Butlers appraisal program concluded, Rincon appraisal begins

The 4-well appraisal program to test limits of Butlers oil field in in South Australia’s Cooper basin has concluded and the Rincon appraisal has begun, Cooper Energy reported Jan. 6. The company holds a 25% interest in the Beach Energy-operated PEL 92 joint venture.

Butlers-10 and -11 identified a potential additional target in the McKinlay Member with moveable oil demonstrated by MDT (Modular formation Dynamic Tester) at Butlers-10. The well, some 540 m southeast of Butlers-6, was plugged after drilling to a total depth of 1,697 m MDRT (measured depth below rotary table).

Butlers-11, 460 m southeast of Butlers-4, had oil shows and was cased and suspended in preparation for a cased hole test of the McKinlay Member reservoir after drilling to a total depth of 1,681 m MDRT.

Butlers-12, 350 m southwest of Butlers-1, was dry and plugged after drilling to a total depth of 1,695 m MDRT.

Butlers-13, 500 m northwest of Butlers-2, completed the program and was dry and plugged after drilling to a total depth of 1,694 m MDRT.

The Namur Sandstone—the primary producing reservoir in the field—was shown to be either water-wet or swept in all wells. Subject to the results of the Butlers-11 test and a full field review, future development drilling may result.

A 2-well appraisal of Rincon oil field in PEL 92 to better understand limits in the under-appraisal field has begun, Cooper said.

The first well in the program, Rincon-2, spudded Jan. 4. Rincon-2 lies 770 m southeast of Rincon-1 and will test the southern extent of the field. Total depth of 1,706 m MDRT is expected.

Rincon-3 lies 820 m northwest of Rincon-1 and will test the central part of the field between Rincon-1 and Rincon North-1. Total depth is expected to be 1,749 m MDRT.