Traditional well logging methods, such as resistivity, acoustic, nuclear and NMR, provide indirect information related to fluid and formation properties. The "formation tester," offered in wireline and MWD/LWD operations, is different. It collects actual downhole fluid samples for surface analysis, and through pressure transient analysis, provides direct measurements for pore pressure, mobility, permeability and anisotropy. These are vital to real-time drilling safety, geosteering, hydraulic fracturing and economic analysis.

Methods for formation testing analysis, while commercially important and accounting for a substantial part of service company profits, however, are shrouded in secrecy. Unfortunately, many are poorly constructed, and because details are not available, industry researchers are not able to improve upon them. This new book explains conventional models and develops new powerful algorithms for "double-drawdown" and "advanced phase delay" early-time analysis - importantly, it is now possible to predict both horizontal and vertical permeabilities, plus pore pressure, within seconds of well logging in very low mobility reservoirs. Other subjects including inertial Forchheimer effects in contamination modeling and time-dependent flowline volumes are also developed. All of the methods are explained in complete detail. Equations are offered for users to incorporate in their own models, but convenient, easy-to-use software is available for those needing immediate answers.