Search Documents

By H. W. Miller, V. H. Wilhem

Although the year 1933 was a period of uncertainty, considerable new development was initiated, with a high percentage of favorable results, for owing to financial conditions only projects of merit were proposed and developed. Unfavorable marketing conditions caused severe financial losses to refinery and sales departments of nearly all companies during the first half of the year. In anticipation of stabilized Government control, earnings were generally favorable during the third quarter but failure of the Government to take legal action against violators of the proration orders, and lack of agreement on a definite plan of curtailment, resulted in considerable overproduction and demoralization of the market structure during most of the final quarter. However, toward the close of the year Government action against violators of the Oil Code had a tendency to decrease overproduction materially and give the market a firmer tone. As a whole, the price structure of crude oil was maintained at a high level during the year; in fact, at a much higher level than the price of refinery products warranted. At no time during the year was production within 10,000 bbl. daily of the state allotment, overproduction of crude reaching a peak of 70,000 bbl. on Sept. 7, average daily average for the year being about 27,000 barrels. Numerous plans for equitable curtailment were prepared and tested during the year, none of which fully solved the many and intricate problems faced by operators who were in most cases willing to curtail if they could feel that cooperation was being practiced by their neighbors. Outstanding events in California oildom during the period under discussion may be classified under the following headings: 1. New discoveries. (a) New development in proven areas. (b) Deeper zones in settled pools. 2. Unproductive wildcat operations. 3. Whipstocking practice and procedure. 4. Progress of unit and orderly plans of development.

Jan 1, 1934

By V. H. Wilhelm

During the first half of the year 1935, the oil industry in California was on a fairly profitable basis, owing mainly to the operation of the Petroleum Marketing Agency. Coincident with the discontinuance of enforced curtailment, California production surged upward from an average of about 500,000 bbl. per day (over the first five-month period) to approximately 625,000 bbl. per day (over the last seven-month period). On Dec. 9 the state production had reached a peak of over 700,000 bbl., a figure that had not been approximated since the early days of voluntary curtailment (Fig. 1). A price cut was instituted during the last half of August, but had no deterring effect on operators that were determined to take advantage of the breakdown of curtailment and produce to capacity. New reserve figures, compiled from actual potentials, available after cessation of curtailment, revealed the startling fact that California reserves were rapidly declining. This situation, coupled with the desire among operators to obtain a more equitable price for their dwindling reserves, caused a restoration in November of a portion of the August price slash. A further rise in price was effected in early December, and crude quotations at the end of the year closely approximated those in effect during the first right months. At the close of the year, the industry felt confident that the production situation was under control. In all fields where competition is keen because of close spacing, production is gradually declining. In the Los Angeles Basin especially there is no likelihood of a large amount of overproduction, unless a new pool is discovered or deeper drilling reveals a prolific source of crude. As long as the fields that are operated by a few companies, such as Kettleman Hills, North Belridge, Ventura Avenue, West Coyote, Dominguez, and some others, can be controlled, it is believed that the overproduction problem in California will be solved.

Jan 1, 1936

By V. H. Wilhelm

During the first half of the year 1935, the oil industry in California was on a fairly profitable basis, owing mainly to the operation of the Petroleum Marketing Agency. Coincident with the discontinuance of enforced curtailment, California production surged upward from an average of about 500,000 bbl. per day (over the first five-month period) to approximately 625,000 bbl. per day (over the last seven-month period). On Dec. 9 the state production had reached a peak of over 700,000 bbl., a figure that had not been approximated since the early days of voluntary curtailment (Fig. 1). A price cut was instituted during the last half of August, but had no deterring effect on operators that were determined to take advantage of the breakdown of curtailment and produce to capacity. New reserve figures, compiled from actual potentials, available after cessation of curtailment, revealed the startling fact that California reserves were rapidly declining. This situation, coupled with the desire among operators to obtain a more equitable price for their dwindling reserves, caused a restoration in November of a portion of the August price slash. A further rise in price was effected in early December, and crude quotations at the end of the year closely approximated those in effect during the first right months. At the close of the year, the industry felt confident that the production situation was under control. In all fields where competition is keen because of close spacing, production is gradually declining. In the Los Angeles Basin especially there is no likelihood of a large amount of overproduction, unless a new pool is discovered or deeper drilling reveals a prolific source of crude. As long as the fields that are operated by a few companies, such as Kettleman Hills, North Belridge, Ventura Avenue, West Coyote, Dominguez, and some others, can be controlled, it is believed that the overproduction problem in California will be solved.

