Phase Behavior and ThermodynamicsFluid Properties
McCain Water Viscosity at Reservoir Pressure Formula
McCain Water Viscosity at Reservoir Pressure calculates water viscosity at reservoir pressure for fluid properties workflows in phase behavior and thermodynamics.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (p, mu_w1) 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, mu_w equals 0.457056 cP.
ppsi
3000
mu_w1cP
0.3980491726439528
Inputs
p
psiPressure
mu_w1
cPWater Viscosity at Atmospheric Pressure
Outputs
mu_w
cP
Water Viscosity at Reservoir Pressure
C_mccain_water_pressure
dimensionless
McCain Water Viscosity Pressure Correction
mu_w1
cP
Water Viscosity at Atmospheric Pressure
p
psi
Pressure
Source and review
reviewedCraft, B.C., Hawkins, M. and Terry, R.E. 1991. Applied Petroleum Reservoir Engineering, 2nd Edition, Page 48.
Source