Daily Report

The University of Texas at Austin and Geotek are in Cameron, Texas, conducting land-based coring tests of the Pressure Core Tool with Ball Valve (PCTB), a highly complex piece of engineering designed to core, contain and recover samples of methane hydrate bearing sediments. The primary goal of the project is to test the tool, gain insights into its operation, and train personnel who will join the mission team when UT returns to the Gulf of Mexico in 2022. This is the first of five daily reports.

OPERATIONAL RESULTS

0700: The day began with a safety briefing for all newly arrived personnel. The remainder of the day proceeded as follows:

1. Mobilization of the coring service conex and coring tools was resumed and completed.
2. Picking up the drill pipe (singles) was initiated when it was discovered that the 5” elevator rented for the test was too small for the drill pipe. Although 5” drill pipe is being used it is configured for a 5-1/2” elevator so as not to have to change out elevators when running a tapered 5” and 5-1/2” drill string.
3. A rental 5-1/2” elevator was located and delivered to the rig.
4. While waiting for the delivery of the 5-1/2” elevator, the PCTB outer core barrel subassembly was assembled and the coring tools were spaced out.
5. A representative from the wireline company visited the site as a precursor to setting up wireline operations in the morning. All cross over subs required for the wireline packoff unit were located and test fitted.
6. Once the 5-1/2” elevator arrived, the drill collars were picked up and the BHA was assembled and hung off at the rig floor.
7. Picking up the 5” drill pipe (singles) resumed while tripping in the hole with the BHA.

Night Shift Operations Plan

1. The night shift will continue to pick up drill pipe (singles) while tripping in the hole, stopping when the bit reaches the casing shoe at ~1300 ft.
2. Seven stands of drill pipe (triples) will then be made up and racked back in the derrick ready to trip to TD and start coring at 0700 in the morning.
3. No additional drill should have to be picked up to complete the testing.