Exploration and Appraisal Well Testing

Delivering the complete package

From reservoir to disposal, Expro provides safe, efficient

and accurate well testing services to meet the needs of
our customers in any well, anywhere in the world.

Providing the complete package of

Exploration and Appraisal well testing services
Expro is one of the most experienced international well testing companies in the world, offering
our customers the complete range of mobile systems and specialist services, delivering quality
data and operational efficiency across land and deep water well sites.
With 40 years experience of delivering our customers' test
objectives, Expro provides integrated solutions across the
Exploration and Appraisal phase of any well. The data that we
provide throughout every well test allows our customers to plan
the optimal exploitation of their reservoirs.
Expro offers the complete well test package, utilising some of
the industry's most reliable technologies. Our versatile surface
test packages, subsea systems and drill stem test capabilities,
combined with expert onsite fluid analysis, data acquisition and
metering capabilities, ensure Expro provides our customers
with a complete service to support their well tests.
Expro has operational bases across the world and has
developed an unparalleled track record for delivering tailormade solutions to meet the challenges faced by our
customers.

Drill Stem Testing

Drill Stem Testing (DST) offers the fastest and safest method of evaluating the potential of a newlydiscovered hydrocarbon-bearing formation. After the well has been drilled and cased, the first
stage of a well test is to run a DST string in conjunction with a downhole data system and tubing
conveyed sampling.
Downhole data system

enhance our global capabilities in all the key

Expro's CaTS uses advanced wireless telemetry

Exploration and Appraisal markets where we

technology to transmit high quality bottomhole

operate.

pressure and temperature data to surface in real-

We provide multi-function and single-cycle cased

time using electromagnetic (EM) through-

hole DST tools for exploration well testing.

tubing/casing communications. Having access to

surface readout data provides early confirmation that
the quality and quantity of data collected is
adequate to characterise the reservoir, leading to

the oil and gas industry.

optimised timing of the well test operations.

We have vast operational experience with more than

400 DST jobs successfully completed in more than

Tubing conveyed sampling

Collection of representative downhole fluid samples
is the primary objective of most DST activity. Expro's

Retrievable packer

Our DST track record

Expro is an established provider of DST services to

10 international countries, including Brazil, Bolivia,

Nigeria, Malaysia and India. We have also provided

tubing conveyed sampling system provides a high-

DST solutions for some of the world's major oil and

quality alternative to traditional DST type full-flow

gas producers including Shell, BP, Total, Petrobras,

samplers.

Mobil, Texaco and Enron.

The DST bottomhole assembly is designed around

Our core DST tools have a track record that has

your test objectives and well parameters using tools

been proven over the past 20 years. The addition of

with an established track record to deliver reliable

our new DST tools means that we provide

performance.

integrated solutions across the Exploration and

We have invested in our infrastructure and people to

Appraisal phase of any well.

Pressure operated tester valve

Multi reverse
spot tool

Annulus operated reversing valve

Our standard DST string includes:

Retrievable packer and safety joints - Expro provides a range of retrievable casing
packers for sizes from 41/2 to 9 5/8 casings
Tester valve - used to shut-in downhole to obtain formation pressure, as a fluid-loss
control tool and a safety shut in-valve
Slip joints - allow the string to contract and expand with temperature without affecting
the internal pressure or volume
Hydraulic jars - allow adjusting the tension in the workstring to deliver a jarring action of
the required intensity
Single shot circulating valve - single shot tool used to circulate tubing contents after
over-pressure of the annulus
Multi-function circulating valve - used to reverse out tubing contents to remove
hydrocarbons and debris, change fluid weights, including spotting nitrogen, and efficiently
spot viscous pills
Tubing tester valve - used to pressure test the tubing while running in the well
Safety valve - single shot tool used to shut in the well down hole with over-pressure of
the annulus
Gauge carrier - houses high accuracy pressure and temperature gauges
Tubing conveyed sampler carrier - houses bottom hole samplers that can be
selectively fired from surface
Tubing conveyed perforating systems - industry standard perforating services

