Water viscosity
Water viscosity: A2.2. Viscosity McCain The McCain (1991) correlation estimates the viscosity of formation water based on temperature, pressure, and salinity. It accounts for…
A2.2. Viscosity#
McCain
The McCain (1991) correlation estimates the viscosity of formation water based on temperature, pressure, and salinity. It accounts for the effect of dissolved salts, making it more accurate than simple correlations for pure water. The model is based on experimental data and is widely used in the oil and gas industry. It provides good accuracy for moderately to highly saline waters, but for highly mineralized water (near the applicability limits), comparison with laboratory data is recommended.
Recommended applicability range:
- Salinity: up to 200,000 ppm
- Temperature: 30 – 300 °F
- Pressure: < 10,000 psi
Beggs & Brill
The Beggs & Brill (1973) correlation was developed to calculate water viscosity in oil production processes. It is especially applicable to multiphase flow in wells. The formula accounts for the effects of temperature and pressure but does not include a correction for salinity, making it more suitable for relatively fresh formation waters.
Recommended applicability range:
- Salinity: not considered; suitable for low-salinity water
- Temperature: 60 – 300 °F
- Pressure: < 10,000 psi
Matthews & Russell
The Matthews & Russell (1967) correlation allows for estimating the viscosity of formation water by considering temperature, pressure, and salinity. It is based on experimental data and is suitable for engineering calculations in the oil and gas industry. Unlike McCain's method, this correlation uses a simpler model but remains popular due to its reliability under standard conditions.
Recommended applicability range:
- Salinity: up to 200,000 ppm
- Temperature: 60 – 400 °F
- Pressure: < 10,000 psi
HP Petroleum
HP Petroleum is a modern commercial software package for modeling PVT properties, incorporating advanced correlations for calculating water viscosity. Unlike classical correlations, HPPFP uses more sophisticated models that account for:
- Temperature effects (from cryogenic to high-temperature conditions),
- Pressure (including ultra-high pressures),
- Salinity (including complex salt compositions),
- Dissolved gases (H₂S, CO₂).
Recommended applicability range:
- Temperature: 30 – 500 °F
- Salinity: up to 300,000 ppm
- Pressure: < 10,000 psi