Schedule 20 Stainless steel Pipe for Water Bore Casings
What are water bore casings?
Bore casings are pipes (PVC, concrete, mild steel or Stainless steel), and are incredibly important to maintaining the structural integrity of drilled shafts.
They are installed inside the borewell, and their purpose is to protect the internal diameters of the drilled shaft, and prevent the sides of the borehole from collapsing during drilling. This casing contains the pump that draws water from the aquifer and acts as a barrier, preventing contamination. The space between the casing and the borehole wall helps to maintain stability and prevents collapse.
Some water bores do not employ casing - however in these cases, the risk of collapse and contamination is significantly increased.
Water bore diagram, including bore casing.
Source: pseau.org
The benefits of bore casings
The use of water bore casings provides several benefits, including:
Preventing of Contamination
Casing pipes can prevent contamination of the groundwater source. Without casing, there is a risk of surface runoff, chemicals or debris seeping into the well, however with bore casing, the risk of contamination from external sources is significantly reduced.
Facilitating the Pumping Operations
Casing pipes facilitate pumping operations by providing a channel for extracting groundwater from the well. The casing extends from the surface down to the desired depth, allowing for the installation of pumps and other extraction equipment.
Prevention of Aquifer Damage
Casing pipes play a significant role in preventing damage to the aquifer - the underground layer of permeable rock that yields water. Without proper casing, the drilling process may inadvertently disrupt the aquifer, compromising its ability to supply water. Casing pipes create a protective barrier that shields the surrounding aquifer from disturbances during drilling, preventing potential contamination of the aquifer.
Stabilisation
During the process of drilling, boreholes go across various geological formations such as loose soil, gravel and rock layers. Without proper support, these formations may collapse, leading to borehole instability and reduced well efficiency. Casing pipes provide structural support, preventing cave-ins and maintaining the integrity of the well structure, prolonging the lifespan of the borewell.
Mitigating Formation Fluid
In some geological formations, the borehole may encounter formation fluids such as oil, gas, or saline water, which can infiltrate into the wellbore. Casing pipes equipped with appropriate seals and liners prevent this, maintaining the purity of the groundwater.
Guard Against Corrosion and Abrasion
If the correct material is used, casing pipes can endure exposure to corrosive substances and other abrasive particles, shielding the underlying infrastructure from deterioration and ensure long-term reliability. This enhances the longevity of the borewell system by minimising maintenance requirements and related costs.
Casing Material
Generally, the options for bore casing materials are PVC plastic, concrete, mild steel, and Stainless steel.
PVC plastic and concrete offer the most cost effective solutions in the short-term, and have good corrosion resistance, however their stiffness levels are inferior to mild steel. Mild steel offers greater strength and durability, however it is subject to corrosion over time in the conditions of a borewell.
Stainless steel solves all of the issues presented by these materials. With the strength and durability of mild steel and the excellent corrosion resistance comparible to PVC plastic and concrete, it provides an all-in-one solution to bore casing requirements. Stainless steel does come at an initial price point higher than its alternatives, however in the long term, it is much more cost efficient as it rarely needs replacement or maintenance.
Historically, the widely available Schedule 10 and Schedule 40 Stainless steel Pipe options in Australia haven’t provided an ideal option for bore casings; Schedule 10 being too thin and Schedule 40 being on the expensive side. Stirlings have understood this problem from our customers - and we present the solution: Schedule 20 Pipe!
Schedule 20 Pipe
Schedule 20 Pipe is the ideal strength for bore casing, and the wall thickness is thinner than Schedule 40; so it costs less while performing the same job.
We are now stocking Grade 316L Schedule 20 Stainless steel Pipe all over Australia for your water bore casing requirements. We can also procure Duplex and other Grades via our established global supply chain.
Schedule 20 Pipe Dimensions
Schedule 20 Pipe Dimensions, from 6 inches to 36 inches in thickness.
● Stocked Item ○ Market Available
** Stirlings Spec -0% / +10% WT tolerance
Click here for our full Spec Sheet.
To learn more about our water bore supply solutions, our Schedule 20 range and to make your order, get in contact here!
A rhyme for your time
For water bores you need Schedule 20, come down to Stirlings, we have plenty!
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