The CLEAN-UP period

The purpose of the clean-up period is to eliminate all foreign fluids

such as mud filtrate, completion fluids, etc., contained in the invaded
zone and the well bore so that representative reservoir fluids may be
produced during the test. The flow rate during clean-up should be the
highest rate compatible with well equipment and reservoir
characteristics. Sand breakthrough, water coning, etc. should be
avoided.
In the case of a gas well, the drawdown normally should not exceed
25% of the static well head pressure.
Furthermore, gas velocity in the well head should not exceed 50
ft/sec.
In practice, the formation productivity is rarely known before the test
but a first estimation may be obtained during the clean-up period by
means of a choke performance chart.
Choke performance charts for oil and gas are available in the practical
tables book, or FOH 1.
Although assumptions are necessary, these estimated flow rates can be
helpful when planning the flow rates for the actual test sequence.
If no better information is available, assume the following:
If GOR is unknown in an oil well:

GOR (scf/Bbl) 0.1 x Depth (ft)

If GOR is greater than 5000 scf/Bbl: This is a Gas well

A well testing program should then be established in accordance with:
-

The nature of fluids produced (oil or gas),

The reservoir characteristics (high, low productivity).

Estimation of the duration of the CLEAN-UP period

The following criteria should be used to estimate if the well is producing
clean hydrocarbons and if the dean-up may be ended.
1.Basic Sediment and Water measurement.
- BSW is less than 1 % if solids are still present.
2.Salinity measurement on produced water or BSW.
Salinity is equal to the salinity of the formation water - otherwise,
there is still filtrate in the produced fluid.
3.After acid job, pH measurement on produced water or BSW water.
-

pH should be neutral (pH 7)

Otherwise, there is still acid in the produced fluids.
4.Stabilization of well head pressure.
- This condition is especially important for Gas wells to make sure
that wellbore is free of any liquid.
5.Stabilization of downhole pressure.
-

When surface read-out is available.

6.Visual examination of the flare

-

White or Grey smoke may indicate the presence of water in the

well effluent. Fast changes at the flare indicates the venue of surges
of water.

7.Minimum amount of fluids has been produced.

-

In all cases, it is necessary to produce a volume of fluid at least

equal to the well bore volume.

8.Surface flow rate stabilization.

This is a good indication that near borehole part of the reservoir
and perforations have been cleaned of foreign solids.