Geomembrane Liner Materials and Applications
A geomembrane liner is a waterproof membrane that can be used in various applications for lining water containment projects like ponds and canals. Geomembrane installation requires professional expertise to ensure high quality work.
Depending on the project type, the geomembrane liner may be spread and welded in place or thermally or chemically bonded at the seams.
What is a Geomembrane Liner?
A geomembrane liner is a flexible plastic membrane used to contain liquids and gases. These waterproof liners are made of various materials depending on the project requirements and environment. They are typically installed underneath other construction materials like soil or rock for long-term environmental protection.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) liners are the most common due to their superior strength, chemical resistance and relatively low material cost. These liners are ideal for landfill liners, reservoir covers and ponds. RPP (Reinforced Polypropylene) geomembranes are a polyester-reinforced liner designed for industrial waste and water containment applications. These liners are also suitable for golf course ponds, decorative ponds and lakes.
Secondary containment systems are often required in oil fields for fracking or piscina de geomembrana well drilling impoundments to control spills and contamination. These liners can also be used to line coal ash or heap leach pads for precious metal extraction.
Other uses include water storage, evaporation ponds for industrial processes or aquaculture. The lining can help to prevent the accumulation of nutrients that may cause imbalance in the pond system and improve fish health. Agricultural ponds are increasingly using synthetic liners to reduce maintenance and ensure healthy growth and maximum production. Geomembrane liners can also be used as a temporary cover for mining operations.
HDPE Geomembrane Liner
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) is the most popular geomembrane liner material globally due to its cost-effectiveness and durability. It has excellent tensile strength, high chemical resistance, and superior UV protection. It’s also easy to work with and can be welded using a thermal or extrusion welding method. It is available in multiple thicknesses and is often specified for expansive projects that require UV and ozone resistance or chemical resilience.
Landfills use HDPE liners to prevent leachate from seeping out and contaminating soil and groundwater. They are also used in construction sites and road embankments to protect against erosion and structural undermining. Ponds and canals are lined with HDPE to prevent water loss and maximize efficiency of irrigation processes. HDPE liners are also frequently used for aquaculture applications including fish tanks, and nurseries to provide waterproofing and containment solutions.
Due to its exceptional durability, HDPE is ideal for long-term exposed applications like reservoir liners and pond liners. It can withstand decades of UV exposure without exhibiting any signs of deterioration. It can also resist cracking and crazing that would compromise the integrity of critical containment structures, such as tanks or pits. This is particularly important in chemically aggressive environments where stress cracking can lead to leakage and contamination. It is also highly resistant to acids, bases, oxidizers, organic chemicals, and saline solutions.
RPP Geomembrane Liner
Reinforced polypropylene geomembrane liners are designed for water containment applications that will have extended exposure to outdoor conditions. They are fabricated to be resistant to chemicals, UV degradation and aging. They are also very flexible and durable. The RPP liner is a great choice for those wanting longevity without spending the high cost of HDPE or PVC geomembrane liners.
Unlike other geomembrane liner materials that can be subject to aging and degradation when exposed to the elements, RPP geomembrane liners are formulated with a UV stabilizing compound. This prevents the degradation of the material and prolongs its lifespan. RPP is also a very flexible material, and can be easily adapted to the shape of your project.
This material can be used for a variety of projects including ponds, canals and waste storage applications. In addition to its durability and longevity, RPP is fish-friendly and has excellent chemical resistance. It can also be fabricated into large panels, which significantly reduces the need for seaming during installation.
During the seaming process, the two sheets are bonded together by temporarily reorganizing the polymer molecules on both surfaces. Depending on the seaming method used, this can result in minor loss of tensile strength and elongation in the seamed area. This is a result of stress concentrations, the geometry of the seaming, and differences in material properties between the joined sheets.
EPDM Geomembrane Liner
EPDM is a flexible and durable rubber liner made of Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymer (EPDM). This high-quality, fish safe geomembrane liner is highly resistant to UV exposure, HDPE geomembrane fluctuating weather and ozone conditions, root growth, and algae.
Due to its high level of cross-linking, this material is capable of absorbing mechanical stresses from the substrate and still remain intact. Additionally, it offers superior static puncture resistance. This allows it to withstand the high levels of hydrostatic pressure typically found in large capacity water reservoirs.
Firestone EPDM geomembranes are available in large seamless panels up to 15 m in width and 61 m in length, resulting in fewer field seams and reduced installation time. These prefabricated liners can also be easily formed to meet the specific dimensions of your project.
EPDM is the best choice for large farm ponds or industrial ponds, and can be shaped to accommodate any pond design. These membranes are highly durable and offer exceptional performance for decades, even in the harshest environmental conditions.
A SealEco pond adjacent to your business provides a favourable first impression for clients and a beautiful, welcoming work environment for your employees. These ponds can be designed to suit any aesthetic, giving you the freedom to create a stunning water feature that reflects your company’s unique brand. In addition, a pond is a great way to reduce the risk of floods.