Number: TR-Gl-005 Rev 1

Technical Databook – Section 5 – Dated: 02-08-05

Fluid Data Supersedes:

Approved by:

1.0 Purpose
To acquaint user with Section 5 and it’s intended usage.

2.0 Scope
Applies to field and office personal.

3.0 Definitions
 Specific Gravity: the ratio of a density of a fluid to the density of water (SG = 1.0), it’s
important to note that SG has no units attached to it.
 Density: weight per volume, ie: lbs/gal
 Fluid Pressure Gradient or Hydrostatic Gradient: the pressure exerted by a 1-foot
column of fluid at rest.
 Hydrostatic head or pressure: the pressure exerted by a column of fluid at rest.
 Differential pressure: the difference in pressure at the point of connection of two fluids
with different specific gravities.
 Buoyancy Factor: to determine weight of a steel object (SG = 7.85) when totally
immersed in a fluid: multiply the weight of the object (lbs) by the buoyancy factor.
 API Gravity: An arbitrary scale, it is the industry standard for expressing the SG or
density of crude oils devised jointly by the American Petroleum Institute and the
National Bureau of Standards. The measuring scale is calibrated in terms of degrees
API; so light oil with a low SG will have a high API gravity.
4.0 Procedure
 Work through a sample of examples that relate to calculations required for fieldwork.
 A calculator, pen or pencil and work sheet is required.
 This material will be used in conjunction with course material for training purposes.

4.1 Section 5 – Fluid Data

 The graph at the top of Page 5-1 will give you °F at a depth, if a more accurate
calculation is needed use: ((0.017°F) x Depth in feet) + 65°F = °F
 The graph at the bottom of Page 5-1 contains the specific gravities of various oilfield
fluids and can be used to calculate the following.
 Density of a fluid = Specific gravity (SG) x Density of water (8.34 lb/gal)
 Example: 3% KCL has a SG of 1.017: 1.017 x 8.34 lb/gal= 8.48 lb/gal

 Fluid Pressure Gradient = Specific gravity (SG) x 0.433 psi/ft

 Example: 3% KCL 1.017 x 0.433 = 0.440 psi/ft, which means that 1 foot of
3% KCL will have a 0.440 psi Fluid Pressure (or Hydrostatic) Gradient

 Hydrostatic Head or pressure = SG x 0.433 x Depth

 Example: 1.017 x 0.433psi/ft x 4000’ = 1761 psi

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  To calculate Differential Pressure = Heavier HH – Lighter HH
 Example: KCL in tubing & Water in casing at 4000 ft
 (1.017 x 0.433psi/ft x 4000’) – (1.0 x 0.433 psi/ft x 4000’) =
 1761.44 psi – 1732 psi = 29.44 differential pressure

1732 psi
psi
1.44
176
4000 ft

 Pages 5-2 & 5-3 can be used to determine API Gravity, Fluid Pressure Gradients and
Buoyancy Factors based on SG’s between 0.5 and 2.5.
 Page 5-4 can be used to calculate the volume of fluid in a 210 bbl or 400 bbl vertical tank
by determining the height of the fluid and refer to the chart for corresponding volume.
 Page 5-5 is used in the same way as 5-4 for either a horizontal or vertical 55 gal drum if
the height of fluid in inches is known.
 Page 5-6 is utilized by taking the height or depth of a fluid and dividing it by the diameter
of the horizontal tank, once the ratio is established, find the corresponding percentage on
the chart and multiply the total capacity of the tank to give you the volume.
1. Depth/Diameter = Ratio → percentage from chart
2. Capacity of tank x percentage from chart = Volume
 Page 5-7 shows various depths of fluid in a 500 bbl horizontal round tank and the
corresponding volume in barrels.
 Page 5-8 shows various depths of fluid in a 500 bbl horizontal flat bottom tank and the
corresponding volume in barrels.
 Page 5-9 represents horsepower required for Pump Rates run at various pressures.
 Page 5-10 is used to estimate gas flow rates through a choke nipple.
 Page 5-11 is a graph reflecting 5-10.
 Page 5-12 contains the Periodic table of Elements.

5.0 Reference Documents

- Technical Databook – Section 5 – Worksheets

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Page 5-1 to 5-3

1. What would be the calculated temperature at 6500ft? _________ °F

2. 2000ft of 3% KCl would exert _____________ psi?

3. What is the fluid pressure gradient for Methanol? __________ psi/ft

4. Fluid with a SG of 1.5 will have a pressure gradient of __________ psi/ft?

Page 5-4 & 5-5

5. 7’10” fluid height in a 210 bbl vertical tank =

6. 3’3” fluid height in a 400 bbl vertical tank =

7. 9.4 in of fluid in a horizontal 55 gal drum =

8. 500 bbl horizontal tank with flat ends, diameter is 26 ft 3 inches, fluid level is 50 inches;
holds ____________ gal

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