Petroleum Africa
Find us on: 
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Oryx Petroleum reported that the testing of the E-1 exploration well on the Republi of Congo’s (ROC) Haute Mer A license was successful. Testing confirmed the previously reported discovery made in September.
Oryx holds a 20% participating interest and CNOOC is the operator of the license.
The E-1 was drilled to a total depth of 2,497 meters using the Jasper Explorer drillship in 550 meters of water. The E-1 well was targeting a deeper turbiditic Tertiary play similar to the play being exploited in fields adjacent to the Haute Mer A license area. Primary targets for the E-1 well were the N5 and the N3 reservoir intervals in the Miocene Tertiary. Excellent reservoir quality was encountered with heavy oil of a 14° API gravity present. Based on preliminary logging and other data from the E-1 well, 30 meters of gross interval (20.3 meters net) of crude oil and 102 meters of gross interval (58.8 meters net) of natural gas were encountered in the N5 interval and 16 meters of gross interval (9.2 meters net) of crude oil were encountered in the N3 interval. Water was encountered in other secondary targeted intervals.
Three cased hole drill stem tests (DST) were conducted in the E-1 well including one in the N3 and two in the N5.
The DST conducted in the N3 successfully flowed at sustained rates over a period of two and a half days using a series of different choke sizes The well flowed naturally at a maximum rate of 1,180 bpd of oil. The preliminary analyses of the pressure gauges indicated a sand plugging of the temporary screens due to the unconsolidated character of the sand. Higher rates would be expected with a proper completion pack. The pressure build-up analysis also confirmed the excellent porosity and permeability of the reservoirs in the channel complex previously reported.
The DST on the N5 successfully flowed at sustained rates in intervals over a period of two and a half days using a progressing cavity pump. The maximum average rate achieved was approximately 515 bpd of heavy and viscous oil for a four hour period using a progressing cavity pump. No pressure decline was observed during the tests. Determining the API gravity, GOR and viscosity of crude oil from the N5 will require laboratory analysis. No water was encountered and no sand production was reported at surface. Analysis of the pressure gauges revealed that there was no damage or productivity impairment during the test and confirmed the excellent porosity and permeability of the sand channel complex.
The DST of the gas bearing interval of the N5 successfully flowed at sustained rates over a period of 24 hours on five different choke sizes. The well flowed at a maximum rate of 21 Mmscf/d. The natural gas that flowed was dry which confirms biodegradation. No pressure decline was observed. No sand production was reported at surface during the production but the pressure build-up analysis indicated some sand plugging that impaired productivity during the test. With a proper completion, rates would have been higher. The pressure build-up analysis also indicated excellent permeability and porosity of the sand channel complex.
The results of the E-1 well, as well as other data gathered will be further analyzed to determine the next steps.
Commenting Henry Legarre, Oryx Petroleum’s COO, stated: “We are pleased with the testing of the Elephant discovery which will serve as a building block for our operations in Congo (Brazzaville). Overall the test results confirmed the previously announced discovery. Moreover, the three DSTs conducted confirmed the excellent reservoir properties of the sand channels as well as some of the fluid characteristics. We look forward to working with our partners to appraise the Elephant discovery and adding to our resource base in the Haute Mer A license area.”
" alt="First LNG Realized at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Project">
" alt="United Energy Acquires Western Desert Producer APEX">
" alt="Baker Hughes Announces Major Gas Technology Orders for Venture Global LNG">
" alt="ReconAfrica: Naingopo Results Demonstrate a Working Petroleum System">
" alt="Tullow Highlights 2025 Operational Plans in Ghana">
" alt="TotalEnergies to Supply 1.5 TWh to STMicroelectronics in France Over 15 years">
" alt="Rockhopper Reaches Final Settlement with United on Egypt’s Abu Sennan Concession">
" alt="Oil & Gas Crucial for African Growth: AEC Calls for Industry Support to Defend African Market">
