Structured Development of a Petrophysics Laboratory Computer System to Aid in Formation Evaluation and Geologic Interpretation

B. R. Hoyt, R. A. Skopec

Problem solving, data collection, and analysis in geology require diverse tools and methods. Computers must be convenient and versatile to be useful as laboratory apparatus and as tools for use in formation evaluation and geologic interpretation. Networking and distributed intelligence provide a laboratory with flexibility and power for cost-effective real-time data collection, management, and analysis. Networking facilitates toolbox-style programming; improves data compilation, management, and comparison; and increases peripheral effectiveness. Distributed intelligence enhances local instrumentation, uninterrupted real-time data collection, and data analysis.

The system presented includes facilities for instrumentation, data collection and management, and interpretation, analysis, and presentation for such systems as mercury injection, rock electrical properties, gas slippage, Klinkenberg correction, gamma-ray logging, cation exchange capacity, thermal neutron capture cross section, and permeability/porosity measurements. The individual systems share central text and graphic hard-copy devices and high-speed mass storage and backup facilities. Modifying the central system updates many of the remote system facilities such as user interfaces and graphic facilities. Individual system configurations include instrumentation, high-resolution color graphics, analog to digital conversion, and variation in computing power.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91037©1987 AAPG Southwest Section, Dallas, Texas, March 22-24, 1987.