During operation, rain, snow, and leaves introduce pathogens into the shaft well. Furthermore, contaminants naturally form at the bottom of the structure as sludge and also pass through the joints between the concrete rings. To maintain potable water, cleaning is necessary periodically or as needed.
Mandatory cleaning and preventive measures
The timing of preventative and mandatory cleanings depends on the type and use of the structure. A shaft is thoroughly cleaned every 3-5 years. The frequency of scheduled cleanings depends on the rate of settling of insoluble substances. If the rate is rapid, cleaning is required more frequently. Over time, the rate of settling increases. There are also signs that require immediate cleaning:
- lowering the level;
- turbidity;
- oily iridescent film on the surface;
- rustiness;
- green;
- blackening, rot;
- unpleasant smell and taste.
The water level in the mine decreases due to silt and seasonal fluctuations. If a lot of sand accumulates at the bottom and clay accumulates on the walls, turbidity occurs. The presence of oil products leads to the formation of a film.
Rust on concrete rings indicates the presence of iron impurities in the water. A green color indicates the presence of protozoan algae in the well. Blackening and rottenness occur if an aspen shield is installed at the bottom of the well, which, over time or when exposed to moisture, rots and reduces the water supply.
Principles of cleaning a shaft and tube well
The process involves preventative maintenance and manual cleaning. This is done at least once a year in the spring or fall. This involves antibacterial treatment with potassium permanganate. To do this, dissolve a tablespoon of dry potassium permanganate in a bucket of liquid. The resulting solution is poured into the well. After four hours, the water containing the solution is pumped out, and a fresh influx of groundwater is allowed to occur. The pumped-out water can be used for watering plants.
Before manually cleaning the structure, it is recommended to study the safety rules:
- work in a team of three (at least 3 people participate);
- use of safety ropes;
- checking the mine for harmful gases.
You may be interested in:Working with three people is essential for safety and to avoid accidents. Gases can be detected by lowering a fire to the bottom of the shaft. A fire indicates the presence of gas. In this case, protective equipment must be used. A sturdy ladder equipped with a supporting platform is used. If it is a rope ladder, the secure attachment must be checked.
A tube well is a structure made of small-diameter, dense plastic pipes. They are inserted into a borehole. This structure has no bottom, as the wells are drilled to great depths where there are no metal contaminants or other harmful substances. This makes cleaning much easier. In this case, several pumping and filter stations are used. The filters are replaced regularly.
Manual cleaning of a mine well
When cleaning walls, it is not recommended to use chemicals. Manual cleaning consists of the following steps:
- preparation (prepare the necessary materials and equipment);
- pumping out (sanitation);
- inspection of the bottom and walls;
- cleaning walls;
- bottom cleaning;
- cleaning and/or replacing the filter;
- sealing cracks and seams.
It's easier to pump out water using a hydraulic pump. Cleaning the walls with a metal spatula or brush is done only if there are no defects. High water pressure is used. The walls can be treated with an antiseptic to kill germs. A filter is made of sand, gravel, or crushed stone. After replacing it, wait for the first flush of water to come in, which is pumped out. The second flush is left to settle for one to two days. If the resulting water is cloudy or has an unpleasant odor, it is pumped out again. The process of pumping, settling, and flushing continues until the water is fit for drinking. This can be determined by tasting and smelling it.
You may be interested in:After cleaning, the walls are disinfected. To do this, add 200 grams of calcium chloride and 1 liter of water to an enamel container. Stir the mixture and cover the container tightly. Let it settle until a sediment forms. Then drain the water. Brush the walls with the resulting mixture. After the well fills with the first water, pump it out. Continue pumping until the chlorine smell disappears.
Contamination of a shaft or tube well is a natural process. Only with preventative or thorough cleaning and disinfection will it provide clean drinking water. To clean a tube well, the filter is changed. Following safety regulations and working in a team of three will allow for manual cleaning of the shaft structure.