Reservoir EngineeringFluid Flow in Porous Media
Darcy's Law for Linear Single-Phase Flow Formula
Darcy's Law for Linear Single-Phase Flow calculates volumetric flow rate for fluid flow in porous media workflows in reservoir engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (k, A, DeltaP, mu, L) are known and the assumptions behind the cited fluid flow in porous media 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 equals 2.8175 bbl/day.
kmD
100
Aft²
500
DeltaPpsi
100
mucP
2
Lft
1000
Inputs
k
mDPermeability
A
ft²Cross-Sectional Flow Area
DeltaP
psiPressure Drop
mu
cPFluid Viscosity
L
ftFlow Length
Outputs
q
bbl/day
Volumetric Flow Rate
k
mD
Permeability
A
ft²
Cross-Sectional Flow Area
DeltaP
psi
Pressure Drop
mu
cP
Fluid Viscosity
L
ft
Flow Length
Source and review
reviewedLyons, W.C. 2010. Working Guide to Reservoir Engineering. Darcy equation discussion.
Source