OREANDA-NEWS. May 16, 2014. 400,000 tons of extra-viscous oil (EVO) have been produced at Ashalchinskoye field of JSC TATNEFT since the beginning of its development.

To date there are 63 wells, including 29 paired and 5 single cyclic-steam stimulation horizontal wells drilled at Ashalchinskoye field of JSC TATNEFT  out of 106 planned for drilling horizontal wells with 24 pairs and five single wells being in operation ensuring the daily output of more than 630 tons of crude oil.

Implementation of the extra-viscous oil (EVO) field development program at Ashalchinskoye field of "Nurlatneft" Oil and Gas Board of JSC TATNEFT has been under way since 2006. The target of the EVO commercial development is Sheshminsky horizon of the Cheremshano-Bastryksk zone's Ufa stage.

The management of JSC TATNEFT has initiated a mission of accelerated drilling of the extra-viscous oil deposit. To this end, they have developed a business project for the development of the EVO Ashalchinskoye field till 2030.

Implementing the tasks assigned the professionals of the Company carry out a large complex of technical activities, including establishment of capacities for gas and heat supply, production, treatment, as well as transportation of extra-viscous oil.

In the framework of the project being implemented construction of a gas pipeline and water line was completed and additionally 4 steam generating units with a capacity of 100 tons of steam/day were commissioned in the boiler room. Revamping of the sour crude oil treatment installation and  substation 207 have also been carried out, as well as   cluster pumping station 6A   and a waste water treatment unit  have been built, new injection wells have been developed and a system of measuring quantity and quality properties of oil has been implemented.

The plans for this year envisage performance of works aimed at expanding the produced water treatment unit throughput from 3 to 6 thousand m3, as well as building and commissioning of KNS-13A at the wastewater treatment unit site.

Given the success of the works performed the Company's management has taken a decision to put into development three more uplifts of   Ashalchinskoye EVO field - Ashalchinskoye North, Ashalchinskoye South and Bolshe-Kamenkoye, which would allow bringing the annual production to 800 tons of EVO per year. Appraisal wells are being drilled for this purpose.
The incentive for efficient development of this project are the benefits in the form of reducing the export duty for extra-viscous oil.