Jack 2
Encyclopedia
Jack 2 is a test well in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico
(Walker Ridge Block 758) that successfully extracted oil from the lower Tertiary area of the Gulf in the second quarter of 2006. The field owners Chevron, Devon Energy and Norway's Statoil drilled to about 20000 feet (6,096 m) below the sea floor, the wellhead being 7000 feet (2,133.6 m) below sea-level, for a total depth of 28,125 feet. Oil flowed at more than 6000 barrels (953.9 m³) per day. At the time, it was the deepest ever successful test well in the Gulf of Mexico to date. Jack 2 is a joint venture between Chevron Corporation
(50%), Devon Energy
(25%), and StatoilHydro
(25%).
Most oil in the Gulf of Mexico is found on a continental shelf
in less than 1,700 feet (520 m) of water. Oil was known to exist in the deeper waters of the Gulf between 5,000 and 10,000 feet (3,000 m), but it had yet to be proven that enough could be extracted to make the venture economically successful. The Jack 2 well is 175 miles (282 km) offshore in more than 7,000 feet (2,100 m) of water. The oil was extracted after drilling through more than 20,000 feet (6,100 m) of rock beneath the ocean floor.
Jack 2 proved the existence of a new play
in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. The estimated oil reserves
the play could contain range between 3 Goilbbl and 15 Goilbbl. News of the find was credited for contributing to a drop in crude oil prices. The maximum estimate of 15 Goilbbl represents half of the total current estimate of U.S. reserves, equal to slightly less than two years of U.S. consumption at present levels.
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is a partially landlocked ocean basin largely surrounded by the North American continent and the island of Cuba. It is bounded on the northeast, north and northwest by the Gulf Coast of the United States, on the southwest and south by Mexico, and on the southeast by Cuba. In...
(Walker Ridge Block 758) that successfully extracted oil from the lower Tertiary area of the Gulf in the second quarter of 2006. The field owners Chevron, Devon Energy and Norway's Statoil drilled to about 20000 feet (6,096 m) below the sea floor, the wellhead being 7000 feet (2,133.6 m) below sea-level, for a total depth of 28,125 feet. Oil flowed at more than 6000 barrels (953.9 m³) per day. At the time, it was the deepest ever successful test well in the Gulf of Mexico to date. Jack 2 is a joint venture between Chevron Corporation
Chevron Corporation
Chevron Corporation is an American multinational energy corporation headquartered in San Ramon, California, United States and active in more than 180 countries. It is engaged in every aspect of the oil, gas, and geothermal energy industries, including exploration and production; refining,...
(50%), Devon Energy
Devon Energy
Devon Energy Corporation , is among the largest U.S.-based independent natural gas and oil producers. Based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the company's operations are focused on North American onshore exploration and production...
(25%), and StatoilHydro
StatoilHydro
Statoil ASA, trading as Statoil and formerly known as StatoilHydro, is a Norwegian energy company, formed by the 2007 merger of Statoil with the oil and gas division of Norsk Hydro. The Government of Norway is the largest shareholder in Statoil with 67% of the shares...
(25%).
Most oil in the Gulf of Mexico is found on a continental shelf
Continental shelf
The continental shelf is the extended perimeter of each continent and associated coastal plain. Much of the shelf was exposed during glacial periods, but is now submerged under relatively shallow seas and gulfs, and was similarly submerged during other interglacial periods. The continental margin,...
in less than 1,700 feet (520 m) of water. Oil was known to exist in the deeper waters of the Gulf between 5,000 and 10,000 feet (3,000 m), but it had yet to be proven that enough could be extracted to make the venture economically successful. The Jack 2 well is 175 miles (282 km) offshore in more than 7,000 feet (2,100 m) of water. The oil was extracted after drilling through more than 20,000 feet (6,100 m) of rock beneath the ocean floor.
Jack 2 proved the existence of a new play
Petroleum play
In geology, a petroleum play, or simply a play, is a group of petroleum fields or prospects in the same region that are controlled by the same set of geological circumstances.The normal steps in the play cycle are:...
in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. The estimated oil reserves
Oil reserves
The total estimated amount of oil in an oil reservoir, including both producible and non-producible oil, is called oil in place. However, because of reservoir characteristics and limitations in petroleum extraction technologies, only a fraction of this oil can be brought to the surface, and it is...
the play could contain range between 3 Goilbbl and 15 Goilbbl. News of the find was credited for contributing to a drop in crude oil prices. The maximum estimate of 15 Goilbbl represents half of the total current estimate of U.S. reserves, equal to slightly less than two years of U.S. consumption at present levels.