Abstract: Application of Drilling Statistics in Basin Evaluation

Pete Stark

Computerized drilling-statistics files provide a readily accessible low-cost tool to support exploration planning and basin evaluation. Drilling success ratios, comparison of footage drilled, and computed drilling and completion costs versus daily initial-potential rates are used to rank geologic provinces. To determine favorable areas for exploration, historical well data are summarized to chart success, drilling costs, and daily initial-potential yield in specific prospective formations. Proper use of these data and techniques can result in improved selection of exploration opportunities, increased management or investor support, and better success for planned exploration programs.