Glossary of Petroleum Engineering Terms
31 January 2024

PTA

Pressure Transient Analysis (PTA) is a sophisticated method for interpreting well and reservoir performance based on the analysis of pressure changes over time.

P.I.

Productivity Index (P.I.) is a measure used to quantify the efficiency of a well in producing hydrocarbons, calculated as the rate of production per unit of pressure drop in the reservoir.

PVT

Pressure-Volume-Temperature (PVT) analysis is a crucial aspect of reservoir engineering and production optimization. It involves studying the behavior of petroleum fluids (oil, gas, and water) under different pressure, volume, and temperature conditions, typically within reservoirs or wellbores. This analysis helps in determining important parameters such as fluid properties, phase behavior (e.g., whether the fluid is in gas, liquid, or mixed phase), and reservoir performance characteristics, which are essential for reservoir management, production forecasting, and overall field development planning.

MPFM

Multiphase Flow Meter (MPFM) is a device used in the oil and gas industry to measure the simultaneous flow rates of gas, oil, and water in a pipeline without requiring separation.

KPIs

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are metrics used to evaluate and measure the efficiency, performance, and success of drilling and production activities.

DSTs

A Drillstem Test (DST) involves a series of measurements and calculations to assess the properties of a formation. The primary focus is on determining the formation pressure, permeability, and the well's potential productivity.

GOR

The Gas-Oil Ratio is a measure that represents the volume of gas produced or released per unit volume of oil, typically expressed in cubic feet of gas per barrel of oil.

WHP

Wellhead pressure (WHP) is the pressure at the surface of a well, measured at the wellhead, which reflects the fluid pressure within the wellbore, critical for monitoring and controlling the production and safety of oil and gas operations.

DHGP

Downhole Gauge Pressure is a measure of pressure relative to ambient atmospheric pressure. In the context of downhole applications, it refers to the pressure within a wellbore minus the atmospheric pressure at the surface.