Byron hits a snag during Gulf of Mexico well completion ops

Byron Energy has encountered a problem during completion operations of the SM71 F3 well in the South Marsh Island Block 71 (SM 71) lease in the Gulf of Mexico, offshore Louisiana.

Byron completed the drilling of the SM 71 F3 well in late January. After that, completion of the well for production followed.

On Thursday, March 15 Byron said that the hydraulic sand control measures were pumped into the formation after perforating a 184-foot interval of the D5 Sand.

After what appeared to be a successful job based on all surface pressure readings, the drill-pipe became mechanically stuck across the packer, leaving drill pipe and other completion equipment in the wellbore.

The company added that attempts to pull the assembly free were unsuccessful. Because of the fragile nature of this type of equipment, Byron decided it was not prudent to pull the stuck assembly extremely hard.

Byron mobilized coiled tubing equipment to the location and expected it to arrive on Thursday, U.S. Central time.

Once it is offloaded and set up, the equipment will be used to clean out the drill pipe and then attempts to pull it free with jarring equipment will be made.

According to information provided by the company, the operation could take 7-10 days. In the interim, Byron is investigating ways to bring the SM71 F1 and F2 wells into production.

The F1 well was the first of three completed wells on the SM 71 F platform. The SM 71 F2 well was completed earlier this month while the SM 71 F3 is the last well remaining to be completed for production.

Byron is the operator of SM71 and has a 50 percent working interest and a 40.625 percent net revenue interest in SM71. Otto Energy holds the remaining interest.