Reservoir EngineeringThermal Gradients
Conductive Heat Flow from Geothermal Gradient Formula
Conductive Heat Flow from Geothermal Gradient calculates conductive heat flow for thermal gradients workflows in reservoir engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (k_thermal, G_C_km) 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, q_mW_m2 equals 75 mW/m^2.
k_thermalW/(m*K)
2.5
G_C_kmdegC/km
30
Inputs
k_thermal
W/(m*K)Rock Thermal Conductivity
G_C_km
degC/kmGeothermal Gradient
Outputs
q_mW_m2
mW/m^2
Conductive Heat Flow
k_thermal
W/(m*K)
Rock Thermal Conductivity
G_C_km
degC/km
Geothermal Gradient
Source and review
reviewedInstitute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, CNR. Heat Flow Measurements Laboratory.
Source