On-Demand Webinars

BOREHOLE FLOW METERS: PART 1:
Assessing Bedrock Stratigraphy and Fracture Hydraulics

Measuring the vertical movement of water in wells and boreholes can be a key to understanding the subsurface hydraulic environment. Borehole flowmeters can measure both the direction and velocity of vertical flow along well bores, and these flows relate directly to aquifer parameters such as transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity, vertical head profiles, and the presence of fractures or permeable features along boreholes. Quantitative interpretation of borehole flow data can provide estimates of hydraulic parameters and be directly related to hydrostratigraphy.

Importance of Correlating Information to the Conceptual Site Model

Participants will learn the important steps for making field judgments and applying the findings to their Conceptual Site Model. Participants will learn how the ground water flow regime is controlled by contrasting hydraulic conductivities, and specifically where low-permeability units are present, how aquitards may or may not be effective vertical hydraulic barriers.

This two-part webinar series will present both common types of flowmeters and some future trends in associated equipment, including both mechanical spinner and heat-pulse systems. Participants will learn during PART ONE the basic theory of operation, pros and cons of various systems, and appropriate application for flowmeter testing. The webinar will address tool calibration and appropriate field procedures for obtaining reliable data. PART TWO includes case studies illustrating some of the most common challenges along with exercises to teach flow meter analysis.

TOPICS:

• Definition of borehole flowmeter testing
• Considerations in flowmeter testing
• The spinner flowmeter - collecting and interpreting data
  • Threshold velocities
  • Logging speeds
  • Problems and pitfalls
    • propeller
    • centralization
  • typical data
  • data processing and interpretation
• The heat-pulse flowmeter - collecting and interpreting data
  • Appropriate flow velocities
  • Theory of operation
  • Determining flow direction
  • Typical data pulses
  • Problems and pitfalls
    • Too little flow
    • Too much flow
  • Data processing and interpretation

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:

• Learn how to interpret a flow meter log
• Practice calculating vertical flows and gradients across an aquitard
• Learn common mistakes and how to avoid them

"The Webinar on borehole flow meter techniques has been an excellent summary and assessment of the different techniques as well as valuable pointers from experienced speakers. A definite must before any work related to borehole flow meters begins! Many thanks."
- Janka Nitsche, PhD, School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Queen's University, Belfast