As on 31 December 2017, 26 mmbbl of unrisked gross contingent oil resources were attributed by the Netherlands to Iraq’s Banan tertiary reservoir, according to Oryx Petroleum’s drilling update of the Banan field
In May-June 2018, the Banan-3 well was drilled to a depth of approximately 500 metres and completed in open hole partially penetrating the tertiary reservoir. The production of oil has begun by using a jet pump and has averaged approximately 1500bbl per day with 50scf/stb.
The corporation decided to continue the production test of the well in order to assess the well’s performance so that they can find options to increase production and obtain information.
Crude oil produced at the Banan has been drawn to the Hawler tanker where it is offloaded and pumped to the storage system. It is blended with crude oil produced from other Hawler license area wells before being exported through the Kurdistan Region-Turkey Export Pipeline.
Oryx petroleum said that oil reserves will be attributed to the Banan tertiary reservoir by 31 December 2018.
Vance Querio, CEO of Oryx Petroleum, said, “The average production rate achieved thus far is consistent with expectations and export of the oil is proceeding smoothly. Total average daily crude oil production from the Hawler license area is now approximately 5,300 bpd.”
The Zey Gawra-3 well is the first well to be drilled in the Hawler license area utilising a horizontal well design. The drilling of wells targeting the Banan tertiary are planned and are scheduled to perform in the second half of 2018.
