Fundamental Concepts of Well Design
by E. B. Williams?
ABSTRACT
Well performance and production life can be enhanced
greatly by proper design and operation. Using screen
entrance velocity as the only design criteria is not sufficient
for describing flow around the well, and in many cases
leads to an overly optimistic design. Approach velocity and
turbulence (Reynolds Number) are more direct concepts in
regard to the factors influencing long-term well efficiency,
and their use as design criteria is strongly encouraged. In
addition, sizing of sereen slots and filter materials is
haphazardly practiced by coo many in the ground-water
industry, and requires a renewed awareness
Distribution of flow along the screen, as well as the
vase number of aquifer conditions, are also factors to be
considered during design. It is here that the judgement and
practical experience of the hydrogeologist are most important.
‘The fundamental design criteria are relatively simple
+o apply, and for the practicing hydrogeologist, the design
process is aided by composite graphs. Several such design
‘graphs are given for convenient reference.
INTRODUCTION
In the field of ground-water hydrology, major
attention has been devoted to the development
and application of aquifer hydraulics, but unfortu-
nately much less consideration is given to the well
structure itself. Although substantial effort may be
expended on aquifer testing and computations to
‘quantify the ground-water withdrawal, successful
operation of the system may not be achieved if the
consulting Hydrogeologist, Ground Water Associates,
Inc., P.O. Box 280, Westerville, Ohio 43081
Discussion open until March 1, 1982.
Vol. 19, No. §~~GROUND WATER-September-October 1981
wells are not properly designed. In many instances
the project hydrogeologist or contractor has only a
cursory knowledge of screen entrance velocity
criteria, and artificial gravel filters are often
designed solely on the basis of other previously
installed wells in the area. This lack of attention to
proper design can result in an inefficient well,
requiring frequent cleaning and redevelopment, that
is ultimately of limited usefulness to the owner.
‘The concept of well hydraulics, as distinguished
from aquifer hydraulics, involves the flow of ground
water only within the immediate area around the
well and into the well itself. In contrast with the
larger perspective accorded to aquifer studies, well
hydraulics focus on a reduced scale, from di
of a few feet down to intergranular areas. As such,
itis obviously difficult, if not impossible, to conduct
meaningful field tests for direct measurement of sand
movement, turbulence within pore channels, and
other related properties. Consequently, the funda-
mental concepts of well hydraulics rely largely on
empirical observations, controlled laboratory
testing, and theoretical explanations, Nevertheless,
these concepts have proven quite useful for reducing
well losses and prolonging the aging process, as well
as improving our general understanding of the related
aspects of ground-water flow to wells. This paper
does not attempt a detailed discussion of the
mathematical theories involved in well hydraulics,
but offers instead a more practical review of several
design considerations and associated criteria, much
of which has been presented in the form of graphs
that can be applied readily by practicing hydro-
geologists
527ARTIFICIAL GRAVEL FILTER AND
SCREEN SLOT SIZE SELECTIONS
Proper sizing of screen openings and artificial
filter materials are the first and perhaps most
important aspect of well design. Unfortunately,
there is sometimes a tendency to install whatever is
customary for other wells in the area, with no
site-specific design considerations. Unexpected
variations in aquifer materials can then result in
difficulties with development, poor performance,
or in severe cases, well failure
Methods for evaluating artificial filter and
screen-slot size requirements are adequately
described in the literature. Most methods are similar
in concept and do not differ appreciably in their
results, Each method requires samples and grain-size
distribution analyses of the aquifer materials, on
which all subsequent design considerations depend.
Hence, the importance of obtaining accurate
formation samples cannot be overemphasized.
Although artificial filters or “gravel packs” are
being used widely for many large wells, there are still
‘many applications for wells with natural filters
developed in place from aquifer materials. Naturally
developed wells are less expensive than gravel-pack
wells, but this advantage is offset by inherent
aquifer limitations. For example, vertical stratifica-
tion within the desired screen interval may include
finer zones with insufficient coarse materials for
natural filter development. Also, where there is a
potential for incrustation, wider slot openings are
preferred to minimize plugging of the screen. In
such situations, a gravel-packed well allows more
design flexibility.
