Reservoir EngineeringWell Performance
Horizontal Well Breakthrough Dimensionless Time Formula
Horizontal Well Breakthrough Dimensionless Time calculates dimensionless breakthrough time for well performance workflows in reservoir engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (k_v, rho_o, rho_g, t_bt, h, phi, mu_o) are known and the assumptions behind the cited well performance 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, t_dbt equals 0.185073 dimensionless.
k_vmD
10
rho_og/cc
0.85
rho_gg/cc
0.1
t_btdays
180
hft
50
phifraction
0.2
mu_ocP
2
Inputs
k_v
mDVertical Permeability
rho_o
g/ccOil Density
rho_g
g/ccGas Density
t_bt
daysBreakthrough Time
h
ftOil Column Thickness
phi
fractionPorosity
mu_o
cPOil Viscosity
Outputs
t_dbt
dimensionless
Dimensionless Breakthrough Time
t_bt
days
Breakthrough Time
k_v
mD
Vertical Permeability
phi
fraction
Porosity
Source and review
reviewedJoshi, S.D. 1991. Horizontal Well Technology, horizontal-well breakthrough time with gas cap or bottom water.
Source