Well Loss Estimation: Variable Pumping Replacing Step Drawdown Test

An optimization method is presented for simultaneous estimation of aquifer parameters and well loss parameters utilizing all the drawdowns observed during a variable rate pumping or multiple step pumping test. The proposed method does not require any graphical analysis. It is shown that a variable rate pumping test is a better substitute for the conventional step drawdown test to estimate well loss parameters. It suggests that the pumping rate may be changed frequently without waiting for a near steady state to be reached (or a selected duration, say 60 min) in each step of a conventional step drawdown test. This can result in a substantial saving of time and money involved in conducting a step drawdown test with a view to estimate well loss parameters. This gives a greater number of distinct discharges, which improves the estimates of the well loss parameters. Application of the method is demonstrated on published data sets, the results of which show that the parameters estimated using the new method are more reliable as compared to those obtained using prior methods.