Quadrant Energy, an Australian oil and gas exploration company, has encountered gas traces at its Roc-2 well being drilled offshore Western Australia.
According to Carnarvon Petroleum, a partner in the project, at around 3,250 meters measured depth, a 10-meter section of elevated gas readings and moderate fluorescence was observed across a sandstone interbed within the Upper Keraudren, consistent with residual hydrocarbons.
Slightly deeper in the well, Carnarvon said, from around 3,360 meters measured depth, elevated gas readings and minor fluorescence were observed in the Cossigny limestone. This hydrocarbon fluorescence has regional interest because it is the first case of hydrocarbons migrating above and within the Cossigny, and increases the exploration potential of the area, Carnarvon said.
The Huxley and Barret formations are expected to be encountered in the 12 ¼” hole section. The Barret sands were oil charged at Phoenix South-1 well and water wet at Roc-1 well. In the Roc-1 well, hydrocarbon shows were observed in the Huxley sands and further data on this potential reservoir section will expand the exploration portfolio outside this well, particularly for prospects outside this area such as Bandy, Carnarvon added.
The primary target for the Roc-2 well is the Caley sands which were gas and condensate charged in Roc-1. Carnarvon says that this zone is expected to be cored late August or early September 2016. The coring process will take 5-10 days.
Carnarvon expects to be in a position to report on whether the target formations are hydrocarbon-bearing, and the extent of any reservoir sands intersected, after completion of a drilling wiper trip with Logging While Drilling (“LWD”) tools at the completion of the coring process.
The Roc-2 well is located within the WA-437-P exploration permit in the North West Shelf of Australia. The well has a planned total depth of around 5,250 meters but has the capacity to be drilled deeper