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AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 31 (1947)

Issue: 6. (June)

First Page: 1071

Last Page: 1077

Title: Developments in Upper Gulf Coast of Texas in 1946

Author(s): A. P. Allison (2), C. B. Claypool (3)

Abstract:

In 1946, 679 wells of all classifications were drilled in the Upper Gulf Coast of Texas. Of this number, 320 were classified as exploratory wells and 350 as field-development wells.

Among the exploratory wells, 121 were new-field wildcats, of which 14, or 11.6 per cent, were successful and 107 were failures; 112 were new-pool wildcats, of which 40 or 35.7 per cent, were successful and 72 were failures; 83 were extension wells or outposts. Of this number 39, or 47 per cent, were successful and 44 were failures.

Drilling showed a marked decline in 1946, with 679 operations compared with 911 during 1945. The greater part of this decline was in field-development wells, 359 compared with 563 in 1945. Exploratory drilling remained about the same with 316 operations compared with 348 in 1945.

New-field discoveries decreased from 26 in 1945 to 14 in 1946, while new sand discoveries in proved fields increased from 72 in 1945 to 80 in 1946. The new-field discovery rate in 1946 was 1 out of 8.6 wildcat wells drilled as compared with 1 out of 5 in 1945.

Of the 14 fields discovered in 1946, 6 were gas-condensate producers and 8 were oil fields. The Frio trend led the discovery list with 8 fields, and there were 2 each in the Yegua, Wilcox, and the Edwards of Lower Cretaceous age.

Most of the producing areas were localized by reflection seismograph after subsurface studies had indicated their possible presence.

The average quality of these fields is not impressive and their effect on production rates and reserves will probably be small. At the end of the year 1 was abandoned and 8 were still in the 1-well stage, and the field showing the greatest development had 6 wells completed.

Production in 1946 remained about the same as in 1945, approximately 183,000,000 barrels.

Reflection seismograph work showed a decline of 5 per cent in crew weeks as compared with 1945. Gravity exploration showed a decline of 32 per cent as compared with 1945.

Leasing activities along the Frio and Yegua-Wilcox trends remained about the same as in the preceding year.

A new objective, the Edwards limestone of Lower Cretaceous age, was added to the list of producing formations in 1946. This trend will cover the extreme northern part of the area. Two fields and one new pool, all producing gas and condensate, were discovered.

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