Surface Well Testing Operations Training Course

Course Overview

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the objectives and value of well testing across exploration, appraisal, completion, and production phases on Day 1.
• Distinguish between drill stem tests, cleanup and flowback operations, production tests, and extended well tests and their data requirements.
• Develop well test objectives and programs that define flow and shut-in periods, rates, measurements, sampling, and safety requirements.
• Describe downhole test string components, including packers, tester valves, circulating valves, and downhole pressure and temperature gauges.
• Explain the function and operation of surface well testing equipment, including flowheads, emergency shutdown valves, choke manifolds, data headers, sand management equipment, heaters, test separators, tanks, pumps, burners, and flare systems.
• Plan surface equipment layout, rig-up, pressure testing, and hazardous area considerations for onshore and offshore tests.
• Apply flow measurement principles for oil, gas, and water, including orifice meters, turbine and Coriolis meters, tank measurements, and multiphase meters.
• Apply fluid sampling practices for separator and bottomhole samples to support reliable pressure-volume-temperature analysis.
• Supervise well test sequences, including opening, cleanup, flow periods, shut-in and buildup periods, and rig-down.
• Explain the fundamentals of pressure transient analysis and the effect of test design and data quality on interpretation.
• Apply safety and environmental controls, including hydrogen sulfide management, high-pressure safety, hydrate prevention, erosion monitoring, emergency shutdown, flaring minimization, and spill prevention.
• Apply data acquisition, quality control, and reporting practices that deliver reliable well test results by the end of Day 5.

Who Should Attend

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Explain why wells are tested and what information each type of test provides.
• Define clear objectives and design an effective well test program.
• Describe how downhole test tools work.
• Explain the function of each item of surface well test equipment.
• Plan equipment layout, rig-up, and pressure testing safely.
• Measure oil, gas, and water rates accurately.
• Collect representative fluid samples.
• Supervise the sequence of a well test from opening to rig-down.
• Understand how test design affects pressure transient analysis.
• Manage hydrogen sulfide, high-pressure, and environmental risks.
• Recognize and resolve common well test operational problems.
• Deliver high-quality test data and reports.

Course Outline