Maximum Oil Column Height in Cap Rock Formula
Maximum Oil Column Height in Cap Rock calculates maximum oil column height for rock properties workflows in reservoir engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (P_a, P_w, G_o, h, alpha, P_c, rho) are known and the assumptions behind the cited rock 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, H equals 11,300 ft.
5000
4200
0.35
1000
0.8
50
0.45
Inputs
P_a
psiTotal Potential Energy of Accumulation
P_w
psiWater Potential in Reservoir
G_o
psi/ftInitial Oil Pressure Gradient in Reservoir Rock
h
ftDepth
alpha
dimensionlessHeight Constant
P_c
psiCapillary Pressure
rho
psi/ftDensity Differential Between Fluids
Outputs
H
Maximum Oil Column Height
P_a
Total Potential Energy of Accumulation
P_w
Water Potential in Reservoir
G_o
Initial Oil Pressure Gradient in Reservoir Rock
h
Depth
alpha
Height Constant
P_c
Capillary Pressure
rho
Density Differential Between Fluids
Source and review
reviewedAdvanced Reservoir Engineering, Ahmed, T., McKinney, P.D. (2015)
Ahmed, T. and McKinney, P.D. 2015. Advanced Reservoir Engineering. Gulf Publishing House.
Source