MCF Energy finds methane gas by swabbing at Welchau-1

Executive Summary

• MCF Energy Ltd. reports initial positive results from the resumption of testing at the Welchau-1 well in Austria, specifically targeting the Reifling formation.
• The well successfully recovered hydrocarbon gas (methane) at the surface during unloading operations, marking the first hydrocarbon recovery from the Reifling formation within the Welchau anti-cline or basin.
• Testing objectives include determining hydrocarbon content, flow characteristics, and pressure connectivity, with plans to achieve continuous flow and measure well flow rates if production is established.

Key Details

• Well and Location: Welchau-1 well, located in the northern calcareous Alps hydrocarbon fairway in Austria.
• Operatorship and Interest: ADX Energy is the operator with a 75% interest; MCF Energy holds a 25% economic interest.
• Target Formation: The 128-metre-thick Reifling formation, identified as the shallowest of four carbonate reservoirs intersected at the well.
• Stimulation Method: The well was stimulated by pumping six cubic metres of acid followed by a completion brine volume. The acid was allowed to soak before the well was flowed back.
• Flowback Results: Swabbing was required to unload the hydrostatic column of brine to initiate flow. This resulted in the flowback of brine, methane gas, and carbon dioxide (CO2) to the surface. The CO2 resulted from a chemical reaction between the injected acid and the carbonate reservoir.
• Significance of Findings:
  • Recovered well fluids include monitored hydrocarbon gas (methane).
  • This is the first hydrocarbon recovery from the Reifling formation within the Welchau anti-cline or basin.
  • A relatively small amount of acid stimulation resulted in flow from a previously unresponsive reservoir.
• Operational Status: Well workover operations are conducted 12 hours per day during weekdays. The well is currently shut in until swabbing operations resume.
• Future Testing Plan:
  • Continue swabbing to clean up the well for continuous flow of oil, gas, or oil and gas.
  • Sample produced fluids to determine hydrocarbon content and type.
  • Take wellbore pressure measurements to confirm pressure connectivity of the Reifling formation with the rest of the Welchau anti-cline.
  • If continuous production is established, measure the well flow rate.
• Geological Context: The Reifling formation is interpreted to be at or near the oil-water contact for a light oil accumulation in the Welchau anti-cline, mapped approximately 500 metres updip of the Welchau-1 well. The well was drilled to test gas and condensate potential within middle Triassic fractured carbonate reservoir sequences below the Triassic Lunz-Partnach regional seal complex.