Computer analysis of early well logs

Journal Article · Tue Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6045390

Robinson, J E

Geophysical well logs have been recorded in wells drilled for petroleum and natural gas since the early 1930s. These, largely hard-copy records, comprise the greatest pool of factual subsurface information on producing reservoirs and on new prospects that were either not economic or overlooked when the wells were drilled originally. As such, they are a valuable exploration tool but are difficult to use because of the incompatibility of recorded information both within and between wells. Early well logs display a wide range of curve types with a remarkable variety of calibration and depth scales. Visual analysis with well-to-well continuity is almost impossible with the logs in their original form. Fortunately, the hard-copy logs can be digitized and computer-processed to produce standardized logs that are amenable to accurate analysis for contained hydrocarbons and the spatial mapping of potential reservoirs. The process does require the services of a petroleum geologist to determine the log response to clean formations within each well. However, once the individual curve parameters are determined, the computer can carry out the detailed computations for the display and isolation of all potential reservoirs. Examples of logs from New York state indicate that many gas-bearing reservoirs remain to be exploited.

• Research Organization: Syracuse Univ., NY
• OSTI ID: 6045390
• Journal Information: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Vol. 67:3; ISSN AAPGB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
03 NATURAL GAS
030200 -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS
DATA ANALYSIS
EXPLORATION
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MAPPING
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESOURCE POTENTIAL
RESOURCES
WELL LOGGING
WELLS