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Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 CINGSA3000 Spenard Road
PO Box 190989
Anchorage, AK 99519-0989
May 16, 2022
State of Alaska
Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
333 West 7th Ave, Suite 100
Anchorage, AK 99501
Attn: Jeremy Price – Chair of Commission
RE: Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska Annual Material Balance and Storage
Performance Report
Dear Chairman Price:
Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska, LLC (CINGSA) was granted a Storage Injection
Order on November 19, 2010 by the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission,
allowing it to operate the Cannery Loop Sterling C Pool for underground natural gas
storage service. Per CINGSA’s request, the Commission issued an amended Storage
Injection Order (SIO) No. 9A, in 2014. Rule 8 of SIO 9A requires that CINGSA annually
file with the Commission a report that includes material balance calculations of the gas
production and injection volumes and a summary of well performance data to provide
assurance of continued reservoir confinement of the gas storage volumes. Per Storage
Injection Order No. 9.001, the Commission revised the due date for this Report to May
15 of each year.
CINGSA has now completed ten full years of operation. The enclosed report, in
compliance with Rule 8 of SIO 9A, documents gas storage operational activity during the
past 120 months and includes monthly net injection/withdrawal volumes for the facility
and total gas inventory at month-end.
Any questions concerning the attached information may be directed to Ri chard Gentges
at 989-464-3849.
Sincerely,
John Sims
President
Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska, LLC
Attachment
Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska, LLC
2022 Annual Material Balance Analysis Report
To Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC)
May 15, 2022
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 2
Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska, LLC
2021-2022 Storage Field Injection/Withdrawal Performance and
Material Balance Report
Executive Summary/Conclusion
Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska, LLC (CINGSA) filed an application with the
Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC) on July 27, 2010, for authority
to operate the Cannery Loop Sterling C Pool to provide underground natural gas storage
service. In that application, CINGSA requested authority to store a total of 18 Bcf of
natural gas, including 7 Bcf of base gas and 11 Bcf of working gas . CINGSA estimated
that this initial phase of development would result in a maximum average reservoir
pressure of approximately 1520 psia based upon the original material balance analysis of
the reservoir, all as more fully described in the application.
By Order dated November 19, 2010, AOGCC issued Injection Order No. 9 (SIO 9)
granting CINGSA the authorization sought in its application and limiting the maximum
allowed reservoir pressure to 1700 psia . In April 2014, CINGSA subsequently applied to
the AOGCC requesting authority to increase the maximum reservoir pressure to the
original discovery pressure of 2200 psia. By Order dated June 4, 2014, the AOGCC issued
Injection Order No. 9A, granting CINGSA the authorization sought in its April 2014
application. Pursuant to SIOs 9 and 9A,
An annual report evaluating the performance of the storage injection operation
must be provided to the AOGCC no later than May 15. The report shall include
material balance calculations of the gas production and injection volumes and
a summary of well performance data to provide assurance of continued
reservoir confinement of the gas storage volumes.
This is the tenth such annual report to be filed by CINGSA.
The CINGSA facility was commissioned in April 2012 and has now completed ten full
years of operation. This report documents gas storage operational activity during the past
twelve months and includes monthly net injection/withdrawal volumes for the facility
and total inventory at month-end. A plot of the wellhead pressure versus total inventory
of the field since commencing storage operations is contained in this report; the plot
demonstrates that the pressure versus inventory performance is generally consistent with
design expectations, although actual pressure has trended above design expectations .
CINGSA believes the reason for this is related to an isolated pocket (separate reservoir)
of native gas, believed to be at or near native pressure conditions, which CINGSA
encountered when it perforated/completed the CLU S-1 well. This gas has since
commingled with gas in the depleted main reservoir and provides pressure support to the
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 3
storage operation. Based upon currently available data, the estimated volume of gas
associated with the separate reservoir falls in the range from 14-19.5 Bcf. This year’s
analysis suggests the separate reservoir contained a pproximately 14.5 Bcf when it was
first encountered by CINGSA, which remains consistent with past conclusions.
This report also documents the injection/withdrawal flow rate performance of each of
the five wells. CINGSA conducted a back-pressure test on CLU S-1 in January 2022.
The test results indicate that its performance has declined approximately 13 percent
since it was last tested in October 2016. Overall, field deliverability may have declined
slightly since 2020-2021. This decline is partially offset by the improved reliability of
CLU S-5 since installing a velocity string in that well . The velocity string significantly
improved the well’s withdrawal reliability; during the October-April withdrawal season
the well contributed almost seven percent of the total withdrawal volume and the largest
volume since the well was commissioned for storage service in April 2012. CINGSA
should continue to periodically back-pressure test all five of its storage wells. A 2-3-
year rotational basis should be adequate to confirm that all wells are performing
consistently and with no loss of deliverability capability . Following that protocol,
CLUS-2, CLU S-3, and CLU S-5 should be tested in 2022. The test results may also
provide an early indication of a loss of storage well integrity if a loss of integrity were
to occur. At this time, there is no evidence of a decline in deliverability of any of the
wells related to a loss of wellbore integrity.
Consistent with standard operations and the general requirements outlined under the
AOGCC’s SIO 9a, dated June 4, 2014, two planned facility shutdowns were conducted
during the past twelve months, each approximately one week in duration. The first
shutdown occurred during September 2021 and the second during the period of April 11-
18 of this year. The purpose of these two shutdowns was to suspend injection/withdrawal
operations so that each well could be shut-in for pressure monitoring and to allow
reservoir pressure to begin to stabilize. The well shut-in pressure data was analyzed via
graphical material balance analysis. The pressure versus inventory relationship of the
field is consistent with historical performance and does not indicate any evidence of a
loss of storage gas or reservoir integrity. These results support the conclusion that all the
injected gas remains confined within the reservoir.
The CINGSA facility operates with two custody transfer meters, one of which is
connected to the “CINGSA lateral” and the other to the KNPL pipeline. Monthly
calibration checks are performed on both meters to confirm they are performing within
the manufacturer’s specifications. A loss of calibration could result in a measurement
error impacting storage inventory and necessitate an adjustment to inventory. A
downward adjustment to storage inventory of 33 mcf was posted in April 2022; no other
adjustments to storage inventory were required during the period April 2021-April 2022.
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 4
Each well that penetrates the cap rock of the Sterling C Gas Storage Pool could be a leak
path for injected storage gas. If a loss of wellbore integrity were to occur in a well that
penetrates the storage formation, it could manifest itself via a rise in the annular pressure
of that well. Direct evidence of a loss of integrity could include, but may not be limited
to, annulus pressure equal to the storage operating pressure and/or cyclic pressure
behavior that matches that of the injection/withdrawal wells . This report includes a
summary of shut-in pressures recorded on the annular spaces of each of the CINGSA
storage wells and select annular spaces of the 14 third-party wells which penetrate the
Sterling C Gas Storage Pool.
Based upon a review of the available information associated with wells which penetrate
the storage formation at the time of this report, there is no evidence of any gas leakage
from the Sterling C Gas Storage Pool.
This analysis also included a review of historical production data from the 14 third-party
wells noted above which penetrate the Sterling C Pool . Only eight of the fourteen wells
remain on production; the other six are either listed as “suspended” or have been plugged
and abandoned. Of the eight which remain on production, seven are completed in and
producing from the Beluga formation, which is immediately below the Sterling C Storage
Pool (one of these seven wells is dually completed and is also producing from the Upper
Tyonek). The remaining well is completed in and producing exclusively from the Upper
Tyonek formation. Based upon a review of the production history of all eight wells, there
is no evidence which suggests production from any of these eight wells is being
influenced by CINGSA’s gas storage operations.
In summary, operating data generally supports the conclusion that reservoir integrity
remains intact, and although the reservoir is now effectively functioning as a larger
reservoir due to encountering additional native gas in the Sterling C1c int erval of the CLU
S-1 well, all the injected gas appears to remain within the greater reservoir and is
accounted for at this time.
