By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Mar. 8 -- BHP Billiton Ltd. and partners gauged a hefty flow rate in their appraisal well in shallow waters off eastern Trinidad, demonstrating greater hydrocarbon potential in Angostura field, partner Talisman Energy Inc., Calgary, reported.
The Kairi-2 appraisal well is 1 mile south of the Kairi-1 discovery. Kairi-2 was drilled to 6,800 ft TD and encountered 1,089 gross ft of hydrocarbon-bearing sands that included 167 ft of net oil pay and 435 ft of net gas pay.
The well was tested at a rate of 4,360 b/d of oil through a 44/64-in. choke, constrained by surface facilities.
Kairi-1, drilled during July and August 2001, encountered both oil and gas and was tested at a rate of 3,000 b/d of oil. Other discoveries on Block 2(c) include Angostura-1, 5 miles southwest of Kairi-2, which yielded natural gas at a rate of 30 MMcfd on test. Canteen-1, 2 miles north of Kairi-2, flowed oil on test at a rate of 3,700 b/d (OGJ Online, Dec. 4, 2001).
Jim Buckee, Talisman president and CEO, said, "Our view of the hydrocarbon potential in the greater Angostura field is still developing, but with each additional successful appraisal well, it is increasingly apparent that there is a large, commercial oil development here. We expect to sanction a project later this year, with production beginning in 2004."
The partners have an active exploration and development program planned for Trinidad this year—11 wells—including additional appraisal drilling on Block 2(c).
Operator BHP Billiton holds a 45% working interest in Block 2(c), with remaining interests held by TotalFinaElf SA 30% and Talisman (Trinidad) Ltd. 25%.
Block 3(a) is adjacent to Blocks 2(ab) and 2(c), 25 miles off the northeastern coast of Trinidad in 100-300 ft of water.
Recent giant gas discoveries and LNG development have spawned a flurry of offshore exploration and development activity in Trinidad and Tobago (OGJ, Mar. 11, 2002, p. 22).
