Well Database System: Structure And Retrieval Applications
Authors: Hatch D.G. , Block W.E. 
Published: December 2007

Petroleum Engineering and Exploration Departments initiated the development of an integrated well database in 1975. This project was undertaken in response to the growing demand for a system that provided selective information retrieval, simplified report preparation, and a reliable method for storing and processing large amounts of technical data.

The database system was designed to provide a single consolidated well data source to meet the requirements of petroleum engineers, geologists, and operating personnel. It was developed to be used as an engineering tool; therefore, a user/ system interface was implemented which allows non-computer personnel to access it and run any of the more than 80 applications without assistance from trained computer personnel.

As the name implies, the well database contains information uniquely defined for individual wells. This includes the basic well identification, purpose of the well, data on penetration of geological formations, measured and interpolated rock and fluid properties, mechanical configuration, performance data, and extraordinary data such as casing failures and workovers.

This dynamic system continues to grow to accomodate the continuing expansion and increasing complexity of Aramco's oil and gas operations and to meet user requirements for special study projects. It is also utilized to prepare routine projects. It is also utilized to prepare routine performance reports. The system is currently performance reports. The system is currently being interfaced with graphical and analytical programs to further increase; its usefulness. programs to further increase; its usefulness

Introduction

The primary objective of the integrated well database was twofold:To consolidate frequently accessed well information under a single framework to optimize the data maintenance operation, andto provide an engineering tool for storing, processing, and selectively retrieving large processing, and selectively retrieving large amounts of technical data.

The effectiveness of the system was considerably increased by providing users an interface that allows them to directly access the database without assistance from the computer personnel.

Although this computerized well database has not directly put a barrel of oil in the stock tank, it has in fact considerably reduced the time spent on many routine, time-consuming assignments. This reduction in routine job requirements has made additional time available for doing the more productive jobs. These applications are also used productive jobs. These applications are also used to screen and organize data for engineering analysis and, in some cases, they are being interfaced directly with analytical and graphical programs such as reservoir simulators, flow programs such as reservoir simulators, flow analysis programs, and geological contour mapping and cross section programs.

The system was planned to be developed and implemented in stages; therefore, a file management and reporting system was needed which would allow dynamic expansion of the database without impacting previously defined data segments and applications. After analyzing the commercial software available, Informatics' "MARK IV FILE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" (called MARK IV for simplicity) was purchased as the database management tool which would also be used as the main reporting software.

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION

Prior to developing this system, over 50 large data files already existed which contained much of the data planned for entry in this data-base.