InterOil has declared that the Triceratops-2 well, situated at Papua New Guinea, was drilled from the 9 5/8 casing shoe, the current total depth (TD) was increased from 4,111 to 5,971 ft. At 3,976 ft, the top marl transition zone was observed and at 4,482 ft, the top of the carbonate reservoir was observed.
Due to the penetration of the carbonate reservoir to the current TD, loss of mud and background gas ranging between 5 to 40 barrels per hour was noticed. The drill stem testing ("DST") instrument was delayed and the company decided to drill the anticipated total targeted depth of 7,546 ft. After completion of the wireline logging program, the company planned to perform a DST.
The goal for drilling Triceratops-2 well is to validate the gas and condensate existence and to analyze the presence of reefal carbonate reservoir and shallow marine. The company has planned to drill the well further for about 165 to 330 ft beneath the carbonate base, which will enable the company to obtain electric logs over the total carbonate section and rotary sidewall cores in specific zones. The rotary core plugs’ petrophysical analysis and electric logs help in determining the reservoir quality.
Moreover, the company has extended contracts with Mitsui till June 30, 2012 and with Energy World till December 31, 2012 through which some conditions can be fulfilled and Final Investment Decisions (FID) can be taken.