13th September 2010
Empyrean Energy PLC
('Empyrean' or the 'Company', (EME))
Riverbend Project, onshore Texas, USA
Empyrean Energy Plc provides the following update on operations at the Riverbend Project in Texas:
Quinn-3H well
Empyrean has been advised by the operator that the well was stimulated with 51,900 pounds of sand and subsequently a coiled tubing unit was used to inject nitrogen to 10,000' in a jetting operation to help unload drilling and fracc fluids from the wellbore. These operations were carried out on sections of the well to test the Saratoga Formation - which was a secondary objective to the primary Austin Chalk target. Despite the very encouraging shows while drilling, the eventual gas flow rates measured during the final testing were deemed to be sub-economic. The operator has recommended that the well be temporarily shut in and abandoned for possible future use as a water disposal well.
In regards to the potential of the Saratoga Formation across the Riverbend Project acreage the operator advises that, although this initial attempt at a production test was unsuccessful in the Quinn-3H well, the Saratoga Formation still remains a secondary objective at this stage for future wells on the project acreage and information will be gathered as future wells are drilled in the hope of better understanding the production capability for this zone.
Cartwright-1H well
Empyrean has been advised by the operator that drilling at the Cartwright-1H well has reached a measured depth of 14,844 feet.
During the last week, a number of large gas bearing fractures have been encountered whilst drilling. These zones have had high pressure and temperature and the operator is proceeding with caution.
No conclusions specific to the potential economics of the Cartwright-1H well can be drawn from the drilling activities to date - however it is encouraging to see the fracturing and gas bearing zones where the operator expected them.
A further update will be provided as significant information comes to hand.
The information contained in this announcement was reviewed by the Technical Director of Empyrean Energy Plc, Mr Frank Brophy BSc (Hons) who has over 40 years experience as a petroleum geologist.
Contact:
Tom Kelly Empyrean Energy Plc Tel: +618 93216988
Nominated Adviser and Broker:
Shane Gallwey Astaire Securities Plc Tel: +44 (0) 20 7448 4400