Devon reports Delaware basin stacked-spacing test in New Mexico

Dec. 7, 2016
Devon Energy Corp., Oklahoma City, reported that it increased its risked drilling inventory in the Delaware basin following a successful Leonard shale stacked spacing test in southeast New Mexico.

Devon Energy Corp., Oklahoma City, reported that it increased its risked drilling inventory in the Delaware basin following a successful Leonard shale stacked spacing test in southeast New Mexico.

The Thistle spacing pilot tested 400-ft vertical spacing between the B and C intervals in the Leonard shale in the southwest corner of Lea County, NM.

Initial 30-day production rates from a two-well pilot averaged 1,800 boe/d/well, of which 75% was light oil. The Thistle wells, drilled with 7,000-ft laterals, cost about $6 million each.

Early results from the Thistle pilot indicated minimal interference between wells, suggesting potential for joint development of multiple intervals in this part of the Leonard play, Devon said.

Devon raised its risked inventory in the Leonard shale to 950 gross locations, up about 20% from earlier estimates. The updated estimate conservatively assumes 6 wells/surface section. The company expects its risked inventory in the Leonard play will expand with additional delineation work.

Overall, Devon has 60,000 net surface acres in the Leonard play, with gross pay ranging up to 1,100 ft and up to three landing intervals.

The company plans to continue to accelerate drilling in the Delaware basin and also in its STACK assets in Oklahoma.