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Reservoir EngineeringPermeability

Kozeny-Carman Permeability from Grain Diameter Formula

k=Bϕ3d2τk=\frac{B\phi^3d^2}{\tau}

Kozeny-Carman Permeability from Grain Diameter calculates permeability for permeability workflows in reservoir engineering.

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How engineers use this formula

Use this formula when the listed inputs (B, phi, d, tau) are known and the assumptions behind the cited permeability 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, k equals 0.000001 mD.

Bdimensionless

0.5

phifraction

0.2

dcm

0.02

taudimensionless

2

Inputs

B

dimensionless

Geometric Factor

phi

fraction

Porosity

d

cm

Particle Diameter

tau

dimensionless

Tortuosity

Outputs

k

mD

Permeability

B

dimensionless

Geometric Factor

phi

fraction

Porosity

d

cm

Particle Diameter

tau

dimensionless

Tortuosity

Source and review

reviewed

Reservoir Geomechanics, Zoback, M.D. (2007)

Zoback, M.D. 2007. Reservoir Geomechanics, Cambridge University Press, Page 41.

Source

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