OREANDA-NEWS. Gazprom Neft has successfully tapped into a natural flow of oil with a flow rate of 50 cubic metres per day at a new well in the Bazheno-Abalaksky formation of the Palyanovskaya zone at the Gazpromneft-Khantos Krasnoleninskoye field. Hydraulic fracturing was employed at the well, which is still being tested.

The Palyanovskaya zone of the Krasnoleninskoye field, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District (August 2013)

The well was drilled as part of the Gazprom Neft programme in preparation for the commercial development of unconventional oil reserves. In spring 2013, an appraisal well was drilled at the Palyanovskaya zone to initiate the first phase of the project dedicated to researching the potential for shale oil extraction at the site. This well generated a flow rate of 80 cubic metres per day. These results have led to further study of the Bazheno-Abalaksky complex in the Palyanovskaya zone. To this end, in 2014 four inclined wells were approved for drilling to depths of 2,700-2,800 metres. In addition, conceptual geological modelling of the field and deposit complex is still underway, and an appraisal of potential output will be conducted, along with the research programme, which includes a customized core analysis, geomechanical modelling, and application of data from 3D seismic studies.