RIASSUNTO
Abstract
An effective system of managing daily drilling information generated from the rigsite is a recognized method of optimizing those same operations. Such a system would quickly and thoroughly analyze data and present results in a fashion that would promote efficient monitoring of the operation and execution of engineering analyses. The program would compile the data and generate reports that would permit more timely and accurate decisions by engineers and managers.
This type of database management is very well suited for the computer hardware and software on the market today. Using an integrated departmental super-mini computer in ARCO's Southern District, a project was executed to automate the processing of drilling information. This paper covers the conceptual design, detailed specification, and physical implementation of the database system. The process used by ARCO to design and specify this program will benefit drilling personnel involved in managing program will benefit drilling personnel involved in managing operational data and costs.
Introduction
Operators and Contractors are continually searching for ways to improve drilling operations by taking advantage of new technology and maximizing efficiency. To determine efficiencies and progress in improving operations, a substantial amount of information must be monitored and reduced into bottom-line figures. One of the problems inherent to this process is the flow, examination, and problems inherent to this process is the flow, examination, and analysis of information from the wellsite. The amount of drilling information that is generated for a well is so large that complete engineering analysis is very laborious and rarely done. A system to handle drilling data efficiently and quickly, however, would provide an excellent tool for both engineers and managers.
The Drilling Department of ARCO Oil and Gas Southern District designed and implemented a computer system that processes drilling data and generates useable output. The database program is structured with specific input screens, application subroutines, output reports, and ad hoc query capability. The input includes initial well set up, daily drilling reports, daily completion reports, casing and cementing reports, directional surveys, and drilling costs. The application subroutines are programs that interface with the database and make engineering programs that interface with the database and make engineering calculations required on a routine basis. These ""modules"" currently include hydraulics, well control, surge/swab, and survey calculations. The output reports include detailed parameter and well summaries presented in both tabular and graphical parameter and well summaries presented in both tabular and graphical forms. The reports and summaries frequently used to monitor operations and analyze problems have been automated. In addition, the ad hoc query capability of the database allows the engineer to review any group of data given a set of selection conditions.
Prior to implementation of this system, engineers and technicians Prior to implementation of this system, engineers and technicians spent substantial time gathering data for various managerial reports, well plans, and engineering studies. The common inefficiency between these tasks is the time consuming nature to produce desired results. The sheer volume of information makes produce desired results. The sheer volume of information makes selecting, gathering, and compiling data an unattractive and tedious job. The positive aspect of this process is that computers can handle this data, and produce results almost instantaneously.
There is currently substantial industry activity involving the management of drilling data. One approach is development of real-time data acquisition systems.