PetrophysicsElectrical Properties
Electric Resistance to Radial Current from a Wellbore Formula
Electric Resistance to Radial Current from a Wellbore calculates electric resistance to radial current for electrical properties workflows in petrophysics.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (r_e, r_w, h, sigma_e) are known and the assumptions behind the cited electrical 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, R_e equals 1.209721 ohm.
r_eft
1000
r_wft
0.5
hft
50
sigma_e1/(ohm ft)
0.02
Inputs
r_e
ftDrainage Radius
r_w
ftWellbore Radius
h
ftReservoir Height
sigma_e
1/(ohm ft)Electric Conductivity
Outputs
R_e
ohm
Electric Resistance to Radial Current
h
ft
Reservoir Height
sigma_e
1/(ohm ft)
Electric Conductivity
Source and review
reviewedPrats, M. 1986. Thermal Recovery. Society of Petroleum Engineers, Chapter 14, Page 188.
Source