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Bourdet (Well Testing)

Introduction

The Bourdet plot typically refers to a log-log plot of the normalized pressure and the Bourdet derivative. the Bourdet derivative is defined as:

Bourdet Derivative

The Bourdet plot is used as it is easy to identify the different flow regimes. The slope of the Bourdet derivative against log time clearly describes the flow regime.

Bourdet derivative slope

Flow Regime

1/2

Linear

0

Radial

-1/2

Spherical

1

Boundary-dominated (no flow boundary)
image-20230608-051848.png
Example of the Bourdet plot for a linear model
image-20230609-030043.png
Example of the Bourdet plot for a radial model with no-flow boundaries

See Also:

References:

  • Bourdet, Dominique, Ayoub, J. A., and Y. M. Plrard. "Use of Pressure Derivative in Well-Test Interpretation." SPE Form Eval 4 (1989): 293–302.

  • Sowers, S.: The Bourdet Derivative Algorithm Revisited — Introduction and Validation of the Power-Law Derivative Algorithm for Applications in Well-Test Analysis, (internal) B.S. Report, Texas A&M U., College Station, Texas (2005).

  • Mattar, L. and Zaoral, K.: "The Primary Pressure Derivative (PPD) A New Diagnostic Tool in Well Test Interpretation," JCPT, (April 1992), 63-70