Q1: What are the new features in the latest release of AquiferTest, version 2010.1?

Answer:
Analysis Methods

• Agarwal (1970) - A pumping test solution for wells dominated by wellbore storage and skin effects
• Butler High-K Slug Test (2003) - A slug test solution for wells in formations of high hydraulic activity in confined or unconfined aquifers.
• Neuman analysis now has an option to use table interpolation which provides a much faster solution
• Clonts and Ramey - A pumping test solution for horizontal wells

Statistics

• Scatter plots showing the quality of fit of observed and calculated drawdown can now be displayed and included in analysis reports

Other Features

• A derivative analysis tool was added to the Analysis menu to assist in diagnosing aquifer conditions and type curve matching
• Traditional type curves can be displayed in dimensionless view for applicable analysis methods.
• Curves can now be manually fitted to the data using your mouse or keyboard. Installing AquiferTest

Q2: There is a lot of ‘noise’ in my data. Is there a way to minimize this?

Answer:
New feature in Pro: Use derivative “smoothing” to reduce noise in the dataset. AquiferTest provides three methods for derivative smoothing: Bourdet Derviate (BOURDET 1989), Standard (HORNE 1995) and Regressive (SPANE & WURSTNER 1993). For more information on these methods, please refer to the original texts.

To open the Derivative Setting dialogue,go to the Analysis tab, and select Analysis> Derivative… , from the main menu. You can apply derivative smoothing to all datasets in the analysis by selecting the Use sample setting for all data option. To assign different methods to different datasets, select the ‘Set’ each dataset separately option.

Q3: The Neuman method is taking a long time to run. How can I speed it up?

Answer:
New Feature: Neuman analysis now has an option to use tabular interpolation which provides a much faster solution. Currently this is only available in the dimensionless display. The new feature is located in >Main Menu, >Tools, > Options, General tab. Using the tabular interpretation will provide a faster, however slightly less accurate, Neuman solution.

Q4: I’ve used the parameter control buttons to get a ‘better’ fit but my curves are still not matching? Do you have any suggestions that may help?

Answer:
New feature: Click on the curve, generated from your data, and drag it to your desired best fit locationusing your mouse. This method provides more flexibility and improved accuracy.

Q5: New feature: I’m performing a slug test in a high conductivity aquifer. Are there any solution methods suited for this type of aquifer?

Answer:
The Butler High-K method (Butler et al., 2003) is appropriate for the analysis of slug tests performed in partially penetrating wells in formations of high hydraulic conductivity and those that exhibit inertial effects and oscillatory response.

Q6: Currently we have a few lateral drains so that we can enhance our recovery. Can AquiferTest handle horizontal drains or only vertical wells?

Answer:
New feature in Pro: The Clonts & Ramey solution is suited for determining hydraulic properties, i.e., transmissivity, storativity and conductivity anisotropy ratio, from horizontal well pumping test data from confined aquifers.

Q7: When I click the “automatic” fit button I receive the following error: “Warning automatic fit did not succeed”. What does this mean and how do I resolve it?

Answer:
This message indicates that given the data set, the automatic fit was unable to match to the data points. If the automatic fit did not succeed you may consider adjusting the starting parameters by using the Parameter Controls.

Select the parameter control icon above the analysis graph and use the slider bars to modify the parameter values and to provide a better starting point for the automatic fit. Once these values have been adjusted you can perform the automatic fit.

Additionally, if you continue to experience difficulties with the automatic fit, you may consider increasing the number of iterations used for the fit by selecting Tools>Options and browsing to the Constants tab. The automatic fit options are available under this tab.

Q8: It appears that AquiferTest assigned random colours to my curves. Is there a way to change the colour scheme?

Answer:
Once in reports, please go to >Maine menu, >Tools from the top menu bar and choose “Options”. In the Appearance tab, you can modify the colours and symbols used.

Q9: Can I open my AquiferTest 3.5 project in AquiferTest 2010.1?

Answer:
Please note that currently only older projects created in AquiferTest 4.x can be opened in AquiferTest 2010.1. To open your 3.x AquiferTest project in the new version please follow these steps:

Using version 4.x of AquiferTest, open your project and save; Using AquiferTest 2010.1, open your desired project, creating a back up if prompted.

It is recommended that you ALWAYS create a backup copy of any project files before you open them in the new version. Specifically, ensure that you back up your original MS Access database (.MDB), which contains all project data.

Q10: I am unable to print any of my reports in AquiferTest. Please help?

Answer:
Your printing issue could be the result of a number of settings within AquiferTest Pro that have not been selected. Please consider the following:

Printer Setup

• Click File and select Printer Setup from the main menu
• Select the appropriate printer from the dropdown menu since the default may not always be correct.
• Click OK and attempt to print the reports again

*This option will also allow you to select PDFCreator as your printer which will export your reports as PDF documents. You could then open each .pdf file and print them from there.

Printout Selection

• From the Reports tab ensure there is a checkmark in the boxes beside each printout you wish to be generated. AquiferTest will allow you to view your reports by highlighting each name, however they will only print when the checkmark is showing.

Printer Drivers

• Be sure to update the drivers on your printer, this can be done by selecting your desired printer from the Control Panel on your computer

END FAQ