--> Abstract: Sacramento Basin Cretaceous Exploratory Concepts; Failures and Success, “Hood-Franklin Discovery”, by J. Howe and F. Cressy; #90088 (2009)

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Sacramento Basin Cretaceous Exploratory Concepts; Failures and Success, “Hood-Franklin Discovery”

J. Howe1 and F. Cressy2
1Archer Exploration, Inc and Longbow LLC, Bakersfield, CA, [email protected]
2Independent Geologist, Bakersfield, CA, [email protected]

The Hood-Franklin Discovery well was initially conceived as a test of Forbes sands based on information from previously drilled wells and regional 2-D seismic. However, a strong AVO signature within the Winters, high dry hole cost, and risk associated with the Forbes made the shallower geophysically defined Winters anomaly the primary target. The event that produced the AVO was not readily apparent on the migrated version of the seismic, but became of interest after re-processing revealed a significant AVO response.

Prior to the Hood-Franklin Discovery, two wells had been drilled to the south on Forbes prospects based on a play concept using the Winters deposition as a model and trap type for the Forbes. Both wells proved unsuccessful, and in order to gain confidence in the development of reservoir quality gas sands within the Forbes, the 2-D lines were reprocessed for AVO. Weak AVO signatures were found over the Hood-Franklin leases within the Forbes but were discounted after classic AVO response was identified in the shallower sands within the Winters Formation. Drilling of the Winters AVO anomaly found 100% gas fill-up in a well-defined channel sand. Initial gas production tests of the sand recorded pressures at 3,000 psi, the maximum operating pressure of the test unit, and a flow rate of 2,990 MCF per day through an 8/64th choke. As of January 2009 four wells are producing in the Winters sand. The Forbes target was drilled in 2007 and was unsuccessful in testing the Forbes potential due to mechanical problems, and the Forbes, the initial concept of the Hood-Franklin Project, still remains a viable exploration target.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90088©2009 Pacific Section Meeting, Ventura, California, May 3-5, 2009