Horner Time - Log scale 30.

00 The inflow test should be continued for

30.00
period as necessary until a definite tren
28.00 This trend should be indicative of either
well (FAIL), or thermal expansion (PASS)
26.00
FAIL If the projection of the final trend clearl
intersection of the X-axis at or before in

Press Drop (psi / min)

24.00
25.00 (Horner time = 1), the test can be consid

Press Drop (psi / min)

22.00
successful because the flow will eventua
before infinite time.
20.00 If the projection trends towards an inter
20.00 Y-axis (indicating flow at infinite time), t
18.00 considered a fail.
If the intersection of the final trend is in
16.00 variables should be considered to confir
15.00
such as possible gas on bottoms-up circ
14.00 inflow test.
12.00

10.00 10.00

8.00

6.00
5.00
PASS 4.00
P r e s s D r o p ( p s i / m in )

2.00

0.00 (T + ∆t)/∆t 0.00 Elapsed time [min.]

1.0 10.0 100.0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60

30.00

On this job, we displaced the SBM from the well with left over DKD m
Nat L og H or ner Tim e - N orm a l sc ale
25.00

2000
20.00

15.00

Water. It was very viscous with very high gels. Slugs repeatedly failed
10.00

5. 00

0. 00
0. 0 0 .5 1.0 1.5 2.0 n
l (T
2 +
.5 ∆ t)/∆ t 3 .0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0

the string would hold 300-400 psi pressure.

1800
FAIL
When we did the inflow, we dropped the string pressure by 1,000 ps
1600
Pressure Gauge only went down by about 550 psi, and even that too
ie. the very high gels of the mud prevented adequate pressure trans
through the mud. This meant that all through the test, the pressure
1400 equalising in the well and I believe that is why we did not never get a
approximation of a straight line.
On the horner plot, it is a pass though.
1200

