Carrizales Norte field definition continues
Arrow Exploration, the high-growth operator with a portfolio of assets across key Colombian hydrocarbon basins, has provided an update on operational activity at the Carrizales Norte ('CN') field on the Tapir Block in the Llanos Basin of Colombia where Arrow holds a 50% beneficial interest.
CN-3 Well
The CN-3 well was spud on July 20, 2023, and reached target depth on July 30, 2023. The well was drilled to a total measured depth of 9,260 feet (8,633 feet true vertical depth) and encountered multiple hydrocarbon-bearing intervals within the C7, Gacheta and Ubaque formations.
The CN-3 well encountered two oil pay zones within the Ubaque formation totaling 67 feet true vertical depth). The very thick pay zones and excellent reservoir characteristics are similar to those encountered in the CN-1 and CN-2 wells and further confirms the high potential of the Ubaque formation within the Carrizales Norte field. An additional 23 feet of pay (true vertical depth) was encountered in the C7 and 59 feet of pay (true vertical depth) in the Lower Gacheta formations.
Initially the Lower Ubaque zone was tested which has approximately 50 feet of net oil pay (true vertical depth) with an average porosity of 26%, and an estimated permeability of four Darcies. Initially the well tested at 593 BOPD gross IP with a 30% water cut. During the 11th day of testing the water cut increased and the lower Ubaque test was completed.
On September 1, 2023, the Upper Ubaque zone was put on test using an electric submersible pump (ESP). The well initially tested at a 98% water cut and cleaned up to 154 BOPD gross with a 92% water cut, during the four-day test. Testing of the Upper Ubaque was then completed.
Based on Casing Bond Logs both high quality zones were adversely impacted by compromised cement bond. Premature water production confirmed this analysis. The Lower Ubaque had 65 feet of pay above a water contact. CN-1 and CN-2 were higher structurally with no visible water contact indicating an oil column of 115 feet from the top of the Ubaque to the oil/water contact.
The wells drilled at Carrizales Norte have shown that the Ubaque reservoir is ideally suited for horizontal well exploitation. Similar fields in Colombia have been developed using horizontal technology and displayed excellent results for both production, oil recovery and reduced costs. Arrow has extensive experience with horizontal wells and heavy oil reservoirs. In similar fields, management has experienced three times the production from horizontal wells at an additional cost of 50% of a vertical well.
Currently the Company is preparing to test the C7 formation in the CN-3 well. We expect results in the middle of September.
Initial production results are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery.
The Gacheta formation has not been tested. The potential of this upper zone will be unlocked with future wells and recompletions.
Forward Work Program
Once CN-3 is on production the rig will move to the RCE field where Arrow plans to further exploit the multi-zone RCE structure with two dedicated Gacheta wells and a follow up to the RCE-6 C7 producer. The drilling rig will then return to the CN field to drill additional Ubaque-targeted wells.
Marshall Abbott, CEO of Arrow commented:
'The CN-3 well is the 8th well in a row where the Company has proven commercial production. The thick pay zone and production from the CN-3 well provides additional evidence of the potential in the Ubaque formation. The Company expects material reserve additions and production from further development of this zone at Carrizales Norte. Additional pay zones currently behind pipe provide further opportunities for production and reserve increases in the future.
'The CN-3 well results have helped determine the size of the Ubaque pool at Carrizales Norte and there are firm indications that the reserves additions will transform Arrow into a much more significant company. Multiple development locations are anticipated based on current results. The CN-3 well has also shown the potential for horizontal drill technology in the Ubaque reservoir. Horizontal wells typically produce at higher rates making the field more economic.
'Arrow has undertaken a third-party reserve evaluation of the CN field and hope to release the reserve data shortly.
'With both the RCE and CN fields, management plans to control pump speed and choke wells back to efficiently manage the reservoir efficiently and discourage premature water production. Arrow believes this is in the best long-term interest of the reservoir and will result in maximum recovery from both fields."
'Arrow's fully funded, low risk drilling program continues to build momentum across our extensive portfolio, with the spudding of two wells at the RCE structure targeting the Gacheta formation to follow CN-3 being brough into production. Alongside this we are encouraged by the initial interpretation of the Tapir 3D seismic and look forward to providing further updates in due course.'
Source: Arrow Exploration
