Aquifer Thickness Given Discharge By Spherical Flow Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ b_p = \frac{r'}{Q_s / Q} \times \ln\left(\frac{R}{r'}\right) \]

Radius of Well (r'):

Discharge by Spherical Flow (Q_s):

m³/s

Discharge (Q):

m³/s

Radius of Influence (R):

Aquifer Thickness During Pumping (b_p):

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1. What is Aquifer Thickness During Pumping?

Aquifer Thickness During Pumping is the thickness of aquifer during the pumping stage. It's a critical parameter in hydrogeology that helps determine the water-bearing capacity and flow characteristics of an aquifer system during extraction operations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ b_p = \frac{r'}{Q_s / Q} \times \ln\left(\frac{R}{r'}\right) \]

Where:

\( b_p \) — Aquifer Thickness During Pumping (m)
\( r' \) — Radius of Well (m)
\( Q_s \) — Discharge by Spherical Flow (m³/s)
\( Q \) — Total Discharge (m³/s)
\( R \) — Radius of Influence (m)
\( \ln \) — Natural logarithm function

Explanation: This formula calculates the aquifer thickness by considering the well geometry, discharge rates, and the influence radius of the pumping operation.

3. Importance of Aquifer Thickness Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of aquifer thickness during pumping is crucial for designing efficient well systems, predicting drawdown effects, managing groundwater resources, and ensuring sustainable water extraction practices.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in consistent units (meters for lengths, m³/s for discharge rates). Ensure all input values are positive and physically meaningful for accurate results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is spherical flow in well hydraulics?
A: Spherical flow refers to the three-dimensional radial flow pattern that occurs around a well, particularly in confined aquifers where flow converges from all directions.

Q2: How does radius of influence affect aquifer thickness calculation?
A: The radius of influence represents the extent to which pumping affects the aquifer. A larger radius typically indicates a more extensive impact area and influences the calculated thickness.

Q3: What are typical values for aquifer thickness?
A: Aquifer thickness can vary significantly, from a few meters in thin aquifers to hundreds of meters in extensive aquifer systems, depending on geological conditions.

Q4: When is this calculation most applicable?
A: This calculation is particularly useful for confined aquifers and situations where spherical flow conditions dominate, typically in the early stages of pumping tests.

Q5: What limitations should be considered?
A: The calculation assumes ideal conditions and may need adjustment for heterogeneous aquifers, boundary effects, or complex geological settings.