401 Waterloo System: Assembly Manual 8.0 Packer Activation
Adding Water
Tools and accessories required: water.
Depending on how many Packers are used, eventually your System will likely require water to counter buoyancy. As a rule of thumb, when the ratio of the total length of casing versus the depth to water is greater than 2:1, the System will float. For example, if the installed length of casing is 50 ft. (15 m) and the depth to water is 25 ft. (7.5 m), be ready to add water. Add just enough water to ‘sink’ the System. Do not overfill.
Note:
After the addition of water, the Packers may take 1 – 3 days to expand. This primarily depends on the Head differential between the water in the borehole and the water in the System. A higher differential will put more pressure on the Packers, therefore expanding them more quickly.
Note:
Water is used to counter buoyancy and for ‘sinking’ the System during installation.
To activate the Packers for expansion you will need about 0.2 USgals/ft. (2.5 L/m) of clean water (Therefore, a 200 ft. (60 m) Waterloo System requires about 40 USgals (150 L) of water). Do not overfill the System, and remember to leave the water level in the PVC Casing below the frost line (if applicable). Repeated addition of small amounts of water may be required as the Packers inflate. The water level within the System, versus in the borehole, should not differ by more than 100 ft. (30 m).
Figure 8-1 Adding Water to the System
