Frequently Asked Questions
About ROCKSBank
- Is ROCKSBank designed for conventional oil and gas purposes only
or can I use it for oil sands mining, geothermal, geotechnical or
waste disposal applications?
- If I have sonic and bulk density log data for a zone of interest,
can I use ROCKSBank to estimate static rock mechanical properties?
- Are there any limitations on the total number of rock samples that
can be stored in ROCKSBank?
- Can a user add or edit individual parameters in the ROCKSBank data
model?
- Can ROCKSBank be used to store data on rock discontinuities such
as bedding planes, faults and natural fractures?
- Can
ROCKSBank be used to store log-derived data?
- Can we use ROCKSBank for our own proprietary data in addition to
the public domain data that are delivered with the database?
- Can we view and analyze both public and proprietary data
simultaneously?
- What are the sources of the
public domain data in ROCKSBank?
- Can we use different
or mixed unit systems in ROCKSBank?
- Can I query or filter the data in ROCKSBank while conducting a
search?
- Can I import data into ROCKSBank?
- Can I export
data from ROCKSBank?
- What are the different types of output reports that can be
generated with ROCKSBank?
- What graphical and statistical capabilities are available in
ROCKSBank?
- Can I show a previously developed correlation on a ROCKSBank graph
with new data?
- What is provided to users as part of a ROCKSBank support and
maintenance agreement?
- What are the different ways available
today to license ROCKSBank?
- What features does ROCKSBank provide for the security and
protection of my data?
A: ROCKSBank is a flexible rock
properties database that can be used for any type of subsurface
application where rock mechanical or acoustic properties are collected.
Users can customize the rock lithology list to include igneous and
metamorphic rocks if so desired. Several of the public domain data
entries are in fact from shallow geotechnical investigations and oil
sands mining operations.
A: Yes. If no local core data are
available or you do not have sufficient time or budget to conduct a
laboratory testing program then ROCKSBank can
help you find a suitable predictive relationship to estimate such static
rock mechanical properties as Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and
unconfined compressive strength (UCS). You can also estimate these
properties by using one of several relationships developed for other
basins around the world. These calibrated relationships can then be
applied to other wells at different depths in the same field or region.
A: No. There are no limitations on
the total number of samples that can be stored in the ROCKSBank. When a
new sample is added to a ROCKSBank database, the program auto‑generates
unique identification numbers for that sample, its source reference and
its geographic location.
A: No. A user cannot add or edit
parameters in the data model. However, Weatherford Geomechanics Services can add new parameters upon
request. The user can, of course, add or edit their own proprietary rock
property data.
A: Yes. ROCKSBank can be used to
store and analyze physical and mechanical property data on single or
multiple rock discontinuities present in a sample. A customized
interface is used to enter all relevant discontinuity data using a
classification system modified after the procedures recommended by the
International Society for Rock Mechanics.
A: Yes. A user can store log-derived
data that correspond to a laboratory test from a specific depth of
interest. The log depth should be close to the core sample depth. Entire
well logs cannot be stored in the current version of ROCKSBank.
A: Yes. You can create your
proprietary database and use it with the public domain data delivered
with ROCKSBank. However, a user cannot add or
edit data in the public databases delivered with the software by
Weatherford Geomechanics Services.
A: Yes. You can create, edit, open
or save multiple databases in ROCKSBank, as well as view and analyze
data from these databases simultaneously.
A:
ROCKSBank
data have been obtained from a wide variety of public domain sources
such as published journals, abstracts, graduate theses and government
agency research reports. New data are continuously being compiled and
assessed for their suitability in ROCKSBank.
A: Yes. You can select from modified
SI or US oilfield units in ROCKSBank. Mixed units can also be used when
data are entered. Unit systems can be switched from one to another at
any time.
A: Yes. The data can be queried or
filtered based on any variable in the database. Multiple filter
combinations can be designed and saved for future customized searches.
Data filters and query capabilities have also been implemented in other
ROCKSBank interfaces such as the optional
map add-in, graphing
and rock failure criteria.
A: Yes. Currently ROCKSBank allows
pasting of text data into all of its data fields. In the future
ROCKSBank will offer other import capabilities, customized for common
oilfield databases. Contact Weatherford Geomechanics Services at
software@advgeotech.com if you have a specific
dataset that you would like to import into ROCKSBank.
A: Yes. ROCKSBank permits the
copying of text data from various fields but large volume copy
operations are restricted. ROCKSBank also allows for portions of data,
reports and graphs to be exported in several file formats, such as XML,
XLS, RTF, PDF, BMP, JPG, GIF and others. Contact Weatherford
Geomechanics Services at
software@advgeotech.com for further details or questions
regarding special data export needs.
A: The current main output reports
include: a data search report, a source reference report, a single
sample report, a rock failure criteria report and a grain size analysis
report. Most of the output reports are produced in a standard format.
However, a user also has the ability to customize and save their own
output report. Most reports are generated with graphs, statistics and
the associated data.
A: Several types of graphs such as
scatter plots, depth plots, histograms and pie charts can be generated
with ROCKSBank. Multiple data series can be
plotted on the same graph and regression analyses can be performed. All
plots have right-click options which allow users to edit, print, copy
and save the plots or generate a customized output report.
ROCKSBank also has basic descriptive
statistics, linear and non-linear regression routines, and curve fitting
functions very similar to Microsoft Excel.
A: Yes. This powerful feature has
recently been added to ROCKSBank to allow
users to compare their data to one or more typical correlations.
A:
-
Two semi-annual updates to the
public domain databases in ROCKSBank
(US, Canadian and international databases). These updates
are planned for January 15th and July 15th each year.
-
Unlimited telephone and email technical
support during regular Weatherford Geomechanics Services business hours. We make every
possible effort to respond to enquiries as soon as possible,
typically within 24 hours.
-
Access to helpful
ROCKSBank resources on Weatherford Geomechanics Services
website such as user tips, software updates and an expanded
list of frequently asked questions.
-
Up to half a day
per year of ROCKSBank training and
instruction if requested. This can be provided in Calgary or
over the internet via WebEx training courses outside of
Calgary can be arranged for a fee.
-
ROCKSBank
software updates including bug fixes, data model additions,
and new features. At a minimum, one software upgrade is
planned per year.
-
Updated versions of
the ROCKSBank users manual, which
are released periodically during the year.
A: At this time
ROCKSBank can be licensed with or without
an optional customizable map add-in as either a stand alone PC/notebook
version, or a network version. Customization required for a network
version is charged at our normal consulting rates. Intranet and internet
versions of ROCKSBank are being developed and
will be available to new and existing ROCKSBank
licensees in the near future. Contact
software@advgeotech.com for short term leasing or
other related enquiries.
A: ROCKSBank was designed to secure
and protect data through a user access management scheme very similar to
other major database products. The stand alone PC version of
ROCKSBank has a hardware key and/or a software
protection scheme to prevent unauthorized access or copying of the
software or data. At the network level (intranet, internet) ROCKSBank
also uses encryption to prevent unauthorized users from accessing data.
Please contact Weatherford Geomechanics Services at
software@advgeotech.com for more details about security or
specifics of your network or installation.
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