Jan 1, 1936

By B. E. Thompson, H. B. Fuqua

For a very brief description of the North Texas area, and the general geological features with which it is associated, the reader is referred to the opening paragraph of last year's summary1. A more complete discussion of the structure of the area, together with other interesting data concerning it, has been published recently by the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas2. It has been impossible for the authors to isolate the statistics for production for each of the many small pools of this district, as such statistics are not kept by operators except by counties or arbitrary divisions of counties. The total number of wells drilled in Archer, Wichita and Clay counties also has been subject to some estimate, as many of the shallower holes are not reported. While both routine development in proven or semiproven areas and exploratory drilling during 1935 showed an increase over the year 1934, the discovery of new producing areas of importance did not show improvement over that period. Several extremely local productive spots within semiproven areas were found in Archer, Cooke and Wilbarger counties; and extensions to older producing areas were developed in Archer, Baylor, Cooke, Montague, Wichita and Wilbarger counties. In Archer County, the Grace and Woods No. 1 Archer County (Fee), 4 miles northwest of Archer City, in the Thomas Glass survey, encountered a sand from 2836 to 2845 ft. of Pennsylvanian (lower Canyon) age, which showed an initial yield of 75 bbl. daily. While its production is of negligible importance, it is given special mention in this review because of the fact that it is producing from a new and deeper horizon than has been previously exploited in the county. Little deep development occurred in the district during the year. The Walter Gant No. 2 C. M. Worsham in J. M. Swisher survey, about 14 miles east of Henrietta, in Clay County, was abandoned at 5127 ft. in

Jan 1, 1936

By H. B. Fuqua, B. E. Thompson

For a very brief description of the North Texas area, and the general geological features with which it is associated, the reader is referred to the opening paragraph of last year's summary1. A more complete discussion of the structure of the area, together with other interesting data concerning it, has been published recently by the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas2. It has been impossible for the authors to isolate the statistics for production for each of the many small pools of this district, as such statistics are not kept by operators except by counties or arbitrary divisions of counties. The total number of wells drilled in Archer, Wichita and Clay counties also has been subject to some estimate, as many of the shallower holes are not reported. While both routine development in proven or semiproven areas and exploratory drilling during 1935 showed an increase over the year 1934, the discovery of new producing areas of importance did not show improvement over that period. Several extremely local productive spots within semiproven areas were found in Archer, Cooke and Wilbarger counties; and extensions to older producing areas were developed in Archer, Baylor, Cooke, Montague, Wichita and Wilbarger counties. In Archer County, the Grace and Woods No. 1 Archer County (Fee), 4 miles northwest of Archer City, in the Thomas Glass survey, encountered a sand from 2836 to 2845 ft. of Pennsylvanian (lower Canyon) age, which showed an initial yield of 75 bbl. daily. While its production is of negligible importance, it is given special mention in this review because of the fact that it is producing from a new and deeper horizon than has been previously exploited in the county. Little deep development occurred in the district during the year. The Walter Gant No. 2 C. M. Worsham in J. M. Swisher survey, about 14 miles east of Henrietta, in Clay County, was abandoned at 5127 ft. in

Jan 1, 1936

By B. C. Craft

Oil and gas development in Arkansas during the year 1933 has been marked by considerable wildcat drilling, considering the overproduction prevalent in the oil industry. Arkansas showed an increase in drilling operations during 1933. There were 45 completions from 10 counties resulting in 7 oil wells and 38 dry holes, compared with 37 completions resulting in 4 oil wells and 33 dry holes during 1932. Miller County continued to be the most active area, with 18 completions resulting in 3 oil wells and 15 dry holes. Extensive exploration around the Miller County field has more definitely established the producing limits. It has confirmed the belief that produc-

