RE: Question for our Oilfield ExpertsSince I'm responding, you may want to drop off the word "expert".
I'm basing this reply on my current understanding of the existing #1 well, and various tidbits of info I have gleaned from this board and previous CQV news releases. This is not intended to be portrayed as an accurate assessment of what has, can, or may happen.
PCEJ, my understanding is that the well is going to to recompleted using the Colied Tubing Unit and wireline services. The drilling rig will not be used to re-complete, or re-drill a portion of #1 at this time anyway. If I recall correctly, there had been some discussion that afer #2 was drilled, they would come back onto #1 with the rig, and sidetrack out towards a better part of the pay zone.
Regarding the re-compeltion of #1 to get it on production, let's start at the beginning....
after #1 was drilled, casing was ran to TD. Cement is then placed behind the casing, effectively sealing the well off. The only way to access the formation is to put holes through the casing and cement (Perforating). These holes are shot at predetermined depths, usually across from what is identified as those portions of the formation that have the best porosity and/or permiability, and the least potential for excessive water or gas production. In the case of #1, the original completion took place in 1991??. The original completion would have taken place after what now may be considered to be a quick review of available data, and may not have been as thorough or complete as desired. The flow tests indicated oil, water, and gas production. Considering that CIVC, Hunt, and PCP have had 10 years to review the available data, it is probable that they have decided the well could be "recompleted" to improve production (increase oil, reduce water and or gas). They would use the CTU to either cement off some or all of the existing perforations, or set a plug above a certain depth, etc to accomplish this. The wireline unit would be used to shoot new perforations, or re-shoot existing perforated intervals based on the review the data. The CTU would/could be then used to stimulate (by acidizing, fracturing, etc) the new perforated interval to maximize flow rates. All of this can be accomplished without removing the tubing that is in the well, so no rig is required for these operations.
At some point later in time, the drilling rig may come back onto this location, and drill a deviated lateral from the existing bore hole in an attempt to reach a more prolific portion of the formation. This would not be considered to be a recompletion. If this were to happen, you have in effect two wells (holes) from the same exact surface location. The new well could be used soley for oil produciton, and the old hole (current #1) could be again recompleted to act as a water disposal well (as has been previously mentioned). Or to keep it simple, forget about drilling a lateral, and just recomplete #1 for the water disposal. It is, after all, supposed to be on the edge of the reservior, and would not provide very good oil drainage over time.
Hope this helps - Hubbie