Energy Resources Ltd. noted record gas flow at Lockyer Deep-1 from the Permian-age Kingia Sandstone reservoir during initial testing. The well lies in North Perth basin permit EP368 onshore Western Australia.
The planned 6-day test program began Mar. 25 across a 25-m interval. The initial test was run for several hours during which flow rate was increased through a number of choke settings resulting in a maximum sustained flow rate of 102 MMcfd through a 76/64-inch choke.
The maximum instantaneous gas flow rate was 117 MMcfd—one of the highest rates recorded onshore Australia and the highest rate seen in the Perth basin gas play.
Well head pressure was 3,618 psi with the well capable of higher rates of delivery. The main flow period was halted due to indications of sand being produced to surface.
The flow contained CO2 impurities of 2-2.5% and hydrogen sulphide of 3-7 ppm. Condensate was recovered to surface with a preliminary condensate-gas ratio of 5-6 bbl/MMcf.
The test program is designed to determine well deliverability, reservoir quality, and gas composition, all of which were described as excellent.
Testing will run for another few days to gather additional data on reservoir performance before being shut in. The well will then be completed as a future producer.
The joint venture plans to drill additional wells in the exploration/appraisal program and acquire additional seismic data in the next 12-18 months to better define the resource.
Energy Resources is operator with 80% interest. Norwest Energy NL holds 20%.