Using sieve analyses of the formation samples,
a sereen slot size for naturally developed wells is
selected to retain from 30 to 60 percent of the
aquifer materials, allowing the remainder to pass
into the well during development. According to
Walton (1962), in heterogeneous material having a
uniformity coefficient greater than 6, the screen
should retain 50 percent where overlying material
is soft and collapsible, or as litle as 30 percent if
the overlying materials are firm. In homogeneous
materials having a uniformity coefficient less than
3, the screen should retain 60 percent in areas of
soft overburden, or 40 percent in areas of firm
overburden. Uniformity coefficient is defined as,
the ratio between the grain size at which 60 percent
of the aquifer materials are finer (percent passing
equivalent sieve opening) and the 10 percent finer
grain size (Cy = deo/dio).
If the average grain size (dys) of the coarsest
zone is less than four times the average grain size
528
of the finest zone within the screened interval,
screen slots should be sized according to the finest
zone, Otherwise, separate screen sections should
be sized for each zone. In some cases, itis better to
not screen the finer zones, installing blank casing
instead, with sufficient overlap provided to
prevent migration of finer materials into the well.
‘As a general rule, artificial filters are recom
mended where the dy» passing grain size is
smaller than 0.25 mm (0.010 inches) and the
uniformity coefficient is less than 3. As mentioned
above, gravel-packed wells also may be recom-
mended even where these criteria are not a limita-
tion, to allow greater design flexibility. Although
design techniques vary, all have in common the use
of a gravel-pack ratio to establish size differential
between the aquifer and filter materials. Generally,
this ratio refers to either the dgo of dso passing grain
sizes of the filter and aquifer. In uniform aquifer
materials, this distinction will ordinarily give more
or less similar results. However, in coarse, poorly
sorted aquifers or where formation samples are not
entirely representative, the dso grain size may be
misleading and should be used with discretion. For
this reason, working with the dso passing grain sizes
is likely to be more consistent and is recommended.
In either case the filter should be designed for the
finest layer within the screened interval.
A gravel-pack ratio of between 4 and 6 should
be used for design: 4 if the aquifer is fine and
uniform, 6 if the aquifer is coarse and heterogeneous.
A ratio of less than 4 limits development and screen
slot width. Ratios of 6 to 14 allow movement of
sand and other fine particles from the aquifer into
the filter with subsequent plugging. A ratio in excess
of 14 may result in unrestrained sand invasion.
Other investigators, such as Terzaghi and the
U.S, Waterways Experiment Station (Leatherwood
and Peterson, 1954), use a slightly modified
approach. In these methods, the dis passing grain
size of the filter is designed at four to five times the
dss passing grain size of the aquifer material.
dys filter djs filter
fis filter gc His filter
7 :
crzaghi: a aquifer is aquifer
dhs filter
yg filter
USWI
Huisman (1972) further suggests a very uniform
filter material, such that the ratio of the deg to dio
passing sizes of the filter are less than 2 or approxi-
mately 1.4.
A typical design would proceed as follows:
Grain-size distribution curves of aquifer samples arereviewed and the finest zone within the screen
interval is selected. The dao passing grain size of the
aquifer material is multiplied by the gravel-pack
ratio to obtain the dso of the filter. Through this
point a preliminary curve is developed for distribu-
tion of filter particle sizes. Uniform filters are
preferred, and the curve should be refined to
provide a uniformity coefficient of less than 2,
preferably around 1,5. Specifications for filter
materials then can be prepared by selecting several
sieve sizes and determining percentage of filter
material passing. A tolerance of 5 or 10 percent is
normally allowed in the specifications. As a last
step, a screen slot opening should be selected to
retain 90 percent of the filter, equivalent to the dio
passing grain size of the filter distribution curve,
Final considerations are the thickness of the
filter around the well screen and the type of
filter material. Availability of local gravel supplies
also should be considered. Thinner filters allow
better development of the aquifer, but 3 inches
(7.6 cm) are normally considered the practical
minimum because of construction limitations on
uniform placement of the filter around the screen.
