Sediment removal during Hydropuls operation
Click here to enlarge imageAfter the rehabilitation, the city measured an improvement of 29% and 100% in specific capacity on these two water supply wells. And Parksville has continued to use impulse generation on other wells.
Improved well capacity
The technology also was used to rehabilitate four geothermal wells used for heating and cooling at New York’s Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Initial development of the wells was done using surging and bailing techniques. Soon after going into operation, they produced limited flow and showed excessive system back pressure. The New York Department of Design and Construction retained Kleinfelder to assist with efforts to rehabilitate the wells. After 15 days of redevelopment using Hydropuls along with simultaneous pumping, the rehabilitation was successful in unclogging the screens and surrounding formation and increased well capacity over 240% in all four wells. These increases in capacity resulted in a significantly more efficient geothermal system and reduction in long-term operating costs.
Conclusion
Impulse generation technology is rapidly growing in popularity for its speed, cost effectiveness and ease of use. However, because of the broad range of well construction techniques, well designs and aquifer characteristics, a successful rehabilitation project isn’t related to one particular rehabilitation method. Whether chemical, mechanical or impulse generation, it’s important to assess the well’s condition by reviewing operating data and performing a video inspection before selecting a particular method, or combination of methods, and then prepare a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that specifically addresses the conditions responsible for declining well performance.
Author’s Note:Chris W. Allen, L.G., is senior water resources specialist at Kleinfelder, a San Diego, California, USA construction management, engineering and environmental solutions firm. Contact: 858-320-2000 and www.kleinfelder.com