By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, June 2 -- The Mputa-2 appraisal well on Block 2 in Uganda has been cased and suspended as a potential oil producer, reported Tullow Oil PLC, London, a 50-50 partner with block operator Hardman Resources Ltd.
Wireline pressure testing of Mputa-2 confirms that the upper reservoir sands intersected in Mputa-1 and Waraga-1 are laterally extensive but at this location are water wet. It also indicates that the hydrocarbon column height in the upper zone of Mputa field could be 100 m, although at this upper level the Mputa and Waraga structures do not have a common oil leg.
The new data are being integrated with existing models to provide estimates of oil in place for these upper sands, for which commerciality will be determined following flow testing of Waraga-1, expected to begin mid-June.
The presence of oil-saturated sands in the basal units in all wells drilled to date on the block implies an extensive stratigraphic trapping mechanism at this level, Tullow said.
The gross interval of these units is variable, and there does not appear to be pressure communication between them. But contained in the sequence are obvious oil-bearing zones about 5 m thick. Therefore, the need for 3D seismic data is being evaluated.
Results of the three Block 2 discovery wells will be integrated to define the reserve estimates, commerciality, and potential development scenarios for the onshore area.
Additional onshore exploration or appraisal wells and a test of an offshore prospect are being planned, with onshore drilling scheduled for the fourth quarter. Plans also are under way for the acquisition of further 2D seismic data on the northern portion of the block.