1000

800

600

400

PASS 200

0
12:28:48 12:43:12 12:57:36 13:12:00 13:26:24 13:40:48 13:55:12 14:09:36 14:24:00 14:38:2
 Time Pressure
psia
12:35:00 0.12 13:35:00 447.67
12:36:00 0.12 13:36:00 472.77 25.1
12:37:00 0.13 13:37:00 491.82 19.05
12:38:00 358.78 13:38:00 506.25 14.43
12:39:00 281.32 13:39:00 519.97 13.72
12:40:00 355.69 13:40:00 529.23 ###
12:41:00 397.79 13:41:00 532.36 3.13
12:42:00 112.01 13:42:00 536.08 ###
12:43:00 125.98 13:43:00 537.27 ###
12:44:00 121.67 13:44:00 537.41 ###
12:45:00 733.54 13:45:00 544.41 7
12:46:00 667.23 13:46:00 546.97 ###
12:47:00 694.93 13:47:00 549.06 ###
12:48:00 701.56 13:48:00 555.13 ###
12:49:00 826.65 13:49:00 556.45 ###
12:50:00 894.64 13:50:00 558.2 1.75
12:51:00 918.93 13:51:00 560.6 ###
12:52:00 988.12 13:52:00 564.86 ###
12:53:00 1066.45 13:53:00 570.07 ###
12:54:00 1048.99 13:54:00 569 ###
12:55:00 1066.8 13:55:00 576.16 ###
12:56:00 1121.23 13:56:00 576.58 ###
12:57:00 1147.5 13:57:00 577.81 ###
12:58:00 1203.45 13:58:00 578.13 ###
12:59:00 1256.42 13:59:00 583.54 ###
13:00:00 1328.08 14:00:00 583.44 ###
13:01:00 1350.39 14:01:00 589.98 ###
13:02:00 1354.65 14:02:00 593.79 ###
13:03:00 1400.75 14:03:00 595.87 ###
13:04:00 1404.88 14:04:00 591.77 ###
13:05:00 1445.95 14:05:00 596.68 ###
13:06:00 1509.6 14:06:00 599.38 ###
13:07:00 1565.7 14:07:00 601 1.62
13:08:00 1560.05 14:08:00 598.96 ###
13:09:00 1586.23 14:09:00 603.32 ###
13:10:00 1650.02 14:10:00 610.96 ###
13:11:00 1690.42 14:11:00 611.84 ###
13:12:00 1743.7 14:12:00 612.27 ###
13:13:00 1746.26 14:13:00 615.01 ###
13:14:00 1780.39 14:14:00 624.56 ###
13:15:00 1576.06 14:15:00 625.8 ###
13:16:00 1552.16 14:16:00 622.67 -3.13
13:17:00 1536.14 14:17:00 624.49 ###
13:18:00 1517.32 14:18:00 627.31 ###
13:19:00 1505.31 14:19:00 629.94 ###
13:20:00 1491.68 14:20:00 629.93 ###
13:21:00 1480.12 14:21:00 637.24 ###
13:22:00 1264.79 14:22:00 636.35 ###
13:23:00 1070.84 14:23:00 639.04 ###
13:24:00 1028.79 14:24:00 641.66 2.62
13:25:00 1052.7 14:25:00 645.79 4.13
13:26:00 831.49 14:26:00 643.85 ###
13:27:00 857.01 14:27:00 648.9 ###
13:28:00 879.92 14:28:00 649.64 ###
13:29:00 550.29 14:29:00 652.75 ###
13:30:00 481.23 14:30:00 654.23 ###
13:31:00 504.09 14:31:00 655.49 ###
13:32:00 525.68 14:32:00 658.15 ###
13:33:00 486.2 14:33:00 665.03 6.88
13:34:00 509.61 14:34:00 662.09 ###
13:35:00 447.67 14:35:00 662.82 ###
13:36:00 472.77 14:36:00 665.32 2.5
13:37:00 491.82 14:37:00 665.67 ###
13:38:00 506.25 14:38:00 670.76 ###
13:39:00 519.97
13:40:00 529.23
13:41:00 532.36
13:42:00 536.08
13:43:00 537.27
13:44:00 537.41
13:45:00 544.41
13:46:00 546.97
13:47:00 549.06
13:48:00 555.13
13:49:00 556.45
13:50:00 558.2
13:51:00 560.6
13:52:00 564.86
13:53:00 570.07
13:54:00 569
13:55:00 576.16
13:56:00 576.58
13:57:00 577.81
13:58:00 578.13
13:59:00 583.54
14:00:00 583.44
14:01:00 589.98
14:02:00 593.79
14:03:00 595.87
14:04:00 591.77
14:05:00 596.68
14:06:00 599.38
14:07:00 601
14:08:00 598.96
14:09:00 603.32
14:10:00 610.96
14:11:00 611.84
14:12:00 612.27
14:13:00 615.01
14:14:00 624.56
14:15:00 625.8
14:16:00 622.67
14:17:00 624.49
14:18:00 627.31
14:19:00 629.94
14:20:00 629.93
14:21:00 637.24
14:22:00 636.35
14:23:00 639.04
14:24:00 641.66
14:25:00 645.79
14:26:00 643.85
14:27:00 648.9
14:28:00 649.64
14:29:00 652.75
14:30:00 654.23
14:31:00 655.49
14:32:00 658.15
14:33:00 665.03
14:34:00 662.09
14:35:00 662.82
14:36:00 665.32
14:37:00 665.67
14:38:00 670.76
14:39:00 0.12
14:40:00 0.12
 1 25.1 2000
2 19.05
3 14.43
1800
4 13.72
Since flat line began 5 ###
6 3.13 1600
7 ###
8 ### 1400
9 ###
10 7
1200
11 ###
12 ###
13 ### 1000
14 ###
15 1.75
800
16 ###
17 ###
18 ### 600

19 ###
20 ### 400
21 ###
22 ###
200
23 ###
24 ###
25 ### 0
26 ### 12:28:48 12:43:12 12:57:36
27 ###
28 ###
29 1.62
30 ###
31 ###
32 ###
33 ###
34 ###
35 ###
36 ###
37 ###
38 ###
39 ###
40 ###
This data was used for th
 41 ###
This data was used for th
42 2.62
43 4.13
44 ###
45 ###
46 ###
47 ###
48 ###
49 ###
50 6.88
51 ###
52 2.5
53 ###
54 ###

You can't use negative values so they have

been removed
12:43:12 12:57:36 13:12:00 13:26:24 13:40:48 13:55:12 14:09:36 14:24:00

was used for the Horner Plot

was used for the Horner Plot
09:36 14:24:00 14:38:24 14:52:48
 INSTRUCTION/ COMMENTS
STEP An existing mathematical model allows us to unitise time and extrapolate results into infinity. This is an accepted powerful principle used in Reservoir Engineering, where after a flowing
1 Setting up the test - ensure your measuring method and position are consistent for every measurement. You will be measuring very small volumes and small changes in height at which the measurement is taken can period the pressure build up curve is plotted against the unitised time, allowing the determination of the final pressure and the shape/boundaries of the reservoir. This principle is known as
change the result of a single measurement (ie. change in "hydrostatic head"). A small (1L) measuring beaker with gradations for measuring 1/10ths of litres (or smaller) is preferable. In deep wells of large volume with a the "Horner" plot.
large density and/or temperature difference between the original fluid and the new underbalanced fluid, early measurements may be large (10+L over 10 minutes), so be prepared.
The time scale is unitised as follows:

