Revolutionizing Well Test: Digital Tools for Enhanced Equipment Guidelines, Selection & Surveillance Tool

Abstract This paper provides an overview of the architecture and functionalities of PETRONAS Well Test Equipment Selection and Surveillance Tool (P-WEST), a groundbreaking cloud-based digital tool designed to facilitate the selection process of Well Test Equipment (WTE) complete with real-time surveillance and monitoring capabilities. Developed in-house as a virtual advisor to meet the operational needs of various Oil and Gas (O&G) facilities, ensuring fit-for-purpose WTE that remains reliable and operable throughout the field life cycle. Innovation is critical given the increasing technical complexities in accessing hydrocarbon reserves and the imperative to optimize decision-making speed and quality (Berger, 2007). Therefore, P-WEST emerges as a pioneering solution in the industry by featuring comprehensive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) design envelopes, allowing streamlined data-driven WTE selection, verification and monitoring based on specific reservoir, well and field conditions. The tool comprises three (3) integrated modules aligned with key project phases: (1) Sizing and Selection, (2) Verification, and (3) Surveillance. Its dynamic database can be progressively updated to keep pace with the latest technologies and uses advanced data analytics to evaluate WTE performance across various production scenarios, which mitigates the risk of incorrect WTE (e.g. sizing or type), reduces reliance on labor-intensive manual calculations and increases measurement accuracy. Validated through fourteen (14) project case studies, P-WEST consistently demonstrated the limitations of conventional WTE selection methods. It facilitated early identification of mismatches, allowed for timely design corrections and established baselines for routine WTE operational health checks. The adoption of P-WEST has resulted in significant operational improvements, simplified complex calculations, reduced dependency on third-party validations and yielded significant CAPEX and OPEX savings, thereby showing potential for wider industry applications. By sharing the case studies results and implementation insights, this paper offers practical guidance for other Operators seeking to enhance WTE selection and surveillance processes, ultimately maximizing productivity and minimizing downtime. P-WEST exemplifies the move toward digitalization in the O&G industry and, with future enhancements (i.e. AI-driven diagnostics, integration with Virtual Flow Metering, etc.), has the potential to further extend its benefits.