(WO) – US operator Zion Oil and Gas continues to be optimistic about a wild well it has drilled onshore in Israel. On Monday, Zion updated the results of testing the company is conducting in the MJ-02 well on the Megiddo-Jezreel license.
The company says it is encouraged by the results of recent testing operations, particularly with respect to the lower portion of the two prospective zones that were punched out near the final drilled depth of the well.
“This lower zone, which is about 20m thick, is our primary area of interest,” said Rob Dunn, CEO of Zion Oil and Gas. “While we are encouraged, there is still work to be done and we have no assurance that the area will produce hydrocarbons in commercial quantities or that the well will ultimately prove successful.
“We currently face a downhole hurdle in the form of heavy water inflow from the upper zone, inhibiting potential outflow from the lower zone,” Dunn continued. “After consultation with outside experts, we plan to isolate and neutralize the heavy water intake by procuring a 4 ½” pipe. packer and install it below the heavy water zone and above our primary zone, but we have no assurance that this procedure will be successful.
Following the annual operational pause for the upcoming Jewish holiday weeks, Zion said it plans to begin operations to install the packer and test Primary Zone throughput.