Abstract The four companies controlling the production of oil and gas in Abu Dhabi (ADNOC, ADCO, ADMA and ZADCO) are pioneering an effort to organize their wealth of exploration and production (E&P) information into one integrated system. This paper describes the business fundamentals driving the system, the original vision, the project management and the lessons learned as this project nears completion. With the Exploration and Production Information System (EXPRIS), we decided to manage the full spectrum of E&P technical data: geology, geophysics, geodetic, drilling, well and completion, core, petrophysics (logs), PVT, tests, facilities and equipment, production, injection, storage and shipments. The coverage is as wide as is diverse. The four companies have different data models, mainframes and application software. In addition to the old core database systems, there are valuable data in a multitude of "private" scattered databases such as stacks of floppy disks in engineers' drawers! Valuable information exists in non-digital form. Nomenclature and codes such as well naming convention, markers, m stratigraphy, well status and so on are different. Also, each company has a different set of applications linked to various sources of data. EXPRIS is a modern database management system backed by an integrated E&P data model based on a commercial package close to evolving industry standards. The project includes populating the model with legacy data from historical sources, making efficient loading procedures for loading new data, preparing user-friendly data access and visualization tools and connecting the integrated database to a wide range of available applications. Extensive user training and complete documentation are given full consideration. Introduction Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates. It is rich in oil, gas and condensate reserves. ADNOC is Abu Dhabi's national oil company and is fully owned by the government. ADCO (onshore) and ADMA and ZADCO (offshore) are the operating companies (OPCOs) which deliver about 95% of Abu Dhabi's oil production. ADNOC's share in these companies ranges from 60–88%. The remaining shares are owned by several major oil companies: BP, SHELL, TOTAL, EXXON, MOBIL, JODCO (Japan) and PARTEX (Portugal). By law, all gas reserves and production (associated and non-associated) in Abu Dhabi are owned by the government and exploited by ADNOC on behalf of the government. Figure 1 is a map of Abu Dhabi's oil companies. ADNOC needs continuous and efficient access to the OPCOs data for performance monitoring and technical and planning studies. The OPCOs kept their data on different mainframes and in various databases in digital and non-digital files. Users of main applications, such as reservoir simulators and seismic interpretation packages had their own independent powerful workstations and stand alone data files containing the data needed for these application. Access control and sharing of the vital E&P data was difficult and time consuming. Meanwhile, the E&P industry began nmoving away from mainframes to distributed client server environment using powerful PCs and workstations. Many new core applications are used by multi-disciplinary teams that require simultaneous access to project data.

Abstract Monitoring the performance of the Kuparuk River Unit waterflood at a multi-well, pattern level is a critical part of field operations. The reservoir performance analysis optimizes allocation of injected fluid, helps identify well work and infill drilling opportunities, supports reservoir management strategies, and provides a basis for development planning. Faulting and stratigraphy of the reservoir make it difficult to determine areal and vertical allocation factors for fluids in the surveillance patterns; therefore material balance calculations are required to judge their validity. The problem is exacerbated by the number of patterns analyzed and the need to share intermediate results between all of engineers that need to be involved in the process. To help solve the problem, a suite of programs for interactive pattern material balance was developed. The program suite includes a principle material balance calculation application along with several ancillary programs for interactive database updates and post-processing. The program suite allows engineers to interactively change input parameters and review material balance results. Internal checks ensure consistency throughout the field. The programs are fully integrated with a large central relational database which includes tables for areal and vertical allocation factors, production, injection, and static pattern information. Introduction The Kuparuk River Field is located west of the Prudhoe Bay Unit on the North Slope of Alaska. The field is a highly faulted reservoir with an areal extent of over 200 square miles. The field is under active waterflood with some areas also under immiscible or miscible WAG (water, alternating with gas) flood. A formal review of reservoir performance at the pattern level is done on an annual basis. The review includes defining patterns and allocating fluids produced from or injected into the patterns. This is followed by a comprehensive review of the performance on a pattern-by-pattern basis and rate forecasts. The review is necessary to help identify workover and infill drilling opportunities to optimize the waterflood It is also required to help with operational considerations such as allocation of injected fluids throughout the field. The validity and usefulness of the surveillance review is highly dependent on accurate allocation of production and injection to each pattern in the Kuparuk River reservoir. This is a difficult problem because over 600 patterns in 2 zones are analyzed. The process is led by a team of five to six engineers. An additional 15 to 20 engineers and geoscientists are involved in defining patterns and evaluating allocation factors. Because of the large number of individuals involved and the large amount of data, a group oriented solution was required in order to achieve consistency across the field. Internal data checks were also required so that wells could not be over or under allocated and to accurately account for all fluids. History of Software Development Efforts. Several computing solutions have been explored. The first software solution was a mainframe material balance program tied to SAS databases. Iterations required editing ASCII text files and overnight batch runs to update databases followed by a batch processing for pattern analysis. Visualization consisted of batch programs that submitted plots to central printers, often with half-day turnaround times. A major advantage of the system was its use of a centralized database and enforced consistency. The disadvantages of long turnaround times and other difficulties within the mainframe environment made the process inefficient and manpower intensive. As personal computers became more popular, much of the process was ported to spreadsheets. The analysis process consisted of downloading data from mainframe databases into a text format that was read into the spreadsheets. Engineers manipulated and modified the data within the spreadsheets to perform individual pattern analyses. The process was somewhat more efficient in terms of manpower, but consistency was nearly non-existent. P. 41