Safety joint and

overshot

Tubing tester valve

Slip joint

Hydraulic jars

Subsea safety systems

Expro's subsea safety systems deliver
critical well control functions in challenging
oilfield production conditions. With over 20
years of deepwater well testing and
completion experience, we deliver cost
effective, engineered solutions which meet
industry standards and client demands.
The range of Expro landing string assemblies and subsea control
systems are specifically developed to minimise risk in subsea
completion and intervention operations and achieve secure well
status in the event of an emergency.
Expro subsea safety systems are qualified for use in water
depths of up to 10,000 feet. An extensive track record means
we are experienced in controlling the multiple subsea interfaces
required to successfully deliver projects in line with our
customers needs and expectations.
To meet the demands of deepwater and frontier exploration and
appraisal projects, Expro has developed a 15K psi, 350 Deg F, 3
Subsea Test Tree (SSTT) complete with Electro-Hydraulic (EH)
control system. This new, fast acting safety system has been
developed in line with the latest industry standards and draws
heavily from our extensive experience, lessons learned and
customer requirements, gained in over 20 years of operations.
In addition to subsea test trees, Expro also offers SAFE valves for
DST operations, from jack-up or land application. The SAFE
valve is a failsafe 3 ID ball valve which forms part of the DST
string and is located at the BOP level. SAFE is hydraulically
operated from surface and has the ability to cut coil tubing. The
valve has a shear sub and slick joint arrangement to allow the rig
BOP shear rams to close and cut the landing string above the
SAFE valve if required.

Data acquisition services

Expro has continuously developed its capability to
acquire accurate and reliable high quality data,
allowing the customer to make informed decisions
quickly, effectively and efficiently.
Expro's data acquisition services provide monitoring solutions that apply at all
locations from sand face to burner tip, including the EDGE data acquisition
system for surface process monitoring, precision quartz memory gauges for

CaTS repeater
station

reservoir pressure and temperature data and the CaTS wireless surface
readout (SRO) system, providing real time bottom hole data on demand.
The EDGE system captures both surface and downhole well data and then
collates the information into a single report format for our customers to review
at, or remote from, the well site. EDGE features a complete visual/audible
alarm system, which can be configured, with upper and lower limits, to alert
the operator or perform shut-down operations when any abnormal conditions
occur. It can monitor virtually any number of sensors, while simultaneously
performing multiple operations on the data, both real time and historic.
The CaTS system transmits data to surface in real time using electromagnetic
(EM) signals. Having access to SRO data provides confidence in the data
quality and quantity, leading to early decision making and optimisation of the
testing program duration.
System benefits include:
Uses the well-proven CaTS wireless communications technology
High specification quartz crystal sensors
Features dual redundancy throughout the system for enhanced reliability
Dual purpose gauge features both SRO and memory functionality
No need for wireline intervention to receive data at surface, reducing
intervention risk
Suitable for use in high H2S/CO2 harsh condition environments
Compatible with onshore, jack-up and semi-submersible operations

CaTS gauge
carrier

Surface well testing

The primary function of surface well test equipment is to provide a safe and efficient system to
separate hydrocarbon phases, to measure and collect accurate well data and importantly, to
collect representative fluid and gas samples. The data monitored includes pressures,
temperatures and flow rates recorded at multiple locations on the well test package. The
surface well test system is a combination of the following equipment and services:
Surface test tree
The flowhead is one of the well's critical safety devices. It isolates the
well at surface from the reservoir and enables the downstream process
equipment to be depressurised and made safe. It is typically equipped
with a lift sub, a swivel and temporary pipework connections for the flow
and kill wing valves. It comprises four gate valves installed in a forged
solid block manifold. The flow wing valve is actuated and controlled by a
hydraulic panel connected to the emergency shutdown system. The
swivel is situated below the tree block and enables rotation of the string.

Solids exclusion
Expro recognises that solids management is crucial to a safe and efficient
well operation. Expro has developed 10K and 15K Cyclonic Desander and
Sandfilter systems from decades of solids management experience.
The solids exclusion equipment is designed to be deployed close to the
wellhead and upstream of the first well control device, usually the choke
manifold, allowing solids to be removed at high pressure and reducing
erosion to the downstream equipment.

Choke systems
The choke manifold is the primary method of controlling the well through
even the toughest of tests. The choke manifold controls the well flow via a
fixed or an adjustable choke. The adjustable choke comprises a needle
and seat arrangement or power choke system whilst the fixed choke is
provided by a selection of accurately sized orifices. This enables the
choke setting to be adjusted across the full range of the choke. Expro
uses its own market-leading adjustable power chokes in the manifold, due
to their high-erosion resistance in harsh environments.
Expro provides the world's most advanced chokes and related equipment
for rugged oilfield applications. Based on the latest engineering design
and technology, our choke systems have become industry leaders.
Expro's choke systems provide reliability and security, with easy
maintenance and multiple safety features, operating efficiently and
effectively. Our equipment provides unparalleled wear resistance reducing
costly damages. The use of this technology in the Exploration and
Appraisal market is ideal to reduce downtime where continuous flow data
is critical to the success of the operation.

