What is a Geomembrane Liner and What is it Used For?
Geomembrane liners are impermeable membrane liners or barriers which can be used for a variety of primary and secondary containment applications. They are available in a wide range of physical, mechanical and chemical resistance properties to ensure the highest quality performance no matter what the project is. Geomembrane liners are important for projects in the environmental, mining, oil and gas, and waste transportation industries. A geomembrane liner provides a reliable, cost-effective solution to all your containment needs.
Common Applications for Geomembrane Liners
SECONDARY CONTAINMENT
Geomembrane liners are most commonly used for the primary and secondary containment of hazardous materials. Certain types of facilities such as refineries and airports are required to have secondary containment plans in place to contain fuel, oil, sludge, and other chemicals. Specialty geomembrane liners provide a sound solution by preventing pollutants from spilling or leaking into the soil and groundwater. These liners can be fabricated and installed to create large containment areas for underground tanks, above ground tanks as well as portable chemical storage containers.
When selecting a geomembrane liner it is important to choose a material that is strong enough to provide long-term containment against UV exposure and extreme weather conditions, as well as thermal expansion and contraction. It must be durable and thick enough to resist punctures or tears as well as the pressure of the primary storage container. Most importantly, the liner must not react or deteriorate after long-term contact with the toxic, flammable, combustible, or corrosive fuels or chemicals it may be holding.
LANDFILLS
In order to protect our environment, landfills require the strongest protection possible to ensure there is no waste leakage that can contaminate the groundwater beneath it. There are a few ways that geomembrane liners can make landfills more efficient and eco-friendly. They can be used for lining both primary and secondary solid-waste landfills. Rather than covering the landfill daily with soil, geomembrane liners can be used as alternative daily covers. This is required to prevent odors, vectors, fires, littering, and scavenging. Geomembrane liners can also be used to divert rainwater from landfill pits.
ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
There are a few environmental benefits from using geomembrane liners with roads and highways. They can act as a waterproofing barrier beneath asphalt roads. Geomembrane liners can also prevent pollution from the salt used to de-ice winter roads.
VAPOR BARRIERS
Geomembrane liners can play an important role in construction as well. When moisture seeps into the walls, ceilings or foundation of a building, it can create and develop severe structural damage over time. Geomembrane liners act as a barrier, preventing moisture from penetrating the walls and foundation of the building. In turn, this prevents mold, mildew, and fungus from growing. These geomembrane liners can also prevent hazardous chemicals from leaking into the soil or groundwater below the foundation of the building. Not only is this a very eco-friendly solution, but it can also save on the cost of building repairs down the road.
