Caspian Sunrise makes progress at its deep wells

Caspian Sunrise updated the market on operations at its BNG Deep Wells on Wednesday, confirming that 75 metres of the identified intervals at deep well 801 had been perforated.

The AIM-traded firm had previously confirmed the successful completion of a 350-metre side-track from a depth of 4,501 metres, by-passing the blocked pipe.

It said a five inch liner was run to the new bottom of the borehole at a total depth of 4,852 metres.

The company also previously announced that, while drilling the side-track, it detected four potentially oil-bearing intervals.

It said the first was of six metres between 4,535 and 4,541 metres; the second was of 20 metres between 4,554 and 4,574 metres; the third was of 59 metres between 4,635 and 4,694; and the fourth was of 36 metres between 4,812 and 4,848 metres.

“We are pleased to update the market with news that 75 metres of the identified intervals have been perforated,” the board said in its statement.

“The drilling fluids used to contain the high pressure in the well have been progressively changed to lighter density fluids in preparation for acidising the perforated reservoir intervals.

“The acid work is expected to clean up any borehole damage caused in the perforating process and enhance the permeability of the reservoir.”

At deep well A5, the company had previously announced that it already had an operational rig on site.

On Wednesday, it said the drilling mud previously used at deep well 801 was being readied for use in the conventional drilling planned to clear the obstruction that caused a suspension in the 90-day flow test.

“Once the drilling is complete we plan to run tubing to the bottom of the well, after which a new 90-day flow test would commence.”

Caspian Sunrise said pressure in the well remained stable at around 450 bar at the wellhead, which suggested there was still “good communication” throughout the length of the well.

At seep well A6, the board previously announced that its plan there remained to re-perforate the well using more powerful explosive charges.

The drill pipes to be used in that operation had been in use at deep well 801, and would be moved to deep well A6 once the current operations at deep well 801 were concluded.

“We are at the final stages of the complex operation to get Deep Well 801 to flow and we remain confident of a positive outcome, although given past delays nothing is being taken for granted,” said executive chairman Clive Carver.

“We look forward to making further reports as soon as reliable additional information is available.”