Evaluating Friction and Inertial Losses from Slug Tests Conducted in a
Multilevel System
Abstract
Engineered multilevel systems (MLS) are one of the few viable options
for collecting spatial and temporal datasets in 3-D complex groundwater
flow systems. However, these monitoring systems present challenges for
hydraulic testing due to small port tubing diameters. In this study,
equipment was developed to enable pneumatic slug testing of a G360 MLS,
fitted with 1/2-inch ID open tubes that extend from the monitoring ports
to the surface. Of the eight ports tested, four exhibited overdamped
slug test responses, while underdamped responses were observed in the
remaining four ports. It is expected that friction in the small diameter
tubing is not negligible, and additional flow constrictions are
introduced when installing a transducer in the tubing, effectively
changing the open tube geometry to an annulus around the transducer body
and around the transducer cable. Steady flow models for annular flow,
widely available in the literature, were used to assess tube friction
for the overdamped tests. However, for underdamped tests that oscillate
quickly, a mathematical solution for unsteady oscillatory flow through
an annulus was derived. The results of this study show that it is
important to account for frictional and inertial losses to obtain good
transmissivity (T) estimates from slug tests conducted in small diameter
tubing. Assuming steady flow through small annuli will not introduce
appreciable error when calculating the water level; however, if steady
flow through the open tube below the transducer is assumed when
calculating the formation head, T values can be underestimated as much
as an order of magnitude.