The gathering system configuration made it possible to connect this well to a high pressure system unlike the low pressure system required as an interim measure for the Turner 4-14 well, Samson said.

“The result from the Hightower 1-23 is very pleasing in that that gas rate is in line with pre-drill expectations and like the prior Turner 4-14 well justifies the engineering studies that suggested that the field was not being adequately drained with the existing field development,” said managing director Terry Barr.

After last week intersecting 26.5 metres of gross pay (18.2 metres of net), Hightower 1-23 was hydraulically stimulated using 170,000 gallons of foam and placed 335,000 pounds of 20/40 proppant.

Placed into gas sales on October 14, the well is currently undergoing flow back.

Meanwhile, flow from the first well in the infill program Turner-4-14 has also been choked back to ensure the nearby older wells are not shut-in, said Samson.

Turner-4-14 continues to flow on a 3/8 inch choke at about 450,000 cubic feet per day.

“The operator has advised Kestrel that it has contracted with the gas marketing company Lumen…to lay a high pressure gas gathering line to the Turner 4-14 well,” said Barr.

He added this construction was expected to be completed in about two weeks.

Also in the Amber Field, the Reynolds-1-23 well was yesterday drilling ahead at 2149 metres, said Samson. After completion of Reynolds-1-23, two wells will be drilled outside Kestrel’s acreage, before a fourth is drilled inside the leases.

“The sequence of drilling is being determined by minimising inter well rig moves and the ongoing well results being integrated into the field study,” said Barr.

“Kestrel has determined that a total of 14 development wells are possible in the field as shown in the map below. Of this program two have been completed, one is drilling and a fourth is proposed to be drilled in mid December.”