21st May 2014 12:35
LONDON (Alliance News) - Trinity Exploration & Production PLC Wednesday estimated that it will take four to six weeks to bring the B-9X well into production, with an expected initial production rate in the range of 200 to 300 barrels of oil per day, in what would be its first drilled, naturally flowing well in the Trintes field in offshore Trinidad.
In a statement, Trinity said the well penetrated multiple horizons, totalling 331 feet of net oil sands, with the primary O target having 120 feet.
On entering the OO sand level, there was increased formation pressure, and the well was shut in. As the well was not designed to manage the higher pressures, it was completed in the O sand.
Future wells will require an additional casing string and higher spec surface equipment due to higher reservoir pressures at the O level and beyond, Trinity said.
A revised completion strategy is required to ensure safe production operations. It includes higher pressure rated surface equipment and gas handling facilities, and, potentially, down-hole intervention.
Trinity said it is now preparing for drilling the B-13X (horizontal) and B-18 (J type) wells that are testing a new well design to increase initial production rates and recoverable reserves per well.
"B-9X is important because it had an exploration component, targeting the deeper OO and P sands. The well encountered material hydrocarbons in the primary O sand target, and additional hydrocarbons in the upper section which will be recompleted later," Chief Executive Monty Pemberton said in a statement.
"Higher than expected pressures have delayed bringing the well into production, but it is encouraging that new fault blocks, at virgin pressures, can still be found in the established productive area," Pemberton added.
"Deepening B-9X has improved our understanding of the subsurface, and will allow us to better define development opportunities for additional drilling in the greater Trintes field," Pemberton said.
"Whilst our drilling efficiency has room for improvement, the B-9X well accomplished several 'firsts'," Pemberton said. Upgraded mud pumps will be delivered during June 2014, in preparation for drilling the B-13X and B-18 wells, the CEO added.
Trinity shares were Wednesday quoted at 108.00, up 2.4%.
By Samuel Agini; [email protected]; @samuelagini
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