Approximation of Well Function for Large Diameter Wells

Abstract

A computationally simple and accurate algebraic approximation of the well function for large diameter wells is proposed. This approximation can be used to calculate drawdown in a large diameter well due to steady pumping. Using this approximation, a method is proposed for calculating drawdowns in large diameter wells due to unsteady pumping discharge. The proposed method is also applicable for calculating residual drawdowns in large diameter wells. In principle, the proposed method that uses the approximation of the well function should yield more accurate results than the previously proposed kernel methods.