Experimental study on influence of soil particle size distribution on clogging in recharge wells

Long-term operation of recharge wells leads to progressive decline in recharge efficiency, that is, the phenomenon of well clogging. As the most critical factor constraining recharge technology application, the mechanisms underlying recharge well clogging remain inadequately understood, with insufficient research on clogging causes and influencing factors during recharge operations. This study investigates the influence mechanisms of soil particle size distribution on recharge well clogging through laboratory model tests. Results indicate that fine particle migration during recharge induces hydraulic conductivity variations in different zones. When the proportion of the coarse particles is high, fine soil particles fail to completely fill soil voids. While no significant clogging occurs, this process alters local permeability characteristics, and particle size distribution will still change.