Apache has gas-condensate find in Egyptian Western Desert

By the OGJ Online Staff

HOUSTON, June 1 -- Apache Corp., Houston, has made one discovery in Egypt and is drilling another well in a nearby concession, said concession partner Novus Petroleum Ltd., Sydney.

Ras El Hekma 2X well, on Ras El Hekma concession in the Western Desert, flowed at a stabilized rate of 11.5 MMcfd of gas and 2,120 b/d of condensate from two zones in the Lower Cretaceous AEB 5B formation.

Novus said, "The commerciality of this discovery is enhanced by its close proximity to the existing infrastructure of Novus' Western Desert Gas Development Project."

The discovery is 8.5 km from Tarek North East gas field.

Apache and Novus plan to submit a development plan proposing tieback to Tarek NE well in the Khalda concession, then transportation through the Tarek processing facility to Ameriya through the Northern Pipeline.

The partners have also spudded East Neith exploration well in the adjoining Khalda Offset concession. It has reached 12,246 ft and is drilling ahead to planned TD of 14,700 ft.

East Neith is 3.3 km northeast of the 1,170 b/d Neith South 3X appraisal, which confirmed the 2,634 b/d 1X discovery well.

The partners have submitted a development plan for Neith that involves tieback to facilities on the South Umbarka concession, 13.2 km from Neith South 1X. First production is expected this month.

Apache operates Ras El Hekma and Khalda Offset concessions with 90% interest, and Novus Petroleum owns 10%.