RE: Multirate Flow Test Radcat -
for 1) Yes, it causes a delay but is absolutely required from a Reservoir and Production Engineering point of view to help determine Reservoir size; and prudent production rates so as to not draw down reservoir pressure too much. Prudent Reservoir Management. An optimum, engineered flowrate will ensure longer term deliverability rates and a greater ultimate recovery of the oil in the ground. But we are talking weeks (at the most months) of full production capability delay. Production impact may be minimised if the tested volumes can be stored on site and trucked and pumped back into export as well. Sometimes the test volumes need to be flared.
2) Yes and No.... see No.1 above. You do not want to flow a well 'wide open' as this would ultimately damage the reservoir. One can damage a 5,000 BOPD 'flow potential' well, by flowing at 'wide open' and coning the well (Drawing in water) or causing formation damage or gassing out the well.... as opposed to, say, producing nicely at 3,000 - 3,500 BOPD continuously for years.
The Reservoir and Production Engineers need some time to conduct these tests; determine the optimum production rates and choke sizes; and for the Facility and Process Engineers to size the facilities appropriately.
Some prudent patience is required, but again, these are all very nice challenges and work programs to have !
Just sit back and relax..... it is all good.
SD