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Phase Behavior and ThermodynamicsFluid Properties

McCain Saturated Water Compressibility with Gas Liberation Formula

cwsat=cwunder+BgBw(RswP)Tc_{wsat}=c_{wunder}+\frac{B_g}{B_w}\left(\frac{\partial R_{sw}}{\partial P}\right)_T

McCain Saturated Water Compressibility with Gas Liberation calculates saturated water compressibility for fluid properties workflows in phase behavior and thermodynamics.

Calculate

How engineers use this formula

Use this formula when the listed inputs (c_wunder, B_g, B_w, dRsw_dP) are known and the assumptions behind the cited fluid 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, c_wsat equals 0.000017 1/psi.

c_wunder1/psi

0.000003

B_grb/SCF

0.005

B_wrb/STB

1.02

dRsw_dPscf/STB/psi

0.00292729083645928

Inputs

c_wunder

1/psi

Undersaturated Water Compressibility Term

B_g

rb/SCF

Gas Formation Volume Factor

B_w

rb/STB

Water Formation Volume Factor

dRsw_dP

scf/STB/psi

Solution Gas-Water Pressure Derivative

Outputs

c_wsat

1/psi

Saturated Water Compressibility

c_wgas

1/psi

Gas-Liberation Compressibility Term

c_wunder

1/psi

Undersaturated Water Compressibility Term

B_g

rb/SCF

Gas Formation Volume Factor

B_w

rb/STB

Water Formation Volume Factor

dRsw_dP

scf/STB/psi

Solution Gas-Water Pressure Derivative

Source and review

reviewed

Formation Water PVT Properties, McCain, W.D. Jr., Petroleum Office

McCain, W.D. Jr. 1991. Reservoir-Fluid Property Correlations-State of the Art; Petroleum Office Formation Water PVT Properties.

Source

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