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AirBurst Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

Is post-bursting debris removal required after AirBurst® treatment?

Yes. Removing fine material through bailing or airlifting is essential to prevent clogging in the screen openings and restore the natural flow of water. Especially in wells without a sump or where mineral incrustation and gravel pack compaction are present, this step ensures the rehabilitation process is complete and effective.

What is the average lifespan of the AirBurst Equipment package?

AirBurst® tools are built to endure extreme pressure environments. With regular maintenance, the stainless steel air gun, hoses, and cables can last over a decade. Maintenance schedules align with those for standard drilling rig components, typically requiring service every 3,000 hours.

Can local well drillers service AirBurst® equipment in the field?

Yes. Field servicing is simple. Local well companies and small business owners can be trained to perform disassembly, cleaning, and regular maintenance. This user-friendly design makes AirBurst® an effective method for even first-time users. During periods of inactivity, it is advisable to keep the air gun disassembled.

How often does the air gun need servicing?

Depending on well conditions and water pressure, high-pressure applications may need servicing every 3–10 wells. In low-pressure scenarios, a single unit can treat around 100 wells before needing attention. Standard maintenance involves cleaning and occasional seal replacement, a quick and cost-effective process.

What pressure range is used in AirBurst® water well rehabilitation?

AirBurst® operates with a wide range of high pressure—300 to 3,000 psi. This flexibility allows targeted treatment of specific issues such as poor well performance, compacted gravel packs, and clogged screen zones. Larger air guns require 600 psi minimum to keep them sealed and can be operated up to 3000 psi.

How powerful is the AirBurst® compressor?

The compressor generates up to 3,500 psi, regulated at 3,000 psi. This level of pressure is critical for treating older wells with severe cases of performance decline.

Is there a depth limit for AirBurst® treatment?

No. AirBurst® can be used at any depth, limited only by hydrostatic water pressure and compressor capacity. It's ideal for deep wells needing restoration of flow rates and well yield.

Can AirBurst® be used with chemical treatment?

Absolutely. AirBurst® complements rehabilitation chemicals through surging and mechanical agitation. Airburst can recommend chemistries to address specific mineralogical and bacteriological issues. The use of non-corrosive chemicals can eliminate harm to AirBurst® equipment.

How does AirBurst® work in rock wells and fractured formations?

Airburst is effective in treating all well formation types.  For rock formations, AirBurst® effectively removes encrustation from the walls of the borehole and can specifically target fractures to restore flow of water by concentrating bursting efforts in those areas.

Can AirBurst® decrease the capacity of a well?

In fine sand and gravel wells, high pressure bursts can often compact the formation. However, a specialized Airburst technique applying low-pressure pulses can reverse the effect, restoring well yield. Operators are trained to address all down hole occurrences.

Are permits needed for AirBurst® rehabilitation works?

The user should contact local authorities to confirm.  Some regulatory agencies may require permits. The process involves no rehabilitation chemicals or byproducts, making it safe for water safety compliance.

How many bursts are used per well rehabilitation?

The operator has the full control of the number of shots per foot during a rehabilitation sequence as the well itself and the results will dictate the number of burst required to maximize the results.  Although, it is typical for an operator to burst screened wells ~2 to 3 bursts/foot and rock formations ~3-6 bursts per foot.

How are contractors trained to use AirBurst®?

We provide full on-site training, detailed records, manuals, and support. Initially, most operators find it helpful to call AirBurst® Technology, LLC for advice until they reach their own comfort level.

Why is licensing necessary?

Licensing protects AirBurst®’s intellectual property and proprietary information, as well as the Licensee’s efforts for developing a marketplace. Licensing also allows AirBurst™ to provide information and training to our Licensees on a mutually confidential basis.

What well performance improvement can clients expect?

While the typical goal is to restore the wells original capacity, a 50% to 100% additional increase in the specific capacity at a given flow rate is often attained but depends on many factors. Well design or construction methods, ineffective original development, structural deterioration, well over pumping or neglect, previous rehabilitation attempts, are only a few of the issues which can affect the restoration process. We highly recommend the use of Airburst for a well’s initial development to maximize the original efficiency and performance, followed by the use of Airburst during rehabilitation sequences to maintain a wells yield.

How long does a full AirBurst® treatment take?

The shortest recorded AirBurst® project was five minutes; one burst per foot up and down the screen was all that was required. But the duration will all depend upon the well construction type, plugging concerns and length of the treatment zone.  A deep sandstone well may take up to 40 hours with a burst every 30 seconds while a typically shallow screened well may only take four to six hours depending upon depth.

What does AirBurst® equipment cost?

The cost varies with the users typical well diameters, formation types, well depth and geographical location. There are also many variations to the equipment such as skid mounted to enclosed trailers, etc.  Please allow Airburst the opportunity to present options for your consideration.

Why is pumping helpful during AirBurst®?

Development of a well requires that material be removed from the water bearing formation.  Airlifting produces a constant out flow from the formation thereby removing the fine silts and sands which may be plugging the formation or that are packed into a fracture.   Conventional pumping is helpful in the same manner but is undertaken after each pass of the screen with the air gun.  Pumping rates are gradually increased during each pump out session as would be normal for developing a new well.

Is AirBurst® suitable for sensitive applications like fish hatcheries?

Yes. Airburst is a “green” technology relying on only air or nitrogen as a gas source, leaving behind no residuals or byproducts. Airburst has been used in many hatcheries across the U.S. and beyond.

Can AirBurst® fix wells that produce sand?

Because AirBurst® can be directed to every inch of the well screen or well bore, sand issues can be addressed and cured at the exact source point by concentrated development to disrupt sand channeling and realign the gravel filter, something only AirBurst® can do.

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LICENSING PROGRAM

AirBurst licenses are defined by geography, field of use, and exclusivity. If you’re interested in becoming an authorized Licensee of AirBurst Technologies, please contact us today.
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