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On the solutions of modeling a slug test performed in a two-zone confined aquifer

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Abstract

The slug test is a popular field method for estimating aquifer parameters. As a finite-thickness skin is present at a wellbore, the result of test-data analysis may represent average hydraulic properties of the skin and formation zones. Moench and Hsieh (Int. Assoc. of Hydrogeology, The IAH 17th International Congress on Hydrology of Rocks of Low Permeability, Int. Assoc. of Hydrogeology. Tucson, Arizona, 7–12 January) provided the Laplace-domain solution for a confined aquifer with a finite-thickness skin that satisfies the governing equations, boundary conditions, and continuity requirements at the interface of the skin and formation zones. Two new formulae presented here relate the modified zero-order Bessel functions of the first and second kinds to their first and second derivatives. Their solution is evaluated using the modified Crump approach for the Laplace inversion. The numerical values obtained by the modified Crump approach are compared with others based on finite-element modeling. The results indicate that the values based on finite-element modeling exhibit poor accuracy, attributed to errors in the mass balance equation and interface condition in their mathematical model.

Résumé

Le slug-test représente une méthode populaire de terrain pour estimer les paramètres d’un aquifère. Du fait de la présence d’une couche à l’épaisseur limitée sur un site de forages, le résultat de l’analyse des données du test pourrait représenté le terrain mais aussi cette couche. Moench AF et Hsieh PA (Association Internationale d’Hydrogéologie, 7–12 Jan 1985) Analyses de données de slug test dans un puits présentant une couche d’épaisseur finie. 17ème congrès international de l’AIH sur l’Hydrologie des roches de faible perméabilité, Association Internationale d’Hydrogéologie. Tucson, Arizona, 7–12 Jan. apportent une solution du domaine de Laplace pour un aquifère confiné avec une épaisseur limitée qui satisfait l’équation en question, les conditions aux limites, et les besoins de continuité à l’interface de la couche et de l’encaissant. Deux nouvelles formules présentées dans cet article met en relation les fonctions de Bessel modifiées d’ordre zéro du premier et second type, avec leur dérivées première et deuxième. Leurs solutions sont évaluées en utilisant une approche de Crump modifiée pour l’inversion de Laplace. Les valeurs numériques obtenues avec l’approche de Crump sont comparées avec d’autres approches utilisant les modèles aux éléments finis. Les résultats indiquent que les valeurs basées sur les modèles aux éléments finis montrent une faible précision, du fait d’erreurs dans le bilan hydrologique et les conditions aux limites dans le modèle.

Resumen

Los ensayos slug o tipo pulso son métodos populares de campo para estimar parámetros de acuíferos. Debido a que en los sondeos existe una membrana de espesor finito, el resultado del análisis de los datos del ensayo pueden representar las propiedades hidráulicas promedio de las zonas de la formación y dicha membrana. Moench AF y Hsieh PA (Asociación Internacional de Hidrogeólogos, 7–12 Enero 1985) Análisis de datos de prueba slug en un pozo con membrana de espesor finito. 17 Congreso Internacional de la Asociación Internacional de Hidrogeólogos sobre Hidrología de Rocas de Baja Permeabilidad. Asociación Internacional de Hidrogeólogos. Tucson, Arizona. 7–12 Enero. han aportado la solución en el ámbito de Laplace para un acuífero confinado con una membrana de espesor finito que satisface los requerimientos de las ecuaciones dominantes, las condiciones restrictivas, y de continuidad en la interfase de las zonas de formación y membrana. Las dos nuevas fórmulas que se presentan aquí relacionan las funciones modificadas Bessel de orden cero de la primera y segunda clase con su primera y segunda derivadas. Se evalúa su solución usando el enfoque modificado de Crump para la inversión Laplace. Los valores numéricos obtenidos mediante el enfoque modificado de Crump se comparan con otros valores numéricos basados en modelos de elementos finitos. Los resultados indican que los valores basados en el modelo de elementos finitos presentan poca precisión, que se atribuye a errores en la ecuación de balance de masa y a las condiciones de interfase en su modelo matemático.

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Acknowledgements

This study was partly supported by the Taiwan National Science Council under the grant NSC 91-2211-E-009-020. The authors appreciate the comments and suggested revisions of anonymous reviewers that helped to improve the clarity of our presentation.

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Correspondence to Yeh Hund-Der.

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Shaw-Yang, Y., Hund-Der, Y. On the solutions of modeling a slug test performed in a two-zone confined aquifer. Hydrogeol J 15, 297–305 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-006-0100-x

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