PetroCalcHubFree
Reservoir EngineeringPVT and Rock-Fluid Properties

Characteristic Time for Linear Diffusion in Reservoirs Formula

τ=Cu(Φβf+βr)μl2k\tau = C_u \frac{(\Phi \cdot \beta_f + \beta_r) \cdot \mu \cdot l^2}{k}

Characteristic Time for Linear Diffusion in Reservoirs calculates characteristic diffusion time for pvt and rock-fluid properties workflows in reservoir engineering.

Calculate

How engineers use this formula

Use this formula when the listed inputs (Phi, beta_f, beta_r, mu, l, k) are known and the assumptions behind the cited pvt and rock-fluid properties 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, tau equals 7,645.670317 s.

Phifraction

0.2

beta_f1/psi

3e-6

beta_r1/psi

5e-6

mucP

1

lft

100

kmD

100

Inputs

Phi

fraction

Porosity

beta_f

1/psi

Fluid Compressibility

beta_r

1/psi

Rock Compressibility

mu

cP

Viscosity

l

ft

Characteristic Length Scale of Diffusion

k

mD

Permeability

Outputs

tau

s

Characteristic Diffusion Time

Phi

fraction

Porosity (rearranged)

beta_f

1/psi

Fluid Compressibility (rearranged)

beta_r

1/psi

Rock Compressibility (rearranged)

mu

cP

Viscosity (rearranged)

l

ft

Length Scale (rearranged)

k

mD

Permeability (rearranged)

Source and review

reviewed

Zoback, M. D. Reservoir Geomechanics, Cambridge University Press, UK, Page: 41.

Source

Related formulas and calculators

Average Permeability for Linear Flow in Layered Beds
Permeability
Average Permeability for Linear Flow - Series Beds
Permeability
Average Permeability for Parallel-Layered Systems
Permeability
Average Permeability in Radial Systems
Permeability
Klinkenberg Apparent Gas Permeability
Permeability
Jones-Owens Klinkenberg Slip Factor
Permeability