What is a drawdown test?

What is a drawdown test?

• A. Measuring the rate of flow after a production shutdown
• B. Opening a well to flow after a shut in
• C. Recording the pressure during a closed interval
• D. Evaluating blowout prevention equipment

Answer: (B)

A drawdown test involves opening a shut-in well to flow and watching the pressure in the wellbore fall as produced fluids move from the formation into the well. The well is brought onto production at a controlled rate, and the resulting pressure decline (drawdown) over time is recorded. This pressure response helps estimate reservoir properties near the well, such as permeability and skin, as well as initial reservoir pressure and deliverability. It contrasts with a buildup test, where you observe pressure rise while the well is shut in, and with tests focusing on surface equipment. The essential idea is capturing how the reservoir pressure and flow respond to producing after a period of rest to characterize the near-well reservoir system.

A drawdown test involves opening a shut-in well to flow and watching the pressure in the wellbore fall as produced fluids move from the formation into the well. The well is brought onto production at a controlled rate, and the resulting pressure decline (drawdown) over time is recorded. This pressure response helps estimate reservoir properties near the well, such as permeability and skin, as well as initial reservoir pressure and deliverability. It contrasts with a buildup test, where you observe pressure rise while the well is shut in, and with tests focusing on surface equipment. The essential idea is capturing how the reservoir pressure and flow respond to producing after a period of rest to characterize the near-well reservoir system.