Similarly, a filter thickness in excess of 8 inches
(20 em) may hinder aquifer development,
especially if the well is installed by conventional
mud-rotary technique and mud invasion of the
aquifer occurs. For most wells, a filter thickness of
from 4 to 6 inches is suitable. Silica or other
related silicate minerals are normally preferred for
filter materials, especially where acidization may be
used later during well cleaning. Because of this,
carbonate materials are relatively limited in applica-
tion. Gravels should be washed to remove fine
materials, in accordance with the filter specifica-
tions, and should be rounded rather than angular.
SCREEN DESIGN CRITERIA
Probably the single most common cause of
well problems is overpumping. Regardless of the
capability of the aquifer to deliver water to a well,
there is a maximum permissible capacity based on
construction characteristics of the well itself.
Indeed, it is this capacity that most directly
influences the satisfactory performance and useful
life of the well. Ideally, consideration of well design
criteria, as well as sustained aquifer yield, bring
about a well design in which both are compatible.
Overpumping in effect produces excessive flow
velocities around and through the well screen. This
excessive flow can result in migration of fines,
turbulence, and accelerated incrustation and/or
corrosion, with associated head losses and shortened
well life, Additional head losses are nat only
inefficient from the standpoint of limiting available
aquifer drawdown; they also increase pumping costs
and associated power charges. The list of problems
may also include frequent shutdowns, costly cleaning
and repairs, excessive management involvement, and
lower return on capital investment,
In well design, the sizing of artificial filters and
screen slot openings is more or less dictated by the
prevailing aquifer conditions. Thus, that portion of
the design is usually established first and used as the
starting point for subsequent design computations.
If necessary, filter and screen slot selections can be
modified later on the basis of revised screened
intervals, ete., when refining the final well design.
However, it usually can be assumed that any
adjustments in the filter and screen slot sizes will be
minimal and that, for the most part, permissible
capacity will be determined by manipulating screen
length and/or diameter. Where these dimensions
ultimately become limited by construction require-
ments, its necessary to reduce the permissible
aquifer withdrawal capacity to conform to the
capacity established by well design criteria. A
discussion of selected design criteria is given below.
Approach Velocities
From the radial flow concept, it is apparent
that as ground water converges toward a well, its
velocity increases. If the velocity exceeds a critical
limit, finer particles will be transported from the
aquifer into the gravel filter. The filter subsequently
plugs, resulting in a loss of head. This velocity is
designated the approach velocity (Va). It is measured
at the interface between the aquifer and the filter,
where the transport of fine particles is most likely
to occur. Note, however, that this velocity term is
equivalent to the specific discharge; that is, the
discharge divided by the total circumferential area
through which flow occurs. It should not be
confused with the actual flow velocity, for which
the area of flow is confined to intergranular pore
spaces and for which an estimate is obtained by
dividing the specific discharge by the porosity.
‘Two investigators separately developed
enduring empirical relationships for limiting
approach velocities. By observing a number of
operating wells, Sichardt noticed a relationship
between the hydraulic conductivity of aquifer
materials and head changes as ground water
approached the wells. This relationship, expressed
in terms of approach velocity, is
v, 245 36 >010 >3.05
6000 24s 6 “10 3.08
5000208 6 010 3.05,
4000163 6 010 3.05,
3000122 6 a0 3.05
2500102 5 008 254
2000 a2 5 008 254
1500 6 4 007 203
1000 “ 4 007 2.03
500 20 30.05 132
< 300 < 20 <2 6,
‘The writers further conclude that the greater part
of flow into a well occurs within the length of
screen, measured from the discharging end, required
to obtain a CL/D value of 6. The remaining length
of screen is relatively nonproductive.
‘A few sample computations will illustrate the
implications of this corollary on well design. If we
initially assume a commercial screen of 1-foot
diameter (30.5 cm), with an open area of 40 percent,
and a C, value of 0.4, thenC= 11.31 (0.4) (0.40) = 1.81
and
Thus, flow will occur within a screen length of,
less than 4 ft, and as 2 consequence, only 4 ft of
screen would be necessary for design. If we assume,
on the other hand, a fabricated screen of similar
diameter (1 ft), but with an open area of only 5
percent, and a Cs value of 0.3, then
1.31 (0.3) (0.05) = 0.17
and
In other words, over 10 times the length of screen is
required.
