Barryroe gas zone gauged offshore Ireland

March 23, 2012
The gas flow rate from an upper zone at the Barryroe appraisal well in the North Celtic Sea basin offshore Ireland exceeded expectations, said Providence Resources PLC.

The gas flow rate from an upper zone at the Barryroe appraisal well in the North Celtic Sea basin offshore Ireland exceeded expectations, said Providence Resources PLC.

A 17-ft section perforated in the upper part of the basal Wealden sandstone flowed at rates of 7 MMscfd of gas and 1,350 b/d of oil, limited by surface equipment capacity, through a 36/64-in. choke with 1,700 psig flowing wellhead pressure, far exceeding expectations, Providence said.

The 48/24-10z well, in 100 m of water 50 km off Ireland in SEL 1/11, previously flowed 3,514 b/d of oil and 2.93 MMscfd of gas from a 24-ft net oil-bearing interval in the lower part of Wealden (OGJ Online, Mar. 15, 2012).

Preliminary modeling of pressure data indicates that a commingled flow rate of 17 MMscfd and 3,350 b/d at 500 psig flowing wellhead pressure is achievable, Providence said. The well is 3 km from a gas pipeline.

Providence operates SEL 1/11 with 80% interest, and Lansdowne Oil & Gas PLC has 20%. Providence has suspended the well and will move the rig to the UK.