The KOM200 well, targeting the eastern part of the Komsomolsk structure near to Dushanbe, has now been drilled to the top of the deepest reservoir zone (the Jurassic sequence) although not yet into the prognosed Jurassic limestone reservoir which would be expected within the next 200mt (656ft).
The current total depth is 2044mt (6706ft). Gas shows have been obtained whilst drilling the current section, in particular in the Cretaceous Hauterivian zone (a target horizon) and electric logs run through this section indicate the presence of hydrocarbons, the company said.
During the process, the drill string became stuck, probably due to differential pressures, and as a result the well will need to be sidetracked from a depth of 1211mt (3973ft). Prior to beginning preparations for sidetrack operations, an open hole flow-back test was carried out over the whole interval to see if stable gas flow could be obtained.
The company added that this test was successful with a stable flow of gas being obtained together with a considerable amount of water production from the water bearing zones in the 833mt (2733ft) open hole section tested. It will need to be tested fully in the future after the water is isolated and without the stuck pipe interfering with the flow before an accurate measured rate can be stated.
With isolation of the water zones and without the stuck drill pipe in the well, an improved stable gas flow rate should be obtained primarily from the Hauterivian zone, this being the objective of the sidetrack.
Given that a stable gas flow has now been obtained from East Komsomolsk, Tethys has now planned to drill a new well (KOM201) further east in the Komsomolsk structure with the primary objective of testing the Jurassic reservoir, which previous drilling has shown to have good reservoir properties in the area.
An initial target location has been identified on one of Tethys’ recently acquired new seismic lines and appropriate permissions are being sought for the drilling location. If these permissions can be obtained quickly, the company will likely move its Tykhe drilling rig off KOM200 temporarily to drill KOM201. It will then return to complete the KOM200 sidetrack after the completion of KOM201.
