Whitebark Energy Ltd's (ASX:WBE) Rex-3 Well at the Wizard Lake Oilfield in Canada is flowing strongly after installation of a new bottom hole pump.
After free-flowing for six months, an insert rod pump was installed to reinvigorate the well and assist in the recovery of oil and gas from the reservoir.
The new pump is a top hold down variety, which assists with sand management and includes downhole sand and gas separation capabilities.
Rex-3 remains very active with gas kicks occurring as the well is optimised for best pumping performance and this level of well activity demonstrates that it remains very prolific.
Optimisation work
Rex-3 is now cycling at about four strokes per minute as productivity optimisation work continues.
The pump was originally placed at approximately 1476 metres TVD but has been subsequently raised to 1192 metres KB to optimise its gas handling capacity.
Over the next three months, the new pump will be run at varying speeds and configurations to determine the most efficient means to produce from the well.
Experience from the first two wells has indicated that each well has unique characteristics which will influence how each is finally optimised.
“Pleased to have Rex-3 back on-line”
Managing director David Messina said: “We are pleased to have Rex-3 back on-line and pumping oil to our facilities.
“It will take some time before we optimise the well under pump and, from our experience from the other wells, it is best to take a conservative approach.
“We are, however, looking forward to maintaining a steady income stream from the field over the coming months.”
Natural gas-powered hydraulic lifting units
Whitebark recently conducted Rex-3 testing to determine the inflow performance relationship (IPR) curve, which confirmed that fluid recovery should continue to materially increase as the pumping performance is optimised and greater reservoir drawdown is achieved.
All three wells are now being pumped up 88.9mm tubing using insert rod pump designs.
To maximise pumping flexibility and optimisation versatility, natural gas-powered hydraulic lifting units are being utilised at surface to pump the wells.