Brechtel Radial Collector Wells, LLC is uniquely experienced in the design, construction, and maintenance of large-scale water supply systems worldwide. One such system is the radial collector well, which is designed to efficiently extract large volumes of water from unconsolidated, water-bearing sediments. Collector wells consist of a central concrete shaft or caisson equipped with horizontal screens radiating out like spokes on a wheel into the surrounding aquifer materials. Water is drawn into the central caisson through these horizontal screens or laterals where it collects and is pumped to the ground surface.
Brechtel and its European counterpart BHG Brechtel GmbH has been on the cutting edge of technology associated with collector well design and construction since its inception. As its predecessor company, Preussag, BHG pioneered the installation of gravel-packed laterals screens, allowing sand-free water production from collector wells installed in fine-grained aquifer settings. Additionally, the company developed the “pull-down” method of caisson construction, utilizing pre-cast concrete caisson sections to save time and money while maintaining strict plumbness tolerances. Finally, Brechtel and BHG can complete their installations with a “dry” caisson, which allows future maintenance to be performed on individual laterals while the well remains in service.
Collector wells constructed by Brechtel Radial Collector Wells, LLC are particularly well suited for developing large municipal or industrial water supplies from shallow aquifers or in urbanized areas. Yields from existing units range from less than 2 MGD to in excess of 20 MGD, depending upon aquifer characteristics.
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Phases of Collector Well Construction:
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| Caisson Construction (click to enlarge) |
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| Lateral Installation (click to enlarge) |
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| Well Completion (click to enlarge) |
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