Pumping tests for deep wells
Know the actual flow rate and behavior of your well
We perform professional pumping tests to determine the productive capacity of deep wells, analyze their hydraulic behavior, and obtain reliable information to select equipment, evaluate its condition, or prepare technical background information for procedures before the General Directorate of Water (DGA).
Each service is performed with specialized instrumentation and supported by field records, tables, graphs, technical analysis, and a final report.
What is the purpose of a pumping test?
A pumping test allows you to know how much flow a well can deliver and how the water level responds during its operation.
With this information it is possible to:
Determine the recommended operating flow rate.
Measure the static level and the dynamic level.
Evaluate the well's decline and recovery.
Select the correct pump and its installation depth.
Identify performance losses.
Compare current behavior with previous tests.
Generate technical background information for applications or regularizations before the DGA.
Avoid oversizing pumps and damage from improper operation.
A more powerful pump doesn't necessarily deliver better results. Without proper testing, the well may operate beyond its capacity, produce sand, increase electricity consumption, or experience excessive drops in water level.
Types of pumping tests
Constant expenditure test
The well is continuously pumped at a controlled flow rate, typically for 24 hours. During this period, the flow rate, dynamic level, and its evolution over time are recorded.
Once pumping is complete, the level recovery is monitored for approximately 150 to 190 minutes or for the period required for the study objective.
This test allows for the analysis of well stability and the establishment of a technically recommended operating flow rate.
Variable spending test
Successive pumping stages are carried out at different flow rates, measuring the drop generated in each one.
This test allows the evaluation of the well's response to different extraction regimes and can be used as a complement to define the constant test flow rate.
Its execution will depend on the characteristics of the well, the objective of the study, and the requirements applicable to the project.
Recovery test
After stopping the pump, the time it takes for the water level to return to its initial condition is recorded.
The recovery provides relevant information about the aquifer's response and the well's capacity to sustain continuous production.
How do we do the work?
1. Background review
We analyzed the available information about the well:
Depth.
Diameter and enabling.
Known static level.
Historical flow rate.
Pump installed.
Previous tests.
Water rights, where applicable.
2. Well Inspection
When conditions permit, we recommend performing a camera inspection before installing the pump.
This allows verification of the actual depth, identification of pipes and screens, observation of possible damage, and detection of silting, encrustation, or obstructions that may affect the result.
3. Equipment Installation
We installed a pump suitable for the dimensions and estimated capacity of the well, along with the necessary instruments to measure:
Extraction flow rate.
Static level.
Dynamic level.
Cumulative decline.
Pumping time.
Level recovery.
4. Implementation and monitoring
During the test, the flow rate and water level are monitored periodically. Conditions such as the presence of sand, turbidity, flow rate variations, or drops in water level that could compromise the intake are also observed.
5. Technical Report
We processed the data obtained and prepared a technical report with the main results, conclusions, and operating recommendations.
Pumping tests for procedures before the DGA
At Río Blanco Perforaciones we perform pumping tests for deep wells in accordance with Chilean Standard NCh 777/2 and the applicable technical requirements of the General Directorate of Water (DGA).
The constant flow rate test involves a minimum of 24 hours of continuous pumping, maintaining a controlled flow rate and recording the dynamic level behavior. Subsequently, the recovery of the well's water level is measured.
The technical report may include:
Static level and dynamic levels.
Constant pumping flow rate.
Record of descent and recovery.
Behavioral tables and graphs.
Location and UTM coordinates.
Construction characteristics of the well.
Recommended operating flow rate.
Conclusions and technical recommendations.
Before starting, we review the objective of the procedure and the available background information, since the pumping test may be part of a larger file and require additional documentation.
Important: Conducting this test does not guarantee approval of a water rights application or accreditation of a specific flow rate. The results depend on the actual performance of the well and the aquifer.