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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Special Volumes

Abstract


Pub. Id: A009 (1970)

First Page: 489

Last Page: 501

Book Title: M 14: Geology of Giant Petroleum Fields

Article/Chapter: Triassic Gas Field of Hassi er R'Mel, Algeria

Subject Group: Field Studies

Spec. Pub. Type: Memoir

Pub. Year: 1970

Author(s): Philippe R. Magloire (2)

Abstract:

After the first important Saharan stratigraphic test (Berriane) had shown encouraging results, SN REPAL intensified its reconnaissance studies. Seismic refraction and reflection, combined with field geology, located the structure of Hassi er R'Mel, about 60 mi (100 km) southwest of Laghouat oasis. In 1956 the HR-1 well was spudded, and led to the discovery of the gas field of Hassi er R'Mel.

Located on the Cretaceous high zone of the M'zab area, the structure of Hassi er R'Mel is part of a zone which has been stable tectonically since the Cambrian. Above the granitic basement are Cambrian and Ordovician strata, which are covered by Silurian strata where pre-Triassic erosion was not deep.

The oldest Mesozoic rocks unconformably overlying the Paleozoic are Triassic sandstone. A lower sequence (with andesite flows) fills the erosional topography of the pre-Triassic erosion surface. The top of this sequence is the C reservoir, which shows important lateral facies variations. It is overlain by two separate sandstone reservoir zones, B (noncontinuous) and A (continuous). Above the reservoirs are the salt-bearing Triassic (1,300 ft thick), Jurassic (3,000-3,300 ft), and Cretaceous.

The structure at the top of the Triassic reservoir is anticlinal and has a NNE-SSW axis; its areal extent is about 1,000 mi2 (2,600 km2).

An oil-water contact is at 4,936 ft (1,500 m) below sea level. Oil shows and minor production have been found in the Ordovician quartzite and Triassic sandstone. Possibly there is a very narrow oil ring but this is unproved. Though the structure is old, evidence shows that the gas was trapped definitely during the Early Cretaceous.

Operated by SEHR (a subsidiary of SN REPAL and CFP [A]), the gas field of Hassi er R'Mel has produced 430 billion ft3 of condensate gas since 1958. The in-place reserves now are estimated to be 70 trillion ft3. Production could be increased considerably should the market requirements be increased; because of the limited use for the gas at present, only five wells now are producing.

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