Jan 1, 1934

By C. E. Shoenfelt

The most important development in an otherwise colorless year in Colorado oil fields was the completion, late in 1933, of a well on Iles dome on the western slope of Colorado, with an initial production of 1100 bbl. of oil. No great amount of activity beyond the drilling of necessary offset wells is to be expected as a result of the completion of a well of this size because the acreage on Iles dome is closely held; there is no pipe line outlet other than to the Texas Company's small refinery at Craig, 24 miles distant; and the market for the oil is limited to the demands of sparsely settled communities in the high mountains. The Iles field is located on a large dome developed in Mancos shale of Cretaceous age, and having a closure of approximately 400 ft. The structure is highly faulted on the southern end. The first commercial oil well on this dome was completed by the Midwest Refining Co. on the south side of sec. 22-4N.-92W. Oil of 37" gravity was developed in Nancos shale at 2560 ft. and water in the Dakota sandstone at 2630 ft., but a considerable amount of additional oil was found in the shale immediately overlying the Dakota. From 2630 ft., the well produced in 16 hr. 750 bbl. of fluid, 33 per cent of which was water. Production in the Sundance sand of Jurassic age was found in the Midwest Refining Company's No. 4 Parkinson, in the NE.-SW.-SE. of sec. 22-4N.-92W., and completed on the last day of the year 1926, for an initial production of 450 bbl. of oil at a total depth of 3242 ft. The well completed in 1933 is also a Sundance sand producer and was finished at a depth of 3447 ft. It extends the productive area of the field about a quarter of a mile cast. The Iles field is said to have a potential production of 5000 bbl. of oil a day from its present wells, but for the past year has been held at about 600 bbl. a day. The most important test, stratigraphically, ever drilled on the western slope of Colorado is the California Company's No. 1 Raven, NW.-SE. of sec. 30-2N.-102W., which had an initial production of 138 bbl. of oil of 32" gravity, in the Weber formation (Pennsylvanian) between 5750 to 6315 ft. It mas drilled to 7137 ft., probably near the base of the Weber, and then plugged back to 6315 ft. It was shot quite heavily with nitro-glycerin, but failed to respond. While the well can hardly be classified

Jan 1, 1934

By C. E. Shoenfelt

There were 110 important discoveries of either oil or gas in Co1orado in 1935. There was, however, further development of the Price structure in southern Colorado and developments since the first of the year indicate. that an important oil field may be in the making. The discovery of oil in Price structure was made by the Oil City Petroleum Co. late ill Novem-ber, 1934, in its No. 2 Garnett in the northeast corner of lot 3 in the SW.¼ of sec. 25-33N.-2E. This well developed a good showing of oil in Dakota sand at 970 ft. The hole filled up 15 ft. with 40° gravity oil overnight and after standing for several days the oil level was 400 ft. higher. As a result of the discovery of oil by the No. 2 Garnett, three wells were drilled by the William E. Hughes Estate. Two of these wells had good showings of oil and may make good producers but it is doubtful whether they will produce the estimated capacity of 500 bbl. each with which they have been credited. Although the Hughes Estate wells have been completed for some time, they have not been given thorough production tests because of the isolated position of the field and lack of proper facilities. The. first well drilled by the Hughes Estate was located on the west side of the Navajo River on the downthrow side of a fault. It encoun-tered water ill the Dakota sand at 1285 ft, and was abandoned in green shales of the Morrison at 1405 ft. Well cuttings from the Dakota sand showed some evidence of once containing oil, so a 1ocation was selected for No. 2 Fee on the east side of the river and on the upthrow side of the fault. Oil was discovered in Dakota sands ill 1935 by Continental Oil Co. in its No. 3 Hoye, NW.NW.NE. of sec. 34-9N.-78W., on the South McCallum anticline in North Park, Jackson County, Colo., but on account of heavy flows of carbon dioxide gas under high pressure it has been impossible for the company to get an accurate gage of the oil production. The freezing action of expanding carbon dioxide makes the producing of the oil difficult and costly.

