By Toyin Akinosho
French explorer TOTAL, has finalised a drill stem test on the Luiperd-1X well, its second major discovery on Block 11B/12B offshore South Africa.
The well was opened to flow on November 1, 2020.
After several tests at different choke settings, the well reached a maximum constrained flowrate through a 58/64″ choke of 33Million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas (MMscf/d) and 4,320 barrels of condensate per day (BCPD), an aggregate of approximately 9,820 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOEPD), according to a report by Africa Energy, a junior partner on the asset.
”The choke configuration could not be increased due to surface equipment limitations”, Africa Energy explains. “The absolute open flow (AOF) potential of the well is expected to be significantly higher than the restricted test rates”.
TOTAL itself had reported the Luiperd-1X discovery last October, stating that the probe intersected 85 metres gross sands of which 73 metres is net good quality pay in the main target interval and thicker than prognosed.
The well reached total depth of approximately 3,400 meters on October 12, 2020, at which point the drill stem testing programme was initiated.
Africa Energy commented: “We are very pleased with the positive test results that show high condensate yield and excellent reservoir connectivity. These results confirm the joint venture’s decision to proceed with development studies and to engage with authorities about commercialization.”
Block 11B/12B is located in the Outeniqua Basin 175 kilometres off the southern coast of South Africa. The block covers an area of approximately 19,000 square kilometers with water depths ranging from 200 to 1,800 metres. The Paddavissie Fairway in the southwest corner of the block now includes both the Brulpadda and Luiperd discoveries, confirming the prolific petroleum system. The original five submarine fan prospects in the fairway all have direct hydrocarbon indicators as recorded on both 2D and 3D seismic data and intersected in the wells, significantly de-risking future exploration.
Africa Energy holds 49% of the shares in Main Street 1549 Proprietary Limited, which has a 10% participating interest in Block 11B/12B. Total E&P South Africa B.V. is operator and has a 45% participating interest in Block 11B/12B.
Africa Energy says it believes Luiperd and Brulpadda can potentially support a significant commercial development.”
