Prevention of mechanical well clogging;

increasing the sustainability of ground water abstraction

Ground water is a reliable source for the production of drinking water. Wells abstracting ground water though are often susceptible to mechanical clogging (also called well bore clogging).  Well clogging results in extra costs for monitoring, rehabilitation and replacement of wells. If clogging is not recognized in time, it causes loss of production capacity, especially during periods of peak demand.

Mechanical clogging is caused by an accumulation of particles on the well bore; these particles are of natural, geologic origin and are supplied to the well by the abstracted ground water.  Results of research at various Dutch well fields in combination with laboratory experiments related the process of well bore clogging to the pumping scheme, the flow velocity of ground water to the wells and the particle size and concentration in the abstracted ground water. This relationship led to the development of a well operation scheme, which alternates starting and termination of pumping after a defined period (depending on site and well characteristics). Application of this operation scheme on a Dutch well field very sensitive to well bore clogging, was very successful: during 1, 5 year the capacity of the wells remained constant, or even improved.   

Application of the results of this research will make ground water abstraction more reliable, prevent rehabilitation and replacement of clogged wells and in this way saving money and preventing degradation of the environment.

The research program is was funded by the Dutch and Flemish water suplliers and by Senter Novem, a department of the ministry of finance.