation from the following equation. 2

(13-5)

Example 13-1 Analyzing Interference Test Using Type Curve Matching

Technique
An interference test was conducted in an oil well. Water was injected into
well 1 for 48 hr. The pressure response in well 2 (65 ft away) was observed for
148 hr. The observed pressure data are given in Table 13-1, and the known
well/reservoir properties are given. Determine permeability and porosity of
the formation between the two tested wells.
Pi = Opsig, t\ = 48hr, qw = -185stb/day, (3W = l.OOrb/stb, /J,W = 1.0OcP,
r = SOfU ct= 13.82 x lO^psi" 1 , h = 55 ft.

Table 13-1
Interference Test Data for Observation Well

Pw A P = Pt - Pw &Pwest A/? Ar = kPwest ^Pw

'(hr) (psig) (psig) At = h - 48 (hr) (psig) (psig)
0 O=A-
4.5 23 -23
21.86 83 -83
30.01 96 -96
46.00 121 -121
48.00 Injection Ends
52.00 110 -110 4 126 16
70.00 56 -56 21 140 84
72.00 48 -48 24 142 94
92.00 33 -33 44 156 123
144.00 17 -17 93 182 165
148.00 16 -16 100 183 167
Solution Figure 13-4 shows data match points with the type curve in
Figure 13-3.
The match points are:

Calculate formation permeability k and porosity from Eqs. 13-2 and 13-4:

To check the accuracy of the above method of analysis, plot

(Pwlextended Pw) versus At points as shown in Figure 13-4. Since the
(Pwlextended ~ Pw) versus At data fall on the curve, the analyses are correct.
Observed pressure change, Ap (psig)

Match points are:

Testing time, t (hr)

Figure 13-4. Type curve matching for an interference test.

 13.3 Analysis of Pulse Test Pressure Response
Pulse tests have the same objective as conventional interference tests to
determine whether well pairs are in pressure communication and to deter-
mine reservoir permeability, k, and product of (j)Ct in the area of tested wells.
The tests are conducted by sending a coded signal or pulse sequence from an
active well (producer or injector) to a shut-in observation well. The pulse
sequence is created by producing from (or injecting into) the active well, then
shutting it in, and repeating that sequence in a regular pattern. An example is
indicated in Figures 13-5 and 13-6. Highly sensitive pressure gauges usually
are required to detect these small coded pulses, which may have magnitudes
of less than 0.1 psi.
Rate in active well

Time

Figure 13-5. Typical rate schedules in pulse test.

Rate in active well

Figure 13-6. Pressure response in pulse test.

 Analysis techniques for pulse tests usually are based on simulating the
pressure response in an observation well with the familiar ^-function
solution to the diffusivity equation, using superposition to model the rate
changes in the pulsing sequence. From the simulations of pulse tests,
Kamal and Brigham1 have developed charts relating key characteristics
of the tests to reservoir properties. Before we discuss these charts (Figures
13-8 through 13-15) and their application, it will be useful to introduce
nomenclature used in pulse test analysis, using the system of Earlougher3
and his schematic pulse test rate and pressure response history. Pulses can
be analyzed for k and <t>ct. It is a good idea to analyze several pulses and
compare the results.

Characteristics of Pressure Response

For each pulse the pressure response (very small) at the observation well
is recorded with a very sensitive pressure gauge. The pressure response in the
pulse test is schematically illustrated in Figure 13-6. In pulse tests the pulses
1 and 2 have characteristics that differ from all subsequent pulses. Following
these pulses, all odd pulses have similar characteristics and all even pulses
also have similar characteristics. Any one of the pulses can be analyzed for k
and 4>ct. It is a good idea to analyze several pulses and compare the results.

