dst

Sadly looks like there won't be a Xmas bonus from BAS sp. I'm still holding the stock pending for the DST results. It is still viable that W-3 produces oil at a commercial rate, if it doesn't they'll have to plug the hole and drill somewhere else...

Drill Stem Tests

Used to provide a more definitive idea of the production capacity of the well, drill stem tests identify the types of fluids within the well, as well as the flowrate of these fluids, formation permeability and reservoir pressure.

Drill stem tests involve connecting a measurement device to the bottom of the drill stem, also in place of the drillbit, and lowering the system into the well, all the way to the formation. The instrument is activated at the bottom of the well, measuring the flow of oil or gas for a specified amount of time, usually an hour.

The testing tool includes a perforated anchor at the bottom that allows fluids to enter the empty pipe. Also rubber packers expand against the sides of the hole to seal pressure. A series of valves open and close to control the flow of the hydrocarbons into the empty drill stem. Additionally, the tool contains a pressure-measuring device.

When the tool is opened, the oil and gas enter the drill pipe and are sent through a flowline to the reserve pit on the surface. While oil or gas can reach the surface during the specified testing time, many times hydrocarbons and water simply enter the drill pipe, but do not reach the surface. Nonetheless, the flow, pressure and volumes are recorded.

Important factors in determining the success of the drill stem test and, in turn, the well, include the depth of the tool; duration of the test; time required for hydrocarbons to reach the surface; fluids recovered in the drill pipe; initial and final flow pressures, indicating the increase in flowing capacity of the well; and the shut-in bottom hole pressure, which signifies the maximum reservoir potential.

While drilling a well can be expensive, sometimes completion operations can be even more expensive. It is important to decide whether a well is commercially productive or it is more logical to simply plug the well and move on to another location. Typically, one or more formation test is performed to determine if the well is productive or not.

If formation tests reveal that the well does not have enough hydrocarbons present to complete the well for production, the well is plugged and abandoned. However, if the formation tests prove the well productive, it is moved into the completion phase, which includes running completion strings the length of the well, casing the well and cementing it.

http://www.rigzone.com/training/insight.asp?insight_id=318&c_id=1