What is the primary characteristic of the well screen that is determined by the size of aquifer material?

The primary characteristic of the well screen that is determined by the size of aquifer material is the mesh size. The mesh size of a well screen is critical because it allows water to flow into the well while filtering out larger particles and sediments from the aquifer. This ensures that the water extracted from the well is clean and that the well does not become clogged with debris.

When selecting the appropriate mesh size, it is essential to match it to the grain size of the surrounding aquifer material. If the mesh size is too large, it may allow sand and silt to enter the well, which can cause problems such as clogging the pump and decreasing efficiency. Conversely, if the mesh size is too fine, it may restrict the flow of water into the well, reducing its yield.

The length of the well screen, the material type, and the color do not primarily depend on the size of the aquifer material. While these factors may be relevant in specific contexts, they do not influence the screen’s effective functioning concerning the size of the particles in the surrounding material. Thus, mesh size directly relates to the need for proper filtration based on aquifer characteristics, making it the key factor in well screen design and performance.