ln((T+dT)/dT) ("Horner"-time),
2 Collecting the data - the test in deep wells is likely to take 2-4 hours before the large wellbore and outer-annuli effects settle down and the data begins to form a trend. Expect to gather data for an additional 2-4 hours (12-
24 points) to ensure the trend line is representative and defendable, especially if the conclusion is a failed test that will require time and expenditure to repair - take the time to be sure. Therefore, if a crew change or relief where:
is likely, ensure the data collection method is consistent no matter who is taking the measurement and be prepared for a 4-8 hour duration before a result is clearly identifiable. Having said this, if the trend is consistent, ln = natural logarithm
declining, and meets the criteria for a good test, it is possible to conclude the test earlier. T = flowing period
dT = sample time intervals.
TIP: Early data can be misleading - again, with large drawdowns and large volumes, exposure of the new, cold fluid to multiple annuli (7" x 8 1/2", 9 5/8" x 12 1/4", surface casing, conductors, risers), may show effects
related to expansion/ contraction of steel, fluids in outer annuli, etc. What you are looking for is a consistent trend of data that is representative of the annulus you are testing e.g. the 7" liner lap (tbg or dp x 'A' annulus). It is obvious that infinity is represented by an unitised time equal to zero.
Over time, the temperature expansion effect of the 'A'-annulus will exhibit flow which follows a logarithmic decline. The Horner Plot is attempting to show the trend of this decreasing flow to indicate if, over time, it will
diminish to zero (when the fluid temperature reaches steady state), or whether there is indeed flow from the annulus being fed from somewhere else (failed inflow test where flow does not go to zero at infinite time). A similar approach can be adopted for interpreting inflow test results, plot the flowrate against the "Horner" time:
ln((T+dT)/dT)

3 Plot the data - on the table in the tab, "Horner Plot", fill in the information in the Yellow cells. The table has the calculation for Horner Time (HT), where HT = ((DT+T)/DT), in the appropriate column (Green cells). This is the
data that will plotted in the lower right graph. Note that the x-axis is on a logarithmic scale. This is the most common representation of this data, and should be used in preference to the alternative chart as shown in the
lower left (if Excel is not used at the wellsite, the alternative graph may be easier to physically plot on graph paper if semi-log paper is not available). This second graph plots the natural logarithm of Horner Time,
ln((DT+T)/DT), calculated in the final column of the table. You can see the similar trends, but the x-axis is not logarithmic and the ln-caculation is done first, then plotted on a normal scale. A trend line on both graphs can be
represented by the same equation.
4 Interpret the data - on the 1st graph, when DT goes to infinity (infinite time), Horner Time calculated will trend to DT/DT (the finite T becomes insignificant), or 1.0. Therefore, if flow is diminishing at a rate that will go to
zero (wellbore steady-state conditions) before infinite time, then the trend line should cross the x-axis prior to HT=1.0. On the second graph, plotting ln(Horner Time), the trend should cross the x-axis before ln(HT) goes to
0.
where:
ln = natural logarithm
T = Time used to displace the well to water (say one hour), this physically represents the duration that the energy balance is disturbed.
DT = sample time intervals (every 10 minutes).
Figures 13.9 and 13.10 represent Figures 13.7 and 13.8 respectively, using the "Horner" principle. In Figure 13.10 the extrapolated flowrate intersects the Y-axis below the origin, ie., zero
flow at infinity. The extrapolated flow rate curve in Figure 13.9 however intersects the Y-axis above the origin, indicating a flow at infinity.
Zero flow at infinity, physically represents a restored energy balance (in case of temperature effects only), whereas a continuous flow at infinity implies a disturbed material balance (influx).
The slope of the curve is determined by temperature differences between the wellbore fluid and the surrounding formation, thermal coefficients (conductivity, expansion), volumes, etc.
Determination of these parameters is not required with the mathematical model.

Apply a trend line - one can use the automatic trend line function in Excel, but be warned that this will calculate a trend line that honours all the data, even the erroneous early-time data which is not necessarily The major advantage of the Horner plot is that it avoids lengthy discussion over the interpretation of the inflow test. Secondly, it allows determination at a much earlier stage of the test
5
representative of the annulus you are concerned with. It is preferable to apply a manual trend line through the later data once a consistent trend line becomes apparent. If you do use Excel to illustrate a trend line, you can whether the test is positive or negative, hence saving rig time provided that the test is conducted accurately.
modify what data is used for the trendline by "hiding" rows of data in the table (select the entire row, and choose Window > Hide). Once hidden, the data point will not appear in the plotted chart and therefore the data will
not be included in the trend calculation. Unfortunately, when this is done, the data also disappears from the chart altogether and for historical purposes, this is not preferred as it masks potential data points that form the The inflow test should be continued for as long a period as necessary until a definite trend is observed.
whole picture of what is going on, making the data look better than perhaps it was. This trend should be indicative of either
- flow from the well (FAIL)
- or thermal expansion (PASS).

