Papers - - Production - Domestic - Texas - Petroleum in the Central Texas Area during 1933

Drilling in Central Texas during 1933 was confined, for the most part, to the search for new serpentine plugs. Bastrop County led in this particular activity, with 50 completions during the 12 months' period, 12 of which were productive. Only one new field was opened in Central Texas during the year, it being known as "Hilbig" (Bastrop County) and was discovered by the Humble Oil & Refining Co. The finding of commercial production in the serpentine at 2500 ft. led to further search in this and surrounding counties, but without success. Bexar County actually provided the greatest amount of drilling but the activity was limited to shallow development from 400 to 2000 ft. The Edwards limestone pay, which has been such a factor in past years, received but slight attention during 1933. Unsuccessful exploration was carried on in Lee and Burleson counties. With the exception of Freestone County, the Woodbine sand area was given even less consideration. This county, because of its close proximity to Anderson and Leon counties, saw a very active leasing campaign and several important tests drilled. In Central Texas, 252 wells were completed in 1933, and of this number 52, or 21 per cent, were productive. Hilbig Field The discovery well, Humble Oil & Refining Company's Annie Hassler No. 1, was completed Feb. 16, 1933, for an initial production of 65 bbl. the first hour, through tubing and 1/2-in. choke. The production was found in serpentine at 2468 ft. and tested 37.2" A.P.I. gravity. Twelve producing wells were drilled during the year and served to indicate that not more than 300 acres would comprise the entire field. Daily production at the end of the year was 775 bbl., although the field potential was 18,240 bbl. daily through 1-in. choke. The field adapts itself to pressure maintenance, and this scientific handling is being undertaken by the Humble Oil & Refining Co. through one injection well. It is the only area in the district where work of this nature is under way. Proration of Oil The more stringent application of proration in 1933 did not affect materially the producing fields in Central Texas. This is accounted for