The Natih A, Natih C and Natih D reservoirs were also tested. The well was drilled to a depth of 1,620mt and includes a lateral segment to encounter fractures. RAK Petroleum holds a 100% interest in Block 30 subject to a 25% government back-in right upon declaration of commerciality.
Block 30 contains four existing discoveries, Nadir, Al Sahwa, Hafar and Hamrat Duru. A field development plan has been submitted to the Ministry of Oil and Gas for approval that envisages a joint development of the fields with processing in a central facility before tie-in to the Oman gas grid 16km away. Another option under consideration is construction of a dedicated power plant.
The company said that the test results have been very positive at the Natih A, C and D level with flow rates in excess of those expected. The Shuaiba test has flowed gas at initial rates up to 19 million cubic feet per day and has proven the existence of gas in the reservoir. However, during the test period some water has also been produced when flowing on high choke settings.
The company added that the downhole pressure gauges will be removed from the well following a buildup period and the pressure information will enable a determination of the proximity of the gas water contact, or the presence of large fractures entering the water below.
Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani, managing director and chairman of board of directors executive committee at RAK Petroleum, said: “Whilst the Shuaiba reserves assessment is inconclusive until the pressure data has been further studied, this test has proven the existence of producible gas.
“The test of the Natih A exceeded expectations at 11 million cubic feet per day, with the Natih C and D also producing at 5 million cubic feet per day. The Natih C and D reservoirs had not previously been included in the reserve estimates. Following these results, RAK Petroleum will push forward with the approvals process and hope to have first gas by early 2012.”
