Santos has confirmed excellent productivity and fluid quality from the Baxter gas and condensate reservoir after the multi-rate flow testing of the Dorado field in the Bedout Basin, offshore Western Australia.
The initial clean-up test over the Baxter reservoir was conducted over 12 hours and achieved a maximum rate of approximately 48 million standard cubic feet per day of gas and 4500 barrels per day of associated condensate through a 60/64” choke.
Production was limited by surface equipment constraints indicating the reservoir can flow at significantly higher rates. A preliminary interpretation of the well test points to reservoir quality and condensate gas ratio better than initially expected, which will result in higher well deliverability when the field is developed.
The flow test was the first of two planned for the Dorado field, with testing of the primary Caley oil reservoir to be undertaken in coming weeks.
Santos managing director and chief executive officer Kevin Gallagher said the result increased the company’s confidence in commercialising the significant condensate resources in the Dorado field.
“The flow rate in the Baxter confirms our interpretation of a high-quality reservoir with excellent productivity and condensate-rich gas with low levels of impurities,” Gallagher said.
“We look forward to the results from the planned test of the Caley oil reservoir, which should close out the Dorado appraisal program and allow us to work towards a final investment decision on the project, which is now one of the most exciting growth projects across the Santos portfolio.”
Dorado-3 is a joint venture by Santos and Carnarvon Petroleum, with 80 per cent and 20 per cent holdings respectively. It is located in Commonwealth waters approximately 160 kilometres north of Port Hedland.