Bass Oil has confirmed oil in the previously unproduced M sand at its Bunian 6 well in Indonesia, with a short cleanup flow reaching approximately 2,400 barrels per day without water. The completed well is expected to lift field production from 250 to at least 750 barrels per day, subject to testing and tie-in work.
- Oil discovery confirmed in Bunian 6’s previously unproduced M sand
- M zone flowed 1,264 bopd during a three-hour test with no water
- Production testing to determine which of three zones starts production
- Field output targeted to rise from 250 to at least 750 bopd
- Bass holds and operates a 55% interest in the Indonesian KSO
Bunian 6 Adds a New Producing Zone
Bass Oil Limited (ASX:BAS) has confirmed a new oil discovery in the M sand at its Bunian 6 well in Indonesia, turning a previously unproduced interval into a potential third source of production from the field. The zone delivered a short cleanup flow of approximately 2,400 barrels of oil per day and recovered 100 barrels without water during a one-hour period.
The result was recorded on a 23.9mm choke at a flowing wellhead pressure fluctuating between 210 and 395 psi. A subsequent three-hour flow at a reduced 10.5mm choke produced 1,264 barrels per day at 415 psi, recovering a further 158 barrels of oil with no water. Those are encouraging test results, but they remain short-duration flows rather than established long-term production rates.
Three Reservoirs Now Available for Production
The well has been completed as an oil producer from the TRM3, K1 and M reservoirs. Bass has configured the completion to test each zone separately, beginning with the M sand, while production testing proceeds to establish reservoir parameters and select which interval should be placed on stream first.
The M sand is a new pay zone in the Bunian field, although it is the primary producing zone in the adjacent Tangai oil field. Bass said the discovery’s effect on field reserves will be quantified after further analysis of the evaluation data and the upcoming testing program. The company’s earlier internal modelling assigned the TRM3 an expected initial production rate of 500 barrels per day and an estimated ultimate recovery of 151,000 barrels on a 100% joint-venture basis, with actual performance subject to reservoir and completion results.
Tie-In Stands Between the Well and Higher Output
The rig was released at 4pm local time on 7 September after completing the well, and a wireline unit moved onto location for swabbing operations. Bass said the flowline tie-in to the production facility will be completed shortly after the rig leaves, leaving the production test, zone selection and facility connection as the immediate steps before the well can contribute regular output.
Bunian 6 is expected to lift Tangai-Sukananti KSO production from 250 bopd to at least 750 bopd on a 100% field basis. Bass, which operates the Indonesian permit with a 55% interest, puts its share of that range at roughly 140 to 410 bopd. The difference between a successful test and sustained production will now matter more than the headline cleanup rate.
Bottom Line?
The M sand has increased Bunian 6’s production potential, but the next meaningful proof point is sustained output after testing and the flowline tie-in.
Questions in the middle?
- Which of the TRM3, K1 and M zones will be selected for initial production?
- How closely will sustained production track the targeted 750 bopd field rate?
- Will further testing lead to a material increase in the Bunian field’s recoverable reserves?