D40.4: Clarification of Minimum Requirements

Well test information is critical for the prudent management of oil and gas reservoirs. Well testing is thus an integral part of the overall production and depletion strategy of a reservoir. The Alberta Energy Regulator (#AER) defines the minimum legal requirements for #welltesting which are considered essential for prudent reservoir management.

An accurate initial reservoir pressure is most important. It determines initial pool pressure in exploratory wells, helps delineate pools in development wells, and estimates drainage and recovery efficiency in infill wells. Without an initial pressure point, subsequent data may be of limited value. Initial subsurface reservoir pressure testing is thus a basic requirement. Relative to drilling spacing units (DSU), gas well (#LNG) tests are required in every section, oil well tests are required in every quarter-section. Self declared commingled gas wells also require an initial pressure measurement. Several well documented formations have been exempted under Bulletin 2015-05: Subsurface Orders.