Several points pertaining to well design can be
made from this example. For the initial condition
involving a commercial screen, it is quite likely
that the 4-ft length of screen, if installed, would be
partially penetrating. This would increase drawdown
and thus reduce well capacity. On the other hand,
the length of screen required with 5 percent open
area might not be suitable in a thin aquifer,
indicating that either a larger diameter screen or
one with more open area will be necessary. As a
general guideline, screen length should be approxi:
mately one-third of the thickness of an unconfined
aquifer, or 70 to 80 percent of the thickness of a
confined aquifer. Major departures from these
guidelines should be carefully reviewed before
final design approval.
‘The suggestion that the majority of flow
passes through only a limited portion of the screen
is of much greater consequence to well design. The
criteria presented previously in this paper assume
uniform distribution of flow. Peterson et al. define
the section of productive screen by CL/D = 6; other
investigators confirm similar results. Soliman (1965)
reported that approximately 80 percent of the
discharge passes through the upper 40 percent of
screen length. It appears that a more uniform flow
distribution might be obtained by varying open
area along the screen, i.e. less open area near the
discharging end of the screen with a progressive
increase in open area toward the opposite end of
the screen, However, for this to be effective, open
area in some sections of the screen will need to be
10 percent or less, which will certainly limit well
development after installation and also result in
a greater likelihood of plugging with continued
operation. Although this may be an area for
future study, it cannot be recommended at
this time.
One factor that has been neglected so far in
this discussion is the influence of aquifer stratifica-
tion, It is quite common for certain layers or zones
of the aquifer within the screened interval to be
more transmissive and therefore contribute greater
flows of ground water than others. This concept
is evident from equations (1) and (3) of Sichardt’s
approach velocity relationship. It is also generally
accepted that the horizontal conductivity of an
aquifer is greater than its vertical conductivity;
thus, ground water will preferentially flow
horizontally, except perhaps within the area of
development around the well where natural
layering of the aquifer is removed and where
potential head differences are greatest.
Excluding the effects of partial penetration,
ground water will tend to flow horizontally toward
a well in accordance with the gradients established
in the aquifer. Near the well, but outside the zone
of development, a vertical hydraulic gradient may
occur as a result of the head losses near the
discharging end of the screen. The relationship
between the vertical to horizontal gradients and
the horizontal to vertical conductivities can be used
to determine the amount of deviation from
horizontal flow in accordance with graphical
analysis of the hydraulic conductivity ellipsoid
and the following expression
1 _ cos? | sin% @s)
Kg Kx °K
where
Kx hydraulic conductivity in horizontal
direction,
K, hydraulic conductivity in vertical
irection,
Kg = hydraulic conductivity in the angular flow
direction, and
0 angle between the direction of flow and
the horizontal axis,
Alongside the well, within the filter and zone
of development, there will be little or no difference
between vertical and horizontal conductivities.
However, the horizontal distance to the screen, at
this point approximately one ft, is ordinarily much
less than the length of the screen. Consequently,
even when substantial vertical gradients exist,
537movement of water along (parallel to) the screen
should not be far, especially with progressive
convergence of flow from other levels in the aquifer.
This analysis also can be extended to include
several additional factors. At many locations,
coarser, more transmissive materials occur along the
bottom of the aquifer. If we arbitrarily assume the
lower one-half of the screened interval is within
this coarser zone, then the relatively greater flow
from the coarser zone toward the lower portion of
sereen should counteract the tendency of the water
to flow toward the upper (discharging) end of the
sereen. The resultant distribution of flow into the
scteen may be more uniform, or perhaps even in
reverse distribution to that predicted by Peterson
etal. (1955). Also, in situations where the well
penetrates only the top of the aquifer, flow from
below the well into the lower portion of screen
may again lead to a reverse distribution, even in
homogeneous aquifers. As a final consideration,
setting the pump in the middle of the screen extends
the productive length of screen in both directions.
