Latest scout info filed with La. Dept. Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, on 12/07/2009 shows that the Chesapeake Conger 15-18-12 H well is waiting on a pipeline connection after fracturing on 10/26/2009. Thus, this well was completed and is a producer, although there is no indication yet of its potential.
I see that there are three other Haynesville shale wells that have been drilled on what I would describe as the Northeast flank of the known Haynesville shale reservoir. The Samson/Contour HA RA SUR Hall 34H (Serial #239461) in Sec. 34-18N-11W (SE of Haughton) was completed 6-27-09 and tested 7.7 million cubic feet of gas per day ("MMCFG"). The Chesapeake HA RA SUC Prescott 35-19-13 H (Serial #23914) in Section 35-19N-13W (NW of Red Chute) was completed 4-25-09 and tested 5.2 MMCFG. The Endeavor Wickett et al 27H (Serial #240419) in Section 22-19N-11W near Bellevue was reported drilling on 1/25/09.
The two completed and tested wells do not appear to be as prolific as some of Chesapeak's wells in DeSoto and southern Caddo parishes, which have tested as much as 18 to 23 MMCFG, but they are still quite respectable.
I have recently had leases expire in Sections 13 & 14-18N-R12W. Anybody know what is being offered for leases in the Haughton/Eastwood area?
JM. I do not recall anyone "condemning this area". Several members have pointed out that wells in the upper half of the 18N townships are marginally economic at current prices and that is true. With improved prices some time in the future, HS wells may be economic as far north as the upper 19N sections. A few dollars difference in nat gas prices has a significant effect on wells costing $8-10M and producing 6.5 MMcfd. And the cost of infrastructure to support those wells simply makes drilling further south a wiser use of development capital at this time.
This well has good pressure and it's being produced on a tight choke which is becoming the industry standard. The shale in central 18N - 12W is of a quality that is worth drilling at least one well to hold leases. I think this area is just fine however the quality of the shale further north and east from here is in question.
Skip, I do not think anyone has enough information to say the wells are "marginally economic" at current prices. Initial well tests are not sufficient to understand well EUR's.
Some other areas in Louisiana and East Texas have similar initial rates but it certainly has not slowed any of the drilling activity in those areas.
I obtained a copy of this completion and potential report from the Department of Conservation on Monday and passed it by a petroleum engineer in Shreveport. He says this appears to be a very good well and pointed out that it was tested on a 12/64ths choke; whereas most wells in the field have been tested on a 24/64ths choke. He said this well may be capable of producing 13 to 15 MMCFGD on a 24/64ths choke. But note it is still too early to know for sure. This was only a two-hour test. We will know for sure when this well has been produced into a pipeline for at least 30 days. My guess is that this well extends the "core" Haynesville shale area north to Hwy 80 and perhaps beyond.