2021-2022 Storage Operations
The 2021-2022 storage cycle covers the period from April 19, 2021, the final day of the
2021 spring semi-annual shut-down, through April 18, 2022. Total inventory on April 19,
2021, was 13,877,999 Mcf.1 Table 1 lists the remaining native gas-in-place as of April
1, 2012, net injection/withdrawal activity by month during the past 120 months, and the
total gas-in-place at the end of each month since storage operations commenced . Note
1 Throughout this report, the term “Total Inventory” refers to the sum of the base gas in
the reservoir plus the customer working gas in the reservoir . Total Inventory does not include
the native gas CINGSA discovered when drilling the CLU S -1 well.
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 5
that the figures listed in Table 1 only include total inventory and have not been adjusted
to include the 14.5 Bcf of additional native gas associated with the isolated reservoir
encountered by CLU S-1.
The reservoir’s pressure vs. gas-in-place (total inventory) relationship has been monitored
on a real-time basis since the commencement of storage operations to aid in identifying
a loss of reservoir integrity. This type of plot is widely used in the gas storage industry .
By tracking this data on a real-time basis, it is possible to detect a material loss of reservoir
integrity. CLU S-3 was shut-in for most of the summer of 2012 and for a shorter period
in 2013 so that wellhead pressure could be recorded for this purpose; thereafter it has
been shut-in periodically to confirm the pressure versus inventory trend has remained
consistent.
Figure 1 is a plot of the actual wellhead pressure readings from CLU S-3 versus total
inventory during the past five storage cycles, from April 1, 2017, through April 18, 2022
(again, excluding the 14.5 Bcf of native gas in the isolated reservoir). This plot also
includes the expected wellhead pressure versus inventory response based on CINGSA’s
initial storage operation design and computer modeling studies of the reservoir . The
actual shut-in pressure of CLU S-3 initially aligned with simulated pressure from the
modeling studies. However, at total inventory levels above approximately 11 Bcf, the
shut-in wellhead pressure on CLU S-3 has been consistently higher than expected when
compared to predicted shut -in pressure derived from initial computer modeling studies.
The shut-in pressure readings have been trending approximately 350 psig above the
Stabilized Wellhead Design Pressure . This higher observed pressure of CLU S-3 is
attributable to an influx of a portion of the 14.5 Bcf of native gas that CINGSA
encountered when it completed the CLU S-1 well. The overall trend of the wellhead shut-
in pressure of CLU S-3 versus total inventory plot has maintained a consistent and
predictable linear trend; the trend supports the conclusion tha t there currently is no
evidence of gas loss associated with storage operations, nor any other loss of well or
reservoir integrity.
Well Deliverability Performance
The CINGSA facility is equipped with a robust station control automation and data
acquisition (SCADA) system, which includes the capability to monitor and record the
pressure and flow rate of each well on a real time basis. Monitoring well deliverability is
an important element of storage integrity management because a decline in well
deliverability may be symptomatic of a loss of well integrity . It may also be an indication
of wellbore damage caused by contaminants such as compressor lube oil, or formation of
scale across the perforations, etc. Throughout the injection and withdrawal seasons, the
deliverability of each well has been monitored via the SCADA system so that individual
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 6
well flow performance could be tracked against past performance and the results of prior
back-pressure tests performed on each well.
Well CLU S-1 continues to exhibit the strongest deliverability capability of all five wells,
contributing an average of about 42 percent of the field flow during withdrawals. Wells
CLU S-2, S-3, and S-4 have historically contributed up to approximately 18, 24, and 12
percent, respectively. Well CLU S-5 has contributed only about 1-6 percent of the total
flow depending on the amount of water in the wellbore . Since converting the field to
storage, CLU S-5 has consistently exhibited a tendency to water-off during the
withdrawal season. CINGSA installed a velocity string in this well in October 2020 to aid
in keeping the well free of liquid accumulation (though the well was not restored to full
service until October 2021). During the 2021-2022 withdrawal season, CLU S-5
contributed 6.9 percent of the total withdrawals from October -March, and some 330
mmcf of gas, the highest of any year during the October - April period since the
commencement of storage operations. These metrics demonstrate that the velocity string
achieved its intended purpose of keeping the wellbore free of liquid loading, and
significantly improved the withdrawal reliability of CLU S -5; the well remained available
for withdrawals for the entire withdrawal season. While its overall contribution to flow
remains small, loss of the well in the past due to water encroachment nonetheless imposed
a greater demand load on the remaining wells.
CINGSA conducted a back-pressure test on CLU S-1 in January 2022. The test results
indicate that its performance declined approximately 13 percent since it was last tested in
October 2016. The latest back-pressure test results indicate this well should contribute
approximately 42 percent of the total flow from the field in its current state. A comparison
of actual flow data from the wells generally supports the back pressure test results . Thus,
the back-pressure test process and results generally represent a good proxy for what may
be expected in terms of actual well deliverability .
2021 Injection Season Operations and September 2021 Shut-in Pressure Test
The field was released for resumption of active storage operations on April 19, 2021.
During the remainder of April, the field was used for injections. Monthly net injection
totals during the May-August period ranged from about 500-900 mmcf, which is lower
than typical. The highest daily injection during the season was only 47 mmcf/d. The field
was shut-in for pressure stabilization on September 13, 2021.
The shut-in pressure stabilization period extended from September 13-20, 2021. Total
gas inventory on September 13 was 17,042,781 mcf, including 10,042,781 mcf of
customer working gas plus 7,000,000 mscf of CINGSA base gas. Table 2 lists the
wellhead shut-in pressure for all five wells each day during the shut-in period. It also lists
the day-to-day decline in pressure and the overall weighted average pressure of all five
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 7
wells. On the final day of shut-in, wellhead pressures ranged from a low of 1662.1 psig
on CLU S-3 to a high of 1684.5 psig on CLU S-1.
Wellhead pressures did not fully stabilize during the week-long shut-in; average field
pressure on the final day of shut-in was decreasing at a rate of approximately 0.4 psi/day.
Figure 2 is a plot of the shut-in wellhead pressure of each well and the weighted average
wellhead pressure for all five wells. The weighted average wellhead pressure on
September 20th was 1672.0 psig and the average reservoir pressure was 1894.0 psia.
Table 4 provides a summary of the surface and reservoir pressure conditions and the total
gas-in-place at the time the reservoir was discovered . It also lists the same data for the 20
shut-in periods since commencement of storage operations. Lastly, it lists the gas specific
gravity, the percentage of nitrogen and carbon dioxide contained in the storage gas,
reservoir datum depth, and reservoir temperature . NOTE, no adjustment has been made
at this time to CINGSA’s accounting records nor to the Total Gas -in-Place figures listed
in Table 4 to reflect the additional native gas encountered in the isolated reservoir .
Table 5 is a modified version of Table 4; this version has been adjusted to reflect the
Total Gas-in-Place as if the Sterling C Pool and the isolated reservoir are connected and
functioning as a single larger reservoir. Thus, the Total Gas-in-Place listed in Table 5
reflects the storage inventory currently listed in CINGSA’s accounting records plus an
additional 14,500,000 mscf (14.5 Bcf) of native gas associated with the isolated reservoir.
Figure 4 is a plot of the average bottom hole pressure adjusted for compressibility
(BHP/Z) versus gas-in-place during each of the 20 shut-in pressure tests compared to the
original discovery pressure conditions. Linear regression analysis of these 20 data points
indicate there is a strong and consistent linear correlation between reservoir pressure and
inventory (gas-in-place); the regression coefficient (R2) is 0.961. In other words, since
commencing storage operations in April 2012, the reservoir pressure versus inventory
relationship has exhibited a very consistent and repeatable pattern . Note, the observed
BHP/Z values for all 20 shut-in periods (November 2012 and each subsequent spring and
fall shut-in through this April) in Figure 4 plot above the original pressure-depletion line.
The reason for this is that there has been no adjustment in this plot to account for the
estimated 14.5 Bcf of additional native gas encountered by the CLU S-1 well.
2021-2022 Withdrawal Operations and April 2022 Shut-in Pressure Test
After the fall shut-in test, CINGSA’s customers began withdrawals for the remainder of
September and October, albeit at low rates. Early November activity consisted of
moderate injections but then switched to significant withdrawals during the remainder of
the month. December, January, February, and March consisted of modest net withdrawals
of 436 mmcf, 802 mmcf, 35 mmcf, and 76 mmcf, respectively. Withdrawal volume was
down considerably this season relative to the 2020-2021 and 2019-2020 seasons. Field
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 8
Operations reported that approximately 1712 barrels of water were produced during the
withdrawal season, the largest volume since commencing operations. Most of this fluid
likely originated from CLU S-5 and is indicative of the positive effect that installation of
the velocity string in that well has had on its ability to unload fluid and maintain gas flow
during withdrawals. The field was shut-in for pressure stabilization and monitoring on
the morning of April 11th and remained shut-in until the morning of April 18.
