Well Testing
Well Testing is a crucial process in oil and gas exploration where specialists evaluate how much oil or gas a well can produce and how easily it flows. Think of it like checking the health and productivity of a well before companies invest large amounts of money in full production. This process helps companies understand if a well will be profitable and how best to extract the resources. It's similar to test-driving a car before buying it - you want to know how well it performs. Other terms that describe this activity include "Formation Testing," "Drill Stem Testing (DST)," or "Production Testing."
Examples in Resumes
Supervised Well Testing operations for 15 offshore drilling projects
Managed Well Test data analysis for major exploration company
Led Formation Testing and evaluation programs in multiple international locations
Coordinated DST operations and result interpretation for new field developments
Typical job title: "Well Test Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Well Test Engineers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a complex well test operation in a high-pressure environment?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of safety procedures, team management, and ability to make critical decisions. Should explain how they would plan the operation, manage risks, and ensure data quality.
Q: Describe a challenging well testing project you've managed and how you overcame obstacles.
Expected Answer: Should show leadership experience, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of both technical and operational aspects of well testing.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What key parameters do you look for when analyzing well test data?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain in simple terms the important measurements like pressure, flow rates, and fluid properties, and why they matter for well evaluation.
Q: How do you ensure safety during well testing operations?
Expected Answer: Should discuss basic safety protocols, equipment checks, team communication, and emergency procedures in straightforward terms.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the basic purpose of well testing?
Expected Answer: Should explain that well testing helps determine how much oil or gas a well can produce and how easily it flows, helping companies make decisions about development.
Q: What are the main types of well tests you're familiar with?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list and briefly describe common tests like pressure build-up tests, drawdown tests, and drill stem tests in simple terms.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of well testing equipment
- Ability to collect and record test data
- Knowledge of safety procedures
- Basic report writing
Mid (2-5 years)
- Independent operation of well testing equipment
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Problem-solving during testing operations
- Team coordination
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management of complex well tests
- Advanced data interpretation
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Team leadership and training
Red Flags to Watch For
- No field experience with actual well testing operations
- Lack of safety awareness or certification
- Unable to explain basic well testing concepts in simple terms
- No experience with modern testing equipment and techniques
Related Terms
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