By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Oct. 22 -- Syntroleum Corp. said the flow rate exceeded expectations from the first well in its low-BTU gas initiative in central Kansas and it has ordered the first nitrogen separation plant for operation in early 2005.
The Syntroleum-operated 1-1 Colberg 19-9 well in Rice County flowed 1.2 to 2.3 MMcfd of gas, 40% nitrogen, from a formation at 2,459 ft that is the deepest of three gas-bearing reservoirs to be tested in the well. Three other wells are drilled and cased but not yet tested (OGJ Online, July 29, 2004).
"The key to monetizing this gas is to remove the nitrogen or other inerts using one or more technologies to achieve pipeline quality," Syntroleum said.
Syntroleum has leased more than 64,000 acres with 100% working interest and over 85% net revenue interest in Rice, Reno, Stafford, and Ellsworth counties. The company's initial plan is to develop the acreage on 160-acre spacing over several years, but well results could lead to modification of this plan.
More than 50 wells have been drilled on the acreage since the 1960s that tested gas with high nitrogen content.
