WorldWide Drilling Resource

Water Measurement Systems for Environmental Applications Adapted from Information from Eno Scientific It was 2007, and North Carolina was struggling with drought conditions similar to the one California is experiencing now. Physicist Steve Judd’s family horse farm relied on well water, and wells in the area were drying up. He wanted to find a way to monitor his well’s water level using a noncontact technique, but he was unable to find any appropriate methods. So, he decided to create one! Using his experience, as well as his Massachusetts Institute of Technology education, he developed a well sounder which detects low-frequency sound waves. His tireless efforts led to the creation of a system capable of accurately measuring water levels down to 4000 feet in a well. Traditional water level measurement methods, such as water level tapes, are time-consuming, and since they make contact with the water they need to be de- contaminated before each use to prevent cross contamination. They are also very subject to the well's configuration and tend to get stuck in the pump equipment, causing them to be replaced often. This is where noncontact measurements excel. The sound waves can travel around 90-degree angles, past well obstructions, and even work when the pump is running. The best part is, the meters provide readings in seconds, saving time and money. The company now offers a portable line with the Well Sounder 2010 PRO which is battery powered, has a built-in data logger, and is flow meter compatible for capturing all of the necessary well data. This is what makes the Eno Scientific Well Sounder one of the most advanced sonic well measurement systems in the world. The company’s permanent line, Well Watch 600, is designed for easy installation and long-term monitoring. They also have an optional data logger and various outputs including RS232, RS485 (Modbus), 4-20mA, 0-5V, 5V Alarm, and USB. Not only has Eno Scientific raised the bar in its ability to use very low-frequency pulses to measure the depth to the water, but also in the standard features included to make the job easier. Features such as the built-in data logger to automatically record those measurements over time, as well as data from external devices like associated flow meters. It has the ability to transmit measurements over serial data links and analog levels to remote data systems. The powerful internal software is in- tuitive and easy to use with many advanced functions, such as the ability to compensate for methane gas, or use in small tubes, and the ability to measure flow rates and calculate recovery rates while the well is pumping down. Although the company is based in North Carolina, water level monitoring is a universal need and the ease of the measurements attracts all types of users, including drilling, scientific, municipal, irrigation, and residential customers. In the past year, Eno Scientific has added over 20 new distributors around the world. The company currently has several products in the prototype stage with the potential to revolutionize the groundwa- ter monitoring industry. Look for their ad on page 23. 55 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® SEPTEMBER 2016 This Month in 1916 a Piggly Wiggly, the first true supermar- ket, was opened by Clarence Saunders in Memphis, Tennessee. a President Wilson signed the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act, the basis for the workers’ compensation system. a Manfred von Richthofen, The Red Baron, a flying ace of the German Luftstreitkräfte, won his first aerial combat near Cambrai, France.