Touchstone Exploration Inc. has reported natural gas test rates of up to 6.8 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) from its Carapal Ridge-3 (CR-3) well in Trinidad and Tobago, while a new oil well in the WD-4 block has also started production.
At CR-3, located in the company’s Central block, Touchstone completed work on the Karamat reservoir interval during October. Extended testing recorded average gross natural gas rates of approximately 5.0 MMcf/d and 6.8 MMcf/d at different choke settings.
The well produced at an average rate of 5.0 MMcf/d at a 60% open choke and 6.8 MMcf/d at an 80% open choke. Minimal condensate was recorded, with no formation water observed during the testing period.
CR-3 is connected to the Central block’s gas processing facility, allowing production to be exported for sale through the Atlantic LNG Train 4 agreement. Further testing is continuing, with downhole pressure recorders installed to assess flow performance and pressure build-up.
The results could point to an additional gas development opportunity within the Central block, alongside the existing Herrera reservoir programme. However, Touchstone cautioned that the initial test rates are not necessarily representative of stabilised production or long-term performance. Further geological and engineering work will be required before the commercial potential of the Karamat interval can be established elsewhere in the block.
The company is also progressing its two-well development drilling campaign in the WD-4 block. The first well, PS-623, reached a total depth of 6,500 feet on 4 October. Wireline log interpretation identified approximately 450 feet of potential net hydrocarbon pay.
Following completion across 40 feet of the Cruse formation, PS-623 was brought onstream at a field-estimated initial production rate of 387 barrels of oil per day, with a 1% water cut during its first 24 hours. The result provides additional production from the WD-4 block as the company continues its development programme.
Touchstone Exploration Inc (LON:TXP) is a Canadian-based, international upstream oil and gas company currently active in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Primera Oil and Gas is the Trinidadian subsidiary of Touchstone.
