If they got pressure, then that's "all the better"...
the "extended depth" as you say they drilled was most likely due to formation depth, but could be another reason...but it depends where above or possibly below the 4500 they hit oil sands or if it was to where they are now...we'll know more when the "shoot the hole" at specific depths and for specific heights (more the better) in the casing...if while they were circulating after drilling into the formation and were losing fluid, they would need to drill down further to find the bottom of the formation and drill into the rock below as to give the casing a solid foundation to end upon (with the permit permitting). Then at that point the fluid would be circulated again to clear out any leftover cuttings, then set casing and thus cement back up the pipe to the formation bottom.
won't need the pump if the gas will push it up the pipe...
the pump could be used as a standby for when the gas plays out...
my knowledge of this is in reference to the decline rate on most wells...family interest in an oil well started producing about 10 years ago flowing 1100+ per day with 400psi gas pressure during the free-flow period without a choke...now has a pump on it and the rate now is only what the pump can lift through the choke at the wellhead at around 300 barrels/day...the royalty check was pretty good then when oil was 150/barrel...the company that drilled the well was making a killing as we sat there and did the math...we didn't have much royalty, but it was better than not having it!!! This well was 10,000ft+...just for reference.
Like I said before in a response, if there ain't no oil there, why waste time, effort and money cementing pipe for a dry hole?
There's something there, just don't know how much yet!
And, if I don't respond back to some others as I have a limited ability to respond on a daily basis, don't take it personally.
We're all here for a reason, I hope, to help other's gain knowledge of the subject...DD will get you everywhere, whether it's yours personally or someone else sharing it for a positive outcome!
I don't know if I answered you question directly and I would like to know what their original permit allowed them to drill down to!
Good afternoon to all,
Glen.
AI
