Norwest Energy NL (ASX: NWE) is pleased toadvise that Norwest has completed a forward plan for the final phase of testing at the Arrowsmith-2 well site in the northern onshore Perth Basin, with operations scheduled to recommence in January 2014.
Final testing at the well site will allow Norwest to complete its evaluation program for Arrowsmith2. Data from this evaluation program will be crucial in enhancing Norwest’s ability to plan for drilling and hydraulic stimulation of its first horizontal pilot well, Arrowsmith-3.
Under the forward plan for Arrowsmith-2, Norwest will firstly conduct a work-over program to remove the faulty gas lift mandrel, which had created an obstruction in the wellbore. Upon completion, Norwest intends to conduct a 14-day well test, during which time multiple runs with a Production Logging Tool (PLT) will be made to evaluate the contribution of gas and fluid from each of the perforated intervals. This process will assist in establishing contributions from each zone towards the total commingled flow rate readings.
Presently, four stages are being flowed back in the current phase of the program; the High Cliff Sandstone, the Irwin River Coal Measures and the Carynginia Formation (two frac stages).
Separately, Norwest has submitted an application to the Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum to complete a 3D seismic acquisition program, with acquisition planned for Q3 2014.
The 3D seismic program will cover an area of approximately 110km
2 and is aimed at gathering a more comprehensive understanding over the most prospective area of the Arrowsmith permit (EP413).
Norwest Chief Executive Officer Peter Munachen said that final testing at Arrowsmith-2 represented an important step as the Company progressed towards completing its evaluation program and subsequent planning for Arrowsmith-3.
"Through the upcoming completion of the Arrowsmith-2 evaluation program, we will have a final data set that will enhance our ability to determine the location for the future horizontal pilot well at Arrowsmith-3 with confidence," Mr Munachen said.
"Determining the well location for Arrowsmith-3 will be a critical decision in our strategy to establish commercialisation of the Arrowsmith Field, and as such there will be an extensive planning phase to be undertaken in the coming year."
The company intends to drill Arrowsmith-3 as soon as possible once planning is complete. The timing will also be dependent on the regulatory processes and the availability of equipment and service providers. Norwest intends to be in dialog with other operators in the Perth Basin with drilling programs, drill rig contractors, and the various regulatory bodies throughout the planning phase in order to to expedite this process.
