These “outstanding gas flows” follow Nexus’ announcement last Thursday that the well had flowed 23MMcfd of gas on production test from upper sands that did not test in the original appraisal well.

Nexus managing director Ian Tchacos told the Australian Stock Exchange this morning that the most recent results represented a key milestone towards commercialising the Longtom field.

“The results from this test demonstrate the excellent flow capacity of the lower Longtom reservoirs with a horizontal well completion,” he said.

“The flow capacity of Longtom-3 alone is expected to be sufficient to supply the anticipated maximum contract rate requirements for the Longtom Field.”

Longtom-3 also flowed about 324 barrels of condensate per day during a flow period with a gas rate of 36MMcfd.

The condensate ratios recorded from this test were about twice that recorded in the Longtom-2 test over the 200 sands, and five times those recorded during the Longtom-3’s first production test over the 400 (upper) sands. Nexus says this indicates that the laterally-extensive 100 sand is more condensate-rich than predicted.

The company expects the 100, 200 and 300 sands hold about 80% of field gas volumes and will provide the main source of commercial production. The shallower 400 sands tested earlier are at lower pressure and are expected to be drained later in field life.

Longtom-3 is expected to be the first of three production wells required for the field. One more, Longtom well is planned prior to first commercial production. The testing of the Longtom-3 well through a production completion and Christmas tree means the well is now ready for commercial production without any further rig intervention being required.