If the projection of the final trend clearly indicates an intersection of the X-axis at or before infinite time (Horner time = 1), the test can be considered successful because the flow will
6 Adjust the graph formats - once the graph is plotting the correct data, the scales of the axes can be modified to be illustrated correctly within the graph area using the right-click function, and editing the scales etc. It is eventually cease before infinite time.
advisable to leave the axes crossing at Horner Time = 1.0, as any data to the left of this intercept is imaginary (beyond infinite time). If data is plotted to the left of the y-axis on this graph, it is possible that the incorrect data
is being plotted (ln-double-dip). Check the Source data for the graph to make sure it is correct. The most common settings for the scales will be y-axis set to include all the data, and x-axis at one logarithmic interval (1.0 to If the projection trends towards an intersection of the Y-axis (indicating flow at infinite time), the test can be considered a fail.
10.0), but use your judgement to make the graph readable and representative.
If the intersection of the final trend is in doubt, other variables should be considered to confirm the result, such as possible gas on bottoms-up circulation after an inflow test.
7 Prepare the graph for presentation - finally, add titles to the graphs, and annotate if required. This graph should be published to Livelink, Discovery and copies should go to the Asset for the historical wellfile and records.
The graph will be critical should an annular leak ever occur.

NOTES
Auto trendline (Excel), close to intercept? - if the trend intercept is very close to the y-axis intercept at 1.0, one can right-click on the trendline and go to the Trendline options. On the third tab, there is a box to tick for
"show equation". If this is selected, the equation of the trend line is calculated and shown, and should show the actual intercept in the format y = mx + b where m is the slope of the line, and b is the intercept. A negative
intercept intersects the x-axis (good).

Source material - it should be noted that the two primary sources for information on inflow testing and Horner Plots at time of writing are the EP 1500-2002 document, and the Wells Distance Learning Package for Round 1
and 2. Both of these documents currently contain errors in the sections related to this analysis (see below).

In EP1500-2002, the equation defined for Horner Time includes an Ln (natural logarithm) at the beginning of the equation, HT=Ln((DT+T)/DT), and then asks that the resulting data be plotted on a logarthmic scale. This
results in an Ln double-calculation, and shifts much of the data (once plotted) to the left of the 1.0 intercept. This proves uninterpretable, as the intercept is always on the y-axis at HT=1.0 (indicating a flowing well). This
document is due to be updated and re-issued in 2007.

In the DLP, the description of the method for calculating Horner Time is correct, but the graph indicated is incorrect. The graph depicts the correct data plotted on a logarithmic x-axis (correct), but the trend line applied
to the data is one generated by Excel, and was defined as a linear trendline. When the "linear" trendline is applied to the data on this graph, the trend line becomes curved and intercepts the x-axis well before 1.0... and
always will. If an Excel trendline is used, the option for a "logarithmic" trendline must be used on this graph. If the alternative method and graph is chosen, the trendline must indeed be "linear" so that it is
representative of the ln((DT+T)/DT) data being plotted, forming a straight trendline that can then be interpreted.

Floater Operations - beware of wave/surge activity and tidal influences when performing inflow tests on Floating Drilling Operations. Primarily, ensure the test is set up to measure fluid coming from the well that is being
compensated for wave action, if at all possible (measure annular volumes through kill/choke lines in preference to riser/flowlines if possible, or up drillstring where applicable). Secondly, ensure any corrections for tidal
influences are taken into account. Over the period of time of a test (4-8+ hours), this could be significant. Finally, use all data supplied, measure as carefully as possible, and ensure any variables that can be taken out of the
measurement have been compensated for. Adequate planning for the test will be the crucial.

FINAL GUIDANCE - remember that the Horner Plot is only a tool. It is meant to provide a meaningful trend analysis to data collected over a shorter period of time to allow identification (and elimination) of temperature
effects acting on an annular flow such that one might be able to infer whether the annulus is exhibiting a leak to inflow forces, or whether this flow will eventually trend to zero. Be prepared to discard the data if it proves
inconclusive. Circulate the well back to heavy fluid, and monitor what comes to surface on bottoms-up. Is there a significant gas peak (significantly greater than seen during previous circulations)? Once the test packer is
unset, and the well circulated from below the packer, is there a similar gas peak? Was the packer leaking? (this should be positively tested on the annulus prior to the beginning of the test). Use all the data available to
assist the Team in coming to a conclusion. It will always be a judgement call, and it should be understood that the Horner Plot is not always as definitive as one might want it to be.