Tunisia: 7th November well tests gas-condensate

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Jan. 11 -- Sonde Resources Corp., Calgary, reported “robust test results” from an appraisal well on the Tunisian side of the 7th of November block in the Gulf of Gabes off Tunisia and Libya.

Zarat North-1, in which Sonde owns 100% working interest alongside the Tunisian-Libyan Joint Oil combine, went to 9,728 ft vertically and cut 240 net ft of pay in the Eocene El Gueria limestone. Sonde set casing to TD and ran three production tests through 2-1/4-in. tubing from 42 ft above the water contact to 177 ft above the water contact.

All three tests flowed substantial quantities of gas-condensate, with Test 2 sustaining 8 MMcfd of gas and 750 b/d of condensate. Condensate rates peaked at 1,100 b/d, and gas rates were 8-11.5 MMcfd. All tests produced water at 200-350 b/d of drilling fluids and formation water, with water decreasing and oil increasing throughout the tests.

Sonde is assessing test data to determine key reservoir characteristics including porosity, permeability, water saturation, and gas composition.

Located 1.25 miles northeast of the Marathon Zarat-1 discovery and 1.9 miles northeast of the Zarat-2 appraisal, Zarat North-1 encountered gas-oil and oil-water contacts at the same structural elevation as the Marathon wells, confirming a significant extension to the previously-proven accumulation.

Sonde Resources said the results suggest that an economically-viable, near-term development may be possible. By comparison with the Zarat North results, the Marathon Zarat-1 well flowed 5.3 MMcfd and 457 b/d on a first test and 15.1 MMcfd and 1,181 b/d on a second test.

Sonde Resources said hydrocarbon column thickness was about twice that originally estimated for the Zarat North location. The company will temporarily abandon the well for reentry and review the use of horizontal wells to develop the field.

Management is reviewing recoverable reserve scenarios, development options, and cost estimates for development of Zarat field and will investigate unitization options with PA Resources, Stockholm, which holds a portion of the field immediately south of the 7th of November block. Sonde Resources is also studying development financing and monetization options, including selling interests to one or more potential partners.