Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Dec. 28 / Trend H.Hasanov /
Additional volumes of seismic surveys and numerous exploratory wells are required for the final determination of the potential recoverable reserves and the full delineation of the giant deposit of the South Yoloten -Osman, the Neytralniy Turkmenistan newspaper reported.
Exploration work is underway on the field in South Yoloten-Osman, and its known associated gas accumulation zone mega-sites such as Yashlar, Minar, West Yandakly, Dolyguyy, Egritegenli, Gazanly, Shabasan, Garakel and others.
Local geologists showed convincingly that the main prospects for increasing proven gas reserves are linked to subsalt carbonate deposits of the Upper Jurassic period. At these sites the thickness of the productive horizon is 600-700 meters.
The exploration revealed that the gas content area of this field is expanding rapidly, bringing dozens of new and previously identified geological structures to the central part of the Murgab depression.
After conducting complex works in late October, the Turkmengeologiya State Corporation increased the figure to 22 trillion cubic meters of gas. According to the company, after detailed computer processing, geological and geophysical models of the gas fields were created.
"The field's potential evaluation shows 9.985 trillion cubic meters according to the C1 category, 11.055 trillion cubic meters according to the C2 category, and a total of over 21 trillion cubic meters of gas."
Turkmengeologiya also noted that the field's perimeter is 105 kilometers in length and 30-35 kilometers in width.
Further seismic and exploratory drilling needs to be conducted to clarify the geological structure of the Yoloten and Minara sites, as well as the southwestern and northwestern sections of this group of fields.
Along with continuing search and exploration works, measures are being taken on the field to accelerate its entry into commercial operation. The Turkmengaz state concern, in cooperation with foreign companies, is implementing a project to develop the Southern Yoloten, with investments totaling approximately $10 billion.
Steps were taken on the field to create the infrastructure necessary for gas production and gas processing, calculated to total 30 billion cubic meters of gas a year. In particular, the contracting companies accelerated preparation of project documentation for the exploitation of this natural storehouse of hydrocarbons.
According to the state concern, Turkmengaz is to coordinate the activities of the companies involved, as well as monitoring the quality and timely execution of works, oversee the contractors on the ground performing selection, and prepare the area as a foundation for future gas processing plants.
South Korea's Hyundai is delivering heavy equipment (absorbers and regenerators amine) for future ventures on desulfurization.
Companies Changing Engineering Company LTD, Gulf Oil and Gas FSE are engaged in preparing project documentation for the construction of underground facilities, including the development and design of wells and drilling, rig mobilization, as well preparing the site for drilling operations.