Jan 1, 1936

By C. E. Shoenfelt

There were 110 important discoveries of either oil or gas in Co1orado in 1935. There was, however, further development of the Price structure in southern Colorado and developments since the first of the year indicate. that an important oil field may be in the making. The discovery of oil in Price structure was made by the Oil City Petroleum Co. late ill Novem-ber, 1934, in its No. 2 Garnett in the northeast corner of lot 3 in the SW.¼ of sec. 25-33N.-2E. This well developed a good showing of oil in Dakota sand at 970 ft. The hole filled up 15 ft. with 40° gravity oil overnight and after standing for several days the oil level was 400 ft. higher. As a result of the discovery of oil by the No. 2 Garnett, three wells were drilled by the William E. Hughes Estate. Two of these wells had good showings of oil and may make good producers but it is doubtful whether they will produce the estimated capacity of 500 bbl. each with which they have been credited. Although the Hughes Estate wells have been completed for some time, they have not been given thorough production tests because of the isolated position of the field and lack of proper facilities. The. first well drilled by the Hughes Estate was located on the west side of the Navajo River on the downthrow side of a fault. It encoun-tered water ill the Dakota sand at 1285 ft, and was abandoned in green shales of the Morrison at 1405 ft. Well cuttings from the Dakota sand showed some evidence of once containing oil, so a 1ocation was selected for No. 2 Fee on the east side of the river and on the upthrow side of the fault. Oil was discovered in Dakota sands ill 1935 by Continental Oil Co. in its No. 3 Hoye, NW.NW.NE. of sec. 34-9N.-78W., on the South McCallum anticline in North Park, Jackson County, Colo., but on account of heavy flows of carbon dioxide gas under high pressure it has been impossible for the company to get an accurate gage of the oil production. The freezing action of expanding carbon dioxide makes the producing of the oil difficult and costly.

Jan 1, 1936

By A. H. Bell

Continued low prices and restricted markets for crude oil discouraged drilling activity in Illinois oil fields during 1933. Only 36 wells were completed in the state, the smallest number since 1904, and of these the majority were scattered wildcat wells, only 10 having been drilled in producing fields (Table 2). Production was curtailed approximately 40 per cent for the first half of the year. During July, August, and the early part of September there was no restriction on production. On Sept. 8, under the "code of fair competition for the petroleum industry," the quota of allowable production for Illinois was fixed at 12,000 bbl. per day. The state's production in 1933 was 9 per cent less than in 1932. What it would have been had there been no curtailment of production and if economic conditions had permitted a normal amount of cleaning out and repairs to wells, it is not possible to estimate, but it would no doubt have been considerably more than the actual figure. No new pools or new producing horizons were discovered in 1933, but the deepening of a Robinson sand well in Crawford County to the McClosky "sand" horizon (St. Genevieve limestone of the Lower Mississippian) resulted in a production of 3 bbl. per day (Fred Patchel, Savilla Shipman No. 5, NE. 1/4, SW. 1/4, sec. 26, T.6N., R.l3W., deepened from 1122 to 1388 ft., to be tested to the McClosky horizon, and, owing to the rapid variations in porosity within short distances, as shown in the Lawrence County field to the south, one test may not be considered as proving or condemning any large area. The average price of Illinois crude oil in 1933, calculated from the posted prices as published in the Oil and Gas Journal and Oil Weekly, was $0.862 per barrel. This compares with a calculated average price of $1.032 in 1932 and 0.852 in 1931. The total value of Illinois crude oil produced in 1933 obtained by multiplying the average price (0.862) by the total production (4,227,000 bbl.) was $3,643,674. Of the 26 wildcat wells drilled in 1933, only one was drilled on known favorable structure. This was the Walmar Oil Company's William Pepple well No. 1, sec. 12, T.4N., R.12W., Hancock County, which tested

