The Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 Well
Since the previous report, I am pleased to note that we have restarted rig operations on this well, as you can see in the pictures above (photographed on Thursday, March 4, 2010).
Apart from the rig crew of Aladdin Middle East, the Metsada wireline truck is onsite as is the Weatherford team and their equipment.
Our plan is to test several geologic intervals for the presence of producible hydrocarbons. These various ‘intervals of interest’ were previously identified through the use of open-hole diagnostic tools when the well was drilled.
Now that we have the drilling rig back on the hole, we can “complete” the well.
In the past days, we completed some of the initial down-hole preparatory work that was needed before we can production test the first geologic interval. This preparatory work included milling out the plug used to isolate the open-hole section of the well and validating that the cement bond quality between the casing and rock formation is adequate for testing.
Without a good cement bond, that effectively isolates the zone we wish to test, we risk not being able to accurately evaluate the productivity of that particular zone. To assess if the cement bond is adequate, we used an electronic down-hole tool (aptly named a ‘Cement Bond Logging Tool’) that confirmed that we do have sufficient bond quality. This is good news as it means that we do not need to perform a remedial cementing operation and can proceed to the next phase of the testing operation for this first interval.
The next phase includes perforating the zone of interest and testing the well for hydrocarbon flow. To ‘perforate’, we use shaped explosive charges that are run into the well on a perforating ‘gun’ – a long hollow cylinder. The charges are spaced out equally along this cylinder, across the zone of interest, and detonated from the surface. The energy from the exploding charges penetrates (or perforates) the casing and into the rock formation.
This action creates a passageway for any hydrocarbons in the rock to find their way to the wellbore. The pressure drop from the higher pressure rock to the lower pressure wellbore allows any hydrocarbons present to flow from the rock to the well. We plan to use sophisticated equipment from Schlumberger Oilfield Services to measure pressures and flow rates, both inside and outside the well, all critical data needed to assess a well’s long term production capabilities.
Logistical planning and coordination continues to be a significant challenge in Israel, as we have to import much of the equipment needed for our well operations. For the most part, we have been securing our needed resources for this well work on a ‘just in time’ basis. Now that we do not have to perform a remedial cementing operation, we find ourselves in a situation where we may need to wait on some needed equipment to continue our work without interruption.
Our suppliers have been working very hard to ensure they meet our tight timing needs, but sometimes delays are inevitable. Should we encounter such a delay, we don’t anticipate it to be very long and will be doing everything possible to stay on our planned schedule to complete the full testing program in April 2010.
Operations at the Elijah #3 Well
(No change from previous report.)
The Elijah #3 well was drilled to a depth of approximately 10,938 feet (3,334 meters) when the drill string became stuck within the Asher Volcanics section of the hole. After recovering a significant portion of the stuck drill pipe, progress in recovering the remainder of the pipe slowed and the decision was made to temporarily suspend drilling operations pending further analysis of the situation and to relocate the rig to the Ma’anit-Rehoboth #2 well.
We are currently assessing various options that should enable us to proceed with the ‘next steps’ for this well.
The Issachar-Zebulun Permit Area |
I THINK THAT THE OIL DISCOVER WILL GIVE TO ISRAEL THREE NEW OPPORTUNITY:
1) MORE ENERGY INDEPENDENCE,
2) MORE ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION,
3)MORE EXPORT DIVERSIFICATION
AND A IMPORTANT CHANGE IN POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE OF ISRAEL.
John Brown,
There are many many believers who are very proud of you. Your total dedication and faith in the inspired Word of God is energizing more people then you will every know. I am such a one who feels led to speak out.
Remember, if you were on the wrong track, no one would have bothered.
But, because you are on the right track, the enemy is mustering his forces as you reach your goal. The comment from Abu Dhabi is very revealing.
I, sir, stand by your side in prayer to our Almighty and Holy God, that you look neither to the left nor to the right as you move forward under the guidance of God.
- Hal Christian