By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, May 15 -- Esenjay Exploration Inc., Corpus Christi, Tex., said a mechanical failure caused its Runnells 5 delineation well in Matagorda County, Tex., to blow out May 12. There was equipment damage but no injuries and no fire.
Boots & Coots International Well Control Inc., Houston, said the well bridged over and the uncontrolled gas flow was substantially reduced.
Bringing the well under control could take up to 2 weeks, Boots and Coots estimated. At this time, it is uncertain whether the well can be salvaged. Esenjay has insurance that it believes will cover any loss.
Esenjay Pres. Michael E. Johnson said, "While the blowout may delay increasing the field's production, the financial impact should be minimal.''
The Runnels 5 well had logged 100 ft of natural gas pay. The well is in an apparent separate fault block from Runnells 3, a Frio discovery made in November 2000. Based on preliminary log data in three pay zones, Runnells 5 enhances field reserve potential.
While target depth for Runnells 5 is 16,000 ft, the wellbore has only been logged through 14,520 ft. Esenjay operates the Runnells wells and owns 34% interest.
The Runnells 5 is 2,500 ft from Runnells 3 discovery in Esenjay's Duncan Slough 3D seismic project.