Jan 1, 1934

By N. Shiarella, Coleman D. Hunter, I. B. Browning

The price of crude oil in Kentucky did not change very much during 1935 until the latter part of the year, but more stabilized conditions and an increase in consumption of natural gas made the year a more profitable one than the year 1934. The production of crude oil in 1935 amounted to 5,175,054 bbl. as compared to 4,814,904 bbl. in 1934. This increase was due to two developments: (1) the application of new recovery methods to old fields, which, although in operation in the state for several years, had never before reached a point where the production obtained, while highly satisfactory where applied, was sufficient to influence the totals in the production figures; (2) the development of the Fordsville area in Ohio County, where shallow depths enabled the operators to complete the development of a large number of wells with a good flush production probably accounted for most of the increase. A map showing the location of oil and gas pools in Kentucky was published last year.' The fields of eastern Kentucky, producing from the Weir sand of the Waverly group of the Lower Mississippian series, in Johnson, Magoffin, Lawrence and Elliott counties, produced 826,001 bbl. of oil in 1935 as compared with 902,247 bbl. in the previous year. No new wells were drilled in this area during the year, except those for use as intake wells in repressuring. What has been done in the few small areas within these fields in the way of repressuring has produced results sufficient to a great extent to offset the natural decline of all the field. It is probable the drilling of new wells and construction of new plants will be such as to cause these fields to produce more in 1936 than was produced in the past year. This is based on the fact that the sand is highly favorable for repressuring and the results obtained show from 300 to 500 per cent increase in production. From the "Corniferous" pools, where production is from the Cornifer-ous limestone of Devonian age, in Lee, Powell, Estill, Wolfe, Morgan and

Jan 1, 1936

By I. B. Browning, N. Shiarella, Coleman D. Hunter

The price of crude oil in Kentucky did not change very much during 1935 until the latter part of the year, but more stabilized conditions and an increase in consumption of natural gas made the year a more profitable one than the year 1934. The production of crude oil in 1935 amounted to 5,175,054 bbl. as compared to 4,814,904 bbl. in 1934. This increase was due to two developments: (1) the application of new recovery methods to old fields, which, although in operation in the state for several years, had never before reached a point where the production obtained, while highly satisfactory where applied, was sufficient to influence the totals in the production figures; (2) the development of the Fordsville area in Ohio County, where shallow depths enabled the operators to complete the development of a large number of wells with a good flush production probably accounted for most of the increase. A map showing the location of oil and gas pools in Kentucky was published last year.' The fields of eastern Kentucky, producing from the Weir sand of the Waverly group of the Lower Mississippian series, in Johnson, Magoffin, Lawrence and Elliott counties, produced 826,001 bbl. of oil in 1935 as compared with 902,247 bbl. in the previous year. No new wells were drilled in this area during the year, except those for use as intake wells in repressuring. What has been done in the few small areas within these fields in the way of repressuring has produced results sufficient to a great extent to offset the natural decline of all the field. It is probable the drilling of new wells and construction of new plants will be such as to cause these fields to produce more in 1936 than was produced in the past year. This is based on the fact that the sand is highly favorable for repressuring and the results obtained show from 300 to 500 per cent increase in production. From the "Corniferous" pools, where production is from the Cornifer-ous limestone of Devonian age, in Lee, Powell, Estill, Wolfe, Morgan and

Jan 1, 1936

By Benjamin C. Craft

Oil and gas development in Louisiana during 1935 brought this state at the close of the year up to fourth place in the nation as a producing area. A review of development in North Louisiana centers around Rodessa, the most important reserve discovered in this area in many years. While the producing limits have not been defined, this discovery is one of the major developments of the year. New gas fields were discovered in Lincoln, De Soto and Bossier parishes. The Lincoln Parish discovery, completed flowing a highly saturated gas from the Glen Rose, further indicates the importance of deep-seated prospects in the interior salt-dome area. Minor extensions were made at Sligo and Pine Island. During the year, 126 oil wells and 103 gas wells were completed in North Louisiana as compared with 144 oil wells and 68 gas wells during 1934. The North Louisiana oil production was 9,617,405 bbl. as com-pared with 9,274,050 bbl. during 1934, an increase of 343,355 bbl., while the gas production increased 18 billion cu. ft. in 1935 over its 1934 figure. The Louisiana Department of Conservation gage of Nov. 1, 1935, shows an open-flow capacity of 4,563,725,000 cu. ft. per day from 941 wells in the Monroe field and 682,770,000 cu. ft. from 159 wells in the Rich-land field. A great deal of leasing continues in North Louisiana as a result of the Lincoln Parish discovery and development in the Rodessa field, especially in Bossier, De Soto, Winn, Lincoln, Bienville, Webster, Ouachita and Richland parishes. South Louisiana's position as an area of important reserves was further proved during the past year. Increased drilling resulted in the discovery of seven new fields: Lafitte, Garden Island Bay, Tepetate, Bunkie, St. Martinsville, Jeanerette and Big Lake. New sands or producing horizons proved productive in 15 of the proven fields. The total oil production for South Louisiana during 1935 was 40,731,-056 bbl. as compared with 23,255,437 bbl. during 1934. There were 222 oil and gas wells completed in South Louisiana during 1935 as compared with 214 oil wells during the previous period. Drilling during

