Highlights
- Total depth reached at 3880mMD. Core obtained. Logs indicate significant natural
fracturing.
- Slotted liner run in hole before well test operations commenced on 9 June over a
238mMD interval in the Marti reservoir.
- Oil observed on the drill string and high formation pressure consistent with
findings from Alameda-1 and once again demonstrating the presence of oil very
deep in the formation.
- As yet no uncontaminated sample obtained at surface, possibly due to reaction
between drilling muds and the reservoir. Downhole gauges being recovered for
analyses along with fluid samples before continuing testing.
- Preparations for testing of the shallower Alameda formation now underway.
Melbana Energy’s Executive Chairman, Andrew Purcell, commented: “The logs we have
obtained in the Marti formation show excellent fracturing and the down hole pressure is very
high. This is consistent with what we encountered here last time but, so far, we’ve been unable
to get clean flow to surface. There may have been a reaction between the different fluid system
we are using this time (which has delivered excellent well control) and the reservoir so we’re
going to pause this test whilst we study the samples and data we’ve obtained and get on to
testing the shallower Alameda formation in the meantime.”
Melbana Energy Limited (ASX: MAY) (Melbana or Company), a 30% interest holder in and
operator of Block 9 PSC onshore Cuba, provides this update on its appraisal well Alameda-2.
A flow test of the Marti reservoir penetrated in the Alameda-3 well commenced on 9 June
(Cuba time) over the interval 3642-3880mMD.
The well was tested through a 4-1/2” slotted liner with a packer set at 3531mMD. Despite good
indications of fracturing from wireline logs, FMI (see figure 1) and high reservoir pressures,
results of the test were not as expected.
Two attempts were made at flowing the well, however in both cases the complete removal of
drilling mud and downhole fluids from the test string was not achieved and oil did not flow to
surface.
Pressure recorders are in the process of being recovered and, once
analysed, are expected to provide further details on reservoir
performance and downhole conditions.
Oil was recovered on reverse circulation of the DST string, which
has been sent for lab analysis and demonstrates the presence of oil
very deep on the structure.
It is suspected at this stage the lack of flow is attributable to
emulsions in the lower portion of the test string. Mechanical
blockage has been ruled out.
The Marti reservoir section will now be suspended whilst available
data is analysed. Testing of the shallower Alameda formation will
be conducted in parallel.