The Evolution of Well Testing Practices From Conventional to Zero Flaring in a Saudi Aramco Oilfield Development

Abstract Increased concerns from well testing activities about the environmental impact have left several oil industry challenges. Some of these challenges include handling well effluents from flow back operations with sour crude; the challenges can be more severe to contend with H2S safety, pollution and spill risk. Limited deck space in offshore environments often restricts the footprint of flow back equipment. An optimized solution to cater specifically for offshore operations requires careful design to ensure a safe yet functional flow back system. The pollution risk from fall out could have serious consequences to the marine life and habitat. Given that offshore operations typically cost an order of magnitude in excess of land based operations, weather uncertainties could typically result in cost overruns, increasing total job costs. The scope of the paper is to examine the evolution of well deliverability testing — from conventional flaring practices to contemporary smokeless and zero flaring operations in a giant carbonate oil field in Saudi Arabia, surrounded by a world class environmentally protected marine and coastal ecosystem. The examination of 100 well testing candidates, with 39 of those using the zero flaring approach, allows a demonstration of the clear cost, technical and economic benefits over traditional flaring techniques. Before the production facilities and flow lines were operational, the previous clean up method required flaring of oil and gas. Although best practices were applied, an environmental and technical cost accompanied the approach. With the completion of the flow lines and production facilities, the application of the zero flaring option became possible. The possibility to conduct zero flaring provides several attractive benefits, with at least the equivalent of 4,000 barrels of oil not flared, pollution avoidance, 50% time saving and over 50% reduction in total job costs for the field development.