Robert A Ereth

US Patent:

20020153135, Oct 24, 2002

Filed:

Apr 24, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/841542

Inventors:

James Troutt - Burlington KY, US
Millard Lewis - Sellersburg IN, US
Robert Ereth - Redlands CA, US

Assignee:

LAYNE CHRISTENSEN COMPANY

International Classification:

E21B043/00

US Classification:

166/249000, 166/305100, 166/063000

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for enhancing the production of newly developed water wells and existing wells that have suffered a reduction in capacity due to plugging. A gas line directs gas under pressure to a relief valve carried in the production string at a location in the production zone of the well. When the applied pressure reaches the pressure setting of the relief valve, the valve opens to apply air sidewardly in bursts which create shock waves to dislodge built up material from the well screen and the surrounding filter pack and formation fractures. Following each burst, the pressure conditions create a flushing effect which draws water back into the well along with the bacteria and particles that were dislodged. A submersible pump or airlift assembly in the production string then delivers the dislodged materials to the surface.