If sufficient hydrocarbon is encountered in a wildcat well, then appraisal wells will be
drilled. These appraisal wells are also known as delineation wells. He purpose of drilling
these wells is to define the hydrocarbon reservoir limits. This involves locating the
boundaries of the reservoir and determining it’s shape and size, determining rock
properties and reservoir fluid properties.
Appraisal wells are necessary to:
i) Gather sufficient information on which to base a decision as to whether there
is economic justification for proceeding with development of the hydrocarbon
reservoir.
ii) Provide additional data relative to the reservoir and it’s associated geologic
environment, so as to permit preparation of an effective reservoir development
plan, which can be used over the productive life of the reservoir.