Abstract This paper presents a knowledge based system developed to support the completion engineer during the process of well completion design. WELCOME (Well Completion Engineering) enforces a standard completion design procedure which improves safety and operational aspects of completion activities. The system explains and justifies the approach to follow during the design by means of on-line manuals and references, and provides a full integration of commonly used computational packages. WELCOME relies on several advanced computer technologies. such as object orientation, knowledge based and hypertextual interaction to provide the user with a rich and friendly work environment. After a preliminary test phase, the system has been delivered to headquarters and operating Districts where it is routinely used. Introduction Well completion design is a complex activity which requires several constraints to be simultaneously satisfied, such as government regulations, company rules and technical factors. The project WELCOME (Well Completion Engineering) aims at providing a common framework which could assist completion engineers in this design process, whilst easing the path towards the following goals: – dissemination of standard technologies and policies – enforcement of a common design procedure – relieving specialists from routine design tasks. As a main result of the project. a knowledge based system has been developed which embodies Company domain expertise. According to previous considerations, this system is planned to be used as follows: – as a support tool in operating Districts, where headquarters specialists are often difficult to be reached from – as a repository for company know-how, where knowledge can be easily stored and accessed – finally, as a training tools for novices. WELCOME brings available knowledge to bear on the technical tasks confronting the specialist. Such knowledge has been derived from many years of Company experience and formalized by exploiting knowledge based techniques. The system takes under consideration all major tasks involved in the completion design process; to accomplish this, it follows all latest design criteria, embedded within the system in the form of operational rules. As a project requirement, WELCOME specifically tackles only "standard" completion types, i.e., unconventional solutions, such as special downhole tools choice or configurations, have not been explicitly considered, and are hence left to the design engineers experience. WELCOME provides methods for the computation of well flow performance and tubing stress analysis, which result in the specification of the size and strength of the equipment. Commonly used tool sizes and characteristics (e.g. diameters, ratings etc.) have been included into the system, to maximize integration with catalog data. Different completion designs can be obtained simultaneously for the same case, following a "what if?" methodology that allows the user to select several design choices. Deep explanation and report procedures are easily accessed, together with on-line help and a complete hypertextual reference tool which mirrors all the expertise built into the system. A graphical module provides the user with a display of the completion string and equipment. P. 177

