During the cleanup flow period the well flowed gas to surface at varying pressures and rates. No separator was utilised for the cleanup flow and consequently flow rates are unable to be accurately determined, however, operator Arc said rates were visually estimated at up to 4 mmcfd through a 12/64 inch choke and the well was still unloading fluid at the completion of the flow period.

The well has now been shut-in and secured while the rig is moved off location, with the initial cleanup flow to be followed by a further cleanup flow once the rig is off location. This more extended cleanup flow will then allow optimum design of a production test to determine flow characteristics, gas composition and initial reserves information.

Apium-1 well is located approximately three kilometres east of the Hovea Production Facility and two kilometres west of the recent Xyris-1 gas discovery. Participants in L1 and L2 (excluding the Dongara, Mondarra and Yardarino fields) and Apium 1 are ARC Energy 50% (Operator) and Origin Energy Developments 50%.