Two TCF of gas may be found 5,600 metres below ground in Titas

When the pressure of the gas crisis is clear across the country, Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Limited (BGFCL) has started searching for possibilities deeper into the ground. For the first time in the country’s history, an initiative has been taken to drill a well up to 5,600 metres deep in Titas, Brahmanbaria. This deep drilling project is being implemented by the Chinese company Sinopec Contracting and Drilling Company Limited (CCDC).

A busy activity was seen in the Titas gas field on Monday. A huge drilling rig is rotating continuously, with local and Chinese workers working together around it. The calculation of possibilities is being written deep in the ground with the sound of metal and the vibration of machinery.

The country has previously recorded a maximum well drilling depth of 4,900 metres. This time, the target has been set to go beyond that limit to a depth of 5.6 kilometres or about 18,372 feet. Those concerned believe that there is a possibility of large gas reserves in this deep layer.

BGFCL Managing Director Engineer Abdul Jalil Pramanik said that after drilling this well, another well will be drilled in Bakhrabad using the same rig. The total cost of the two projects has been estimated at Tk 594 crore. If all goes according to plan, there is a possibility of getting about two trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas. However, detailed tests will be required after drilling to be finally confirmed.

Although the daily gas demand in the country is currently about four billion cubic feet on paper, in reality, it is close to five billion cubic feet. On the contrary, the supply is only 260 to 270 million cubic feet. Of this, 80 to 85 million cubic feet comes from imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). This deficit is gradually increasing as the production of domestic gas fields has decreased. As a result, if new reserves are found, it can play a major role in energy security, the concerned people believe.

The time taken to drill the Titas-31 well has been 210 days. About 22 percent of the work that started on April 19 has already been completed. On the other hand, it will take about 180 days to drill the Bakhrabad-21 well. After the drilling, the presence and commercial potential of gas will be verified through tests. If suitable, it will be supplied to the national grid.

According to experts, the potential for gas is high between 3,700 and 5,400 metres in Titas. Four potential layers have been identified at this depth in Titas. The first layer is between 3,736 and 3,765 metres deep and the last layer is between 5,315 and 5,344 metres. The middle two layers are also considered potential.

The risk also increases with depth. Once Titas crosses 3,750 metres, a high-pressure area begins. Failure to control this pressure can disrupt the entire drilling process. To deal with the risk, a 15,000 PSI blow-out preventer is being used this time, which is advanced compared to previous technology. The entire project is being implemented by the Chinese company CCDC, which has long experience in drilling deep wells.

BGFCL officials say that this is the first time such high-capacity rigs and technology are being used in the country. Therefore, the project is not only an important step in gas exploration, but also in increasing technical capacity. It is not yet certain what is under the soil of Titas. However, expectations are increasing with each metre of progress. At a time of energy crisis in the country, this deep drilling can open the door to new possibilities.