Reservoir EngineeringThermal Gradients
Average Temperature of a Gas Column Formula
Average Temperature of a Gas Column calculates arithmetic average temperature for thermal gradients workflows in reservoir engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (T_t, T_b) are known and the assumptions behind the cited thermal gradients 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, T equals 570 °R.
T_t°R
520
T_b°R
620
Inputs
T_t
°RTubing Head Temperature
T_b
°RWellbore Temperature
Outputs
T
°R
Arithmetic Average Temperature
T_t
°R
Tubing Head Temperature (rearranged)
T_b
°R
Wellbore Temperature (rearranged)
Source and review
reviewedAhmed, T., McKinney, P.D. (2005). Advanced Reservoir Engineering, Gulf Publishing of Elsevier, Chapter: 3, Page: 199.
Source