Research into Iron Oxide Clogging Reveals Startling Results
News
Friday, October 09, 2009
Interim results of ongoing research into combating iron oxide clogging in boreholes have recently been released with some startling findings. Ipswich-based Geoquip Water Solutions, together with their Australian partners Aquabiotics Industrial, have been working in partnership with the Western Australia Water Corporation to identify way of treating, maintaining and improving wells with iron oxide clogging that provide potable water. The research, involving wells across Western Australia and Victoria, is ongoing but interim findings have been so positive that they were recently presented in a paper at the WaterMed Conference 2009 in Rome.
The research involved cleaning clogged wells using purpose built rehabilitation rigs together with Boresaver Ultra C, a cleaning solution for systems contaminated with iron oxide, manganese oxide and iron related bacteria. The solution is approved by the Secretary of State for use in potable water and is now used as a solution for iron related problems in over fourteen countries worldwide.
Comparing the treatment with traditional methods the research showed that not only was there an increase in specific capacity, this capacity continued to increase for two years after treatment. Comparing the treatment with traditional methods, the research showed that not only was there an increase in specific capacity, but in most instances this capacity continued to increase immediately after treatment and in some wells continued to increase up to the next treatment two years later. Moreover, the expected decline in well performance, which had previously occurred every 1000 hours of pump operation, was not evident even after more than 4000 hours. Data collected from a range of bore fields has substantiated these results.
Mike Deed from Geoquip was cautious but positive about what the results could mean. "Iron oxide clogging is a growing problem and anecdotal evidence suggests it affects around 40% of the world's boreholes. we've always recommended that Boresaver be used as part of a structured bore field management programme including the use of down hole camera surveys, physical pump inspections and detailed performance testing at regular intervals. What these interim result show is that this programme can result in high specific capacity, reduced shutdown times, fewer maintenance intervals and lower rehabilitation costs. The research is now being extended to incorporate a wider range of boreholes across Australia and we look forward to publishing further papers as the research nears completion in 2011"
For further details on the research or to find out more about Boresaver please contact Mike Deed on 01473 462046 or email mike@geoquipservices.co.uk
