Equalising flow in water wells: from theory to practical results

Well ageing processes (loss of yield, sand pumping, turbidity, mineralogical incrustation and biofouling) are related to a non-uniform, high flow regime in the well. In that comunication we review flow equalisation, a technique which counteracts non-uniform flow pattern, and present results from several experiences with Spanish water wells. In this study previously published results for equalisation were reproduced and equalization's applicability was extended to highly incrusted wells. In a time when economic and environmental aspects lead to increasing interest in well rehabilitation techniques, equalisation deserves attention for its results in the improvement of well hydrodynamics and reduction of well ageing processes.