The presentation will review the fundamentals and steps involved in basic well design which primarily involve material selection, flow characteristics and strength requirements to meet the purpose of the well. The presenter will attempt to show what has remained constant and what has changed in both methods, tools and standards used to evaluate design and performance over the past 20 years.

The discussion will include how environmental, regulatory, social and economic influences have affected some of the decision making in well design particularly in the area of aquifer quality protection, life expectancy of investment and expectations of performance. Wells are not just vertical pumping wells, but many today must serve the dual purpose of injection for water banking. More and more wells are constructed horizontally and present unique design and installation challenges.

Also the importance of well development will be reviewed and how some of today techniques have changed and how materials design can help or hinder this most important aspect of well completion.