Modeling the buildup of iron oxide encrustations in wells

Ferric iron encrustations are a common problem that seriously affects the performance of wells and drains. Their formation is induced by the mixing of reduced ground water containing ferrous iron with oxic shallow ground water and exposure to air. The process of ferrous iron oxidation is a kinetically controlled reaction. The reaction rate has a quadratic dependency on pH. The precipitating oxides have an autocatalytic effect that further enhances reaction progress. This paper describes the application of kinetic models to the problem of encrustation formation. Influences of pH, residence time, and autocatalysis were modeled. The overall influence of the autocatalytic reaction path is particularly strong when initial amounts of iron oxides are present. Autocatalysis provides a good explanation on the development of well yield commonly measured in the field. Encrustation precipitation is slow at first, but speeds up after a sufficient amount of iron oxide has built up. An incomplete removal of iron oxide encrustations during rehabilitation leads to a renewed increase in catalytic efficiency and encrustation precipitation.