FAQ
Welcome to our Clearbore Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page! Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions our customers have about our biodegradable granular chemical product and how it can help you keep your water bore and pump systems running smoothly. Whether you’re dealing with iron bacteria, hard encrustations, or biofilm buildup, Clearbore is the solution you need to dissolve these blockages quickly and easily. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us – our team of experts is always here to help!
What is Clearbore?
Clearbore is a chemical formulation designed to dissolve the sludge and encrustations caused by iron and iron-related bacteria. Clearbore is manufactured in a granular form.
IS IT DANGEROUS TO USE?
Although Clearbore is a toxic product it is non-volatile and safe to use. As with all products of its type, however, safe-handling procedures should be followed. Clearbore is Non-Hazardous according to the Australian Dangerous Goods Code.
WILL IT POISON THE WATER?
While the cleansing process is taking place the treatment water will be unfit for consumption by mammals and it should be pumped onto waste ground afterwards. After treatment and flushing, the water should be tested for Clearbore residue before using for stock or domestic purposes.
WILL IT POISON THE GROUND?
No, when Clearbore is exposed to the atmosphere and sunlight it breaks down completely. Clearbore is biodegradable and harmless to the environment.
HOW DO I APPLY CLEARBORE?
Follow the directions on the label of every pail. In short, run a return line from the bore head back down the casing; mix the Clearbore with water in a plastic drum and let the mixture run into the bore. Turn the pump on and allow it to circulate this mixture for six hours, and then release the treatment water over waste ground. Alternatively, if the water is used for surface irrigation only, i.e. not overhead sprinklers, the treatment water can be pumped through the lines to assist in cleaning the reticulation system. After the treatment flush the bore with clean water.
HOW MUCH CLEARBORE DO I USE?
That depends on the amount of water in the bore. The factors for determining the volume of water are – the diameter of the bore, the depth of the bore, and the standing water level. The amount of Clearbore required can then be calculated using the Dosage Table.
HOW LONG WILL THE TREATMENT TAKE?
The recommended time is a minimum of six hours.
HOW DO I TEST THE WATER AFTER THE CLEARBORE TREATMENT?
HOW LONG WILL THE CLEARBORE TREATMENT LAST?
IRON IN GROUNDWATER, HOW IS IT CAUSED?
Dissolved iron in groundwater is a natural occurrence. As rainwater permeates the strata of the earth various minerals mix with the water. The most common are iron, manganese and calcium. Iron appears as a red or brown precipitate, calcium as white and manganese as black.
WHAT IS THE RED SLUDGE THAT BLOCKS THE BORE AND PUMP?
The sludge is the result of iron-related bacteria interacting with the dissolved iron in the water forming ferric oxide (Fe3+). The bacteria are harmless to mammals.
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT A BLOCKAGE CAUSED BY IRON?
It is a simple case of using Clearbore to dissolve the sludge and encrustations causing the blockage.
WHAT IS THAT 'ROTTEN EGG' SMELL?
The smell is caused by sulphur-reducing bacteria, Thiobacillus sp., also harmless to mammals.
THE WATER IS CLEAR BUT THE FLOW IS REDUCED.
This is caused by three factors – heat from the motor, turbulence created by the pump, and oxygen introduced into the bore when the pump draws down. These conditions allow the iron-related bacteria to oxidise the dissolved iron that then creates a thick sludge. Some of this sludge may pass through the system when the pump is started causing a rush of red or brown water. Most of the sludge remains in the bore and if it is allowed to build up to any extent the water flow will be reduced and the pump will eventually break down.
THE WATER FLOW NEVER VARIES, STAINS ARE THE PROBLEM.
There is probably very little iron-related bacteria present; however the iron in the water will precipitate as a stain when exposed to the atmosphere.
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THE STAINS?
Clearbore Pty Ltd manufactures two iron stain removers – X-Fe for non-porous surfaces and X-Fe Forte for porous surfaces.
CAN THE WATER SUPPLY BE IMPROVED?
A clean pump and bore does not mean the end of the iron problem. Because the groundwater is constantly flowing through the system there can be no residual effect from any cleaning. The simplest way to control iron in water is to pump the water into a holding tank through a baffle plate in front of the inlet. The baffle will aerate the water and allow the iron to precipitate and sink to the bottom of the tank quickly. The water should then be drawn from the top by means of a floating suction. See aeration diagram.
