Vertical Marcellus gas well tops 5 MMcfd

Dec. 19, 2008
Atlas Energy Resources LLC, Pittsburgh, said a vertical completion in Devonian Marcellus shale made 81 MMcf of gas in 25 days after an initial 24-hr test at the rate of 5 MMcfd.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Dec. 19 -- Atlas Energy Resources LLC, Pittsburgh, said a vertical completion in Devonian Marcellus shale made 81 MMcf of gas in 25 days after an initial 24-hr test at the rate of 5 MMcfd.

Atlas didn't identify the well's location but said the company has completed more than 100 vertical Marcellus wells.

Atlas completed the well using a two-stage frac design it pioneered earlier this year and has used on seven wells that averaged 2.5 MMcfd on their initial 24-hr tests. It plans to use the technique on all future vertical Marcellus wells, said Richard D. Weber, president and chief operating officer.

"The potential of horizontal wells having frac designs with up to eight stages is very exciting given the exceptional results from our two stage verticals," Weber said.

Atlas is also operating an extensive horizontal Marcellus program and expects to complete 12 wells by early second quarter 2009.

Atlas will operate 10 of the wells in a 50-50 joint venture in Washington County, Pa. The other two will be drilled in eastern Greene and western Fayette counties with Atlas as operator with 25% working interest.

Atlas is running two horizontal rigs. The first two wells have been drilled and cased to 2,400 ft and 3,800 ft, respectively, and will be completed and turned to sales in January.