Abstract This paper presents the development of an Integrated Engineering/Geoscience Desktop and a description of the software available for evaluation and development of hydrocarbon prospects, from basin-wide studies down to specific reservoir targets. The Desktop was built using landmark's data model, with POSC-compliant extensions to build an Engineering/Geoscience project database. Software for populating the project database from corporate databases was also developed and is described in detail. Phillips petroleum engineering software was then integrated with geoscience software, sharing data and results in a seamless computing environment. Introduction Some of the most time consuming tasks that geoscientists and petroleum engineers perform are accessing and analyzing field data; sharing seismic, geologic and engineering data during the reservoir characterization process; and transferring reservoir characterization studies into a reservoir simulator. In the past this exchange has been done by essentially "throwing processed results over the fence" from the geoscientist to the engineer or vice-versa and in many cases has been a one way exchange. Considerable progress has been made in this area during the last decade, first by transferring data and results using text files and more recently by connecting specific applications programs to a common database. This paper describes the development of an Integrated Engineering/Geoscience Desktop that is designed to facilitate the sharing of data and results between geoscience and engineering applications. The Desktop results from the synergy of several groups, including Phillips Reservoir Engineering, Geology Geophysics and Petrophysics; landmark, and the Phillips Work Station Data Base (WSDB) development team. Merging the computing capabilities of these disciplines in a common, user-friendly work environment allows easy and rapid sharing of data and results throughout the reservoir exploitation process. This eliminates duplication of effort, provides better inter-disciplinary communication, and ultimately increases profitability through more accurate results and shorter turnaround times. Desktop Design Phillips geoscientists and engineers use both internal and external software packages in their work. The primary applications are presented in Figure 1. Previously, connections between the engineering software, geoscience software, and corporate databases were possible through transfer of text files. While adequate for the power users, these connections require knowledge of diverse access methods and file transfer protocols, and proved to be significant impediments to casual users. To provide a work environment to evaluate and develop prospects from discovery to depletion it was necessary to more closely integrate the geoscience applications with the engineering design and analysis software. P. 127

Abstract This paper describes a new method for the computer generation of 3-D stochastic realizations of porous media using geostatistical information obtained from high-contrast 2-D images of pore casts. The stochastic method yields model porous media with statistical properties identical to those of their real counterparts. Synthetic media obtained in this manner can form the basis for a number of studies related to the detailed characterization of the porous microstructure and, ultimately, the prediction of important petrophysical and reservoir engineering properties. In this context, direct computer estimation of the formation resistivity factor is examined using a discrete random walk algorithm. The dependence of formation factor on measurable statistical properties of the pore space is also investigated. Introduction The use of high-speed computers, in conjunction with advanced methods of image acquisition and analysis, (e.g., back-scatter SEM) opens new avenues to fast and accurate petrophysical evaluation and core analysis. P. 185

Abstract Most of the companies spend considerable time and effort in developing, implementing an adequate Information Technology System. For all of them, the questions are always the same: What's the strategy and the what's method for implementation? This paper describes TOTAL's project team strategy for applying Computer Technology to Drilling/Completion operations and the rapid development and installation in the operating affiliates (subsidiaries) of the new drilling system adopted by TOTAL. This new system based on TOTAL's world wide drilling environment is thoroughly described. The business requirement specifications and the development, based on TOTAL's valuable past experience and the use of new tools, concepts and procedures, are also discussed. This paper gives the method and solution adopted regarding the platform, data system management, engineering software's and Information Technology Organisation. Finally, the keys to successful implementation in the Paris Head Quarters (HQ) and in the subsidiaries are included. Introduction In order to better understand the new philosophy adopted by TOTAL with regard to the Drilling Software strategy, a description of the old TOTAL system is given in paragraph 2. In 1992, TOTAL decided to replace its obsolete Drilling Technical Information System named "Logi for 2". The in-house "Logi for 2" development started in 1985, and then put into production early in 1985. The replacement of "Logi for 2" was made necessary by the computer technology evolution which has occurred over the last 5 years. To correctly select its replacement, "Logi for 2" was analysed by a comprehensive data review and endusers interview in order to appreciate their satisfaction. This helped a lot in the general requirements description of the new system which has been set-up by considering the TOTAL's worldwide drilling environment. P. 247

SPE Member Abstract Write a comprehensive training manual on a technical oilfield subject, print it, and send it around the world. Six months later only a few individuals have taken the time to review, much less study the contents. Write an interactive, interesting computer program, put it on the company BBS system, and before long, every PC in the company has a copy. Computer interactive training has been common place for years, but generally its focus is training on computer software. This paper describes a PC-based program that facilities the study and training of technical or company-related information via interactive computer operation. The program is versatile, compatible with any level of PC hardware, and easily updated. The program prompts answers to multiple choice questions about the technical information. To prevent memorization of the questions and answers, each training session consists of answering 25 questions randomly selected from a pool of 200 questions. This approach provides the student with multiple training sessions with minimal duplication This paper describes the methodology and application of this type of computerized training. An explanation of the programming logic and an example of a sample session is provided Introduction Every company or organization has a continuing need to train its employees. The extent of the training depends on the particular industry and the associated technology. This is especially true in the petroleum service industry. The students vary in knowledge and experience, from the newly hired equipment operator to the veteran service supervisor. Continuing education is especially important and difficult in a large multinational service organization. While the overall content of the subject may be similar, individual geographical and political differences may require customizing of the course curriculum for the area. The training method must be versatile, accessible, and motivational. A variety of formats is available but due to the interest in and availability of personal computers, PC's were a logical mode to facilitate training. Written booklets and study guides have been used, but have limitations as to flexibility and timeliness. A system was needed that would allow each individual to study at his own pace, and provide the necessary evaluation and feedback to be effective. PROGRAM PLAN A plan was developed that uses IBM compatible personal computers (PC's) as the vehicle of instruction. P. 97