Total inventory on April 11 was 13,667,164 Mcf, which included 6,667,164 Mcf of
customer working gas and 7,000,000 Mcf of CINGSA-owned base gas. Table 5 lists the
wellhead shut-in pressure for all five wells each day during the shut-in period. It also lists
the day-to-day change in pressure and the overall weighted average field pressure. On the
final day of shut-in, wellhead pressures ranged from a high of 1,399 psig on CLU S-3 to
a low of 1,383 psig on CLU S-1. Field average pressure had not stabilized but was
declining at a rate of about 0.4 psi/day on the final day of shut in. Figure 3 is a plot of
the shut-in wellhead pressure of each of the five wells and the overall field weighted
average wellhead pressure. The overall field average wellhead pressure on April 18th was
1,387.6 psig and the average reservoir pressure was 1,570.8 psia.
Table 6 provides a summary of the surface and reservoir pressure conditions and the total
gas-in-place at the time the reservoir was discovered . It also lists the same data for the 20
shut-in periods since commencement of storage operations. Lastly, it lists the gas specific
gravity, the percentage of nitrogen and carbon dioxide contained in the storage gas,
reservoir datum depth, and reservoir temperature.
Figure 4 is a plot of the average bottom hole pressure adjusted for compressibility
(BHP/Z) versus gas-in-place for each of the 20 shut-in pressure tests as compared to the
original discovery pressure conditions. Linear regression analysis of these 20 data points
indicates there is a strong linear correlation between the points; the regression coefficient
(R2) is 0.961. Thus, like Figure 1, Figure 4 strongly supports the conclusion that
reservoir integrity is intact. The key point to note is that the observed BHP/Z values for
all 20 of the shut-in tests since commencement of storage operations are above the
original pressure-depletion line, which provides very compelling evidence that integrity
is intact, and the reservoir and wells are not losing gas.
Figure 5 is a plot of this very same shut -in data but includes the additional 14.5 Bcf of
native gas associated with the isolated reservoir. In this plot, the Sterling C Pool and the
isolated reservoir are treated as a single common reservoir which together contained a
total of approximately 41 Bcf of gas prior to their discovery (26.5 Bcf in the main
reservoir and 14.5 Bcf in the isolated reservoir). A linear regression analysis of the 20
shut-in points, and assuming the isolated reservoir was at native pressure conditions at
the time the CLU S-1 well was completed, yields a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.959.
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 9
The strong linear correlation between the shut-in reservoir pressure and total inventory
for the two combined reservoirs since the commencement of storage operations provides
compelling evidence that there has been no material loss of gas from the reservoir. It also
supports the current estimate of additional native gas associated with the isolated
reservoir. Thus, Figures 4 and 5 strongly support the conclusion that reservoir integrity
is intact, and that there is no evidence of a material loss of storage gas from the storage
facility.
Estimate of Additional Native Gas Volume
As explained in prior annual reports, CINGSA encountered an isolated reservoir of native
gas which was possibly still at native discovery pressure when CLU S -1 was initially
perforated/completed. Wellhead pressure on the CLU S-1 well rose to approximately
1,600 psi within a few days after completion, while wellhead pressure on the r emaining
four wells was approximately 400 psi, which was in line with expectations . The C1c sand
interval is one of five recognized sand intervals that are common to nearly all the wells
that penetrate the Cannery Loop Sterling C Pool . This sand interval was also one of the
perforated/completed intervals in the CLU-6 well – the sole producing well during
primary depletion of the Cannery Loop Sterling C Pool.
Following initial perforation/completion, a temperature log was subsequently run in CLU
S-1 to identify the nature and source of the higher pressure . The temperature log exhibited
strong evidence of gas influx from the sand interval which correlates to the Sterling C1c
sand interval. The higher-than-expected shut-in pressure and evidence of gas influx
strongly suggest the C1c was indeed physically isolated from the other four sand sub -
intervals within the Sterling C Pool.
It is unknown whether the C1c sand interval was at native pressure (2200 psi) at the time
CLU S-1 was completed, or if it had been only partially depleted. If fully isolated from
the pressure-depleted section of the reservoir, completion of the C1c effectively adds to
the remaining native gas in the reservoir. This additional gas also accounts for the
weighted average reservoir pressure during each of the twelve field-wide shut-in pressure
tests plotting above the original BHP/Z versus gas-in-place line. This previously isolated
pocket of native gas provides pressure support to the storage operation and effectively
functions as additional base gas.
Two independent methods are being used by CINGSA to estimate the volume of
incremental native gas encountered by the CLU S-1 well. The first method is based on a
material balance analysis which was performed using the shut -in reservoir pressure data
gathered during each of the past semi-annual shut-in tests, including the most recent in
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 10
September 2021, and April 2022, together with observed shut-in pressures from CLU S-
3 to estimate the magnitude of additional native gas encountered in the C 1c sand interval
of CLU S-1.
The approach used to analyze this data was to treat the originally defined reservoir and
the previously isolated C1c sand interval as two separate reservoirs that became
connected during perforation/completion work on the CLU S-1 well. A simultaneous
material balance calculation on each reservoir was made in which hydraulic
communication was established between the two reservoirs because of completion of
CLU S-1 in late January 2012. Gas could migrate between the reservoirs. The connection
between the reservoirs was computed by defining a transfer coefficient which , when
multiplied by the difference of pressure -squared between the two reservoirs, results in an
estimated gas transfer rate. In other words, storage gas is injected and withdrawn from
the original reservoir and is supplemented by gas moving from or to the C1c interval
according to the pressures computed in each reservoir at any given time .
The volume of gas contained in the original reservoir was well defined from the primary
production data; initial gas-in-place was determined to be 26.5 Bcf. The volume of gas
associated with the C1c sand interval in CLU S-1 and the transfer coefficient was varied
to match the observed pressure history using a day-by-day dual reservoir material balance
calculation.
Figure 6 summarizes the results of the material balance procedure for the C1c sand
interval having 14.5 Bcf of original gas-in-place at initial reservoir pressure conditions.
It is a graph which illustrates how the simulated bottom hole pressure from the model
(Calc BHP) compares to both the observed bottom hole pressure on the CLU S-3 well
and the weighted average field pressure during the semi-annual field shut-ins. During
most of the shut-in periods, the difference between the simulated bottom hole pressure
and the actual observed pressure is between 50-70 psi.
Figure 7 illustrates the model-simulated daily gas transfer rate between the main
reservoir and the isolated reservoir and, the estimated cumulative net transfer of gas since
commencing storage operations. The initial transfer rate was 43 mmscf/d. Thereafter the
transfer rate has been a function of the pressure difference between the two reservoirs .
Various combinations of C1c sand gas volume and transfer coefficients were explored. A
range of C1c sand gas volumes from 14 Bcf to 16 Bcf gave reasonable solutions and can
be considered a reasonable range of uncertainty. Given the relative match between
observed shut-in reservoir pressure data on CLUS-3 and the semi-annual field average
shut-in reservoir pressure, and the reservoir pressure predicted by the dual reservoir
model, the value of 14.5 Bcf appears to be a reasonable estimate at this time. As additional
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 11
data is obtained, particularly after a significant withdrawal season, this value may be more
confidently determined.
The second method used by CINGSA to estimate the volume of incremental native gas
encountered by CLU S-1 is a three-dimensional computer reservoir simulation model.
The initial modeling effort utilized an existing reservoir description/geologic model
which was updated in 2014 after the drilling and completion of the five
injection/withdrawal wells. It incorporated all available well control data and
petrophysical data from electric line well logs, and seismic data that was used to
characterize channel boundaries and differentiate possible reservoir versus non -reservoir
rock. This simulation work yielded an initial estimate of 18 Bcf of g as associated with
the isolated reservoir, or about 3.5 Bcf larger than the dual reservoir model.
