Abstract

Well test interpretation remains a fundamental discipline within reservoir engineering, providing critical insight into reservoir properties, flow regimes, and well–reservoir interactions. Although several interpretation methodologies are available, many continue to exhibit limitations related to subjectivity, ambiguity, and non-uniqueness of solutions. Tiab’s Direct Synthesis (TDS) technique, introduced in the early 1990s, was conceived as an analytical alternative grounded in pressure and pressure derivative diagnostics. Over more than three decades, TDS has evolved into a mature and versatile methodology applicable to fractured wells, horizontal and multifractured systems, naturally fractured reservoirs, unconventional formations, and composite systems. This paper presents a perspective on the conceptual foundations, general aspects, and enduring relevance of the TDS technique, emphasizing its role as a verification-oriented and physics-based approach for modern well test interpretation.

Keywords

TDS technique, well test interpretation, pressure derivative, flow regimes, perspective paper