Obtaining reliable information on groundwater flow dynamics from flow measurement in monitoring wells requires a thorough understanding of the hydraulic boundary conditions within monitoring wells and to consider them in measurement planning and data evaluation.

Groundwater flow processes within and around monitoring wells are complex. Since the beginning of our work, we have focused on investigating flow processes in wells and in their vicinity by conducting laboratory studies, field investigations, and computer-based simulations — particularly within our research projects FLIMSYS and PHREASIM.

A research objective was to analyse flow scenarios across various well screen geometries and to understand them in the context of the flow regime within the surrounding aquifer. Based on these findings, targeted quality assurance measures were developed and systematically integrated into both field operations and data analysis while also supporting the continuous development of our measurement technology.

As part of our research activities on groundwater flow processes within and around monitoring wells, we collaborate with the following institutions:

• Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics (ITWM), Kaiserslautern

• Institute of Geosciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Several bachelor's and master's theses have been completed within these research collaborations. Their findings contribute to the evaluation of groundwater flow data and the ongoing development of our measurement technology.

Our objective is to provide advanced image-based solutions for the reliable detection of groundwater flow in monitoring wells. In this respect, our measurement technology offers compelling advantages. Due to the contactless sensor technology, our systems are maintenance-free and extremely robust, even in chemically aggressive environments and under harsh field conditions. The system is characterized by its high level of practicality and operational reliability, delivering reliable, high-quality results even under challenging field and measurement conditions. Their straightforward setup minimizes preparation and deployment time, while reliable measurement data can still be acquired under challenging conditions such as highly turbid water.

A wide range of flow velocities can be captured while determining flow direction with high directional accuracy. This precise flow detection enables detailed, time-resolved recording and analysis of flow variations. In addition to monitoring flow dynamics, the amount and signatures of suspended particles can also be continuously monitored over extended observation periods.

Our PHREACAM® well inspection system, multi-level horizontal flow measurement technology, and patent-pending flow-conditioning devices represent significant advances in horizontal in-situ groundwater flow measurement and in-well monitoring technology.

In our in-house laboratory and manufacturing facility, we develop, calibrate, and test our systems under operating conditions at water pressures of up to 35 bar (500 PSI).

Imaging-based techniques for flow measurements in groundwater monitoring wells represent an innovative approach for future groundwater investigations. Building on our extensive expertise, comprehensive field experience, and ongoing research activities, we continuously develop and refine our patented measurement technology (EP2989471B1) to address additional analytical tasks.

The systematic development of our measurement systems is based on feedback cycles over the last years integrating practical findings, research, and field experience. We see this as key elements of our technological advantage. Our technology has matured through practical application and continuous development. This level of technological maturity enables us to deliver reliable results under demanding field conditions and provides a robust baseline for the further development to address new tasks. Continuing this development remains one of our key objectives.

Between 1992 and 2026, several intellectual property rights were filed for our developments. The flow conditioning device used for multilevel measurements was filed as an international patent application. Independent of the measurement technology employed, this device ensures controlled measurement conditions by minimizing hydraulic disturbances within the measurement compartment. Therefore it represents an essential component for obtaining reliable and comparable flow data in monitoring wells.

In the course of our developments, we collaborate with:

• University of applied sciences, Karlsruhe, Department Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (EIT)
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSRM) Faculty of Engineering, Rüsselsheim.

As part of this collaboration, several bachelor theses and project studies have been completed to date, the results of which have contributed to the further development of the measurement technology.