Jan 1, 1936

By B. C. Craft

The principal events in the oil and gas operations for Louisiana during 1933 have been the rapid development of the Converse field in Sabine Parish, the discovery of three new salt domes, one in North Louisiana and two in South Louisiana, increased development in the Iowa field on the Calcasieu-Jefferson Davis Parish line, and extensive geophysical operations over a wide territory. Other miscellaneous events worthy of mention are the continued leasing of prospective oil lands over a wide area, extension of production at the East Hackberry field, Cameron Parish, discovery of deep sands at Caillou Island, Terrebonne Parish, and the completion of several important wildcats. Despite proration, oil production showed a substantial increase during 1933. The total output for this area was 25,599,802 bbl. as compared with 22,507,387 bbl. during 1932. North Louisiana There were 111 oil wells and 47 gas wells completed in North Louisiana during 1933 as compared with 109 oil wells and 33 gas wells during 1932. North Louisiana oil production decreased approximately 692,625 bbl. in 1933 from its 1932 figure. The normal decline in the old fields was partly offset by increased production at the Zwolle and Converse fields in Sabine Parish. Acid treatment of wells in the Zwolle, Converse and Monroe fields was highly successful. The method of application has been described by H. K. Shearer, Geologist, Pelican Natural Gas Co., as fo1lows:l With tubing in the hole and standing valve removed, the casing is filled with oil to the surface. The limestone solvent is pumped in through the tubing, at the same time bleeding off enough oil from the casinghead to equal the volume contained in the tubing plus the volume of open hole to be treated. The amount of solvent used in most of the wells treated was 1000 gal., which is enough to dissolve about 11 cu. ft. of chalk or limestone. After the computed amount of oil is bled off, the casinghead is closed and the remainder of the solvent is pumped in at whatever pressure is necessary to force it into the oil-producing horizon. The solvent is followed up with enough oil to

Jan 1, 1934

By Benjamin C. Craft

Oil and gas development in Louisiana during 1935 brought this state at the close of the year up to fourth place in the nation as a producing area. A review of development in North Louisiana centers around Rodessa, the most important reserve discovered in this area in many years. While the producing limits have not been defined, this discovery is one of the major developments of the year. New gas fields were discovered in Lincoln, De Soto and Bossier parishes. The Lincoln Parish discovery, completed flowing a highly saturated gas from the Glen Rose, further indicates the importance of deep-seated prospects in the interior salt-dome area. Minor extensions were made at Sligo and Pine Island. During the year, 126 oil wells and 103 gas wells were completed in North Louisiana as compared with 144 oil wells and 68 gas wells during 1934. The North Louisiana oil production was 9,617,405 bbl. as com-pared with 9,274,050 bbl. during 1934, an increase of 343,355 bbl., while the gas production increased 18 billion cu. ft. in 1935 over its 1934 figure. The Louisiana Department of Conservation gage of Nov. 1, 1935, shows an open-flow capacity of 4,563,725,000 cu. ft. per day from 941 wells in the Monroe field and 682,770,000 cu. ft. from 159 wells in the Rich-land field. A great deal of leasing continues in North Louisiana as a result of the Lincoln Parish discovery and development in the Rodessa field, especially in Bossier, De Soto, Winn, Lincoln, Bienville, Webster, Ouachita and Richland parishes. South Louisiana's position as an area of important reserves was further proved during the past year. Increased drilling resulted in the discovery of seven new fields: Lafitte, Garden Island Bay, Tepetate, Bunkie, St. Martinsville, Jeanerette and Big Lake. New sands or producing horizons proved productive in 15 of the proven fields. The total oil production for South Louisiana during 1935 was 40,731,-056 bbl. as compared with 23,255,437 bbl. during 1934. There were 222 oil and gas wells completed in South Louisiana during 1935 as compared with 214 oil wells during the previous period. Drilling during

