How to Submit an Initial Pressure Test

Overview

Initial subsurface pressure tests are a key source of reservoir information. They help establish initial pool pressure in exploratory wells, support pool delineation in development wells, and provide important information for drainage and recovery analysis. Because subsequent pressure data can be less representative once production begins, the initial pressure test is often one of the most important pressure measurements collected for a well.

This guide summarizes when initial pressure tests are required and how operators submit initial pressure test data through the AER Digital Data Submission system.

When This Process Applies

Directive 040 sets out the initial pressure testing requirements. Initial subsurface pressure tests are required on new productive oil and gas wells and must be reported electronically in PAS format.

For gas wells, initial pressure tests are required on all new wells drilled within the first three months of production, with one well per pool per section. For oil wells, initial pressure tests are required on exploratory, discovery, development, or step-out wells before sales or production, other than test production. For certain oil pools with an oil density less than or equal to 925 kg/m3, the requirement is one well per pool per quarter section.

Pre-Submission Checks

Before submitting, compare the gross completion intervals, dates, and measured depth or true vertical depth intervals against the information previously submitted in Petrinex. If the gross completion interval differs from what has been submitted in Petrinex, the well may remain on the outstanding requirements list and the initial pressure test may need to be resubmitted.

This check is important because DDS validation may confirm that a file can be submitted, but the underlying data still needs to match the well and completion information already on record.

DDS Submission Process

Log into your DDS account. Under the AER drop-down, go to Submissions and Well Test Data. Select the option to validate the well test and upload the PAS file submission.

Once the file has been uploaded, complete the validation step. Review any validation messages carefully and correct the file if necessary. After the data has been validated, select Submit Well Test and upload the file.

After submission, it is good practice to save a copy of the validation and submission confirmation. This can be done by printing the page to PDF or taking a screenshot. Keeping confirmation records supports internal tracking and helps resolve questions if the submission status is reviewed later.

Key Considerations

The most common problems are mismatched completion intervals, incorrect dates, missing data, invalid PAS files, and failure to retain validation evidence. Operators should confirm the well details before submission and ensure the PAS file accurately reflects the test and completion information.

Initial pressure test data is valuable because it may support future reservoir interpretation, regulatory applications, depletion analysis, and pool management decisions. Submitting the data correctly the first time reduces follow-up and helps keep regulatory records current.

Need Assistance?

Benoit Regulatory supports operators with Directive 040 requirements, well test reporting, PAS file submission, and compliance tracking. If you need assistance preparing or submitting initial pressure test data, our team can help.