1. n. [Well Testing]

A well produced by use of some kind of downhole pump. Pumps are required when the formation pressure is not sufficient to allow flowing production of fluids at the desired or necessary rate. The performance of well tests on pumping wells is always complicated by the presence of the pump, which often must be removed to take downhole pressure measurements. Downhole pressure measurements in pumping wells are usually made by measuring the rise in liquid level in the well. This is often accomplished by sonic devices, like well sounders, that measure the response time of sound waves bounced off the downhole liquid surface. Most oil wells are eventually put on pumps as pressure declines during production. The exceptions are in strong waterdrive reservoirs or in settings where pressure maintenance by gas or water injection is sufficient to maintain a high reservoir pressure.

Antonyms: naturally flowing well