Testing Science

Year Published: 1960

Creator: Halliburton Oil Well Cementing Co

Description: This film "Testing Science" was produced by Halliburton Oil Well Cementing Co. circa 1960. It champions drill stem testing (DST) as a precise, scientific method for evaluating underground oil and gas formations, contrasting it with ancient, unscientific prophecy methods. It details the fundamental principles of DST, explaining how specialized tools—the tester, packer, and pressure recorder—work together to isolate formations, collect fluid samples, and record crucial pressure data. The film emphasizes Halliburton's leadership in the field. DST performed by Halliburton saves the petroleum industry vast sums by preventing investments in unproductive wells and ensuring the successful completion of valuable ones. Halliburton Co. remains in business and is the world's second-largest oil service company, responsible for most of the world's fracking operations.

00:00 The film opens by comparing ancient, unscientific methods of prophecy and finding underground resources (like dowsing) with the modern, scientific approach of drill stem testing (DST). 1:30 It introduces the modern drill stem testing tool as a product of scientific research, operated by highly trained geologists, petroleum engineers, drilling crews, and Halliburton testers, who possess precise knowledge of their methods and objectives. 2:32 The fundamental principle of DST is explained as opening isolated sections of a well to atmospheric pressure to secure formation fluid or gas tests, which are used to plan subsequent well completion steps. 2:49 The three main elements of the basic DST tool are introduced: the tester (control valve), the packer (isolates the formation), and the pressure recording device. 3:08 A simplified diagram illustrates the fluid passage during testing, showing how the packer expands to isolate the formation and how tester valves open to allow fluid into the drill pipe for sampling. 4:08 The process of testing formation pressure is detailed, including closing tester valves to record closed-in pressure and using a circulating valve for safety to remove formation fluid before removing the tool. 5:13 The continuous pressure recording process is shown, with a chart illustrating pressure changes throughout the test, from tool entry (increasing pressure) to packer setting, tester valve opening, fluid fill, closed-in pressure, and tool removal (pressure equalization and return to zero). 6:37 The film discusses the variety of tools used for DST, focusing on tests in open holes with wall packers and in perforated casing with hook wall packers. 7:17 Halliburton's leadership in DST, and vast experience. 9:34 The process of experimental design for new tools is detailed. 11:13 Manufacturing in Halliburton's own machine shops 12:39 Halliburton personnel with combined centuries of experience and the comprehensive testing procedures developed from this expertise. 13:26 The BT bomb, Halliburton's exclusive and highly accurate pressure recording device, is presented as the "heart of the testing operation," with a fleet of field calibrating laboratories ensuring its precision. 14:24 The meticulous process of chart analysis is shown, from initial field readings to detailed micrometer optical chart reading, temperature correction, photographic reproduction, and confidential report preparation for well owners. 15:31 Halliburton's unequaled service and availability are highlighted, with units constantly ready and a widespread global presence, ensuring prompt response wherever oil wells are drilled. 16:19 A seven-point summary encapsulates Halliburton's business ideals: new ideas, continuous research, applied engineering, high-quality manufacturing, competent personnel, detailed reports, and unequaled service. 17:25: Financial benefits of DST for the petroleum industry, saving money by preventing casing installation in unproductive wells and ensuring the optimal completion of valuable ones, with a final call to action to use Halliburton for assured well testing.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCKiY-QcWhg

Metadata Source:YouTube