NodalBc: A Unique Program for Optimum Production of Sucker Rod Pumping Oil Wells Abstract Sucker rod pumping is the oldest artificial lift method used in production of oil wells. This method is usually designed and analyzed with the assistance of programs based on simplified models, such as the API RP 11L, or with a wave equation simulator. In many cases, however, a technique that permits consideration of the inflow and outflow performance of the well is a more efficient way to design and analyze an oil well. This technique, referred to as Total Analysis or System Analysis (SA), has been successfully applied to flowing and artificially lifted wells. This paper presents a computer program developed by Intevep S. A., called NodalB, created to perform the SA of sucker rod pumping wells. NodalB 's unique characteristics make it a competitive program in today's market of design and optimization software. This program allows consideration of the inflow performance of the reservoir depending on the drilling scheme, either vertical or horizontal, and determination of the sensitivity of the rod pumping system to its most relevant parameters, such as: pumping speed and stroke, pump diameter, gas oil ratio, gas separation efficiency, tubing diameter, pump depth, rod string design, oil viscosity, injected diluent (diesel, kerosene, etc.) ratio, water cut, reservoir pressure, productivity index, and different production schemes (i.e. production through the tubing or through the casing-tubing annulus). These features show the power of this program as a predictive tool. NodalB is specially applicable to design, optimization and troubleshooting of heavy and viscous oil wells, taking into account the viscosity effects in the rod pumping system. Introduction The current total oil production of Venezuela is approximately three (3) millions of barrels per day. One million of it is produced from almost 7000 sucker rod pumping wells, and consists, in its majority, of heavy oil and bitumen, which typical downhole viscosity ranges from 500 cp up to 7000 cp. The corresponding API gravity ranges between 8 and 12. Due to the high viscosity of the oil, cyclic steam injection has become a typical production scheme for those wells in which static reservoir pressure is below 1000 psi (up to 2500 ft of well depth). Also, other alternative production schemes have been developed to reduce 1) the drag forces between the rod string and the fluid and 2) the pressure drops in the tubing string and flowline. Such schemes involve the injection of a low viscosity fluid (diesel, kerosene) in a continuos basis into the wellbore and flowline. Furthermore, the oil being produced usually flows through the tubing-casing annulus instead of the tubing. Recently, a new completion scheme, called the Downhole Stuffing Box Production Scheme, has been successfully tested in the field, revealing several advantages over the other heavy oil production schemes currently applied in Venezuela. P. 33

Abstract The primary mission of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is to disseminate petroleum engineering technology. One of the most important sources of petroleum engineering technology is the extensive inventory (over 25,000) of SPE technical papers. In October 1991 the SPE Board authorized the Ad Hoc Electronic Publishing Committee (EPC) to explore how electronic publishing technologies might help the SPE promote the dissemination of petroleum engineering technology. The purpose of this paper is to update members on the progress of the SPE Electronic Publishing Committee, current projects and initiatives, vision for the future, and to encourage member support. Introduction The SPE technical paper library is expanding at a rate of 2,000 papers per year. Challenged with increasing publishing costs, an increase in papers that have been approved for publication and the goal to streamline the publication process. the SPE publishing staff has turned to technology to help address these issues. A full standing committee since June 1993, the function of the SPE EPC is to monitor programs in the area of electronic database publishing and to prepare periodic reports on such activities for the SPE Publications Coordinating Committee (PCC) and the SPE Board Committee on Publications. The SPE EPC recommends programs and activities in the electronic publishing area to be undertaken directly by the SPE or in association with other groups. This paper will outline the major initiatives the SPE EPC has set and the vision described by its members. STRUCTURE of SPE EPC The SPE EPC comprises up to nine members. Terms for committee members are three years and the term for the chairperson is one year. Appointments to the committee are made by the SPE President-Elect. The original core team was chaired by J. Ford Brett (OGCI) and made up of members Jeanne Perdue (Texaco, now owner of Jump Start), Bob Earlougher Jr., (Marathon Oil Co.). Phyllis Ross (Mobil E&P Technology Center) and Roger Alinger (Union Pacific Resources). This team, working together with SPE liaison Georgeann Bilich and SPE staff members Holly Hargadine, Alex Asfar, Duane Spencer and Carol Paschetag produced the first cd-rom MasterDisc index product in 1992. The MasterDisc is a single cd-rom disc that contains the text searchable first page to all SPE papers from 1951-1991 New team members added in 1993; Tom Thrasher (Phillips Petroleum Co), Jim Murtha (consultant), Steve Prensky (USGS) and Jim Russell (Texas A&M U) worked together with the core members to produce the 1994 SPE MasterDisc Update (added papers from 1992–1993 and support for MS Windows). The EPC team also laid the groundwork for the SPE Image Library (complete image of all papers on cd-rom). P. 327

