By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, June 26 -- InterOil Corp., Toronto, said its Elk-1 ST-1 exploration well on PPL 238 in the eastern Papuan basin flowed wet gas at the rate of 30-50 MMcfd for 30 min at 2,000 psi on an open hole drillstem test at 5,381-5,558 ft.
The company was reestablishing circulation and assessing requirements to continue drilling the overpressured Miocene Puri limestone, the well's primary objective. The well lost circulation at 5,558 ft. After gas flowed, shut-in casing pressure quickly built to 3,150 psi.
The flow rates were obtained despite the loss of wireline perforating guns in the hole. InterOil estimated the absolute open flow potential at 150 MMcfd.
Outcrop studies and seismic evaluation indicate Puri to have 1,968 ft of true stratigraphic thickness. The company previously cemented 7-in. liner at 5,381 ft.
Original planned TD is 9,843 ft in the Eocene Mendi fractured limestone (OGJ Online, May 22, 2006).
