Soco tests Block 16-1 gas, condensate off Vietnam

July 1, 2008
Soco International PLC reported gas and condensate flowed during a drillstem test on the Te Giac Den 1X sidetrack well off Vietnam.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, July 1 -- Soco International PLC reported gas and condensate flowed during a drillstem test on the Te Giac Den 1X sidetrack well off Vietnam.

Hoang Long Joint Operating Co., operator of Block 16-1 off southern Vietnam, reported completion of the first of two scheduled drillstem tests, Soco International said June 16.

Downhole damage sustained during drilling precluded the measurement of meaningful sustained flow rates, Soco said.

The well is being prepared for the second drillstem test above a volcanic layer, which is not expected to have the same problems, Soco said.

The TGD-1X well encountered hydrocarbons in two Oligocene clastic sequences, which were separated by a volcanic layer (OGJ, Oct. 12, 2007, Newsletter).

The sidetrack well confirmed the appraisal area, said Soco Pres. and Chief Executive Ed Story.

Meanwhile, topsides and modules have been installed on the unmanned wellhead platform in Ca Ngu Vang oil field, and production is expected to start during July.