Helium One Global Ltd today began drilling the Tai-3 well for 1,100m at the Rukwa project in southwest Tanzania.
EVALUATION
The company is drilling ahead to section total depth before running the 20″ conductor, which prevents unconsolidated rock entering the well before drilling the 17.5″ hole section.
Gas shows will be measured using Geolog’s mudlogging services and a portable mass spectrometer.
On reaching total depth, Baker Hughes will run wireline tools before further evaluation from down-hole samples under reservoir conditions.
Samples can then be transferred and evaluated and duplicates sent for analyses.
The entire process from spud to completion of logs and initial analyses is expected to take approximately four weeks.
Helium One has completed construction of the containerised camp, for up to 60 personnel, at the well site to minimise crew movements during 24hr operations.
A member of staff from the University of Dar es Salaam has also been engaged for the drilling project to gain experience and skills.
A separate batch of rock cuttings from the well will also be sent to the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST).
Chief executive officer Lorna Blaisse added that the start of drilling marked a significant shift in scale and approach to operations.
“By adopting an oil and gas best practice approach to this drilling campaign from drilling, logging and sampling, right through to HSE guidelines and procedures, we are giving ourselves the best possible opportunity to deliver success at Tai-3.”