Casing Pipe: Guide for Borewells & Utilities

Discover casing pipes for borewells and utilities. Learn types, applications, standards, and expert tips to choose the right pipe for your project.

1. What Do You Mean by “Casing Pipe”?

Before continuing, identify the context that best matches your needs:

Borewell (Water Wells) → A pipe that protects the main water pipe & motor of your borehole. (Main focus of this article)

Utility Encasement → You need pipe pipes to protect pipelines or cables under roads, railways, or rivers.

2. Borewell uPVC Casing Pipes (India Focus)

2.1 Why Casing Is Critical

A borewell casing pipe serves several vital purposes:

Keeps soil and loose rock from collapsing into the bore.
Prevents contamination from surface water.
Helps maintain water quality and pump alignment.
Extends the lifespan of the borewell system.

2.2 Understanding IS 12818:2010 (Simplified)

In India, IS 12818 is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification for uPVC casing and screen pipes for bore and tubewells.

Main Classes:

CS (Shallow Casing) – Up to ~80 m depth.
CM (Medium Casing) – Up to ~250 m.
CD (Deep Casing) – Beyond 250 m or in high-pressure conditions.
Screen Types (SC, RS, PMS, PDS) – Pipes with slots or ribs designed to filter out sand and other particles.

Buyer Tip: Always check for ISI/BIS marking, batch number, and manufacturer license to avoid counterfeit products.

2.3 Choosing the Right Screen & Slot Size

Most brands mention “horizontal slots,” but few explain why they matter.

Here’s what to know:

Slot Size: Should match your aquifer’s grain size—too big, and sand enters; too small, and water flow is restricted.
Ribbed Screens: Increase open area and reduce clogging risk.
Gravel Packing: Often used in fine-sand aquifers for stability and filtration.

2.4 How to Select the Right Casing Pipe (3-Step Process)

Measure Depth & Understand Geology

Shallow → CS
Medium → CM
Deep → CD

Check Pump Size & Drawdown

Determines pipe OD (outer diameter) and screen length.

Consider Water Quality

For sandy water, go with finer slot sizes and ribbed screens.

2.5 Installation Checklist for Success

Keep the borehole perfectly vertical.
Use centralizers to prevent rubbing against the wall.
Tighten threads to the manufacturer’s torque spec.
Lower in telescopic sections to avoid joint stress.
Gravel pack or grout as required.
Always follow safety protocols.

2.6 Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Even uPVC needs attention:

Biofouling → Slimy deposits that reduce yield; clean periodically.
Encrustation → Mineral buildup; treat or clean before it reduces flow.
Sand Pumping → Often a sign of screen damage or incorrect slot size.

2.7 Cost Factors

Price depends on:

Class (CS is cheapest, CD most expensive).
Diameter and wall thickness.
Certification and brand reputation.
Transport and installation complexity.

2.8 Sustainability: Recharge Wells

Modern borewell casings can be adapted for rainwater harvesting:

Install a screen casing in a recharge pit.
Filter rainwater before it enters the pipe.
Helps replenish groundwater and extend well life.

4. Mild Steel Pipe Utility Encasement Pipes

Used to protect water, gas, or telecom lines under roads or railways:

Typically uncoated carbon pipe.
Installed via boring or tunneling.
Prevents damage from soil movement and traffic loads.

Conclusion

Casing pipes play a vital role in protecting and enhancing the efficiency of borewells, oil and gas wells, and utility lines. In India both Mild steel & uPVC casing pipes remain the go-to choice for groundwater applications depending upon geographical conditions, thanks to their durability, corrosion resistance, and compliance with IS standards. Globally, the term also encompasses heavy-duty pipe variants used in oilfields and infrastructure projects.