The 2014 modeling work was updated in 2016 and again in 2017 and 2019 . The updated
reservoir/geologic model incorporates the results of a more sophisticated seismic analysis
which provided insight into the areal extent of the isolated reservoir that was contacted
by the CLU S-1. The match between observed pressure and production data versus that
computed by the reservoir model was generally within 50 -100 psi (which is considered
good-very good) on wells CLU S-1, CLU S-2, CLU S-3 and S-4 over most of the
operating history of these wells. The agreement between observed versus computed
pressure and production was not as good on CLU S-5 (generally ranging between 100-
150 psi). The estimated volume of incremental gas associated with the isolated reservoir
that yielded the best history match was 19.5 Bcf in the 2019 update of the simulation
model. This estimate is some 3.5 Bcf greater that the highest estimate using the dual
reservoir model.
In comparing the results of the two modeling methods discussed above, there is relatively
good agreement between the two, with the range of “found gas” falling between 14 -19.5
Bcf. This difference is relatively small, particularly considering the full working gas
inventory has never been cycled since placing the reservoir into storage service and the
limited extent of the isolated reservoir that is in contact with the CLUS-1 well.
With greater cycling of the working gas capacity, it is possible that the difference in the
estimated additional native gas derived using the two different modeling methods may
narrow. However, the 14.5 Bcf estimate associated with the dual reservoir material
balance analysis appears to be the most reasonable at this time based on the consistent
nature of the relatively small difference between the computed versus the actual observed
reservoir pressure using the dual reservoir model.
Measurement Calibration Checks
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 12
The CINGSA facility operates with two custody transfer meters, one of which is
connected to the “CINGSA lateral” and the other to the KNPL pipeline . The
Measurement Department performs monthly calibration checks on both meters to
confirm they are performing within the manufact urer’s specifications. If a loss of
calibration were to occur resulting in a measurement error impacting storage inventory,
Measurement would alert Operations and Gas Accounting and an adjustment to the
storage inventory would be posted to correct the measurement error. A downward
adjustment to inventory of 33 mcf was made in April 2022. No other adjustments to
storage inventory were required during the period April 2021 – April 2022. Compressor
fuel usage, station blowdowns, and other losses are accounted for each month and
inventory is adjusted, accordingly. These monthly fuel usage and other loss volume
adjustments have averaged approximately 1.5 percent of the injected volume per month
over the past five years, which is generally in line with industry experience. Table 1
provides a summary of the monthly injection/withdrawal volumes, compressor/station
fuel usage, and losses since the commencement of storage operations.
Annulus Pressure Monitoring
Each of the CINGSA wells were constructed to the highest of industry and regulatory
standards including installing tubing set on a packer inside of the production casing . All
flow is through the tubing string. This configuration (flow through tubing set on a packer)
satisfies international well construction standards listed in ISO 16530 and is consistent
with the “double barrier” requirements for flow containment . This configuration meets
the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission’s storage well construction
requirements and exceeds the new PHMSA gas storage well construction requirements.
It provides two complete layers of protection against gas loss/leakage from the wellbore .
By monitoring pressure in the annulus between the production tubing and intermediate
casing, it is possible to identify a loss of tubing integrity which, if left unchecked, could
potentially result in a loss of storage gas.
Prior to CINGSA commencing storage operations, all the Marathon Alaska Production
Company (now Hilcorp Alaska LLC) wells that penetrate the Sterling C Gas St orage Pool
were subjected to AOGCC-mandated Mechanical Integrity Tests (MIT), and all the wells
successfully demonstrated integrity. Shortly after commencing storage operations, all the
CINGSA wells were also subjected to MITs, and they likewise demonstrat ed integrity.
All five of the CINGSA wells were retested in 2016 and 2020, and all five wells passed
the MIT. Hilcorp’s wells which penetrate the Cannery Loop Sterling C gas storage
reservoir are subject to the same periodic MIT’s and are on the same cycle as CINGSA’s
storage wells.
CINGSA monitors and records pressure on both the tubing/intermediate casing string
annulus (7” x 9 5/8”) and intermediate/surface casing string annulus (9 5/8” x 13 3/8”) of
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 13
each of its wells daily to identify any evidence of loss of well or reservoir integrity. In
addition, Hilcorp monitors and records pressure monthly on each of the annular spaces of
its production wells which penetrate the Sterling C. Hilcorp also monitors and records
pressure on the tubing string in certain wells monthly. Hilcorp provides a copy of this
data to CINGSA each month and CINGSA reviews the data for any evidence of a loss of
well/reservoir integrity, in the same manner a s it does for its own wells. All these annulus
pressure readings are submitted monthly to the AOGCC and are part of routine and
ongoing surveillance activities to identify issues which may indicate a loss of integrity of
the storage operation.
Figures 8-12 illustrate the historical tubing and annulus pressures on each of the CINGSA
gas storage wells. Inner annulus pressure (and to a much lesser extent the outer annulus
pressure) on all the CINGSA storage wells rises and falls with the tubing pressure, albeit
at a lower level. The inner annulus (7” x 9 5/8”) of all five wells is filled with brine and
diesel, while the outer annulus (9/58” x 13 3/8”) is filled w ith cement, to surface. Thus, a
more pronounced pressure swing is observed on the inner annulus than the outer. In both
cases, the pressure swing appears to be due entirely to expansion of the 7” casing string
which results from higher pressure and higher injection gas temperature when injections
are occurring.
Any annulus pressure which equals the tubing pressure and tracks with changes in the
tubing pressure may be indicative of a loss of tubing and/or tubing seal integrity and
warrants investigation. Observed annulus pressure on each of the five CINGSA wells has
always been less than the tubing pressure . This observation supports the conclusion that
tubing, tubing wellhead seal, and the tubing/packer element seals remain intact and there
is no evidence of a loss of integrity in any of the five CINGSA wells.
Figures 13-26 illustrate similar data on each of the Hilcorp wells that penetrate the
Sterling C gas storage pool. Hilcorp drilled and completed a new well in 2020 to the
deeper Beluga formation—the CLU-15 well—and monthly monitoring of the annulus
pressure of this well is now included in the overall annulus pressure program.
Except for CLU-05RD, all the current annulus and tubing pressure readings on the
Hilcorp wells are very low (below 200 psi) and do not track the CINGSA well tubing
pressure trends. This supports the conclusion that the remaining Hilcorp wells are
isolated from the storage interval and do not exhibit any evidence of a l oss of storage
integrity.
Pressure on the 3 ½ inch x 9 5/8-inch annulus on the CLU-05RD well began rising in
early 2016 and reached a high of almost 850 psig before flattening out (see Figure 16).
The 9 5/8-inch x 13 3/8-inch (outer) annulus currently exhibits a pressure of about 15
psig. The 9 5/8-inch string penetrates the storage zone and was originally cemented off
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 14
across the storage interval. However, this well was side -tracked in late 2015. An 8 1/2-
inch window was milled through the 9 5/8-inch casing at 6527 feet measured depth (5354’
true vertical depth), which is just below the storage interval in the Beluga formation . A 7
5/8-inch liner was set on a liner top packer inside of the 9 5/8 -inch string at a depth of
6433 measured depth; it was run through the window to a measured depth of 10448 feet
and was cemented in place as the new intermediate casing string . A 4 ½ inch liner was
set and cemented in the Tyonek at a measured depth of 12915 feet . A cement bond log
was run on the 7 5/8-inch liner, but it was not possible to determine the top of cement
behind the 7 5/8-inch string from the log data.
CINGSA contacted Hilcorp in May 2018 to understand the source of the pressure on the
3 ½ x 9 5/8-inch annulus, and to determine whether the elevated pressure could be
indicative of pressure communication wit h its storage operations. Hilcorp agreed to
investigate the issue and attempt to blow down pressure on the 3 x 9 annulus of the CLU -
05RD well. When the blow down attempt was made the annulus was found to be filled to
the surface with liquid – no gas was present. Pressure on the 3 x 9-inch annulus was
approximately 250 psi during the September 2021 CINGSA shut -in test, but has since
declined to essentially 0 psig as of April 1
Based on a thorough review of the annular pressure data for all wells which pen etrate the
storage formation, there is no evidence of a loss of integrity of any of the CINGSA
injection/withdrawal wells. This data lends additional support to the conclusion that
reservoir and well integrity is intact, and all the storage gas remains wit hin the reservoir
and is thus accounted for.
