Understanding And Application of Modern Analytical Methods Technical Studies
Authors: Weaver A. G.T. 
Published: March 2010

Modern technology requires that personnel development should be extended to include general training in analytical methods such as statistical analysis (correlation of data, sampling, etc.) probability and risk analysis, optimization techniques and data handling methods. Because these techniques are not directed specifically toward any particular discipline, they are not widely recognized by engineering and exploration staff as tools that could he helpful in some phase of their own job. As a result, the methods are often considered the domain of only a specialized few. Full advantage of the methods cannot he made, however, unless their application is recognized and initiated at the user level. The ability to do this can he achieved through education with the following successive objectives in view:to create an awareness of the methods and the type of problem to which they may be applicable;to develop sufficient understanding of the theory and computation procedures for the individual to apply then in his own problems, with expert help if necessary.

Oil industry examples of the application of analytical methods and a suggested approach to training are included.

INTRODUCTION

THERE IS NO DOUBT that present-da.lr technical studies conducted by the practicing engineer and geologist in the oil industry can be superior in quality and scope to those carried out ten years ago. This is due not HO much to the introduction of new scientific concepts as to the more complete application of established theory and analytical tools. In past decades, much useful theoretical knowledge could not be used practically in operating offices because of the amount of arithmetic and data handling usually involved. Today, with computers in profusion, there is no need to fear these time-consuming chores. The result has been an upsurge in the application of technical theory that was not possible before the advent of the computer.

New innovations applicable to technical studies fall essentially into two classes:technical advancements which are directed specifically toward an individual branch of technology such as reservoir engineering, drilling, geology, etc.;adoption of analytical methods which are not directed toward any particular discipline., such as statistical analysis (correlation of data, sampling theory. etc.), probability and risk analysis, optimization techniques and data handling methods.

These are often loosely termed "operations research" tools. It is the purpose of this paper to draw attention to the second class, with particular reference to potential application in the oil industry and the personnel development required to achieve this.

The Problem

In general, technical staff have managed to keep abreast of innovations in their own specialty and to make use of them as the occasion arises. For example, up-to-date applications of reservoir simulation models, drilling performance analysis, computer graphic: in geology. etc., are now commonly used by operational staff. The same cannot be truly said for the modern analytical methods of class 2 above. These are ‘utility’ techniques not oriented toward anyone specialty.