R. Soto B., Instituto Colombiano del Petroleo (Ecopetrol) SPE Member C. Soto T., Instituto Colombiano del Petroleo (Ecopetrol) Abstract This paper describes an Expert System developed to predict whether a pay zone will produce hydrocarbon or water. This Expert System was applied to the Caballos and Villeta Formations in the Putumayo basin and the Mirador Formation of the Cusiana Field, both in Colombia. Log analysis "rules" relating the combination of logs (SP, GR, caliper, resistivity, density, neutron, sonic, etc.) and basic information are included in the knowledge base. The Expert System uses the Kappa-PC Shell and is composed of three subsystems: an inference engine, a knowledge base, and a user interface. We also consulted human experts to formulate and expand the knowledge base. Additionally, each formation was characterized using a Log Interpretation System (QLA2). The results from each characterization were used to develop cross plots. The QLA2 cross plots provided practical correlations from which to formulate "rules" for the Expert System. Logs from nine wells in the Cusiana Field were used to evaluate the Expert System. The recommendations of the Expert System agreed with conventional log analysis theory as well as with the known field results. Furthermore, it minimized the time and cost required to evaluate the pay zones. In conclusion, this Expert System can be used to predict whether or not a zone will produce oil or water with a high degree of accuracy. Introduction Evaluation of a reservoir to determine its commercial potential requires knowledge about its porosity, permeability, and oil saturation. This information is available from well log analysis. For clean sands, the relationships between measured physical quantities and porosity or saturation are well known. Density, neutron, and sonic logs used with resistivity data define effective porosity, shaliness, hydrocarbon and water saturation. However, there are many aspects that greatly complicate log interpretation. For example, the presence of clay minerals affects electrical log resistivities. Consequently, the evaluation of a specific zone using well logging interpretation is a complex Engineering problem. To solve such problems, the engineer must have knowledge of analysis theory, adequate log data, and practical experience. The engineer must be able to recognize the limitations inherent in each log and the significant variations in well log response from well to well. This is extremely important as failures are sometimes due to the use of inappropriate interpretation models. Engineers with experience can do the best work, however, such experts are not always available. In such cases, Expert systems can be used to improve the success of a log interpretation. When provided with the domain knowledge and a set of data, the expert systems can reach conclusions similar to those of a human expert. Expert systems today do not replace experts; instead, they enhance the value of the expert, and make more effective use of the experts time and knowledge. P. 153

Abstract Microsoft Visual Basic for Windows (VB) allows Engineers to develop engineering applications that run in the Windows environment. VB provides the engineer a programming tool to write simple programs quickly that meet their needs. It is relatively easy to learn and use. Development of a Windows-like user interface is easy to do and there is a growing base of users and add-in applications. The technological advances that have allowed engineering workstations to convert from a mainframe environment to a stand alone PC connected to a network have also provided new programming tools. Modern programming languages allow the programmer to quickly design screen panels and easily reuse code. This paper discusses the features available in VB and provides several program examples. Example programs written using VB include gas and oil fluid correlations, interpolation software, gas well bottom hole pressure from surface conditions, volumetric reserve calculations, simple log analysis, water pattern analysis and bottom hole pressure analysis. These applications were developed with Visual Basic version 3.0 Professional. Introduction Over the last decade, engineering workstations have transitioned from the mainframe to the PC environment. Engineers have seen a need to have their applications rewritten for the PC. To make up for the loss of applications, engineers have turned to spreadsheets & macros or DOS based programs written in Basic or FORTRAN. The Hewlett-Packard 41 C calculator with a petroleum fluids pac was also very popular. Writing DOS interfaces can be very time consuming and tedious. P. 291