To summarize, previous studies indicate that
head loss through the screen is not significant for
screens of moderate open area, These studies
further conclude that only a limited portion of the
screen is productive, because of convergence of
flow to the discharge end of the screen. However,
these studies have involved primarily laboratory
testing, where screen lengths are limited and filter
materials are artificially installed, uniform, isotropic,
and only several feet in thickness around the
screen. Conversely, ground-water flow to wells is
often complicated by many factors, including aquifer
stratification and partial penetration of the well
scteen. In these situations it would not be unusual
to obtain a more uniform distribution or even a
reverse distribution from that predicted by the
laboratory studies. Ultimate responsibility is
therefore with the well designer, who must evaluate
these effects and incorporate them into the final
design.
COMPOSITE DESIGN GRAPHS
Itis evident that proper well design requires
consideration of many interrelated concepts, and
thus no single criteria or equation is adequate by
itself. As a consequence, the design process
involves trial-and-error procedures and compromise,
supported largely by individual judgement and a
great deal of patience. However, this process can
be shortened by improving the initial design
estimates. For this purpose, design reference
graphs have proven to be most helpful.
538
A typical design graph is shown in Figure 6.
With this particular graph, capacity per unit
length of screen for diameters of 12, 24, and 36
inches are derived on the basis of approach velocity
and Reynolds Number design criteria. To apply
this graph in design problems, itis first necessary
to know either the aquifer conductivity, the dag
grain size of the aquifer, or the dso grain size of
the artificial filter. Obviously, a design based on all
three of these parameters will be the most effective.
Application of this graph with each parameter is
described as follows:
1. Aquifer conductivity. With this parameter,
one enters the composite graph from the lower
left-hand scale, moves right to the pivot line, and
then upward to either of the Sichardt criteria lines.
From this point, approach velocity in fpm can be
read on the left-hand scale, or by moving right to
the respective screen diameters for Va, capacity of
the screen in gpm/ft is read on the top right scale,
2. Aquifer dyo grain size, Enter the composite
graph from the top left scale and move downward
to the Gross criteria line. Approach velocity in fpm
then can be read from the left side scale, or by
moving right to the respective screen diameters for
Va, capacity of the screen in gpm/ft is read on the
top right scale.
3. Filter dyy grain size. Turbulence within
the artificial filter is a function of this parameter.
With the filter dsp grain size, enter the composite
gaph from the lower right-hand scale, move left to
the pivot line, and then upward to either of the
Reynolds Number criteria lines. From this point,
flow velocity outside the screen face can be read
on the left-hand scale in fpm, or by moving right
to the respective screen diameters for Re, capacity
of the screen in gpm/ft is read on the top right scale.
Screen capacities obtained from this composite
graph are then related to Figure 5 or equation (21),
to evaluate screen entrance velocity versus screen
open area. Where necessary, screen selection and
open area are modified to maintain appropriate
entrance velocities.
‘The composite graph in Figure 6 is, of course,
strictly valid only for the assumptions used in its
preparation. Nevertheless, by selecting relatively
standard assumptions, the graph fits a surprising
number of applications, and any adjustments
subsequently required for final design are normally
minimal. Assumptions implied in Figure 6 are a
gravel-pack ratio of 5, a gravel filter thickness ofAguiter yg mm
rem
votocity,
ou
oa
8
condttiy, pore
8
j
10000!
Fig. 6. Composite design graph.
ww ‘ons 10%
i TT
IT
|
seer
wo
wr et
3. GVA Filter Thvctness = 6”
4. Temp 60°F
+
rT
5396 inches, a uniformity coefficient (dgo/dyo) of the
aquifer equal to 5, and a ground-water temperature
of 60°F.
In addition to deriving design capacities,
Figure 6 also illustrates the compromising
relationship between approach velocity and
Reynolds Number criteria, as evident from their
opposing slopes. Although finer, less permeable
aquifer materials are less likely to have turbulence
around the screen, they are limited in approach
velocities by potential transport of fines and head
losses. Contrarily, coarser, more permeable
materials have higher permissible approach velocities
with less potential for migration of fines, but the
increased void sizes within the filter are uch more
likely to produce turbulent flow. In either case, one
of these parameters becomes the limiting criteria,
and it is this criteria on which the design must be
based. Highest possible yields will occur where the
criteria lines intersect.
