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Sensory Data Expert System (SDES) -- Knowledge Based Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 9930, College Station, TX 77842-7930; 409-260-5274
Dr. Jayakumar Muthusami, Principal Investigator
Dr. Richard J. Mayer, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82606
Amount: $749,847
In the exploration of oil and gas, drilling operators do not have all the information needed to make correct and timely decisions, which can lead to expensive mistakes, hazardous situations, and increased costs. Although drilling systems generate a large amount of data that is recorded and archived during the operation, much useful information contained within that data is not extracted or used effectively. This project will develop and deploy a robust expert system for sensory data interpretation to help drilling operators recognize and understand monitored and displayed sensory data. Phase I developed the architecture, concept of operation, and prototype implementation of the Sensory Data Expert System (SDES) and demonstrated its application on an actual industry problem situation. This proved the viability of the research and produced a credible approach for technology hardening and its transfer to industry applications. Phase II will refine, harden, and scale up the SDES solution architecture and build two specialized versions of the software that will address the particular needs of the drilling industry.
Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The oil drilling industry drilled 25,203 wells in 1997, a 14% increase over 1996. It is estimated that the misinterpretation of sensory data is costing the industry $109M per year. The rapid commercialization of SDES should lead to immediate cost reductions.