Benefits include:

Efficient removal of solids

No moving parts
Low back pressure design permits high flow rates
Fitted with a bypass facility
Online removal of solids

Heat exchanger
During well test operations, flow is passed

Expro multi-tube heat exchangers are

through a heat exchanger to raise the

significantly more efficient than the conventional

temperature of the well effluent. This aids the

direct heat exchangers typically used in well test

separation process by reducing the viscosity of

operations.

the effluent, breaking down emulsions and the

formation of hydrates.

The combination of eliminating bends in the

tubes and their large surface area promotes

Expro can offer various types of heat exchangers

highly efficient heat transfer compared with

which typically comprise high pressure coils

conventional heaters. It also aids reliability since

contained within a steam jacket. The coil is

the flow profile makes this type of heat

continuously routed within the jacket with elbows

exchanger far less prone to erosion from solids

fitted at the ends of each straight section.

production.

Surface well testing

Three-phase separator
Hydrocarbon flow is then directed to Expro's
three-phase separator.

Expros inventory includes various designs of

Features of Expro separators include:

both horizontal and vertical separators which are

High capacity gas or liquid rate separation

designed to meet the well flow parameters

Accurate rate measurement of the

stated by the customer. The separators are

Once the well enters the separator vessel, the
separation process begins with liquids dropping
out of the gas phase leaving clean dry gas to be

designed to maximise the efficiency of the

separation process. A weir plate at the bottom

produced fluids and gas

A collection point for samples for onsite
analysis

measured. The oil, water and liquid phases are

of the vessel separates the liquid phases. All

Modular design for ease of transport

separated and metered. All separator parameters

fluids and gas from the separator are then

Greater operational flexibility

are constantly monitored and measured through

directed through the designated metering

Higher working pressure

Expro's EDGE data acquisition system.

system, using the latest technology.

10

Enhanced metering

controls will be used to recognise process

Expro has identified three practical areas

To complement the EDGE data acquisition

inefficiency and ensure their variations are

where its sonar meters can be integrated into

system and to provide a complete data

taken account of in any final reporting of

its existing well test fleet to provide enhanced

package, Expro's enhanced measurement

measurements made at the well site.

services and to deliver value to our customers

service extends the operating envelope for

The use of Expro Meters sonar surveillance at

by:

existing test separators, using supplementary

the well site on the well test separator is

Measuring while the separator is on by-pass

measurements to better understand and

designed to:

Checking the meter and, ultimately,

manage the process real-time during test

operations.
Where possible, process efficiency will be
improved. Where improvements can not be
achieved, supplementary measurements and

Improve test separator efficiency

Make well site operations more efficient
Provide enhanced data for better well test
reporting

replacing the orifice meter

Enhanced measurement on the liquid leg
(GVF measurement and correction)
Handling solids

11

Surface well testing

Produced water system
The produced water leaves the separator vessel and
is directed to the surge tank where it can be stored,
accurately measured and degassed prior to being
stored in the stock tank. The stock tanks provide
additional storage and the second stage of the oil-inwater separation process.
To dispose of the water overboard in a responsible
and environmentally-safe manner, Expro uses a
produced water treatment package.
The produced water filter system is designed to
provide a light, compact, reliable, and economic
method of filtering water, lightly contaminated brines
and fluid cushions.

Environmentally safe disposal

Oil fluids are then directed to Expro's leading burner
technology for environmentally-safe disposal. The
gas flow is directed through to the flare, where the
latest silencer technology can be employed to
reduce noise level to an acceptable level.
Our burner's carefully positioned multiple burner tips
create maximum flame turbulence and air ingestion,
making the burn very clean, eliminating smoke. Key
benefits include:
Highly efficient, environmentally friendly
Third-party rated at over 99.993% efficient
Modular design can be used in multiples to match
anticipated flow rates
Stable pilot assembly provides reliable ignition
source
Clean start-up, wide turndown ratio, simple
operation
Minimises smoke and fallout pollution
Reduced maintenance during operations
Maximises the operating parameters of a well
test/clean-up package
Eliminates the requirement for storage tanks
Assists in directing radiated heat away from the
installation

