Easternwell’s part in oil well discovery proves its advantage

Easternwell’s Advantage Drilling Rig has been used in the discovery of a new oil well for the Senex Energy and Beach Energy joint venture in the Cooper Basin. The Senex Energy (60 per cent and operator) and Beach Energy (40 per cent) joint venture announced a Birkhead oil discovery on the western flank of the Cooper Basin with the Marauder-1 well flowing at 655 barrels of oil per day on a drill stem test. The new prospect was identified from the Mollichuta 3D seismic survey. Easternwell drilled the vertical calibration well to appraise a potential northern extension of the western flank Birkhead oil play fairway. Easternwell’s expertise was leveraged to drill an exploration well to the depth of 2,130 metres. Usually a well of this depth would require the use of a larger drilling rig. However, Easternwell was able to drill the well using an 800-horsepower drilling rig, typically used to drill 1,800 metre CSG wells, and the integration of a second mud tank to increase fluid capacity of mud storage and dual shaker capabilities. Working collaboratively with Senex Energy on their operational requirements, the well configuration was redesigned to ensure it could be drilled successfully with the Advantage Drilling Rig. It was drilled to 2,130 metres so data could be gathered in the deepest parts of the reservoir. The heavier seven-inch production casing was then run to only 1,841 metres, which still provided access to the productive zone in the newly discovered reservoir. Redesigning the well configuration in this way allowed the rig to drill the well, which the rig would have otherwise been unsuited for, achieving all the key objectives of the well and providing significant costs savings for the client. Specialising in production and coring wells, the rig is capable of directional and pad drilling, as well as under-balanced air drilling, which makes it a versatile and efficient solution for varying operational requirements. Technical experience and know-how allowed Easternwell to deliver an improved operational outcome for the client who is assessing further drilling prospects in the area.