Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp. announced the successful results of the first production tests in the CPE-6-1X exploration well and the CPE-6-H2 appraisal well, two new wells drilled during December in the CPE-6 block in the Eastern Llanos basin, onshore Colombia.

The CPE-6-1X vertical exploration well was drilled to a total depth of 1,011 m (3,318 ft) MD in the Hamaca prospect, targeting the Basal Sand Unit of the Carbonera formation, a unit that has shown a significant hydrocarbon column in 12 stratigraphic wells drilled in the block by the company and its partner since 2010, the release said. The petrophysical evaluation of the well indicates a total of 50 ft of net pay averaging 30% porosity across a gross interval of 27 m (90 ft). The well was cased and completed in the net pay interval and tested at an average flow rate of 222 bbl/d of 10.8° API oil with a 15% water cut, tested over a five day period.

The CPE-6-H2 vertical appraisal well was drilled to a total depth of 1,062 m (3,485 ft) MD, targeting the Basal Sand Unit of the Carbonera formation. The well is located 4 km northeast of the CPE-6-1X well and is drilled in the Hamaca prospect. The petrophysical evaluation of the well indicates a total of 10.5 m (34.5 ft) of net pay averaging 29% porosity across a gross interval of 24 m (80 ft), the release said. The well was cased and completed in the net pay interval and tested at an average flow rate of 213 b/d of 10.9° API oil with a 12% water cut, tested over a three day period.

Both wells were completed using an open-hole gravel pack technique. No thermal stimulation was required and both wells responded well to the use of submersible pump lift. The CPE-6-1X well fulfils the commitments for the first exploration phase of the CPE-6 E&P contract.

Pacific Rubiales has a 50% working interest and is operator of the block. Talisman (Colombia ) Oil and Gas Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Talisman Energy Inc., holds the remaining 50% working interest.