Deconvolution in Well testing

Deconvolution in Well Testing: Pressure transient behavior analysis usually begins with the examination of the test data on different derivative, superposition, or Cartesian Plots. From these plots, a united and more recognizable picture can be built which will enable us to understand the main features of the test transient pressure behavior. This traditional and conventional well testing approach is still being used. However, a new well testing tool called Deconvolution was starting to receive much attention, and has been emerging as a new tool of analyzing test data in the form of constant rate drawdown response using specific pressure rate algorithms. In other words, it transforms variable rate and pressure data into initial constant rate pressure response equal to the duration of the entire test. Pressure rate deconvolution is not a replacement of conventional techniques but a useful addition to the well test analysis. The results will provide us with additional insights of the reservoir. However, Deconvolution is a tool which holds so many limitations, and should be used with caution, by experienced personnel. In this paper, a brief introduction of well testing will be presented, followed by several cases concerning the use of deconvolution, where its limitations will be demonstrated and its results will be interpreted. Some recommendations on how to avoid some unwanted results will be stated as well.