Aurelian is planning to appraise the Voitinel-1 gas discovery, drilled and successfully tested last year in the Brodina Concession in Northern Romania. Aurelian now believes that the Voitinel trend could hold up to 400bcf of Gas in Place, a significant increase from its previous estimate of 50-100bcf. However, the ultimate volume of gas recoverable will be dependent on the results of the fraccing and testing in April 2010 together with a further appraisal wells in 2010 and 2011.

On November 17, 2009, Aurelian announced that Voitinel-1 had tested gas from a sand between 1,653 and 1,672 meters ("the1650 sand") and that another sand between 1,400 and 1,425 meters ("the1400 sand") appeared to be gas bearing. Post test analysis of the 1650 sand data indicates the well to be in contact with a substantial volume of gas but flow boundaries are noted near the well bore and these limit the flow rate. One of the objectives of appraisal will be to determine whether these barriers (probably faulting related to the formation of the structure) are localised or pervasive throughout the structure and whether techniques such as high angle drilling and fracture stimulation can overcome them.

As the first step in appraisal it has therefore been decided to fracture stimulate and flow test the 1650 sand to determine whether the flow rate can be improved. Equipment will be mobilized to site in March 2010 to carry out this work. The stimulation, subsequent flow test and monitoring of the recovery in reservoir pressure will take about 4 weeks. Thereafter it is planned to mobilize a rig to site to recomplete the well and allow the 1400 sand to be tested.

Tags: Aurelian Oil & Gas PLC