Third Party Production
A review of historical production data from 14 third party wells which penetrate the
Sterling C Pool was completed to examine for evidence of pressure and/or flow
communication from CINGSA’s storage operations. Only eight of the fourteen wells
remain on production, all of which are operated by Hilcorp; these include CLU-01RD,
CLU-05RD, CLU-07, CLU-08, CLU-09, CLU-13, CLU-14, and CLU-15. The other six
are either listed as “suspended” or have been plugged and abandoned. Of the eight which
remain on production, seven are completed in and producing from the Beluga formation,
immediately below the Sterling C Storage Pool (although CLU 01RD is dually completed
in both the Beluga and the deeper Upper Tyonek). The remaining well is completed in
and producing from the deeper Upper Tyonek formation. The production decline curves
for all eight wells are included as Figures 27-35; the producing zone associated with each
well is indicated on each of these figures.
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 15
The CLU-7 well exhibited a sharp spike in production in March 2021 after nearly five
years of minimal production (see Figure 29). CINGSA contacted Hilcorp concerning the
spike and Hilcorp confirmed that the well had loaded up with water and they were able
to unload the well using surfactants. However, the well has since exhibited evidence of
fluid loading once again, and Hilcorp filed a sundry application to conduct stimulation
work on the upper-most perforations in this well, immediately below the Sterling C, and
to perforate additional sections lower in the Beluga . CINGSA should continue to monitor
the production from this well for indications of communication with the Sterling C Pool .
As of the date of this report, there is no evidence of any hydraulic connection to the
storage formation via the CLU-7 well.
The CLU-8 well was recompleted in September 2019 in the Upper Beluga , after loading
up with water in the lower sections of the Beluga . The recompletion consisted of
perforating the Upper Beluga at a depth interval of 5188’- 5196’ true vertical depth
(TVD). The top of this new perforated interval is approximately 87’ below the base of
the Sterling C sands. A cement bond log of the interval from the Upper Beluga across the
Sterling C indicates good bond below the Sterling C but not as good across it and above
it.
Hilcorp shut-in the CLU-8 well in October 2019 coincident with CINGSA’s fall 2019
shut-in test of its storage wells to confirm whether the Upper Beluga is indeed isolated
hydraulically from the Sterling C sands. Shut-in wellhead pressure on the CLU-8 well
was 1533 psig on October 23, 2019. CINGSA’s CLUS-3 well is the closest well to the
CLU-8 well (approximately 425 lateral feet away at depth). However, the CLUS-3 well
is not completed into the lowest interval of the Sterling C sands (the C2b, which is
immediately above the Upper Beluga), and may be hydraulically isolated f rom the C2b
sand.
The closest CINGSA well to the CLU-8 that is completed in the C2b is the CLUS-2 well
(approximately 760 lateral feet away at depth). Pressure on the CLUS-2 well on October
23, 2019, was 1504 psig. While this pressure difference between the CLUS-2 and CLU-
8 wells is small, it may be coincidental, and not indicative of hydraulic communication
between the Sterling Sands and Upper Beluga . Figure 30 illustrates the monthly
production from CLU-8 over its operating history, including the period since the Upper
Beluga was perforated in September 2019. It clearly shows a steep decline in monthly
production from a high of about 80 mmcf/month to about 2-3 mmcf/month as of the end
of February. Thus, the production profile of CLU-8 suggests the well is hydraulically
isolated from the Sterling C Pool.
Hilcorp also provided CINGSA with a flowing material balance chart of the pressure
versus production data from the CLU-8 well. Hilcorp’s early material balance
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 16
calculations via transient analysis indicated a recoverable volume in the Upper Beluga of
approximately 1.3 Bcf; this was updated in April 2020 to approximately 2.25 Bcf. The
most recent update of their analysis (April 2021) indicates potential water encroachment
and a much smaller recoverable volume of approximately 0.6 -0.8 Bcf.
Hilcorp recently filed a sundry application for CLU-8 to open new perforations in the
Upper Beluga some 220 feet below the base of the Sterling C formation. Currently, the
results of Hilcorp’s shut-in pressure test and flowing material balance analysis of the
CLU-8 well provide no compelling evidence of hydraulic communication between the
Sterling C sands and the Upper Beluga. That said, CINGSA should continue to request
periodic updates of the flowing material balance analysis chart from Hilcorp . If the well
continues to produce beyond the upper end of the updated reserve estimate (0.8 Bcf)
CINGSA should request a follow-up shut-in test of the CLU-8 well to confirm that its
shut-in pressure is indeed declining as production occurs.
Hilcorp recently filed a sundry application to add perforations to the Upper Beluga of
CLU-14. The new perforations will target a section that is 207 below the base of the
Sterling C formation. Production from this well has thus far yielded no evidence of a
pressure connection with CINGSA’s storage operations.
Hilcorp drilled a new well in April 2020 – the CLU 15 well. The target formation of the
well was the Beluga formation, immediately below the Sterling C sands. Initial
production from this well exceeded 80 mmcf/month; it has since declined to below 40
mmcf/month as of February, with no evidence of a hydraulic connection to the CINGSA
storage reservoir.
If any of Hilcorp’s other production wells were acting as a conduit for gas leakage from
the Sterling C Pool to either the Beluga or Tyonek formations via a poor cement job
behind casing or a lack of casing integrity, it is likely that production from the offending
well would either increase or remain flat for an extraordinary period . The production
decline curves from Hilcorp’s wells do not appear to exhibit such behavior. Thus, none
of their wells appear to be serving as a conduit for leakage of storage gas from the storage
formation. Based upon a review of the production history of all eight wells there is no
evidence as of the date of this report which suggests production is being influenced from
CINGSA’s gas storage operations.
Lastly, on August 3, 2020, CINGSA and Hilcorp entered into a written agreement which
obligates the two entities to share certain information with each other related to well
drilling, completion, production, and workover activity for existing and future wells. The
data includes, but is not limited to, drilling and rework permit applications, downhole
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 17
logging data, survey data, and pressure and production data, all as it relates to wells which
penetrate the Sterling C Pool. Each party also has an affirmative obligation to report to
the other any condition which may indicate a loss of well integrity . The written agreement
provides a framework which will help ensure the integrity of each party’s reservoirs while
satisfying the requirements of CO231A.
Rule 3 of AOGCC’s SIO9
Under Rule 3 of SIO 9, CINGSA was required to install and maintain a gas detection and
alarm system in the building adjacent to the location of the KU 13-08 plugged and
abandoned gas well. It did so in 2012.
CINGSA has found compliance with Rule 3 to be problematic . Problems encountered
have ranged from third party communication provider issues to a faulty detector, but
many callouts are due to no power being supplied to the equipment . CINGSA also
believes that several of the faults and the detector failure was due to cycling power to the
equipment. CINGSA has responded to Inlet Fish system alarms using the same protocol
as the CINGSA facility. Inlet Fish has not accommodated access to their property for
afterhours events, deferring to a “more reasonable” meeting time . In many instances when
personnel are dispatched to Inlet Fish, access to the panels is obstructed with various
equipment that must be moved or worked around. CINGSA personnel have arrived onsite
while the alarm was annunciating to find Inlet Fish employees performing their jobs as
normal instead of evacuating the buildings.
In a letter to the AOGCC dated February 22, 2022, CINGSA requested that the
Commission exercise its discretion to administratively waive CINGSA’s compliance
with Rule 3. Based on its actions and communication with CINGSA, it appears Inlet
Fish’s concerns about its proximity to CINGSA’s operations and the plugged and
abandoned well on its property have been alleviated. Despite the num ber of electrical
disconnects, the manpower and incremental cost CINGSA has incurred to respond to false
alarms, and its regular inability to access the equipment, CINGSA has been prohibited by
Inlet Fish from operating and maintaining the required gas det ection equipment.
Summary and Conclusion
CINGSA commenced storage operations on April 1, 2012 and has now completed ten
full years of storage operations. All the operating data associated with the CINGSA
facility indicate that reservoir integrity is int act. The observed pressure vs. inventory trend
is consistent with modeling studies of the reservoir prior to placing the facility in service,
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 18
although wellhead shut-in pressure on CLU S-3 has trended above the stabilized pressure
line developed from initial computer modeling studies of the reservoir.
