Interest in electronic data processing as a supplementary exploration tool is growing throughout the oil industry. The volume of well data is increasing exponentially. Before any data retrieval or processing can be done, the most important data items must be converted to a machine form. Converting the current data is a small problem. Converting the useful backlog data is a large and costly problem. Many companies are approaching this problem through individual and group efforts. The Standard Oil Company of California has developed a mechanized well data system for the storage, updating, correcting and retrieval of useful well data and information.

A team of geologists surveyed the Corporation's exploration offices to define the most used well data and the major problems related to manual retrieval. An area in California was chosen for a test which involved data conversion and the development of computer programs to utilize magnetic tape files and the IBM 1401 computer. The system was designed to include all wells, a high percentage of data types, a low percentage of errors, minimum coding, readable output, provisions for expansion, update and correction procedures, and simple query construction. The system was developed in two phases. Phase I included the well biography and an index to data. Phase II included selected numerical and tabular well data as well as interpretative data. Experienced technical assistants under the supe vision of a geologist transcribed the data from complete well files. The average per well costs for conversion to magnetic tape ranged from $5 to $15 depending on the amount of information included. To search the magnetic tape file, a computer query is formulated from a geologist's specific question. The computer search results in readable, uncoded lists. The cost to answer typical geological requests varies from $3 to $10 per thousand wells depending on the complexity of the question. The savings of professional search time and the volume of pertinent data made available is gratifying. But problems still exist--data conversion costs are high, more suitable machines are needed, true value of such systems are difficult to assess.

Computer systems have many potential exploration applications which will have to be originated by enlightened, experienced, competitive, and imaginative oil finders at all levels. The storage-and-retrieval of basic well data is the logical starting point.

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