TALISMAN Energy has encountered a previously unknown sand formation while drilling Siphon-1 at PPL 269 in Papua New Guinea, and said the sands could be hydrocarbon bearing.
The Parker Drilling Rig 226 at Siphon-1. Image courtesy of NGE.
The sand interval was found while drilling to the target Toro formation at 3831 metres, with a total depth of 3863m reached.
Logging while drilling found increased resistivity within the Toro formation, indicating the presence of hydrocarbons over a gross interval of about 11m.
Joint venture partner New Guinea Energy said the uncovering of the overlying Elevala sand was �unexpected�, with logs showing a possible 12m gross hydrocarbon interval.
Detailed wireline logging including density-neutron logs, fluid sampling and pressure measurements will be acquired to interpret the significance of the hydrocarbon reads.
Talisman Energy, through subsidiary Talisman Niugini, holds a 50% operating stake in the well while New Guinea Energy holds the remaining 50% through its subsidiary Kirkland.
