Localized Processing Of Well-Log Data

The last few years have seen a rapid growth in the number of wells evaluated by use of computer techniques. This has resulted from the increased complexity of interpretation routines used to interpret modern logging suites, and the growing tendency to demand more complete interpretation results over a larger number of zones in a well. The accuracy of the results of such computer processing depends to a certain extent on the proper selection of the interpretation program for the geology involved, and the correct choice of the values of parameters for input to the program. These selections are best made by a log analyst familiar with the local conditions. There is also a major problem, particularly in locations remote from the computer-processing center, of excessive turn-around time (time required to get the log data to the processing center and get the results back). A solution to these problems is to do the interpretation in local interpretation centers by means of terminals which are connected, via a transmission system, to a computer in a centrally located city. Control of computations and of input and output could then be exercised from each local terminal. The central computer would be large enough to meet the computation requirements of many local centers. This system would make it easier to use local knowledge to select programs and input parameters, and would provide for rapid turn-around of the results to the local center. The present paper describes such a log-interpretation network which is now in operational use. The heart of the network is the central computer located in Houston, Texas. Local interpretation centers have been established at various