Detecting well casing leaks in Bangladesh using a salt spiking method

Ground Water
By: , and 

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Abstract

We apply fluid-replacement logging in arsenic-contaminated regions of Bangladesh using a low-cost, down-well fluid conductivity logging tool to detect leaks in the cased section of wells. The fluid-conductivity tool is designed for the developing world: it is lightweight and easily transportable, operable by one person, and can be built for minimal cost. The fluid-replacement test identifies leaking casing by comparison of fluid conductivity logs collected before and after spiking the wellbore with a sodium chloride tracer. Here, we present results of fluid-replacement logging tests from both leaking and non-leaking casing from wells in Araihazar and Munshiganj, Bangladesh, and demonstrate that the low-cost tool produces measurements comparable to those obtained with a standard geophysical logging tool. Finally, we suggest well testing procedures and approaches for preventing casing leaks in Bangladesh and other developing countries.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Detecting well casing leaks in Bangladesh using a salt spiking method
Series title Ground Water
DOI 10.1111/gwat.12200
Volume 52
Issue S1
Year Published 2014
Language English
Publisher State Water Control Board
Publisher location Richmond, VA
Contributing office(s) Office of Groundwater-Branch of Geophysics, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
Description 6 p.
First page 195
Last page 200
Country Bangladesh
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