Gran Tierra Energy begins production at exploration well in Peru

Canada-based oil and gas company Gran Tierra Energy has completed initial testing at the Vivian Formation sandstone reservoir in the Bretaña Norte 95-2-1XD exploration well in Peru.

The oil-bearing sandstone reservoir has been detected by log interpretations and MDT fluid and pressure sampling in the Vivian Formation, which started flowing at 9,408ft measured depth (MD) or 8,851ft true vertical depth.

It has gross oil column thickness of about 99ft and 53ft net pay thickness, while oil samples have a gravity of 18.5 degrees API, according to laboratory analysis.

A drill stem has been carried over a 29ft interval from 9,409ft MD to 9,438ft MD, which produced about 1,170 barrels of oil per day (BOPD) on natural flow without pumps for 19.65 hours with 0% water cut, through a 46/64 inch choke.

The choke size was then raised to a 64/64 inch, which increased oil flow to about 1,984 BOPD on natural flow without pumps over a period of 1.5 hours, with 0% water cut.

During the testing period, total production reached 1,082 barrels of oil, while wellhead flowing pressure and temperature also increased.

The company said that the horizontal sidetrack will commence at the end of February where it will initiate a long-term test (LTL) in the Bretaña Norte 95-2-1XD exploration well.

Gran Tierra Energy president and CEO Dana Coffield said Bretaña Norte 95-2-1XD exploration well has completed its initial testing and produced at rates more than expected.

"We are currently planning to extend the Bretaña Norte 95-2-1XD exploration well with a horizontal leg, with operations expected to commence by the end of February, to initiate long-term testing and to fast-track first production from the Bretaña discovery," Coffield added.

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Image: Gran Tierra has tested 1,984 BOPD at Bretaña Norte 95-2-1XD exploration well. Photo: courtesy of Alan Murray-Rust.