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Geomembrane Materials

Butyl Rubber
The original geomembrane suitable for water, water soluble chemicals and some acids. High elongation at yield makes it suitable for applications where movement or settlement is possible and confined space applications also suitable for low temperature (-30°C) use.

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EPDM Rubber
Similar in many respects to Butyl rubber. We only work with vulcanisable EPDM materials (most cannot be welded) as we do not believe glued joints are suitable for "below ground applications", EPDM in suitable grades is extensively used for potable water tank lining.

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Download the mechanical properties chart

PVC
Low cost membrane suitable for some short life applications in 'plain' form or special applications in nylon cloth reinforced form.

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Polypropylene
A good lining material normally used in nylon reinforced form for tank lining, reservoir lining, reservoir covers and reservoir baffle curtains, polypropylene has a good range of chemical resistance including some petrochemicals.

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Polyethylene
Available in a range of densities with variable flexibilities: LLDPE, LDPE, MDPE and HDPE. An economic geomembrane suitable for large projects where its good overall chemical resistance is of advantage, i.e. landfill lining, reservoir lining.

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Polyurethane
Specialist membrane normally used as a nylon reinforced material. Has special properties useful in containing potable waters, oils and fuels. Ideal for tank lining.

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Elvaloy
A specially developed geomembrane for projects including both primary and secondary containment of petrochemicals, oils and fuels.

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Download the mechanical properties chart

Tank Linings

Pond & Lake Lining

Reservoir Lining

Reservoir Covers & Curtains

Groundsheets

Self Supporting Bags

Roofing & Decking

Contaminated Land Covers

Lorry Curtains & Tarpaulins

Water

Oils

Fuels

Acids

Alkalies

Gases

Standard Available Thickness

.20mm
to
3mm

.75mm
to
1.5mm

.5mm
to
3mm

.75mm
to
1.5mm

.5mm
to
3mm

.75mm
to
2mm

Welding
Each material has its own welding requirements, specialist machinery and weld testing regimes.

Types of Material Weld

Inspection of Welded Seams
The completed weld seams are inspected to ensure a strong watertight bond.

The principal inspection methods are continuous and non-destructive.

The company's site personnel conduct and record the following inspection of the joints formed.

(a) Visual Inspection of Welded Seam
Visual inspection of the welded surfaces, the welding process and the completed weld is carried out to ensure consistency of weld.

(b) Destructive Mechanical Testing
The procedure is carried out on samples of completed trial welds. Each sample is subjected to tensile testing. At least two specimens are tested, one in the direct tensile mode and one in the peel mode.
Once a destructive weld test has been completed, the sample is viewed to establish where the break has occurred and the weld classified by referring to industry standard charts.

(c) Non-Destructive Air Pressure Testing - For Wedge Welded Joints
The welds are tested for continuity by pneumatic pressurisation of the central void in the double weld. On completion of the weld run, the channel is sealed at one end and the other end is attached to the test equipment. Air pressure is applied to the channel. The system is then allowed to stabilise and is isolated from the air pressure source, and the pressure in the channel monitored. For satisfactory weld, the air pressure should not change by more than 10% of its initial stabilised value.

(d) Non-Destructive Spark Testing - For Extrusion Welded Joints
A copper wire is encapsulated within the weld. A high voltage electric spark is applied above the welded section. The spark will normally spread evenly across the surface of the weld, but will concentrate into any areas where a satisfactory welded seam has not been achieved.

(e) Vacuum Box Testing - For Vulcanised Hot Air Joints
This method is used in areas of complex welding detail, or where other methods are not feasible, and comprises treating the area of the liner to be tested with a soap solution and then using an open-based box producing a vacuum over the soaped area. Leaks are detected by the appearance of bubbles.

(f) Air Lance - For Vulcanised and Hot Air Joints
This method involves forcing a high pressure jet of air along the weld edge and looking for signs of lifting or bubbling.