The CLU S-1 well was back-pressure tested in January. Results of that test indicate the
deliverability performance of CLU S-1 has experienced a modest decline (approximately
13 percent) since its last test in October 2016.
Overall field deliverability may have declined slightly since the 2020-2021 storage cycle,
assuming operability of all CINGSA’s wells. While back pressure test results from CLU
S-1 indicate a modest decline in deliverabili ty, the increase in reliability of withdrawals
associated with the installation of a velocity string in CLU S-5 partially offsets this
decline. Work on the CLU S-5 velocity string was completed in October 2021. An
analysis of the flow performance of CLU S-5 during the 2021-2022 withdrawal season
confirms the well contributed almost 7 percent of the total flow during the season and the
highest total withdrawal volume during that period since commencing storage operations.
There is no evidence of a decline in deliverability that may be indicative of a loss of well
or reservoir integrity.
During initial completion of the CLU S-1 well, an isolated pocket of native gas was
encountered within the Sterling C1c sand interval . This gas has since commingled with
gas in the main (depleted) portion of the reservoir, effectively add ing to the remaining
native gas reserves and providing pressure support to the storage operation. This
additional gas is functioning as base gas and accounts for the higher-than-expected shut-
in wellhead pressure readings on CLU S-3 and the field-wide shut-in pressures observed
during each of the eight shut-in periods. Two independent methods have been used to
estimate the volume of incremental native gas encountered by CLU S -1. The two methods
yield estimates of the volume of this additional native gas which range from 14-19.5 Bcf.
CINGSA performs semi-annual shut-in pressure tests on the reservoir and conducts an
annual material balance analysis using that shut -in pressure test data. A total of 20 shut-
in tests have been performed since commencement of storage operations . The field
weighted-average shut-in pressure versus inventory relationship during the 20 semi-
annual shut-in pressure tests conducted since converting the field to storage service
exhibit a strong linear correlation (R2 = 0.961). Thus, the results of these shut-in pressure
tests support the conclusion that no loss of gas from the reservoir is occurring, and that
all the injected gas remains within the storage reservoir .
Annulus pressure readings on all the CINGSA wells demonstrate confinement of storage
gas to the reservoir; none of the CINGSA wells exhibits anomalous annular pressure.
Annulus pressure readings on each of Hilcorp’s production wells which penetrate the
Sterling C Gas Storage Pool also support the conclusion that well mechanical integrity
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 19
appears to be intact in each of Hilcorp’s wells; there is no evidence of pressure
communication between the storage reservoir and Hilcorp’s production wells . CINGSA
should continue to monitor the pressure of all the Hilcorp wells for any change in
character which may be indicative of a loss of storage integrity.
Ongoing production from Hilcorp’s wells which penetrate the gas storage pool but are
completed in the Beluga and Upper Tyonek formations below it was evaluated to examine
for evidence of production support from CINGSA’s storage operations. Eight wells which
penetrate the storage field remain on production. There is no compelling evidence of
production support from CINGSA’s operations, however, CINGSA should continue to
monitor production from the CLU-8 well due to its recompletion in the Upper Beluga,
immediately below the Sterling C Storage Pool. Currently, production operations appear
to be fully isolated from gas storage operations.
During initial storage operations, the CLU S-3 well remained shut-in and wellhead
pressure readings from it were routinely recorded and u sed to track the field pressure
versus inventory relationship. This practice ceased in 2014 in favor of utilizing all wells
for injections/withdrawals. CINGSA should consider periodically reinstating this practice
for short periods of time as a prudent reservoir integrity monitoring practice.
A short field-wide deliverability test was performed during March 2015 at a storage
inventory level of approximately 4.6 Bcf. The test results effectively confirmed the field
can meet the aggregate MDWQ obligations of CINGSA’s customers at a working gas
inventory of approximately 4.6 Bcf. Since that time CINGSA has implemented revised
drawdown guidelines to mitigate the potential for wells loading up with sand and/or
watering off. The revised drawdown guidelines effectively limit the withdrawal capability
of the field relative to its capability under the original drawdown guidelines . CINGSA
should consider performing similar field-wide deliverability tests in the future to validate
withdrawal system capability.
CINGSA has a policy which requires the periodic testing and calibration of its custody
transfer measurement system . The policy specifies that a health check be performed
monthly for all ultra-sonic measurement systems such as the type installed at t he CINGSA
facility. Operations personnel confirmed that these monthly tests have been performed
routinely. A downward adjustment of 33 mcf was made to the storage balance in April
2022; no other adjustments to meter volumes were necessary during the past 1 2 months.
There is no evidence of any material measurement error based on the results of the
material balance analysis.
Based upon a thorough review of available operating data, storage reservoir integrity
remains intact. Although the reservoir may now be effectively larger than expected due
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 20
to encountering additional native gas in the Sterling C1c interval of the CLU S -1 well, all
the injected gas remains with the greater reservoir and is accounted for at this time .
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 21
Table 1 – Monthly Injection and Withdrawal Activity
Month Injections - Mcf Withdrawals - Mcf Compressor Fuel & Losses -Mcf Total Gas in Storage - Mcf
Mar-12 0 0 0 3,556,165
Apr-12 146,132 394 2,289 3,699,614
May-12 1,238,733 1,163 11,540 4,925,644
Jun-12 1,245,041 1,048 16,769 6,152,868
Jul-12 986,472 714 12,529 7,126,097
Aug-12 1,245,260 93 14,038 8,357,226
Sep-12 1,300,153 982 13,221 9,643,176
Oct-12 1,624,167 691 15,285 11,251,367
Nov-12 165,866 72,417 4,895 11,339,921
Dec-12 379,205 470,886 5,839 11,242,401
Jan-13 496,560 209,334 7,976 11,521,651
Feb-13 1,765,296 858 19,372 13,266,717
Mar-13 667,603 554,597 7,594 13,372,129
Apr-13 438,717 254,734 6,315 13,549,797
May-13 509,694 12,769 7,680 14,039,042
Jun-13 615,458 1,274 11,185 14,642,041
Jul-13 468,599 822 12,118 15,097,700
Aug-13 499,748 3,392 11,766 15,582,290
Sep-13 306,323 16,743 9,074 15,862,796
Oct-13 530,289 27,585 10,287 16,355,213
Nov-13 9,608 902,874 214 15,461,733
Dec-13 5 1,156,534 61 14,305,143
