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FAQ's about the Eno Scientific Well Watch

November 27, 2023
5 min read

For the most up-to-date information please go to Eno Scientific's website.

How fast do I get a reading of my well depth?

It takes approximately 3 seconds on most wells to get a water level reading.

How accurate is the reading?

Since the distance calculation is determined by timing the returned echo, it is important that a free path is available for the pulse to travel to the water surface and return. It is possible that an obstruction such as torque arrester or centering ring on a pump pipe can cause a premature echo. It is also possible that a breakout or large fracture opening can also cause a false echo. Ordinary pump piping and wiring will not interfere with the measurements.

The accuracy is also dependent on the sound speed in the well. Since the sound speed is determined by the temperature, the average temperature must be specified correctly. The error is approximately 0.1%/°f.

What are the well access requirements?

An air tight connection is not required but most of the casing should be closed. An open casing can be measured by placing a cover of cardboard or any other material over the opening with a hole in it large enough to slip the probe in.

Does the well sounder work on wells with the pump installed?

Yes. The sound pulse used for measuring is not disturbed by the presence on pump wiring or piping.

Can the well sounder measure past a pitless adapter?

Yes. The common side-mount pitless adapter typically does not block a significant portion of the well opening and will not interfere with the depth sensing. Some rare pitless adapters, however, block most of the casing. With that type, installation of the simple pump is not possible, unless the well is reconfigured.

What if there are guard rings or torque arresters on the pump line?

The well sounder will read past most guard rings and torque arresters with little signal attenuation. Some torque arresters may block more than 90% of the well opening and may cause problems.

Will the well sounder work with the pump running?

Generally yes. If however the pump is exceptionally noisy and or the water level is near or below the pump, it is possible that the noise from the pump could interfere with the depth measurement.

Does the well sounder work on larger diameter wells?

The well sounder with the standard probe works on wells up to 18″ in diameter. However, as the well diameter increases, the signal strength weakens and becomes more susceptible to pump noise and imperfections in the well. It is recommended that on wells larger than 8″ that a sounding tube be used (e.G. 3/4” sch80 pvc. The id must be consistent at the joints.).

My sounding tube is 3/4″ pvc schd 80 with threaded couplings every 20ft. The well sounder reads the depth at 20′. Why?

The pocket created at each joint is significant compared to the inside diameter of the pvc pipe, and therefore causes the pulse to reflect at each coupling. You will notice that if the min range is increased to 25ft, the depth will jump to 40ft. And when increased to 45ft, the depth will jump to 60ft etc. In many cases, after the the pulse has passed the nearby stronger reflections, the stronger reflection from the water will dominate and the depth will jump up to the water level.

Can the well sounder be used on hand dug wells?

Hand dug wells are often fairly large and irregular, and as such may cause problems for the well sounder due to multiple or weak reflections. Some work and some do not. However, in any difficult to measure well, a small tube can be installed specifically for measurement.

Does the well sounder work in wells with perforated casing?

If the perforations are exposed (above the water line) and the exterior of the casing is very porous like crushed stone, then the perforations will dampen the sound pulse and there will be no reflection for the well sounder to detect. Again, a sounding tube can be used.

What if the well contains a constant pressure pump system with an in-well tank?

The in well accumulators tend to block the well shaft entirely. If this is the case then the well sounder will be unable to find the distance to the water past the accumulator. And the simple pump cannot be installed either, unless the tank is repositioned to outside the well.

Does the well sounder work in crooked wells?

Yes. The sound pulse used to measure the depth will even go around corners and obstructions which block less than 90% of the well opening.

How does temperature affect the depth reading?

The well watch calculates the depth by measuring the time it takes for a sound pulse to travel down the well shaft, bounce off the water and return. Since sound travels at a faster rate through warmer air, the well sounder must compensate for the reduced time.

In most wells, the temperature a short distance from the surface is fairly constant and varies with geographic location. Near the surface, the temperature varies with daily swings and sun loading. The well watch probe includes a temperature sensor to measure and compensate for near surface variations. Deep temperature is compensated using the deep well temperature entered by the user.

What is the product warranty?

Eno scientific warrants to the user that all products manufactured by eno scientific, will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for 1 year from the date of shipment. Click here for our warranty. https://enoscientific.com/