Artificial Neural Network As A Valuable Tool For Petroleum Eng

Artificial neural networks are rapidly gaining popularity. This paper discusses the importance of this new tool to petroleum engineers, and the advantages that this computing process has over other conventional methods. The mechanics by which neural networks achieve their objective are also discussed. Artificial neural networks can assist petroleum engineers in solving some fundamental petroleum engineering problems, such as formation permeability prediction from geophysical well log responses with accuracy comparable to actual core analysis and well test interpretations. They are also capable of addressing case specific problems that may be encountered in the field. An example of each of these situations with successful results are discussed in this paper. The main goal of this paper is to put the artificial neural network in perspective from a petroleum engineering point of view and encourage engineers and researchers to consider it as a valuable alternative tool in the petroleum industry.