Jan-14 261,325 127,655 7,352 14,431,461
Feb-14 4,143 517,884 534 13,917,186
Mar-14 1 766,800 - 13,150,387
Apr-14 97,548 190,563 3,671 13,053,701
May-14 64,435 388,647 1,597 12,727,892
Jun-14 509,445 502,790 7,444 12,727,103
Jul-14 687,386 108,786 11,165 13,294,538
Aug-24 728,130 219 12,423 14,010,026
Sep-24 537,858 4,705 11,712 14,531,467
Oct-14 155,673 189,157 4,477 14,493,506
Nov-14 66,645 291,368 2,126 14,266,657
Dec-14 32,716 380,170 1,897 13,917,306
Jan-15 - 1,104,457 76 12,812,773
Feb-15 - 971,590 288 11,840,895
Mar-15 11,253 719,045 855 11,132,248
Apr-15 99,648 106,458 3,242 11,122,196
May-15 416,773 4,772 10,000 11,524,197
Jun-15 460,797 2,811 9,972 11,972,211
Jul-15 805,820 403 12,120 12,765,508
Aug-15 817,781 527 12,521 13,570,241
Sep-15 590,046 179 12,001 14,148,107
Oct-15 532,624 13,990 11,159 14,655,582
Nov-15 286,336 283,937 5,958 14,652,023
Dec-15 267,908 210,747 5,989 14,703,195
Jan-16 192,325 235,414 5,523 14,654,583
Feb-16 242,504 167,856 5,852 14,723,379
Mar-16 193,549 165,556 3,621 14,747,751
Apr-16 887,796 12,785 9,970 15,612,792
May-16 807,600 66,640 9,628 16,344,124
Jun-16 815,655 499,321 9,553 16,650,905
Jul-16 356,887 136,370 7,744 16,863,678
Aug-16 442,736 134,541 9,013 17,162,860
Sep-16 310,570 351,469 4,015 17,117,946
Oct-16 4,550 454,156 777 16,667,563
Nov-16 189,606 544,376 633 16,312,160
Dec-16 173,058 849,832 3,891 15,631,495
Jan-17 106,318 1,641,030 1,766 14,095,017
Feb-17 63,362 1,043,257 531 13,114,591
Mar-17 107,373 1,270,218 477 11,951,269
Apr-17 261,104 423,606 3,754 11,785,013
May-17 668,488 59,640 8,760 12,385,101
Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska Storage
Monthly Storage Activity
(all volumes reported are at month end unless noted otherwise)
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 22
Month Injections - Mcf Withdrawals - Mcf Compressor Fuel &Losses Total Gas in Storage - Mcf
Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska Storage
Monthly Storage Activity
(all volumes reported are at month end unless noted otherwise)
Jun-17 907,436 28,511 10,091 13,253,935
Jul-17 966,690 32,446 10,986 14,177,193
Aug-17 1,115,740 10,710 12,360 15,269,863
Sep-17 331,812 82,700 6,863 15,512,112
Oct-17 225,352 348,377 4,436 15,384,651
Nov-17 193,092 578,271 4,467 14,995,005
Dec-17 457,089 435,777 6,239 15,010,078
Jan-18 89,990 1,012,254 2,006 14,085,808
Feb-18 193,987 857,195 2,935 13,419,665
Mar-18 452,229 234,220 6,758 13,630,916
Apr-18 191,077 392,365 3,365 13,426,263
May-18 161,360 471,695 1,756 13,114,172
Jun-18 819,837 110,434 10,077 13,813,498
Jul-18 919,858 57,356 10,987 14,665,013
Aug-18 949,984 65,379 12,216 15,537,402
Sep-18 614,287 62,221 10,945 16,078,523
Oct-18 698,059 375,131 9,307 16,392,144
Nov-18 677,199 181,701 11,733 16,875,909
Dec-18 321,282 484,572 5,862 16,706,757
Jan-19 65,794 1,644,880 922 15,126,749
Feb-19 143 1,401,125 87 13,725,680
Mar-19 359,739 331,718 5,094 13,748,607
Apr-19 251,075 585,698 5,985 13,407,999
May-19 179,824 234,173 4,405 13,349,245
Jun-19 664,084 90,483 9,957 13,912,889
Jul-19 927,816 120,912 11,955 14,707,838
Aug-19 622,444 88,095 10,849 15,231,338
Sep-19 284,486 262,203 6,568 15,247,053
Oct-19 391,582 514,064 7,921 15,116,650
Nov-19 466,551 409,699 8,517 15,164,985
Dec-19 687,453 500,799 10,257 15,341,382
Jan-20 33,175 1,937,845 787 13,435,925
Feb-20 215,774 1,030,021 2,675 12,619,003
Mar-20 203,541 858,156 3,102 11,961,286
Apr-20 202,521 497,341 4,699 11,661,767
May-20 338,538 170,141 6,793 11,823,371
Jun-20 1,193,238 58,213 10,952 12,947,444
Jul-20 1,356,896 82,724 14,766 14,206,850
Aug-20 1,561,784 15,287 21,585 15,731,762
Sep-20 587,912 15,493 9,260 16,294,921
Oct-20 367,037 363,622 7,488 16,290,848
Nov-20 182,989 660,824 4,962 15,808,051
Dec-20 558,901 327,351 9,271 16,030,330
Jan-21 381,681 595,917 6,988 15,809,106
Feb-21 270,840 633,374 4,477 15,442,095
Mar-21 32,319 816,414 1,088 14,656,912
Apr-21 250,078 958,308 6,120 13,942,562
May-21 591,683 61,728 10,883 14,461,634
Jun-21 981,660 44,752 12,306 15,386,236
Jul-21 1,017,570 113,951 13,012 16,276,843
Aug-21 740,130 196,225 12,510 16,808,238
Sep-21 346,001 389,600 7,205 16,757,434
Oct-21 62,726 541,078 2,581 16,276,501
Nov-21 271,271 1,414,990 3,061 15,129,721
Dec-21 355,444 787,346 4,747 14,693,072
Jan-22 267,601 1,066,583 3,553 13,890,537
Feb-22 456,020 485,243 6,729 13,854,585
Mar-22 291,686 362,218 5,283 13,778,770
Apr-22 143,328 245,781 4,490 13,671,827
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 23
Table 2 – September 2021 Wellhead Shut-in Pressure Data
Table 3 – April 2022 Wellhead Shut-in Pressure Data
Well Name
Weight Factor*
(Storage Pore-feet =
(Por.*net MD*(1-Sw))9/14/2021 9/15/2021 9/16/2021 9/17/2021 9/18/2021 9/19/2021 9/20/2021
CLU S-1 70.235 1694.9 1692.5 1690.1 1688.5 1686.1 1684.5 1684.5
CLU S-2 47.696 1688.5 1686.9 1685.3 1683.7 1682.1 1681.3 1680.5
CLU S-3 24.024 1674.1 1670.9 1668.5 1666.9 1664.5 1662.9 1662.1
CLU S-4 97.011 1683.7 1680.5 1677.5 1674.9 1673.3 1670.9 1670.1
CLU S-5 93.155 1683.2 1679.8 1674.0 1669.7 1665.8 1662.6 1662.7
332.121
Weighted Avg. WHP (WAP)1685.9 1683.1 1679.7 1677.0 1674.5 1672.4 1672.0
Day 2 vs. Day 1 Day 3 vs. Day 2 Day 4 vs. Day 3 Day 5 vs. Day 4 Day 6 vs. Day 5 Day 7 vs. Day 6
WAP Change -2.9 -3.41 -2.65 -2.47 -2.17 -0.38
Well Name Day 2 vs. Day 1 Day 3 vs. Day 2 Day 4 vs. Day 3 Day 5 vs. Day 4 Day 6 vs. Day 5 Day 7 vs. Day 6
CLU S-1 -2.4 -2.4 -1.6 -2.4 -1.6 0
CLU S-2 -1.6 -1.6 -1.6 -1.6 -0.8 -0.8
CLU S-3 -3.2 -2.4 -1.6 -2.4 -1.6 -0.8
CLU S-4 -3.2 -3 -2.6 -1.6 -2.4 -0.8
CLU S-5 -3.4 -5.8 -4.3 -3.9 -3.2 0.1
Wellhead Shut-in Pressures (psig) and Dates
Weighted Average Pressure (Day-to-Day Change)
Individual Well Pressure (Day-to-Day Change)
Weight Factor* - based on Ray Eastwood Log Model
NOTE: Red text reflects estimated wellhead pressure reading due to well being out of service. Readings in black text are
from pressure transmitter readings obtained from the tree cap, upstream of the choke.
Well Name
Weight Factor*
(Storage Pore-feet =
(Por.*net MD*(1-Sw))4/12/2022 4/13/2022 4/14/2022 4/15/2022 4/16/2022 4/17/2022 4/18/2022
CLU S-1 70.235 1378 1380 1381 1382 1382 1383 1383
CLU S-2 47.696 1381 1382 1383 1384 1385 1385 1384
CLU S-3 24.024 1392 1395 1396 1398 1399 1400 1399
CLU S-4 97.011 1382 1385 1386 1387 1388 1389 1389
CLU S-5 93.155 1386 1388 1389 1389 1389 1389 1389
332.121
Weighted Avg. WHP (WAP)1383 1385 1386 1387 1387 1388 1388
Day 2 vs. Day 1 Day 3 vs. Day 2 Day 4 vs. Day 3 Day 5 vs. Day 4 Day 6 vs. Day 5 Day 7 vs. Day 6
WAP Change 2.2 1.0 0.8 0.5 0.6 -0.4
Well Name Day 2 vs. Day 1 Day 3 vs. Day 2 Day 4 vs. Day 3 Day 5 vs. Day 4 Day 6 vs. Day 5 Day 7 vs. Day 6
CLU S-1 2.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 1.0 0.0
CLU S-2 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 -1.0
CLU S-3 3.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 -1.0
CLU S-4 3.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 -0.5
CLU S-5 2.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Wellhead Shut-in Pressures (psig) and Dates
NOTE: Any red text reflects estimated wellhead pressure reading due to well being out of service.
