The problems of Well aging and the solution
During the operating time of wells, the pore spaces of the filter gravel pack fill with deposits and debris. This will lead to a gradual reduction of the well performance and eventually a collapse of production.

Removal of these deposits and debris is difficult because the relevant sites are mechanically inaccessible.

Numerous methods have therefore been developed on a chemical and hydromechanical basis. In all cases, consideration must be given to the environmental impact and the application of mechanical stress to the well material and construction

The sonic process, based on the use of high-energy ultrasound, will free the filter gravel of these deposits and debris. Ultrasound penetrates into this area almost unhindered. The effect extends far into the filter gravel pack. Clogged pore channels are also cleaned.

The filter material has no noticeable implication on the effect.
Well regeneration with high-energy ultrasound means:
• a high cleaning effect deep into the filter gravel pack

• an absolutely environmental and material-friendly approach

• sustainable regeneration – Extended intervals between regenerations.

     • Ultrasound kills bacteria, delaying (biological) sedimentation.

     • Abrasion of the filter gravel surface cannot be caused by ultrasound, the deposit surfaces are not increased.

• the Procedure is Economical: no expensive chemicals are employed, no need for special disposal of the pumped-off water, and no permit is required.

• our short regeneration time, thanks to an accelerated  procedure,  will ensure that the  well is back online and in production within a fast time frame.

The following from an appraisal  report:

Comparative reactivations at the same well have shown that a regeneration including pre and post work with the introduction of chemicals will entail app. 30 days, a regeneration with shock pumping 10 days, and the regeneration with ultrasound only 5 days.

• can be used for all filter types and filter materials or for filter tube diameters from DN 150 up to a depth of 1,000 meters and more.

The process is not only applicable to water production wells, infiltration wells can be treated just as successfully using Ultsound.
Method
The procedure of regeneration with ultrasound hardly differs from conventional methods.

The individual steps are:

1. Removal of the pump and the riser pipes

2. Inspection of the well through the use of a TV camera

3. Performance test

4. Mechanical pre-cleaning of the filter section

5. Optional: secondary Performance test

6. Ultrasonic treatment along the filter section stepwise from top to bottom.
Subsequent discharge of the dissolved dirt with the help of an underwater pump.
This is done immediately after sonication because the submersible pump is mounted above the ultrasound probe.

7. Sump cleaning

8. Optional: renewed cameraexamination

9. Performance test

10. Reassembly of pump and riser


Selected regeneration results with the sonic procedure are available under Downloads