Swift Energy testing New Zealand gas well

Swift Energy Co. said its Piakau North A-1 well in northern New Zealand's Taranaki basin flowed on test and is producing up to 7 MMcfd of gas with 400 b/d of condensate on a 28/64-in. choke at 1,420 psi.

Sept. 6, 2005

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 6 -- Swift Energy Co. said its Piakau North A-1 well in northern New Zealand's Taranaki basin flowed on test and is producing up to 7 MMcfd of gas with 400 b/d of condensate on a 28/64-in. choke at 1,420 psi.

The gas contains 13% carbon dioxide. Analysis indicated 72 net ft of Eocene sand pay in the well, drilled to a total vertical depth of 9,623 ft. Swift is the operator and owns 100% interest.

Piakau North gas is being blended with TAWN-area production to meet pipeline specifications. The name TAWN is an acronym derived from the first letters of four field names—Tariki, Ahuroa, Waihapa, and Ngaere.

Swift Energy is determining what modifications are needed at the TAWN facilities to process greater amounts of Piakau North gas.

A delineation well, the Piakau North A-2, is expected to reach total depth during the third quarter. Following that, the rig is to go to the Ahuroa South well to further delineate the structure.