BP reports successful Itaipu drillstem test offshore Brazil

March 25, 2013
BP has completed a successful flow test of the Itaipu-1A discovery well offshore Brazil.

Offshore staff

LONDON– BP has completed a successful flow test of the Itaipu-1A discovery well offshore Brazil.

The drillstem test achieved flow rates of up to 5,600 b/d for 32 hours through a 40/64 choke from a limited perforated interval. Results from the pressure build-up after the main flow indicated good connectivity in the reservoir. Long-term pressure monitoring gauges were also set in the wellbore prior to the end of operations.

The Itaipu-1A presalt well is located in block BM-C-32 in the deepwater sector of the Campos basin, 125 km (78 mi) offshore Brazil. The well was drilled in 2009 by Devon.

Neil Piggott, BP vice president for exploration Brazil, said: “This is a good result for the Itaipu project, indicating that commercially viable flow rates can be achieved from this presalt carbonate reservoir.”

TheItaipu-2 appraisal well was drilled in 2011. A second appraisal well location, Itaipu-3, has been agreed with the Brazilian National Petroleum Agency (ANP), and will be the next operation at the Itaipu field later this year.

BP is the operator of BM-C-32 with a 40% equity. Other equity holders are Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (33.3%) and Maersk Energia Ltda (26.7%).

3/25/2013