Abstract In the fall of 1994, Chevron Canada Resources (CCR) retired its mainframe computer in favour of a distributed desktop computing environment. While the accounting applications were moving to a different mainframe in San Ramone, all the production department's applications needed to be switched to client-server. The deadline was set as September 25, 1994 to unplug the mainframe so the installation had to be complete or functionality would be lost. Only a month behind schedule, the production department's switch to client-server was complete and the functionality of the system had been improved. Customers pushed for the project by demanding a move to PCs and workstations. The key drivers were an effective Graphical User Interface (GUI), greater availability of software and an open systems architecture. The estimated cost savings to Chevron for maintaining only one computer system in-house, as opposed to both the desktop and mainframe solutions, is one million dollars a year. Merak Projects, a software vendor, worked with Chevron Canada Resources to provide users with unlimited access to data and simple analysis tools for the desktop. HELIOS, a product developed by Merak, was used to integrate the many diverse applications and data sources within the organization. The Chevron system design was based on a central data warehouse on Oracle that had incorporated the Public Petroleum Data Model (PPDM). The data warehouse was made available to all those using HELIOS and Merak's TRANSPORT MANAGER, an application that moves data between data sources and applications. On the desktops were Merak's MAP, FORECAST and WELLVIEWTM products. This paper will detail the justification for eliminating the mainframe, the architecture used in the system design, the transition process and the future direction of the project. Introduction In 1994, Chevron Canada Resources undertook a study to determine the future of Chevron's computing. P. 213

Edward R.H. McDowell. Jr. Abstract In 1993, PipeSoft Corporation ported 250,000 lines of FORTRAN code in 600 subroutines written for IBM 370 mainframes to the PC. This process produced PipeSoft's PC-based multiphase fluid flow simulator. PIPESOFT-2. The original simulator was developed by Chevron between 1976 – 1992. The new PC-based simulator, PIPESOFT-2 provides the same functionality as the mainframe version. The wide acceptance and power of the PC makes porting legacy mainframe systems a realistic alternative to designing and building software from scratch for the PC. Porting not only extends a program's useful life, but also increases distribution opportunities. And, once ported to a mainstream platform the software can continue to be improved without loss of the original investment. The Plan PSC would receive a tape containing the FORTRAN source, quality control data and run results. A Unix workstation would serve as PSC's "mainframe." Our plan was simple: get the code running under Unix and compare Unix OC results to IBM OC results. Then port the code to the PC and compare PC OC results to Unix OC results. (This double port wasn't quite as ambitious as it seems - Chevron had already ported the code to a Cray.) Since PIPESOFT-2 is dynamically dimensioned we felt that recoding platform specific memory management routines would be the biggest obstacle. PIPESOFT-2 actually consists of 10 modules. Three of which run sequentially and provide pre-processing of data. The fourth module (or more) run depends on selected modeling options. We chose to use Microsoft FORTRAN PowerStation because: – A large, flat, 32 bit address space was necessary for the program. – A prior attempt to port the program to a PC using a different FORTRAN compiler encountered difficulties. – We anticipate that Microsoft will migrate support of their FORTRAN offerings to other platforms (e.g. Windows NT) in the future. We anticipated this effort to be straight forward because the code was originally written with then current programming techniques, such as "modularization," and "top down structured programming." The code, on the whole, is well constructed. P. 331

Abstract The Integrated Drilling System (IDS) is based on a computer network that interconnects all drilling machinery and sensors to a distributed supervisory and control concept. This has been used to implement automated operations and full remote control from a central control room, with multimedia technology utilised for the man-machine interface. Introduction The Integrated Drilling System is a result of a comprehensive five-year R & D programme and is a technical breakthrough with regard to remote control and automation of drilling operations. Esso initiated the IDS programme in 1990, and has provided the bulk of the USD 9.5 million invested in the project. RF-Rogaland Research with its drilling facility, Ullrigg, has been the main contractor. Hitec and Smedvig Offshore Europe have been involved in the development of the IDS, and both companies have played a vital role in developing the system into a commercial product. All companies are based in Stavanger Norway. In developing the IDS, we have been concerned with two main challenges - increased safety on the drill floor and cost reduction through better planning and execution of the drilling process. Compared with the onshore industry, today's drilling rigs have only a limited degree of automation. Although computers have been introduced in isolated networks, it's full potential has not been utilised. The IDS takes full advantage of modern computer technology from supervision and control to automation of processes. Background Information Management The decentralisation and diffusion of the primary wellsite responsibilities has in most cases reduced the driller to a basic drilling mechanic. P. 45

