Uchenna Izundu
International Editor
LONDON, Sept. 25 -- Operator Apache East Ras Budran Corp. LDC has tested 1,910 b/d of oil from its ERB-A-1X well on the East Ras Budran (ERB) concession in Egypt. Apache plans to inform the Egyptian authorities that the discovery is commercial.
During a 12-hr period, 17° gravity oil flowed through a 64/64-in. choke. No water was produced. The oil was lifted with nitrogen delivered to 11,900 ft through coiled tubing, and no other stimulation was required.
Apache has suspended the well as a future producer and may carry out stimulation and additional testing after it analyzes the results. Apache drilled the well to 13,615 ft TD and targeted Darat limestone. "The well has a near-horizontal trajectory at total depth to ensure optimum production potential from the anticipated reservoir interval," said Regal Petroleum, a partner in the well.
The drilling rig will now be moved to the second planned exploration well, ERB-B-1X, which Apache expects to complete in the fourth quarter, Regal added.
The partners are investigating drilling an appraisal well, ERB-A-2X, after completing the ERB-B-1X well.
ERB is onshore in the prolific Gulf of Suez basin. Apache has a 75% interest in ERB, and Regal holds 25%.
Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].
