Apache's Qasr-2X tests 34.5 MMcfd of gas 1,320 b/d of condensate

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Dec. 4 -- Based on test results of its Egyptian Qasr-2X appraisal well in Egypt and the nearby discovery well, Qasr-1X, Apache Corp. now estimates reserve potential of its 100% owned Egyptian Qasr field in the Khalda Concession to be 1-3 tcf of gas and 20-70 million bbl of condensate.

Apache reported Wednesday that the Qasr-2X appraisal well flowed 34.5 MMcfd of natural gas on test along with 1,320 b/d of condensate in the Jurassic Lower Safa reservoir (OGJ Online, Nov. 5, 2003).

The test at the base of the 707 ft gross hydrocarbon column was conducted from 70 ft of perforations between 13,444 ft and 13,514 ft through a 1-in. choke with 2,014 psi of flowing wellhead pressure.

"We found more than we were looking for," said Apache Pres. and CEO G. Steven Farris. He said the well is 31 ft structurally higher than originally thought and has an additional 200 net ft of pay.

To fully delineate the 13,000 acre, seismically defined structure, Apache plans to drill three additional appraisal wells, spudding the first before yearend.

An additional 62 ft of pay was logged at more shallow depths of the Qasr-2X in the AEB sands, which produce oil in Ozoris field 2.4 miles to the northeast. Apache said it would spud the Qasr-7X well, 215 ft south of Qasr-2X to exploit the AEB-3E and AEB-3D sands.