Jan 1, 1936

By Theron Wasson

The Central Michigan area held first place in the state during the year. Midland and Isabella, the leading counties in 1932, produced most of the oil in 1933. The Porter field southeast of Mt. Pleasant and along the same structural trend saw the greatest drilling activity. In Porter during the year 117 new wells were drilled. Under proration these wells produced 3,583,617 bbl., or nearly one-half the total for the state, which has been estimated at 7,947,695 bbl. The Porter field is already outlined on all sides except the northwest. It probably reached its peak in 1933. Unless a new field of some magnitude is developed in 1934, Michigan will see a continuous decline. The Greendale extension to the old Mt. Pleasant field furnished the new flush for 1932. In 1933

Jan 1, 1934

By Henry N. Toler

Development in the Jackson gas field, Hinds and Rankin counties, for 1935 continued at a slow pace, there being only nine wells drilled on the structure, of which five resulted in gas producers and four in dry holes. There were no wells drilled deep enough during 1935 to test any of the horizons below the producing Selma chalk. There are 113 producing gas wells in the Jackson gas field, with three wells on the southeast edge of the field making some oil with a large quantity of salt water; this oil comes from the same horizon as the gas. The combined open flow of the 113 gas wells is about 4,100,000,000 cu. ft. The proven area of the field is approximately 8000 acres. The production of 10,291,000,000 cu. ft. for 1935 represents the largest yearly pull from the field by almost a billion cubic feet. The total production from the field to date is 45,104,000,-000 cu. ft. It is interesting to note that the rock pressure has dropped from 1010 lb. per sq. in. initial to 943 Ib. at the end of 1935, a decline of only 67 lb. in 6 years. There is a difference of opinion as to the age of the deepest formation tested on the Jackson structure; some people holding that it is Tuscaloosa, others, Trinity, and still others that it is Paleozoic, probably Pottsville. The production of the Amory gas field, Monroe County, continued to decline and the capacity was far under the demand. Originally there were four producing wells in the field with a combined open-flow capacity of approximately 15,000,000 cu. ft. and a rock pressure of 680 lb. per sq. in. At the end of 1935 only two wells were producing with a combined open-flow of less than 1 million cu. ft. and the rock pressure down to 100 lb. or less. No attempt has been made to drill new wells in the immediate field but three wells are being drilled in the county in an effort to secure new supplies of gas. The wildcat operations for 1935, with only 11 wells drilled, were the lowest since 1932, just about one-half the number drilled during 1934. None of the wildcat wells drilled in 1935 resulted in producers and, so far as the writer is aware, did not uncover any large structures. The 11 wells drilled were abandoned or junked at comparatively shallow depths, except the well drilled in George County to 6928 ft. by the United Gas

Jan 1, 1936

By B. C. Craft

Oil and gas development in Mississippi during the year 1933 was rather active and a number of important wildcat wells were drilled throughout the state. Mississippi showed an increase in drilling operations during 1933. There were 58 completions from 22 counties during this period, compared with 53 completions in 10 counties during 1932. The Jackson gas field in Hinds and Rankin counties continued to be the most active area with 26 completions, resulting in 17 gas wells, 2 oil wells, and 7 dry holes, compared with 38 gas wells, 1 oil well and 5 dry holes during 1932. A further attempt to extend the producing limits of the Amory gas field resulted in a dry hole. Extensive exploration in south Mississippi has proved the existence of ample source beds and presence of an extensive sandbody near the top of Cockfield. Core tests, supplemented by extensive geophysical work, have been carried on in Jackson, George, Harrison, Pearl River and Stone counties. Exploration will be continued in 1934. The most important deep test drilled in 1933, and the deepest well ever drilled in a southeastern state, was the Eastman Gardner et al., Bank of Seminary No. 1, sec. 26-8N.-15W., Covington County. This well went through about 1300 ft. of Selma chalk, and was abandoned in the Eutaw at 8004 ft. Another interesting operation during the past year was the Foster Creek Oil Corporation's Foster Creek Lumber Co. No. 1, sec. 14-2N.-2W., in the "Eastern Conroe Trend." This test is shut down at 3687 ft. in the Catahoula sandstone and has not encountered any important shows of oil or gas. A total of 107 of the 117 gas wells completed in the Jackson gas field since its discovery in 1930 are still producing, and have a combined open flow of approximately 3,724,896,000 cu. ft. It is reasonable to assume that this area will be rather inactive during 1934 as the maximum daily production during 1933 was 3,476,000 cu. ft. The 10 wells that have gone dead were edge wells. The water level is now between the sub-sea depths of 2190 and 2195 ft. The Gulf Refining Company's Rainey No. 1, sec. 13-5N.-lE., one of the early wells in the field, had gas and water at —2225 ft. That the field is under hydraulic control is

