In addition, White Sands, which is facing cost blow-outs and delays at the well, said the performance of its WSP Rig-1 is improving as the shakedown period continues to eliminate bugs in the system. The rate of penetration using rotary bits and air drilling has averaged eight to 10m per hour in the Reid’s Dome Beds strata at a depth of 525-1750m, it said.
The company said the new gas zones have resulted in common gas peaks, significant increases of background gas and several occasions where continuous flaring was required.
Another open hole flow test is planned to take place over the next few days at Primero-1, which was at a depth of 1565m yesterday.
If successful, the test may indicate the formation pressure and the rate at which these zones can produce, according to White Sands.
Meanwhile, the PL 231 joint venture, which also includes Victoria Petroleum and Dome Petroleum, has agreed to conduct an extended flow test of the shallow gas sands occurring at a depth of 134-151m.
Expected to take four weeks to complete, the extended flow test will provide data to help prepare feasibility studies for commercial development of the shallow gas field.
White Sands says preliminary analysis suggests the shallow gas field will support construction of a commercial gas project. As a result, it expects to soon start discussions with potential gas or electricity customers.
Interests in PL-231 are White Sands (which has a 20% stake), Dome Petroleum (40%) and Victoria Petroleum (40%).