Readings in black text are from pressure transmitter readings obtained from the tree cap, upstream of the
choke.
Weighted Average Pressure (Day-to-Day Change)
Individual Well Pressure (Day-to-Day Change)
Weight Factor* - based on Ray Eastwood Log Model
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 24
Table 4 – Shut-in Reservoir Pressure History and Gas-in-Place Summary
Wellhead Pressure - psig.Bottom Hole Pressure - psia Z - Factor BHP/Z - psia Total Gas-in Place - mmscf
Date 0 0
10/28/2000 1950 2206 0.8465 2606 26,500
Date
Weighted Avg. Wellhead
Pressure - psig.
Calculated Bottom Hole
Pressure - psia Z - Factor BHP/Z - psia Total Gas-in Place - mmscf
11/8/2012 1269.9 1434.9 0.8719 1645.7 11,223.715
4/15/2013 1344.4 1522.35 0.8668 1756.3 13,106.887
11/4/2013 1580.7 1798.1 0.8508 2113.4 16,339.046
4/8/2014 1320.6 1497.7 0.8662 1729.0 13,147.315
10/31/2014 1465.1 1662.3 0.858 1937.4 14,493.502
4/8/2015 1159.6 1315.8 0.877 1500.3 11,123.289
11/8/2015 1499.4 1701.4 0.856 1987.6 14,668.761
3/27/2016 1473.3 1671.6 0.857 1950.5 14,634.101
10/30/2016 1582.4 1792.2 0.853 2100.0 16,667.452
4/10/2017 1212.0 1371.9 0.875 1567.9 11,908.476
10/9/2017 1559.8 1766.5 0.855 2067.3 15,523.158
5/8/2018 1376.1 1557.8 0.864 1803.6 13,424.899
10/8/2018 1621.9 1837.1 0.8517 2157.0 16,081.391
4/22/2019 1370.2 1551.1 0.8647 1793.8 13,587.409
10/28/2019 1499.6 1698.9 0.854 1989.3 15,000.096
4/13/2020 1225.6 1390.2 0.872 1595.0 11,822.427
9/8/2020 1617.1 1814.9 0.852 2130.2 15,743.463
4/19/2021 1383.0 1565.6 0.864 1812.0 13,877.999
9/20/2021 1672.0 1894.0 0.850 2228.2 17,042.781
4/18/2022 1387.6 1570.8 0.864 1818.7 13,667.164
Gas Gravity:0.56
N2 Conc.:0.3%
CO2 Conc.:0.3%
Reservoir Temp. (deg. F):105
Datum Depth TVD (ft.):4950
Avg. Measured Depth (ft.):9706
Shut-in Reservoir Pressure History and Gas-in-Place Summary - (No Adjustment for Additional Native Gas)
Original (Discovery) Reservoir Conditions
Storage Operating Conditions
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 25
Table 5– Shut-in Reservoir Pressure History and Gas-in-Place Summary
(Adjusted Inventory)
Wellhead Pressure - psig.Bottom Hole Pressure - psia Z - Factor BHP/Z - psia Initial Total Gas-in Place - MMcf
Date 0 0
10/28/2000 1950 2206 0.8465 2606 41,000
Adjusted Total Gas-in Place - Est.
14.5 Bcf Found Gas
0 0
10/28/2000 1950 2206 0.8465 2606 41,000.000
11/8/2012 1269.9 1434.9 0.8719 1645.7 25,723.715
4/15/2013 1344.4 1522.35 0.8668 1756.3 27,606.887
11/4/2013 1580.7 1798.1 0.8508 2113.4 30,839.046
4/8/2014 1320.6 1497.7 0.8662 1729.0 27,647.315
10/31/2014 1465.1 1662.3 0.858 1937.4 28,993.502
4/8/2015 1159.6 1315.8 0.877 1500.3 25,623.289
11/8/2015 1499.4 1701.4 0.856 1987.6 29,168.761
3/27/2016 1473.3 1671.6 0.857 1950.5 29,134.101
10/30/2016 1582.4 1792.2 0.853 2100.0 31,167.452
4/3/2017 1212.0 1371.9 0.875 1567.9 26,408.476
10/9/2017 1559.8 1766.5 0.855 2067.3 30,123.158
5/8/2018 1376.1 1557.8 0.864 1803.6 27,924.899
10/8/2018 1621.9 1837.1 0.8517 2157.0 30,581.391
4/22/2019 1370.2 1551.1 0.8647 1793.8 28,087.409
10/28/2019 1499.6 1698.9 0.854 1989.3 29,500.096
4/13/2020 1225.6 1390.2 0.872 1595.0 26,322.427
9/8/2020 1617.1 1814.9 0.852 2130.2 30,243.463
4/19/2021 1383.0 1565.6 0.864 1812.0 28,377.999
9/20/2021 1672.0 1894.0 0.850 2228.2 31,542.781
4/18/2022 1387.6 1570.8 0.864 1818.7 28,167.164
Gas Gravity:0.56
N2 Conc.:0.3%
CO2 Conc.:0.3%
Reservoir Temp. (deg. F):105
Datum Depth TVD (ft.):4950
Avg. Measured Depth (ft.):9706
Original (Discovery) Reservoir Conditions
Shut-in Reservoir Pressure History and Gas-in-Place Summary - (Adjusted to Account for Additional Native Gas)
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 26
Figure 1 – CLU S-3 Wellhead Pressure versus Inventory
CINGSA Material Balance Report to the AOGCC
May 15, 2022
Page 27
Figure 2 – October 2021 Wellhead Shut-in Pressures
Figure 3– April 2022 Wellhead Shut-in Pressures
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May 15, 2022
Page 28
Figure 4 – Material Balance Plot (Unadjusted)
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May 15, 2022
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Figure 5 – Material Balance Plot (Adjusted)
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May 15, 2022
Page 30
Figure 6 - Historical and Computed Pressures vs. Rate
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May 15, 2022
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Figure 7 - Estimated Gas Transfer to/from Original Reservoir
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May 15, 2022
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Figure 8 – Annulus Pressure of CLU Storage – 1
Figure 9 – Annulus Pressure of CLU Storage – 2
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May 15, 2022
Page 33
Figure 10 – Annulus Pressure of CLU Storage – 3
Figure 11 – Annulus Pressure of CLU Storage – 4
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May 15, 2022
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Figure 12 – Annulus Pressure of CLU Storage – 5
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May 15, 2022
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Figure 13 – Annulus Pressure of Marathon CLU 1 RD
Figure 14 – Annulus Pressure of Marathon CLU 3
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May 15, 2022
Page 36
Figure 15 – Annulus Pressure of Marathon CLU 4
Figure 16 – Annulus Pressure of Marathon CLU 05RD
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May 15, 2022
Page 37
Figure 17 – Annulus Pressure of Marathon CLU 6
Figure 18 – Annulus Pressure of Marathon CLU 7
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May 15, 2022
Page 38
Future 19 – Annulus Pressure of Marathon CLU 8
Figure 20 – Annulus Pressure of Marathon CLU 9
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May 15, 2022
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Figure 21 – Annulus Pressure of Marathon CLU 10
Figure 22 – Annulus Pressure of Marathon CLU 11
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May 15, 2022
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Figure 23 – Annulus Pressure of Marathon CLU 12
Figure 24– Annulus Pressure of Marathon CLU 13
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May 15, 2022
Page 41
Figure 25– Annulus Pressure of Marathon CLU 14
Figure 26– Annulus Pressure of Marathon CLU 15
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May 15, 2022
Page 42
Figure 27 – Historical Monthly Production CLU – 01RD Beluga
Figure 28 – Historical Monthly Production CLU – 01RD Upper Tyonek
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May 15, 2022
Page 43
Figure 29 – Historical Monthly Production CLU – 05RD Upper Tyonek
Figure 30 – Historical Monthly Production CLU – 7 Beluga
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May 15, 2022
Page 44
Figure 31 – Historical Monthly Production CLU – 8 Beluga
Figure 32 – Historical Monthly Production CLU – 9
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May 15, 2022
Page 45
Figure 33 – Historical Monthly Production CLU – 13
Figure 34 – Historical Monthly Production CLU – 14
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May 15, 2022
Page 46
Figure 35 – Historical Monthly Production CLU – 15