SPE Member A procedure of well test analysis using a reservoir simulation model coupled with a history matching program has been developed. The history matching program used in this study is called "Adaptive History Matching (AHM) System" which was developed by Scientific-Software Intercomp (SSI) with the participation of Texaco and two other major oil companies. AHM was designed to help the engineer deal with the problems of history matching reservoir performance data with a reservoir simulator. Pressure data measured in well test is directly history matched with the current method without converting to dimensionless terms or taking the logarithm of the data. The history matching system used in the current procedure is based on Bayesian inference. Bayes' theorem provides a process of learning from experience and shows how knowledge about the state of nature can continually be modified as new data becomes available. Four cases of well test analysis are presented in this paper they include a single well test, an interference well test, a multi-layered reservoir case, and a horizontal well test. In each case, the conventional well test results are included for comparison with those of the current method. It only requires a few simulation runs for the current procedure to obtain the well test results. The interference case shows that the pressure data of the observation well during injection and shut-in periods at an active well are matched by the current method. P. 315

Manuel Vazquez O. Corpoven, S.A. (PDVSA Affiliate) Abstract Through Real Time Expert Systems (R.T.E.S.) technology, it is possible to remotely monitor and control, IN REAL TIME, Rod Pumping automated fields seeking to guarantee maximum production, minimum operating cost, and extending the useful life of equipment. In Rod Pumping Systems there are analytical tools which allow diagnosing the behavior of the wells, such as Dynagraph Charts, Pressure Loggings and Current Consumption. These Loggings are interpreted (using Design and Completion Information) in order to analyze, diagnose the state of the well and finally issue a recommendation, bringing as a result a field action. Generally, these actions are based on S.P.M control of the wells and this can be done automatically, closing the Control Loop. The main advantage of R.T.E.S consists in the REAL TIME event detection and the immediate reaction to that event. Moreover, the integration of R.T.E.S with Mathematical Models and Simulation Models allows to predict events before they happen and to take field actions. Introduction The work presented in this paper will consider the Computer Science and Petroleum Engineering technological Issues that were needed to Implement a Real Time Expert System for Rod Pumping Optimization. First of all, The differences between Traditional Optimization and Expert Systems Optimization will be shown. The second point to discuss will be the Automation Architecture that allows to deal with the real time requirements. Following, the theoretical subjects related to Real Time Expert Systems Technology will be mentioned considering the advantages of these techniques to the development of the Project. Finally, it will be discussed the steps followed to implement the system and the Conclusions reached. ROD PUMPING UNITS OPTIMIZATION The R.T.E.S main goal consist in helping the daily work of the Production Engineer during the Operational Parameters tuning in the Rod Pumping Optimization Procedure. In order to make easier the Rod Pumping Optimization Procedure, The Rod Pumping System is divided into three highly related components: Surface Equipments, Downhole Equipments and Rod String Component (Element that makes possible the interconnection between surface and downhole). P. 53

Abstract An object oriented, cross platform, C++ application has been successfully developed for the manipulation of production data associated with reservoir engineering and reservoir simulation data. The application supports all the main categories of production data necessary for simulation including historical production and injection volumes, well deviation surveys and reservoir events such as completion data. Particular emphasis is placed on the rapid generation of accurate and representative simulation controls. Key features include time varying connection factors where parameters are calculated from perforation data specified in terms of measured depths and formations, a flexible timestep framework and the handling of deviated wells, partially penetrating wells and multiple completions within a single simulation cell. P. 121

