Flowback & well testing. Controlled from first flow.
A large fleet of four-phase test separators, iron rated to 15,000 psi, and crews that bring a fresh frac back to surface safely and measure exactly what the well can do.
Completion
What flowback and well testing do
After a well is fractured, frac fluid, sand and the first hydrocarbons have to come back to surface before the well can go to production. Flowback is the controlled return of that mix: holding back pressure with chokes, catching sand and plug debris, and separating what comes up so each stream can be measured and handled.
Well testing measures what the well can deliver: flow rates, pressures and the split between oil, gas and water. Those numbers drive completion and production decisions, from choke strategy to facility sizing.
How the job runs
Step by step.
- 1
Rig up the spread
Flowline, choke manifold, plug catcher and separator are set and connected to the wellhead.
- 2
Test the iron
Every connection is pressure tested before the well is opened.
- 3
Open on a controlled choke
The well is brought on gradually to protect the formation and the equipment.
- 4
Separate and measure
Gas, oil, water and solids are split and metered, with readings logged throughout.
- 5
Hand over to production
Clean-up is confirmed and the well is turned over with its test data.
TCES equipment
What we bring.
| Test separators | Four-phase, 42″ to 60″ diameter |
|---|---|
| Separator rating | Up to 2,000 psi working pressure |
| Separation technology | Patented cyclonic and filtration technologies |
| Valves | Hydraulic and manual, rated to 15,000 psi |
| Choke manifolds | Rated to 15,000 psi |
| Plug catchers | Hydraulic and manual, rated to 15,000 psi |
| Testing scope | Exploration, appraisal and development phases |
“We wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Transcontinental crew for providing high quality service in well testing and the rig up, especially in respect to HSE procedures both in the field and in the office.”
Lead Operator, service company
FAQ
Flowback & well testing questions.
What is flowback?
The controlled return of frac fluid, sand and early hydrocarbons to surface after a well is fractured, before it goes to production.
Why four-phase separation?
A four-phase separator splits gas, oil, water and solids (sand). Removing solids protects downstream equipment and gives an accurate measure of each phase.
What does a plug catcher do?
It traps frac plug pieces and debris coming back with the flow, before they can damage chokes, valves or the separator.
How long does flowback last?
It depends on the well, the completion design and the operator’s goals. Tell us about the well and we’ll put together a job plan.
Works well with
Related services.
Bundle services on one ticket, with one crew lead. All services →
Request a quote
Tell us about the job.
We reply the same business day. For anything urgent on location, call.
1-281-717-2240 sales@tces.us