Elixir Energy Ltd (ASX:EXR, OTC:ELXPF) has completed the planned 12-stage fracture stimulation program at its high-impact Lorelle-3H appraisal well in Queensland’s Taroom Trough, with all pumped proppant successfully placed within the target formation.
The program was carried out across 1,033 metres of net gas-condensate pay in the Tinowon ‘Dunk’ Sandstone reservoir within ATP2056.
The stimulation program was completed as designed, with pressure responses along the horizontal well section consistent with expectations.
Flow-back operations to follow
The company is now milling out the stage plugs installed during the fracture stimulation program, a process expected to take one to two days.
The well will be placed in partial flow-back while each stage plug is milled, before Elixir rigs down the coiled tubing unit and begins staged flow-back operations through the 4.5-inch casing.
Elixir and Enserve/SLB have also completed rig-up of flow-testing equipment ahead of flow-back and production testing.
This includes specialised equipment designed to measure multi-phase flow, including fluid, gas and condensate, during the flow-back period.
30-day production test planned
Following clean-up operations and the observation of clean returns, Elixir plans to open the choke and begin a proposed 30-day gas-condensate production test.
The company said studies completed with SLB indicated that a staged clean-up process, using methodical increases in choke size over time, represented best practice for preserving fracture stimulation placement and easing the well into gas breakthrough.
This approach is also intended to help manage back pressure on the reservoir and reduce the risk of damage or skin formation.
About Lorelle-3H and Elixir Energy
Lorelle-3H is an appraisal well within ATP2056 in Queensland’s Taroom Trough and forms part of Elixir Energy’s gas-condensate exploration and appraisal activities.
The well is targeting the Tinowon ‘Dunk’ Sandstone reservoir, with the latest stimulation work designed to establish a permeability pathway into the reservoir ahead of flow-back and production testing.
Elixir Energy is focused on gas exploration and appraisal projects in Australia and Mongolia.