re: sellicks 2 :ricky99

Hi michael,

Back in June we were told that Sellicks 2 was flowing at 2,685bopd. Today bpt said it is on tap, & flowing at 250bopd, but should rise to 500 with the aid of a lift. This seems like a major discrepancy. Have you got any explanation for that difference?

Regards Andrew


Dear Andrew,

No major discrepancy – natural physics.

A well is a bit like opening a bottle of shaken up coke (or champagne). It goes like gangbusters for a period of time then dribbles on for ever. The length of the high flow period is essentially determined by the hydrocarbon connected volume and the pressure support. The Sellicks Poolowanna is a small volume hence the short burst.
The physics are determined by the reservoir permeability, pressure support mechanisms and well vertical lift performance. As I noted above – natural physics.
Once the energy has dissipated you then put a pump on the well (“artificial lift”) to keep the rate going until life end.

Hope this helps you to understand what is going on.

Best regards,

Mike