High-velocity jetting

High-velocity jetting

An even more effective method for developing the well is by pumping water through small nozzles at high velocities, or jetting.

This allows the driller to treat each small area of well screen in turn, concentrating development wherever problems may be greatest, until the full depth has been cleared and prepared.

Well screen openings which have been properly selected will direct the streams of water out into the surrounding formation and achieve complete development.

Jetting has another advantage over surging with a plunger; it won't hurt to over-do the jetting, while improper surging can damage the well screen.

A jetting tool, high-pressure hose, piping, and pump are all that jetting calls for.

The tool is equipped with two, three or four nozzles spaced evenly around the side for hydraulically balanced horizontal discharge.

Water is forced through the nozzles at a rate depending on the size of the openings and the pump pressure.

If water is pumped from the well at the same time and at a rate slightly greater than that at which water is added through the nozzles, there will be movement of water from the aquifer into the well, bringing with it the fine particles loosened by the jet streams which will fit through the well screen openings.

It won't always be possible to pump from the well at the same time you are using the jetting method of developing the well, but whenever it is possible, it is well worth while.

(No pun intended.)