By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Feb. 15 -- Heritage Oil Corp., Calgary, reported that new tests of the Turaco-3 well on Block 3 in Uganda showed that carbon dioxide is dominant, but the company maintains that the basin is still highly prospective for oil.
Earlier production tests of the well were compromised by CO2 in the well stream, requiring a detailed compositional analysis (OGJ Online, Dec. 13, 2004).
The analysis revealed very high concentrations of CO2 and a 10-20% hydrocarbon content. Although the well, consequently, is not believed to be commercially viable, it has proved a new petroleum system, notably a world-class reservoir, an effective seal, and mature hydrocarbon source rocks.
After completion of the production test, Heritage has been attempting to locate the CO2source and migration path and the extent of contamination within the license area. Studies are continuing, yet CO2 appears less likely to be present in the northern section of the block.
Heritage, the project operator with a 50% working interest, and Energy Africa Ltd., Cape Town, are planning next year's work program. Two drilling rigs in the country provide a high degree of flexibility for future work.
The partners in December 2004 acquired a 2D transition zone seismic survey linking existing land and lake seismic data. Heritage will integrate these data into the interpretation of the substantial prospects already mapped on Lake Albert, which are considered to represent a major oil play in the basin that could contain billions of barrels of oil.