‘The composite graph also suggests relative
agreement between both approach velocity methods,
Because the relationship between grain size and
conductivity is not absolutely definable, it is of
course necessary to compute each approach velocity
separately on the basis of available data. However,
it can be shown that the Gross relationship trends
towards Sichardt’s lower limit (VK/220) in more
uniform aquifers, and for the assumed aquifer
uniformity coefficient of 5 in this composite graph,
the Gross criteria equates to approximately
VK/130. When deciding which Sichardt relation-
ship to apply, the following guideline is suggested.
In uniform, wellsorted aquifers, or where aquifer
stratification is apparent, the criteria /R/220 is
recommended; in heterogeneous materials having
uniformity coefficients of 5 or more, the criteria
of VR/110 is acceptable. Intermediate values are
at the discretion of the designer; but they should
be clearly supportable by the available data.
Selection of the Reynolds Number criteria
was previously discussed. It is worth noting again,
however, that a Reynolds Number of 4 is recom-
mended for most wells, especially if the ground
water has reactive characteristics.
Using the composite design graph, various
screen diameters and lengths are quickly evaluated
to establish the most viable designs. It is also
helpful to prepare a simple graph of well capacity
versus screen length and drawdown, as shown in
Figure 7. For each particular screen diameter, there
isa maximum capacity at which the screen length
and drawdown intersect. A design capacity should
be selected such that the design leaves at least 10
540
12 working graph for relating soreen
us dravdown.
7. Representat
length, diameter, and capacity vi
ft between the drawdown and the top of the screen,
to allow for the pump, seasonal fluctuations in
water levels, slight head losses, etc. From the
example in Figure 7, design recommendations for
a.12-inch diameter well would be 30 ft of screen,
with a resulting capacity of 300 gpm. On the
other hand, if a capacity of 500 gpm is needed,
approximately 25 ft of 36-inch diameter screen
will be required. Refinements of the well design
can now be made, including selection of type of
screen construction and its open area, from screen
entrance velocity criteria. The composite design
graph will also assist in evaluating the effects of
aquifer stratification and potential flow distribution
along the screen.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
The preceding discussions clearly demonstrate
that successful operation of a well system must
consider equally the design of the well structure
itself in addition to the normal aquifer flow/draw-
down computations. In fact, contrary to popular
belief, the well design is probably of greater
importance because of its direct impact on long-
term well performance, efficiency, and operating
costs, Moreover, it has been shown that there are
several considerations involved in the design process.
The sole criteria of screen entrance velocity is
neither the only nor the best criteria to apply.
Four fundamental concepts of well hydraulics
have been presented. A thorough understanding of
each of these concepts is critical to the successfuldesign of a well. In addition, these concepts can
be applied to evaluations of operating character-
istics of existing wells, especially for recurring
cleaning problems and well failures. These concepts
are:
1. Artificial gravel filter materials and screen
slot openings must be properly sized. This is the
first and most important step of the design
process, upon which the following steps will depend.
2. Excessive flow velocities in the aquifer,
particularly where the flow crosses the interface
between finer aquifer materials into the coarser
filter materials, may result in transport of finer
particles into the filter and screen zones with
consequent plugging. Two criteria are suggested for
deriving this critical approach velocity. The first
criterion establishes velocity from the relationship
between the hydraulic conductivity and the gradient
in the aquifer. The second criterion defines the
critical transport velocity on the basis of aquifer
grain size. The approach velocity concept is used
primarily to determine borehole diameter and also
to evaluate the contribution of flow from various
strata or zones in the aquifer.
3. Turbulent flow in the filter surrounding the
well produces additional head loss and thus lowers
well efficiencies. More significantly, however, this
pressure drop is suspected of releasing gases from
solution, causing subtle shifts in chemical equilibria
and thereby increasing the potential for incrustation
or corrosion. The tendency for turbulent flow is
described by the Reynolds Number concept, and it
is this criteria that is used to determine screen
diameter.
