Production EngineeringHydraulic Fracturing
Average Specific Weight of Formation - Hydraulic Fracturing Formula
Average Specific Weight of Formation - Hydraulic Fracturing calculates average specific weight of formation for hydraulic fracturing workflows in production engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (gamma_min, gamma_liq, phi) are known and the assumptions behind the cited hydraulic fracturing relationship match the engineering case being checked.
Assumptions
- Input values are representative for the well, reservoir, fluid, or equipment case being evaluated.
- The declared units match the field-unit constants used in the formula.
- The cited formula applies to the selected petroleum engineering workflow.
Limitations
- The calculation does not replace a full engineering model or operating procedure.
- Accuracy depends on the source correlation, assumptions, input quality, and unit consistency.
Common mistakes
- Mixing unit systems without converting the inputs.
- Using default example values as field recommendations.
- Applying the formula outside the source assumptions.
Default example
Using the default inputs, gamma_formation equals 2.32 p/cm^3.
gamma_minp/cm^3
2.65
gamma_liqp/cm^3
1
phifraction
0.2
Inputs
gamma_min
p/cm^3Specific Weight of Minerals
gamma_liq
p/cm^3Specific Weight of Liquid Phase
phi
fractionPorosity
Outputs
gamma_formation
p/cm^3
Average Specific Weight of Formation
gamma_min
p/cm^3
Specific Weight of Minerals
gamma_liq
p/cm^3
Specific Weight of Liquid Phase
phi
fraction
Porosity
Source and review
reviewedSaydam, T. 1967. Principles of Hydraulic Fracturing. ARI Publishing Co., Page 5.
Source