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Slowness of the Formation Formula

Δt=tlLsDbΔtm2(Ls2+Db2)tl2Ls2+Db2\Delta t=\frac{t_lL_s-D_b\sqrt{\Delta t_m^2(L_s^2+D_b^2)-t_l^2}}{L_s^2+D_b^2}

Slowness of the Formation calculates formation slowness observed by sonic log for rock properties workflows in petrophysics.

Calculate

How engineers use this formula

Use this formula when the listed inputs (t_l, L_s, Delta_t_m, d_h, d_t, l_c) 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, Delta_t equals 50 us/ft.

t_lus

188.72983346207417

L_sft

3

Delta_t_mus/ft

200

d_hft

0.7

d_tft

0.3

l_cft

0.1

Inputs

t_l

us

First-Arrival Acoustic Travel Time

L_s

ft

Transmitter-Receiver Spacing

Delta_t_m

us/ft

Mud Acoustic Slowness

d_h

ft

Borehole Diameter

d_t

ft

Tool Diameter

l_c

ft

Tool Eccentricity or Mudcake Offset

Outputs

Delta_t

us/ft

Formation Slowness Observed by Sonic Log

t_m

us

Mud Path Correction Time

D_b

ft

Borehole Mud Path Length

t_l

us

First-Arrival Acoustic Travel Time

L_s

ft

Transmitter-Receiver Spacing

Source and review

reviewed

Theory, Measurement, and Interpretation of Well Logs, Bassiouni, Z. (1994)

Bassiouni, Z. 1994. Theory, Measurement, and Interpretation of Well Logs. SPE Textbook Series Vol. 4, Chapter 10, Page 189.

source conflict
Source

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