Reverse Circulation Drilling
Efficient for creating large-diameter boreholes in unconsolidated formations. Provides uncontaminated samples and excellent borehole stability
Borehole Acidisation: Restoring & Enhancing Borehole Performance
Borehole acidisation is a specialist technique used to improve the performance of water supply and geothermal boreholes by dissolving mineral blockages and increasing water flow.
About
Borehole Acidisation
Over time, boreholes can become restricted due to mineral deposits, biofouling, or sediment build-up, reducing efficiency and causing operational issues.
At Igne, we are experts in borehole maintenance and rehabilitation, using advanced acidisation techniques to restore and optimise borehole functionality.
Explainer
What is Borehole Acidisation?
Borehole acidisation is a well treatment process that involves introducing acid into the borehole to dissolve mineral scaling, incrustations, and obstructions in the well screen and surrounding formation.
The method is particularly effective in limestone, chalk, and other carbonate-rich formations, where calcium and magnesium deposits can reduce permeability.
This process helps to increase borehole yield, improve water quality, and extend the operational life of the well. It is widely used in the water supply industry, geothermal energy extraction, and industrial borehole maintenance.
Acidisation can be undertaken on new boreholes as part of the development process or as part of a wider maintenance and rehabilitation programme for existing assets.
The Process
How is Borehole Acidisation Done?
The borehole acidisation process is carefully controlled to ensure effectiveness and safety.
The key steps include:
- Assessment of the borehole condition to determine the severity of mineral blockage
- Selection of the appropriate acid type and concentration for the geological conditions
- Injection of the acid into the borehole under controlled conditions
- Allowing the acid to react with mineral deposits to dissolve obstructions
- Flushing the borehole with clean water or neutralising agents to remove residual acid
- Testing the borehole to confirm improved performance and water flow rates
The process requires precision and expertise to achieve the best results while minimising risks. Igne’s specialist teams ensure that acidisation treatments are carried out safely and effectively, with minimal disruption to operations.
The Purpose
What is the Point of Borehole Acidisation?
Borehole acidisation serves several critical purposes, including:
- Restoring lost borehole capacity by removing blockages and encrustations
- Improving water flow rates, ensuring a reliable and efficient supply
- Enhancing geothermal borehole performance by increasing permeability
- Extending the operational lifespan of boreholes, reducing the need for costly replacements
- Maintaining water quality by preventing bacterial growth and mineral build-up
Regular borehole maintenance, including acidisation when necessary, helps to sustain long-term performance and efficiency.
Weighing it up
Pros and Cons of Borehole Acidisation
Advantages
- Effective removal of mineral scaling and blockages
- Increased borehole yield without the need for costly re-drilling
- Extended borehole lifespan and improved efficiency
- Relatively quick and cost-effective compared to alternative solutions
Challenges
- Potential for over-acidisation, which can damage borehole infrastructure
- Strict environmental and safety considerations due to the use of chemical treatments
- Not suitable for all borehole types, requiring careful assessment before treatment
With the right expertise, these challenges can be mitigated, ensuring that borehole acidisation is a safe and effective solution.
The Name to Trust
Risks Associated with Borehole Acidisation
Borehole acidisation involves handling strong acids, which means careful planning and execution are necessary to prevent risks such as:
- Structural damage to boreholes if incorrect acid concentrations are used
- Environmental contamination if acids are not properly neutralised and disposed of
- Health and safety risks for workers if procedures are not correctly followed
At Igne, safety and environmental responsibility are top priorities.
Our teams use strict protocols and industry best practices to ensure safe, controlled acidisation treatments that maximise benefits while minimising risks.
Technical Expertise
What Equipment is Needed and What are the Challenges of Borehole Acidisation?
Borehole acidisation requires specialist equipment to ensure precision and effectiveness, including:
- Acid injection pumps to deliver controlled doses into the borehole
- Storage tanks and containment systems for handling acid solutions safely
- Flushing systems to remove dissolved material and neutralise acid residues
- Monitoring equipment to assess borehole conditions before, during, and after treatment
Challenges include working in confined spaces, handling hazardous chemicals, and ensuring even distribution of the acid within the borehole.
Igne’s expert drilling and borehole maintenance teams are fully equipped to overcome these challenges and deliver successful acidisation treatments.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Borehole Acidisation
- What types of acid are used for borehole acidisation?
Common acids include hydrochloric acid and acetic acid, chosen based on the type of mineral deposits present.
- How often should boreholes be acidised?
The frequency depends on borehole usage and the rate of mineral build-up, but most boreholes benefit from acidisation every few years.
- Is borehole acidisation safe?
When conducted by experienced professionals, borehole acidisation is a safe and controlled process that improves well performance.
- Can borehole acidisation damage the borehole?
If performed incorrectly, over-acidisation can weaken borehole materials. Igne uses precise chemical dosing and monitoring to prevent damage.
- Will borehole acidisation improve water quality?
Yes, removing mineral deposits and bacterial growth can enhance water clarity and reduce contamination risks
The Next Step
Need Expert Borehole Acidisation? Contact Igne Today
If your borehole is underperforming due to scaling or mineral build-up, borehole acidisation could be the solution. At Igne, we provide professional acidisation services to restore borehole efficiency, increase water flow rates, and extend borehole lifespan.
Don’t let a blocked borehole reduce your productivity.
Contact Igne today to discuss how our expert borehole acidisation services can help keep your operations running at peak performance.
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Specially designed to access confined aquifers under pressure. Igne offers complete design, drilling and testing services.
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Used where vertical access is limited or to intercept specific targets such as old mine workings or structural features. Can be cored or open holed depending on project requirements.
Drilling with Mud
Supports borehole stability and facilitates drilling in soft or variable ground. Suitable for a range of geotechnical and environmental applications.
Large Diameter Boreholes
For water supply, dewatering, geothermal energy or structural support. Igne has the equipment and expertise to drill large diameters efficiently and safely.
Deep Boreholes
Our teams are experienced in drilling to significant depths, whether for monitoring, exploration, energy or environmental purposes.
Acidisation
Used to improve borehole performance by dissolving scale, mineral deposits or blockages within the borehole or surrounding formation to improve the yield.
Hydrofracturing
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Dewatering
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Installation of deep boreholes for sustainable drainage and infiltration of surface water.
Decommissioning
Safe and compliant sealing and decommissioning of redundant boreholes to prevent environmental risk.
Specialist Plant & In Hole Equipment Hire
Provision of advanced drilling equipment and downhole tools to support client and contractor projects.
Recovery & Fishing Trouble Shooting
Expert services to retrieve lost or stuck equipment from boreholes and troubleshoot downhole challenges.