Beacon finds ‘poor’ initial response at Erfelden

Beacon Energy plc said it was yet to stabilise rates after a poor initial reservoir response from the Schwarzbach 2(3.) (SCHB-2) sidetrack in the Erfelden field, Hessen.

DATA

Sand jetting operations completed in February to stimulate the well before production restarted with the rod pump.

SCHB-2 began from the original well bore at a depth of 2,145 metres and extended for an additional 85m in length.

“In the lower PBS, the SCHB-2 sidetrack is estimated to be approximately 9 metres from the original wellbore,” added the company.

“Following insertion of the production liner, an electrical submersible pump (ESP) was successfully installed and tested.

“Since deployment, the ESP has produced intermittently with frequent stalling – a stabilised rate has therefore not yet been established

“However, based on bottom hole pressures and flow rates observed, initial response from the reservoir appears to be poor.”

Beacon will temporarily shut in the well for the rig to mobilise, during which time it will obtain pressure build-up data for better understanding of the reservoir response.

After the rig has left the drilling site, the ESP will undergo remedial actions and the well will be reconnected to the Schwarzbach facility to allow well clean-up and establish a long-term flow rate.

Incoming chief executive Stewart MacDonald said it was disappointing that a sustained flow rate had not yet been achieved.

“Whilst pressure build up data, to be obtained in the coming days, will provide clarity, the initial response from the reservoir appears disappointing.

“Following reconnection to the production facility, a long-term stabilised flow rate should be established.

“We remain convinced that Erfelden is a material and potentially highly valuable onshore oil discovery with best estimated recoverable reserves of 7.2mmbbl.  

“The company will now consider its options to maximise the value of the resource we have discovered.”