London-listed Petroceltic International has found gas at well AT-4 on its Isarene Permit in Algeria, despite producing lower than expected gas flows.

Working in partnership with Algerian oil and gas company Sonatrach, the company has successfully tested gas from two zones at a maximum combined flow rate of 1.35 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd) and 450 barrels of water per day (bwpd) on a 48″ choke.

Located on blocks 228 & 229 on the Ain Tsila gas discovery, well AT-4 was drilled to appraise the previously undrilled eastern margin of the Ain Tsila field.

After isolation of the lower zone to reduce water production, the upper zone was flowed separately at 1 MMcfd of gas with an associated 250 bwpd.

In an announcement, Petroceltic said it was likely induced fractures in the well had reached an underlying aquifer, thereby reducing the gas flow.

Testing and sampling operations at AT-4 have been completed and the well has been suspended.
Petroceltic said it was planning a drilling campaign for well AT-5, targeting one of several structural pop-up features in the field.

Company chief executive Brian O’Cathain said data from the campaign had confirmed the extension of the field and would enable it to refine its remaining drilling and testing program.