Large extension developing at Colombia's Orito oil field

May 17, 2005
A Canadian operator will drill 2-3 more wells this year to exploit a sizable southwestern extension of Orito oil field in the Putumayo basin.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, May 17 -- A Canadian operator will drill 2-3 more wells this year to exploit a sizable southwestern extension of Orito oil field in the Putumayo basin.

Petrobank Energy and Resources Ltd., Calgary, and its Petrominerales Colombia Ltd. subsidiary said high fluid flows from the field's main producing zone at the Orito-116 well give it the highest productivity index of any well in the field. TD is 8,150 ft.

The well flowed 1,250 b/d of fluid, 80% water, at stable flowing pressure of 1,530 psi, indicating an 8% drawdown. A large electric submersible pump designed to lift 5,000-7,000 b/d is to replace the jet pump in June.

The next well is to spud in September after completion of a 3D seismic survey.

Meanwhile, Petrominerales soon plans to become one of Colombia's largest exploration landholders after it signs four new exploration agreements. One of the blocks offset Orito field.

Discovered in 1963, Orito had 1.1 billion bbl of original oil in place. About 21% of that has been produced since 1968. The field "offers numerous opportunities to create value through infill drilling, field extension, facilities upgrades, secondary recovery and other enhancement techniques proven in Canada and elsewhere," Petrobank said.