4. The last concept concerns the velocity of
flow through the screen slot openings. This concept
is frequently misapplied to determinations of screen
diameter and length, and to quantify the concepts
of 2 and 3 above. Screen entrance velocity is 2 useful
concept for evaluating open area in regard to screen
construction, but it should be restricted to this
application.
‘There have been many other investigations
into the hydraulics of screens, the review of which
would be a major undertaking in itself. Among
these, however, are several noteworthy laboratory
tests which conclude that head losses across the
sercen are actually insignificant, and that the
majority of flow is obtained from only a limited
portion of the screen. These conclusions are
probably correct within the test parameters, but
aquifer conditions are normally complicated by
partial penetration, aquifer stratification, anisotropic
hydraulic conductivities, etc. These studies also
represent a limited time perspective, and their
initially small head losses do not necessarily reflect
the effects of overpumping for sustained operating
periods. Thus, a review of these factors should be
incorporated into the design process, but no
specific design criteria from these studies are
recommended at this time.
‘Throughout this paper, the discussion has
seemingly implied pumping wells; however, the
concepts discussed will be equally valid for design
of recharge wells. As a general rule, the recharge
capacity of a well is often assumed to be about
one-half of its pumping capacity. From the
standpoint of head loss through the screen and
exit velocity criteria, this is approximately true.
Reynolds Number and approach velocity criteria,
on the other hand, will be more useful for
describing the inherent problems of recharge wells,
such as air entrainment and excessive plugging by
fine particles. Until additional studies of recharging
wells have been completed, however, the lower
design criteria of Va < /K/220 and Re < 4 are
recommended.
It can be concluded that many varied factors
influence the flow to wells, but the application
of hydraulic concepts will ultimately lead to
improved well performance. It is also quite
apparent that well design is not the end, but
rather the beginning of well evaluation, and the
importance of maintaining accurate well records
cannot be overemphasized. ‘There is no substitute
for actual operating data, and the interpretation of
this data in conjunction with our current under-
standing of well hydraulics will largely determine
the future development of well design concepts.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
T wish to express my sincere thanks to Mr.
‘Truman Bennett, for initially encouraging my
interest in well design, and for providing many
helpful comments during preparation and review
of this manuscript.
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St. Paul, Minn,
Bear, J. 1972. Dynamics of Fluids in Porous Media. American
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Blaie, A. H, 1970, Well screens and gravel packs. Ground
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Campbell, M. D. and J. H. Lehe. 1973, Water Well
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S41‘Chong H. Z. etal, 1987, Flow into a well by electric and
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Custodio, B. and M. R. Llamas. 1976. Hidrologia Subterranea,
Ediciones Omega, $. A. Barcelon
Freeze, R. A. and J. A. Cherry. 1979. Groundwater,
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Huisman, L. 1972. Groundwater Recovery. Winchester
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July,
Ernest B. Williams is genoral manager and principal
geologist of the consulting firm Ground Water Associates,
Inc. He obtained bis B.S. degree in Geology from Capital
University in 1970, and bis M.S. degree in Geology from
The Obio State University in 1973. Mr. Williams has been
involved in numerous aguifer investigations and contanaina:
tion studies within the United States and in South America
Objectives of NWWA
The objectives of this association shall be: to
assist, promote, encourage, and support the in-
terests and welfare of the water well industry in all
of its phases; to foster, aid and promote scientific
education, standards, research, and techniques in
order to improve methods of well construction
and development, and to advance the science of
ground-water hydrology; to promote harmony and
cooperation between well contractors and scientific
agencies relative to the proper development and
protection of underground - water supplies; to
encourage cooperation of all interested groups
542
relative to the improvement of drilling and pumping
equipment; to encourage, serve, assist and promote
closer cooperation among the existing State water
well contractors’ associations and to foster the
development of such associations in States where
they do not exist; to collect, analyze, and dissem-
inate to the public facts about the role of the water
well industry in the economy of the nation; and to
advance generally the mutual interests of all those
engaged in the water well industry, in their own
and the public welfare.
NWWA Constitution