Jan 1, 1934

By Henry N. Toler

Development in the Jackson gas field, Hinds and Rankin counties, for 1935 continued at a slow pace, there being only nine wells drilled on the structure, of which five resulted in gas producers and four in dry holes. There were no wells drilled deep enough during 1935 to test any of the horizons below the producing Selma chalk. There are 113 producing gas wells in the Jackson gas field, with three wells on the southeast edge of the field making some oil with a large quantity of salt water; this oil comes from the same horizon as the gas. The combined open flow of the 113 gas wells is about 4,100,000,000 cu. ft. The proven area of the field is approximately 8000 acres. The production of 10,291,000,000 cu. ft. for 1935 represents the largest yearly pull from the field by almost a billion cubic feet. The total production from the field to date is 45,104,000,-000 cu. ft. It is interesting to note that the rock pressure has dropped from 1010 lb. per sq. in. initial to 943 Ib. at the end of 1935, a decline of only 67 lb. in 6 years. There is a difference of opinion as to the age of the deepest formation tested on the Jackson structure; some people holding that it is Tuscaloosa, others, Trinity, and still others that it is Paleozoic, probably Pottsville. The production of the Amory gas field, Monroe County, continued to decline and the capacity was far under the demand. Originally there were four producing wells in the field with a combined open-flow capacity of approximately 15,000,000 cu. ft. and a rock pressure of 680 lb. per sq. in. At the end of 1935 only two wells were producing with a combined open-flow of less than 1 million cu. ft. and the rock pressure down to 100 lb. or less. No attempt has been made to drill new wells in the immediate field but three wells are being drilled in the county in an effort to secure new supplies of gas. The wildcat operations for 1935, with only 11 wells drilled, were the lowest since 1932, just about one-half the number drilled during 1934. None of the wildcat wells drilled in 1935 resulted in producers and, so far as the writer is aware, did not uncover any large structures. The 11 wells drilled were abandoned or junked at comparatively shallow depths, except the well drilled in George County to 6928 ft. by the United Gas

Jan 1, 1936

By F. C. Greene

Development work in western Missouri was continuous during 1933, owing to the shallow depths at which production is obtained and the low operating costs. Unfortunately, no statistics covering the total production of oil and gas during the year are available. No new oil-producing pools were opened in 1933, but the Knoche area in 1.46 N., R.33 W., Cass County, was extended. There are probably less than 100 producing oil wells, all in Cass and Jackson counties, with a combined production of possibly around 150 bbl. daily. Several new gas areas were developed and there were several extensions of old areas, in 1933. Production was extended north by an entirely new pool—the Hammond pool, north of Plattsburg in Clinton Co. (sec. 18, T.55 N., R.31 W., and sec. 13, T.55 N., R.32 W.) where 13 wells were completed, the largest producing 2,332,000 cubic feet. In the Bartle and Marshall pool in secs. 3-4-9-10, T.47 N., R.33 W., Jackson County, four wells opened a new area. The largest well was 1,000,000 cubic feet. There were some small extensions near Independence, Jackson County. Two wells of about 300,000 cu. ft. were completed at a depth of 700 ft. in Kansas City and in a deeper sand than is usually productive. The Shaler area, in secs. 27-34, T.44 N., R.33 W. in Cass County, was extended with several wells, the largest of which was 300,000 cubic feet. The production in the pools mentioned is obtained chiefly from the Henrietta and Cherokee formations of the Pennsylvanian age.

Jan 1, 1934