Iracema Oil Field
| Iracema | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Country | Brazil |
| Region | Latin America |
| Location/block | BM S 11 |
| Offshore/onshore | Offshore |
| Operators | Petrobras |
| Partners | BG Group, Galp Energia |
| Field history | |
| Discovery | 2008 |
| Production | |
| Current production of oil | 50,000 barrels per day (~2.5×106 t/a)(expected) |
Iracema is an oil field located in the Santos Basin, 250 km (160 mi) off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 33 km (21 mi) northwest of the giant Tupi oil field.[1] Iracema is the third well drilled in BM S 11 block and could be an extension of ultra deep Tupi field.[2] The field was named in honor of the Iracema figure from Brazilian mythology.
History
Iracema's first well was drilled to a depth of 5,000 m (16,000 ft) and was completed in September 2009. Two drill stem tests were done over two zones with production reaching 10,500 bbl (1,670 m3) per day and 17 million cubic feet (480,000 m3) per day of gas . The oil produced at Iracema is 32° API. The partners expect the field will be producing up to 50,000 bbl/d (7,900 m3/d).[1][3] The drilling tests will last 15 months and will collect technical information for the development of the reservoirs the company discovered in the Santos Basin.[4]
Ownership
BM-S-11 block which contains Iracema field is operated by Petrobras with controlling 65% of the stake while BG Group holds a 25% and Galp Energia holds 10% of the share.[1]
Reservoir
The Iracema field lies at a depth of 2,210 m (7,250 ft) in a subsalt. The depth, thickness of the salt and drastic changes in temperatures make the process of oil extraction particularly difficult which make the project financially challenging. Petrobras announced it would invite international oil companiesto bid for concessions in the region.[2]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 "BG Group announces record productivity from well tests on the Iracema appraisal well in the Tupi area, Santos Basin, Brazil" (Press release). BG Group. 2008. Retrieved 19 January 2010.
- 1 2 "Brazil Confirms Massive Offshore Oil Field". Latin American Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2010-01-19.
- ↑ Cristian Wiessner (2009-11-19). "Brazil well test shows strong potential of subsalt area". Reuters. Retrieved 2010-01-19.
- ↑ "Brazil’s pre-salt basin oil extraction becomes commercial operation". Merco Press South Atlantic News Agency. 2009-05-01. Retrieved 2010-01-19.