Prospex Energy plc said that technical and equipment issues had delayed the restart of production from the Viura-1B well, which completed successful flow tests, in northern Spain.
FLOW RATES
Problems initially began in April when operator Heyco Energia Iberia SL shut in the well following a leak in the completion tubing, which was replaced in July.
The joint venture has saved “significant” costs by recompleting the Viura-IB well workover without needing to use a coil tubing unit.
Two short flow tests confirmed that well was operating successfully, showing “strong deliverability” from the Viura well and reservoir.
Flow rates were recorded at 100,000 standard cubic metres per day at a 10% choke setting; and 200,000 scm/d at 25%.
Prospex said that Heyco was “working urgently to address” the delayed resumption of production.
“Initial production tests at the Viura-1B well have confirmed what we have always known and the reason we invested in Viura – the potential to deliver first class flow rates from this large onshore gas field,” added chief executive officer Mark Routh.
“However, interventions in deep, deviated wells such as Viura-1B are technically complex and take time to execute and are not without challenges especially since the necessary equipment may not be immediately available in region.”
RESOURCE
The company states that the Viura field has an estimated gross original gas in place of 211 billion cubic feet and estimated reserves of 105 bcf.
Viura has to date produced 16 bcf of gas leaving remaining reserves of 90 bcf, of which 6.5 bcf is net to Prospex.
Prospex owns 7.24% of the field through its 7.5% ownership of Heyco Energy Iberia S.L.
