The Aquastream Solution

Based on extensive research dating back to the late 1950's and subsequent practical application, Aquastream has developed and perfected the first comprehensive approach to the underlying problems of energy distribution in a well system. By addressing the actual problem created by differential pump suction velocities rather than the various symptoms it creates, mineral encrustation can be eliminated, sand production stopped, pump and well life extended, periodic well rehabilitation reduced, and in many cases water output increased.
The patented Aquastream device can be installed either as an attachment to the pump or as a liner in the well. Once installed in a well, it evenly and precisely distributes pump suction energy throughout the producing zone. Water velocity is shifted from turbulent flow in only part of the well to laminar flow throughout the entire well. In doing this, mineral precipitation on the well screen and/or borehole surface is eliminated. Also, water velocities are reduced to a point that is insufficient to pull sand into the well. Because it is not a filter, the Aquastream device requires no periodic maintenance, and it never needs to be replaced, provided that bacteria are kept in check.

In short screen wells, with highly varied sand particle sizes, uniform flow substantially increases well service life with appropriate control of biofouling.

The Aquastream system has been incorporated into new well systems, which indefinitely extends the period of initial peak well efficiency. However, the benefits of Aquastream's engineered system can be realized in older and even significantly deteriorated well systems. In fact, thousands of the systems have been installed in problem wells worldwide. Many of these wells are decades old, and recently in California, one was returned to production almost a century after the well was initially drilled. Some of the wells had been abandoned or were scheduled for replacement due to sand and performance problems. Over the last fifteen years, billions of gallons of water have been produced from these problem wells by using the Aquastream system. The very first Aquastream system is still in operation, having produced nearly half a billion gallons of water from what had been an abandoned well.

It can therefore be seen that simply incorporating Aquastream technology can solve two of the three most significant problems faced by water well operators. New wells will maintain their peak efficiency indefinitely, and in most cases, older wells can be returned to reliable service.

Unfortunately, the Aquastream system alone cannot eliminate the problem associated with biofouling. Therefore, a clear understanding of biofouling in well systems is essential to effectively deal with this problem.

Iron bacteria and related species are organic and are present in the borehole. They reside in the gravel pack and native formation, and are attached to the well casing and screen surfaces. The oxygen exchanged from air in the casing to the water in the well, mostly by the start-stop operation of the pump, supports growth of these bacteria. Changes in water velocity have little effect on bacteria growth. Therefore, a different approach is required. As mentioned above, disinfection is normally attempted with chlorination. Because it is difficult to uniformly disperse bleach in a well and surrounding formation, total sterilization is virtually impossible.

Furthermore, once a partial kill is accomplished, the biomass that is left behind in a well actually provides an excellent food source for the remaining bacteria. These more resistant bacteria reproduce exponentially and soon repopulate the well. These hardy species also construct more resilient defenses in the form of a slimy protective biofilm, and it is this very biofilm that presents the most daunting problem. Bleach and acid are generally ineffective at breaking down the protective layer covering the bacteria. The bacteria are free to grow and spread and eventually interfere with water flow into the well. Once this occurs, the Aquastream device can be prevented from effectively redirecting water flow. In some extreme cases, the anaerobic sulfate species that become established under the iron-related bacteria can actually eat away the steel casing and screen assembly, causing premature and catastrophic well failure. Pumping systems and discharge piping are also vulnerable.

To combat this serious problem, Aquastream has looked for more effective methods to break down the biofilm, thereby permitting dramatically, are effective disinfection. The result is the proprietary products Zeta-9 and Omega-7, The twopart process consists first in the use of a dilute solution of Zeta-9, a non-toxic, non-hazardous material that effectively pierces and pulls apart the biofilm. Once the biomass is vulnerable, Omega-7 is introduced to vastly increase the effectiveness of disinfection. Superchlorination then kills the vulnerable bacteria. (In severe cases, this process may be repeated.) The well is then brushed, bailed and pumped clean. No neutralization or special handling is required for the spent Zeta-9 or Omega-7. Simple neutralization of any remaining chlorine can be done on site.

Once properly treated, suppression of further bacteria growth can be accomplished by periodic preventative treatments. These follow-up treatments can often be done quickly while the pump remains in place.

Improving Water Quality, Reducing Contamination, Turbidity and Radiation

The Aquastream system was originally developed to eliminate sand production in badly constructed or worn wells. In some of these cases, secondary problems existed as well. These include entrained air, turbidity, contamination and radiation.

Early in Aquastream's history, it was discovered that water chemistry was sometimes altered by the Aquastream installation. This phenomenon is most dramatic when more than one producing aquifer is in communication within a given well.

As has been shown above, water inflow is greater near the pump intake. Typically, the pump is located above the top perforations. This results in an overproduction of the top zone and underproduction of the zones lower in the well. With the use of Aquastream technology, a significant change in the blend of water will occur. Lower zones, usually of higher water quality, will contribute more to the water output once the Aquastream system is installed. This can often reduce total dissolved solids (TDS), reduce color and eliminate entrained air. Slowing water inflow velocity reduces turbidity by allowing the native formation to act as an enormous sand filter. This results in far fewer tiny undissolved solids being carried into the well.

In several wells, nitrate contamination was significantly reduced. In one typical case, nitrate concentration went from 2.9 ppm to 1.2 ppm, and recently a sanding well in Wisconsin had carbon tetrachloride reduced from more than 8 ppb to less than 2 ppb by shifting a significant part of the water production to permeable zones lower in the well.

Should the need or desire exist, the Aquastream system can be designed to precisely and selectively produce a given blend of water from a given well, thereby avoiding or reducing production from a given zone in favor of other more desirable portions of the well. This can be done more quickly and effectively than by blanking off a part of the well.

Summary

Every well is unique, but the same fundamental physical rules govern them all. The Aquastream system can overcome the most severe problems associated with water well operation. Simply stated, Aquastream is good science and is an extremely cost-effective technology. As an engineered system, it is adaptable to virtually all well systems, thereby allowing the most economic and problem-free operation of valuable assets and resources. Combining Aquastream technology with state-of-the-art preventative maintenance measures will reduce cost, increase production and eliminate the most significant causes of premature well and pump failures.