Drilling dataset exploration, processing and interpretation using volve field data

Abstract

In 2018 Equinor made an unprecedented step for an energy company and made a multi-terabyte dataset from Volve field open. However, there is a long way from downloading data to executing meaningful analysis. With no way of quickly evaluating the data due to its size and unfamiliar file formats the use of Volve data was so far limited. This paper presents our exploratory work related to the real-time drilling part of the dataset. We provide description of common obstacles and approaches for overcoming them. We also describe specific contents of the dataset for others to gauge the potential for case studies. We hope that this will lower the bar for Volve field data accessibility, promote research, and become a catalyst for other data science projects.