Introduction Amoco Canada Petroleum Company Ltd. is a $4 billion corporation engaged in oil and gas exploration and production. In October 1992 the company signed a five-year "transitional outsourcing" contract valued at $70 million to $90 million with a leading outsourcing vendor Amoco Canada like many other organizations, has chosen to outsource information technology services as a way to meet the challenge of reducing costs while implementing technological changes and maintaining services at acceptable levels. Outsourcing is a growing trend as evidenced by a study done several years ago by the Yankee Group, a Boston Massachusetts based information technology consulting firm. They predicted that every Fortune 500 company would consider information systems outsourcing and 20% would outsource at least some portion of their information technology functions by 1994. Recent studies by The Gartner Group suggest that this indeed is happening. What is outsourcing? In its most basic form it is the purchase of goods or services previously provided internally and is not exclusive to information technology. Information systems outsourcing is not a new phenomenon and in fact has been around since the dawn of data processing. In addition to data processing services it has included, use of contract programmers, time sharing and purchase of packaged software. A renewed interest in information technology outsourcing stems from its changing nature. Companies are not just approaching outsourcing as a way to reduce costs, as has been the case in the past, but as a strategic tool in the management of information technology. The data centre is now just one of many functions being outsourced. More companies are including the management of local and wide area networks, desktop computer systems, applications development, and midrange computer systems in their outsourcing. P. 85^

Abstract This paper describes a technically advanced, user-friendly, PC-Windows-based reservoir simulation tool (SIMTOOLS) that allows construction of realistic reservoir models using a geostatistical approach. This PC-Windows based product has three application tools: digitizing, mapping and geostatistics. It has been designed primarily to enable reservoir engineers to apply the geostatistical gridding technique in mapping and reservoir simulation practices. Introduction There are many gridding methods (e.g., triangulation, local sample mean, inverse distance, etc.) used in commercial mapping packages. These deterministic methods are similar to kriging, but not as accurate on a point by point basis. The distinguishing feature of kriging is the minimization of the error variance. Consequently, the standard deviation of the errors is lower for the kriging estimate than for any of the other techniques. Kriging estimation takes into account the effects of both scarce sampling and spatial variability. Like all deterministic methods, kriging smoothes the original data. So the kriging estimates are more appropriate for mapping reservoir properties where small scale features are not important, such as depth to top structure and formation thickness. When excessive smoothness is not desired, e.g., generating a permeability grid for reservoir simulation, conditional simulations can be used. Conditional simulation is another gridding technique from geostatistics. It adds correlated variations to the smooth kriged surface to produce models which satisfy the available data at sample locations and fill in unsampled locations with properties that have desired statistics. There are two distinct features in conditional simulation. One is that heterogeneity in terms of Dykstra-Parsons Coefficient and spatial continuity of the grid can be produced to specification. Conventional gridding methods, on the other hand, usually result in a much smaller Dykstra-Parsons Coefficient than the data would suggest. P. 187^

Abstract This case study of a PC-DOS/Mainframe system highlights a unique method to reduce the dependence on the Mainframe Computer System by individuals preparing written engineering proposals for prospective customers. With the development and implementation of the Engineering Proposal System (EPS), data storage and remote communications are now the only two functions processed by the mainframe computer. Two key areas for success were user involvement and proper training. While most of the individuals preparing the proposals had worked on the mainframe for some period of time, very few had worked on PC's. An EPS users' group was established to bring together the needs of the end user and the needs of the programmers. This group remains active in enhancing and troubleshooting the current system. The problems involved with a totally dependent mainframe system, as well as communications problems experienced with remote locations, are discussed herein. Satellite and phone modem communications are also briefly discussed. Several hardware configurations were necessary to respond to various needs created by the engineers location and working environment. The existing PC system, its components and the method used to automatically combine all the components into a high quality end product are covered here. Since this is a case study, all aspects of the product experience are explored. Introduction The Western Company's EPS is a series of programs and utilities used by the technical sales engineers to prepare a design proposal containing all the necessary information required by a prospective customer. EPS includes modules to present 1) customer information, 2) well data, 3) reservoir parameters, 4) proposed treatment and procedures, 5) calculations, 6) graphs and 7) job costs. All components of this system are internally linked together allowing information to be shared throughout related modules. Pricing is automatically calculated once the treatment is entered to the system. Quickly, a completed document can be sent to a local or remote printer. The Western Company's Information Services Department already had developed a Mainframe system that accomplished the above mentioned functions. This successful system had the following disadvantages due to its mainframe dependency: Suspension of the proposal writing process when the Mainframe was disabled Slow response time Low quality dot matrix printed output The time savings for the users and the laser quality presentation of the output would justify the total capital expenditure of the project. In 1989, the project was approved. P. 355^