Comparison of Well Water Rehabilitation Methods
Method
Use
The controlled injection of liquified and gaseous Carbon Dioxide is introduced into the well under confined conditions to remove mineral incrustation (iron, manganese and calcium), as well as iron related, sulfate reducing and slime forming bacteria and physical plugging from silts, sands and clays.
Pros
Effective at removing mineral incrustation, biological fouling and physical plugging in both open hole and screened wells with a wide variety of construction characteristics and materials. Extensive geological formation penetration. 100% Green and environmentally sound with no adverse chemical waste stream.
Cons
None
Method
Traditional Chemical and Acid cleaning used in conjunction with pumping/surging
Use
Chemical solutions (Phosphoric, sulfamic, citric, hydrochloric, hydroxyacetic etc.) and chemicals to remove specific types of mineral incrustation, biological fouling and physical plugging from silts, sands and clays.
Pros
Effective at dissolving minerals and impacting biological activity and physical plugging (silts, sands, clay).
Cons
Chemical solution must be tailored specifically for plugging problem to be effective. Limited geological formation penetration. Produces a waste stream of spent chemicals and acids that must be neutralized and disposed of properly which can drive up costs.
Method
Wire Charge Methods
Sonar-Jet, Shock Blasting, Prima Cord, etc.
Use
Relies on the sudden release of explosive charge to create a percussive wave.
Pros
Effective at removing mineral scale from well screens. Not considered a thorough rehabilitation technique. Can be useful as a pretreatment for a chemical or Aqua Freed treatment.
Cons
Very limited penetration into the formation. Not effective on Biofouling or physical plugging.
Method
Fluid Percussive Methods
Airburst, Airshock, Nitrogen Shock
Use
Relies on the sudden release of nitrogen or air from down hole tools or guns into a well to create a percussive wave for the removal of mineral incrustation.
Pros
Effective at removing mineral scale from well screens. Not considered a thorough rehabilitation technique. Can be useful as a pretreatment for a chemical or Aqua Freed treatment.
Cons
Very limited penetration into the formation. Not effective on Biofouling or physical plugging.
Method
Hydro Fracturing
Use
Relies on the use of high pressure water injection.
Pros
Useful in low flow fractured well formations to improve production primarily on small residential wells.
Cons
Not effective in screened wells. Requires the use of high pressure water (up to 2800 PSI) to force water where water is not freely flowing. Source water quality not verified.
Method
Jetting
Use
Uses high pressure water with either fixed or rotating jetting nozzles at varying pressures of up to 18,000 PSI.
Pros
Effective at removing mineral incrustation from well screens.
Cons
Historically limited penetration into the surrounding formation. With the higher pressure jetting the risk of well damage is greatly increased.
Method
Blended Chemical Heat Treatment
Use
Not wide enough use to be considered.
Pros
Cons