Pulse Test Responses with Flow and Shut-In Time

Figure 13-7 shows pulse testing for a two-well system. The lower portion
of the figure illustrates the pressure behavior at the observation well and
correlates the pressure pulses with the rate pulses. The upper portion of the
curve shows the constant production rate before the test and the rate pulses'
flow time and shut-in time are equal as shown in Figure 13-7. Pulse testing
can be done with unequal flow and shut-in times.

Pulse Test Analysis Method - Two-Well System

The following equations are used to calculate permeability and the
porosity-compressibility product (4>ct):

(13-6)

Figures 13-8 to 13-15

 Pulses
Oil production rate at
pulsing well, q

Time
Pulse 1
Pulse 2
Pulse 3
Pulse 4

Pulse responses
responding well, pw
Pressure at

Time

Figure 13-7. Rate history and pressure response for a pulse test (after Johnson
etal., J. Pet Techno!., Dec. 1966).2

(13-7)

Figures 13-8 to 13-15

where
Ap amplitude of a pulse
Ap = A^c = total cycle length (including both shut-in and flow periods)
 tL = time lag (time elapsed between the end of a pulse and the
pressure peak caused by the pulse)
ApD = dimensionless pressure response amplitude and is equal to

(tL)D = dimensionless time lag and is given by

rD r/rw = dimensionless distance between the tested wells {rw is for

observation well). The values of the terms ApD(tL/Atc)2 and [{tL)Dlr2D] are
obtained from Figures 13-8 through 13-15. These figures use tL/Atc and
Ff = Atpi'Atc, where Atp is the length of the pulse period. Example 13-2
illustrates how these figures are applied.

Horizontal Pulse Test Analysis Techniques

Kamal and Brigham1 have presented a technique to analyze horizontal
pulse tests, once pulse test data are available and plotted and time lags
and pressure responses are measured. They provided the equations and

First even ulse

Pulse response amplitude, ApD [tL/Atc]2

(Time lag)/(cycle length), tL/Atc

Figure 13-8. Time lag and response amplitude relationship for first odd pulse.1
 First even pulse
Dimensionless time lag, (tL)D/(rD)2

(Time lag)/(cycle length), tL/Atc

Figure 13-9. Time lag and cycle length relationship for first odd pulse.1

First odd pulse

Pulse response amplitude, ApD [tL/Atc]2

(Time lag)/(cycle length), tLlAtc

Figure 13-10. Time lag and response amplitude relationship for first even pulse.1
 First odd pulse
Dimensionless time lag, {t{)jjr^

(Time lag)/(cycle length), tL/Atc

Figure 13-11. Time lag and cycle length relationship for first even pulse.1

All odd pulses

Pulse response amplitude, ApD [tL /Atc]2

(Time lag)/(cycle length), tL/Atc

Figure 13-12. Time lag and response amplitude relationship for all odd
pulses after the first.1
 All odd pulses except the first
Dimensionless time lag, (tL)D Ir^

(Time lag)/(cycle length), tL/A tc

Figure 13-13. Time lag and cycle length relationship for all odd pulses after
the first.1
Pulse response amplitude, ApD [tL/Atc]2

(Time lag)/(cycle length), tL/Atc

Figure 13-14. Time lag and response amplitude relationship for all even
pulses after the first.1
 All even pulses except the first
Dimensionless time lag, (tL)D Ir^

(Time lag)/(cycle length), tL/Atc

Figure 13-15. Time lag and cycle length relationship for all even pulses after
the first.1

Figures 13-8 through 13-15 to analyze pulse test rapidly. Figure 13-6 is a
schematic pulse test rate and pressure history showing definition of time lag
(tL) and pulse response amplitude (A/?). This technique is rapid to analyze
pulse test to get an idea of the reliability of the results.
Ratio of pulse length to the total cycle length is

F1 = ^ = pulse period
Atc pulse period + shut-in period ^ '
t i m e la
A_ = S (13-9)
v }
Atc total cycle length
Dimensionless time lag

(13-10)

Dimensionless distance between the active and observation wells

(13-11)