Buckley-Leverett Saturation Front Velocity Formula
Buckley-Leverett Saturation Front Velocity calculates saturation front velocity for permeability and flow workflows in reservoir engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (u_t, phi, dfw_dSw) are known and the assumptions behind the cited permeability and flow 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, v_S equals 12.5 ft/day.
1
0.2
2.5
Inputs
u_t
ft/dayTotal Darcy Velocity
phi
fractionPorosity
dfw_dSw
1/fractionFractional Flow Derivative with Respect to Water Saturation
Outputs
v_S
Saturation Front Velocity
u_t
Total Darcy Velocity
phi
Porosity
dfw_dSw
Fractional Flow Derivative with Respect to Water Saturation
Source and review
reviewedAbushaikha et al. (2021). Buckley-Leverett Theory for a Forchheimer-Darcy Multiphase Flow Model with Phase Coupling. Mathematical and Computational Applications, 26(3), 60.
Source