Central Petroleum and New Zealand Oil & Gas (NZOG) have advised that WM28, the second development well in the Mereenie development program, was completed in the Northern Territory.
WM28 was successfully drilled to a depth of 1332m and completed as a selective dual zone gas producer, accessing both the upper reservoir (Pacoota-1) and the lower reservoir (Pacoota-3) in a crystal location.
The Pacoota-1 was air-drilled, cased and perforated while the Pacoota-3 was air-drilled and left open hole to maximise flowrates.
Based on rig flow tests, the combined Pacoota-1 and Pacoota-3 gas flow rate once onlione is expected be at the high end of the range anticipated.
In addition, Central Petroleum reported that virgin reservoir pressures and sustained flow rates were observed from a 34m vertical intersection of the upper stairway sandstone during drilling.
A rig flow test of the upper stairway minted a production rate of 0.6 mmscfd over a period of 50 minutes with minimal decline observed.
The well continued flowing at similar rates for 19 hours while drilling ahead before penetrating the next productive interval in the Pacoota-1.
Central confirmed works are underway to connect WM28 to the gathering network, with the well expected to be online by mid-September.
The rig will then return to WM19 to attempt shut-pff of water production believed to be sourced from a lower interval that is not contributing gas flow.
The joint venture has resoled not to proceed with the Pacoota-3 side-track due to concerns regarding localised hole instability encountered in the first attempt.
NZOG chief executive officer Andrew Jefferies said it was great to see good results from the initial foray into field redevelopment.
“We are glad to be on this journey with our joint venture partners and thank field operator Central Petroleum for their hard work in safely delivering the drilling work in monumentally trying times,” he said.
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