Reservoir EngineeringThermal Gradients
Thermal Diffusivity Formula
Thermal Diffusivity calculates thermal diffusivity for thermal gradients workflows in reservoir engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (k_thermal, rho, C_p) are known and the assumptions behind the cited thermal gradients 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, alpha equals 0.000001 m2/s.
k_thermalW/(m*K)
1.5
rhokg/m3
2200
C_pJ/(kg*K)
1000
Inputs
k_thermal
W/(m*K)Thermal Conductivity
rho
kg/m3Density
C_p
J/(kg*K)Specific Heat Capacity at Constant Pressure
Outputs
alpha
m2/s
Thermal Diffusivity
k_thermal
W/(m*K)
Thermal Conductivity
rho
kg/m3
Density
C_p
J/(kg*K)
Specific Heat Capacity at Constant Pressure
Source and review
reviewedTransport Phenomena, Bird, R.B., Stewart, W.E., Lightfoot, E.N. (2002)
Bird, R.B., Stewart, W.E. and Lightfoot, E.N. 2002. Transport Phenomena, 2nd ed., Chapter 9, Page 268.
Source