Challenger flow tests Saffron-2, Trinidad
Challenger Energy flow tested the Saffron-2 appraisal well in the South West Peninsula, Trinidad. Oil from the flow tests is being sold commercially.
Various reservoir horizons were perforated, and production testing started on July 23. The first phase of testing was on the Lower Cruse formation, where about 133 ft of various Lower Cruse sands (at depths below 4,000 ft) were perforated and tested. Up to 1,400 psi surface pressure was observed and oil (48° API) produced naturally to surface. Oil samples were collected and analyzed.
The well failed to clean up properly, and sustained production was not achieved due to continual inflow of mobile non-reservoir formation materials (clay and shale). Because movable hydrocarbons were proven in the Lower Cruse, these zones have been isolated for later re-entry and remediation.
The second phase of testing was on the Middle Cruse formation, where 66 ft of various Middle Cruse sands (at a range of depths below 1,300 ft and above 4,000 ft) were perforated and tested. Initial production was up to 81 b/d of oil (20° API) which is being gathered and sold, adding to the company’s overall net production (currently 400-500 b/d, inclusive of Saffron-2). Clean-up operations continue.
Challenger expects to increase production further by optimizing production parameters as flow rates become better understood, as well as perforating and producing a further 11 ft of Upper Cruse reservoir.
