Horizontal Filter Well Construction via Segmented Pipe Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing horizontal filter wells are complex, expensive, and limited in terms of achievable filter rod length and water yield, requiring multiple vertical shafts and complex drilling procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the connection of filter tubes with flanges, using slotted or wire-wound tubes, filled with filter gravel, and installed at varying depths with minimal effort, allowing for longer distances and higher water intake without the need for extensive drilling or specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the Hori-Well method with full-face tunneling is used, then horizontal boreholes can be drilled, but the process becomes very complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal filter well is divided into multiple filter pipe sections that are connected in series. Each section can be installed separately and then joined together, allowing the system to achieve long horizontal lengths without requiring complex continuous drilling operations. The filter well consists of a pump shaft, multiple filter pipe sections with flanges, and gravel packs that work together as segmented components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of drilling horizontally from the surface as in conventional methods, the invention sinks a vertical pump shaft first, then installs horizontal filter pipes laterally from this vertical shaft. This inverted approach - doing the vertical installation first and horizontal extension second - simplifies the overall process by using easier vertical sinking methods followed by simpler horizontal pipe installation.
2Ease of manufacture
If filter pipes are pressed into filter gravel layer by layer, then installation is simplified, but the achievable filter rod length is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The filter well is constructed from multiple filter pipe sections that are pressed into the filter gravel layer in sequence, with each section connected to the previous one via flanged joints. This segmentation allows the system to achieve greater total lengths by joining multiple standard-length sections together, overcoming the limitation of individual pipe section lengths while maintaining the simplicity of the pressing installation method.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter pipe sections are pre-assembled with flanged connections before being pressed into the filter gravel layer. This preliminary assembly prepares the components in advance, allowing for easier and more efficient installation on site while enabling the construction of longer filter rods through the pre-prepared modular sections.
3Productivity
If multiple vertical shafts are created to increase yield, then water intake increases, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the number of vertical shafts to achieve higher water yield, the invention extends the filter pipes horizontally from a single vertical pump shaft. This dimensional transition from vertical multiplication to horizontal extension allows the system to access a larger volume of the gravel pack and increase water intake without creating multiple shafts, thereby maintaining lower costs and reduced complexity.
4Reliability
If conventional drilling methods are used to drill through non-water-bearing layers, then aquifers can be reached, but the process requires complicated measures and expensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reverses the conventional drilling sequence by first sinking a vertical pump shaft through the overburden to the aquifer level, then installing horizontal filter pipes laterally from this established shaft. This inversion eliminates the need for complex horizontal drilling through non-water-bearing layers, as the vertical shaft provides a stable base from which simpler horizontal pipe installation can proceed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and cost-effective extraction of groundwater with reduced effort, accommodating irregular aquifer surfaces and eliminating the need for complex drilling through non-water-bearing layers, while maintaining pipe stability and direction during installation.
Implementation Method 1
a conical tip, for example, can be placed in front of the protective pipe string to displace the filter gravel
Implementation Method 2
The filter tubes can be connected to one another in a tensile and/or positive and/or non-positive manner
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The method involves sinking a pump shaft (1), and sinking several vertical ground bores (2) adjacent to the shaft. Ground bores are filled with filter gravel (4). Protective pipes are horizontally introduced into the filter gravel, and filter pipes are introduced into the protective pipes. The protective pipes are removed and the filter pipes are connected to the shaft. Protective pipes are inserted through pressing without flushing fluid. An independent claim is also included for a horizontal filter well with a pump shaft.