12

Features of Expro's water treatment package include:

An environmentally safe and proven method of disposal of produced water
Compact skid-mounted design for offshore deployment
Ability to handle wide range of process containments (e.g., solids and emulsions)
Removes risk of oil discharge during well testing and treatment clean-up operations
Small footprint size and suitable for mobile drilling rigs or production platforms
High safety and operability, with a minimum supervision and maintenance requirement
Reliable filter system using proven filter elements
0-100% turndown

Fluids sampling and analysis

Expro employs the latest technology to capture both
fluid and liquid samples from the well test process. The
latest techniques are used to provide onsite analysis to
the highest standards.
We offer a fully integrated package of hydrocarbon
reservoir and process fluid flow measurement, sampling
and analysis services. This data is essential for our
customers to enable them to accurately assess
reservoir size and production profile, and to optimise
design of their process facilities.
The Expro Fluids Sampling and Analysis team are the
most technically proficient and best equipped service
provider in this discipline available to the oil and gas
industry. Our service offerings to our customers are
based on three clear principles:
Highest measurement standards
Highest standards of competence, traceability and
certification
Best customer service
Expro's market-leading sampling and analysis services
are provided from a network of laboratories and
support centres in all oil exploration and production
regions.
Expro is the global leader in the provision of:
Wellsite open hole sample verification and analysis
Reservoir fluid sampling
Rate measurements
Gas/Liquid ratios (CGR/GOR)
Analysis of reactive non-hydrocarbon components
Compositional and PVT analysis
Flow assurance
Sulphur speciation
Sample management

13

CaTS Advanced Reservoir Testing

Testing beyond DST - CaTS Advanced Reservoir Testing
Uncertainty regarding reservoir connectivity and
compartmentalisation is one of the biggest risks that operators
have to contend with when formulating the field development
plan. This uncertainty can be reduced by maximising the time
spent on appraising the prospect but the pressure on
minimising rig time and cost reduction means that sometimes,
critical decisions regarding field development plans are taken
based on very limited data sets.
By the application of the CaTS wireless monitoring technology,
well testing no longer has to end at well abandonment; this is
CaTS Advanced Reservoir Testing. CaTS can be installed into
an appraisal well at the end of a DST and used to monitor the
reservoir response for several years after well abandonment. By
using the abandoned appraisal well as a long term monitoring
asset it is possible to record any interference effects resulting
from production or injection events in the adjacent field area.
This data provides high value information about the reservoir
continuity and connected volumes between several remote well
locations.
CaTS can also be applied in those situations where a long term
pressure build-up (PBU) may be required to accurately
characterise the reservoir; continuing to accurately monitor the
PBU long after the rig has departed the location.

The Advanced Reservoir Testing concept

Pressure and temperature data from a CaTS gauge located
adjacent to the abandoned reservoir is transmitted wirelessly to
a seabed receiver, where it is stored locally. The data is
subsequently uploaded from the seabed receiver to a vessel
passing overhead using through-seawater communications.
CaTS lends itself naturally to this abandoned well monitoring
application for several reasons, including: There is no requirement for a tubing string or completion to
be installed in the well, minimising rig time and meaning that
the well can be permanently abandoned to UKOOA CAT 1
standard with no requirement to re-enter the well to recover
the tubing and perform a final abandonment
CaTS signal transmission is not affected by cement plugs,
bridge plugs or by cemented pipe
CaTS can be installed into the well cost effectively using
conventional wireline or coiled tubing equipment and
procedures
Any in-well cable arrangement represents a potential leak
path; CaTS has no in-well cabling meaning that the integrity
of the well abandonment is not compromised

14

POST ABANDONMENT PHASE

Expros business is well flow technologies and specialised services, and our
mission is to:
measure
improve
control and
process
flow from high-value oil and gas wells.
Our expertise is marketed through five segments:
Well Testing & Commissioning, Production Systems, Wireline Intervention,
Connectors & Measurements and Deepwater Intervention.

For further information on Exploration and Appraisal Well Testing,

please contact us at:

DST
dst@exprogroup.com and +44 1224 214673
Subsea safety systems
subsea@exprogroup.com or +44 1224 225700
Data acquisition
wireless@exprogroup.com or +44 1202 812400
Well test
welltesting@exprogroup.com or +44 1224 225700
Fluids sampling
fluids@exprogroup.com or +44 1189 515 800

exprogroup.com