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Evaluation of flow leakage through abandoned wells and boreholes

Journal Article · · Water Resources Research; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/94WR00952· OSTI ID:6854875
 [1]
  1. Bogazici Univ., Istanbul (Turkey)

Flow leakage through artificial conduits such as abandoned wells and improperly plugged boreholes drilled between hydrogeologically separated water-bearing zones are demonstrated pathways of contamination. This study analyzes the transient flow rate through these conduits and the resulting hydraulic head distributions when (1) artificial gradients are created by an injection well operating in one of the aquifers or (2) natural hydraulic head differences are present between two confined aquifers. The analysis solves groundwater flow equations in the confined aquifers that are coupled by the flow through the artificial conduits. The leakage rates through an improperly plugged borehole were seen to be smaller than those through an abandoned well.

OSTI ID:
6854875
Journal Information:
Water Resources Research; (United States), Journal Name: Water Resources Research; (United States) Vol. 30:9; ISSN WRERAQ; ISSN 0043-1397
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English