Author: James Preus

5 Factors of Self-Installing Geomembranes for General Contractors

The demand for Geomembrane installation is increasing as the world grows more conscious of our environment and water resources. The installation process might look simple, but the reality is different. There are a lot of considerations that go into self-installing geomembranes, and this article will address them. 

Should you opt for self-installation? 

Geomembrane installation has been a leading solution for the containment of liquids and the prevention of effluent leaking into the soil. Its importance will only grow as environmental concerns mount, and the demand to contain hazardous material properly or to preserve water sources increases. 

Many general contractors are now opting to self-install geomembrane for small to medium-sized projects as they consider self-installation to be more cost-effective. However, the process for geomembrane installation is complex, but it can be done when these five factors are given proper attention. While there are several factors to take into consideration, the process can be summarized into four main challenges and points of paramount importance. 

Here are the five main factors of self-installation that you need to know as a general contractor. 

1 – Expert consultation for the required geomembrane

The GC will acquire the geomembrane according to the project spec. But it’s not always a simple matter as the spec is very commonly outdated and the implication in damage to the project can be significant. Furthermore, there are many types of geomembrane lining materials available. Each choice is unique and suitable for different uses. For example, the Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE-R) is resistant to chemicals and incredibly flexible under pressure and stress. On the other hand, High-Density Polyethylene is highly resistant to ozone and ultra-violet radiation. 

Request a consultation with a geomembrane expert 

2 – Geomembrane  Sourcing

When it comes to materials, you might be tempted to purchase supplies from local distributors which is the standard procedure. However, this negates the entire purpose of self-installing geomembranes in the first place. Expenses will increase as you’ll have to bear the burden of distribution costs. Moreover, most local distributors will be limited in the variety and quantity of products they carry. 

Hence for self-installation, the ideal is to buy directly from the geomembrane manufacturer. Not only will you be able to receive a customizable product that is best suited for your project but you’ll also be able to consult with geomembrane experts during every stage of the installation process. Regardless of your level of expertise in geomembrane installation, this consultation with the manufacturer is invaluable.   

3 – Installation Training 

There are two main methods of installation; Field Fabrication and Prefabrication liners. Field Fabrication requires extensive training as workers do the welding in difficult circumstances on site. Steep slopes and intense rainfall are common challenges workers often deal with regularly. Such cases demand more committed resources and manpower for safe execution, which might result in inflated costs.

Prefabricated geomembrane liners are pre-welded in the factory. Not only does this method drastically improve the quality of welds, but also makes the installation faster. Prefabricated liners are commonly preferred in many applications where experienced talent is scarce. 

The latest technological advancements in the field have addressed most of them. Neither the geomembranes used today nor the production methodology is the same as it was a few years ago. Nowadays, factory-fabricated geomembranes can save a lot of time and associated costs. 

4 – Training for Fabrication 

Field fabrication of geomembranes is not a simple endeavor and can’t be mastered without proper training. There are a lot of factors and variables that may affect the results. This is one of the key reasons why many decision-makers still prefer to work with geomembrane installers rather than go for self-installation. The vast amount of experience they bring to the table can prove to be an asset in many complex cases and keep the process error-free. 

For general contractors offering field fabrication services, arranging training for the workforce is necessary. Several trade associations provide training and recognized certificates for on-Field fabrication and installations. The International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI) is one of the many recognized professional bodies dealing with fabrication training.

5 – Proper Heat Seal equipment

Installing geomembranes requires the usage of complex sealing equipment. That’s why many Heat seal equipment manufacturers also arrange on-site equipment training for employees. A seam that’s not sealed properly can burst under pressure and cause an expensive loss. Workers need certified professional training to work on the seams and to ensure that it’s leak-proof.

Why training matters

For any general contractor, having a vast pool of skilled labor at hand is an imperative asset in this industry. By training workers for geomembrane installation and fabrication, you’ll be able to stay competitive in the market and improve labor productivity. From agriculture to aquaculture applications, construction of small pools, dams, or waste containment, the ability to provide geomembrane installation and fabrication open your business up to numerous possibilities and opportunities.

Conclusion

Management of water resources is crucial for businesses looking to thrive in the 21st century. Improving the infrastructure for existing water resources and safely disposing of harmful wastewater is a social and moral obligation for all businesses.

Contractors can take advantage of the demand related to geomembranes and expand their services by developing the skill set of their workers. Not only would it raise the versatility of the business, but it would also prepare their workforce to meet future demands more effectively.

E2 Connect

Why the Berry Amendment & Kissell Amendment Matter Today

If your company is considering bidding for US Department of Defense (DOD) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS)  solicitations at any point, it’s important to know about the Berry & Kissel  Amendments. The Berry Amendment was originally passed by Congress in 1941. The Kissell Amendment was modeled on the Berry Amendment but enacted in 2009.

The Berry Amendment can be a huge barrier or a tremendous opportunity for US manufacturers, depending on your supply chain. In this article, we’ll examine today’s practical implications for manufacturers.

What Does The Berry Amendment Cover?

The Berry Amendment is designed to cover DOD purchases only. It was originally intended to ensure that a variety of items, including clothing, footwear, and other textile products, were fully American made.

Compliance requires that not just final products, but all of the materials and supplies that go into them are sourced from the US. That means, for example, that a military uniform must use US-sourced fibers/yarns which are converted into textiles, then cut, sewn, and assembled all in the United States. 

Berry Amendment vs Buy American Act

The Berry Amendment doesn’t apply across the rest of the federal government, even for departments that have a connection to national security such as the Departments of Energy or Transportation. Federal contracts may be subject to the “Buy American Act” which applies only to federal government contracts to be carried out within the United States while the Berry Amendment is specific to the Department of Defense (DoD) in addition to international contracts. The Buy American Act requires that “substantially all” of the costs of foreign components not exceed 50% of the cost of all components (thus, an item can be of 51% domestic content and still be in compliance).

There Are Exceptions

DOD contracts worth less than two hundred and fifty thousand US dollars aren’t subject to the rule, for example. Materials that aren’t readily available in the US, such as goathair, sheepskin, silk, and hemp, are also exceptions. (The Trump Administration has considered tightening the rules around healthcare products during the coronavirus pandemic, but has not yet made any changes to the Berry Amendment).

What Does It Mean for Manufacturers?

Of all US Government agencies, the Department Of Defense has the largest budget at $700 billion. So if you are considering being a supplier it is critical to understand the requirements of the Berry Amendment so that you can effectively bid on issued solicitations.

The amendment requires US manufacturers to source materials domestically. Even if your company does not contract with the DOD directly, you must source materials entirely from the US in order to be eligible as a vendor for a company that does hold DOD contracts. 

Do You Comply?

E Squared is a US-based producer that commits to providing its partners with guidance and technical know-how of the textiles they need for each application. If your company is considering ways to broaden its domestic supply chain, you can get in touch with our team today. 

E2 Connect

TPU Medical Grade: 5 Characteristics and Benefits

The use of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has become increasingly more popular in the healthcare industry in recent years. This versatile material is already used widely for electronics and in heavy industry. But it has several characteristics that make it particularly well suited for medical applications. In fact, many medical engineers see TPU medical grade as a top contender to replace widely used PVC materials.

So, what is TPU medical grade, and what makes it so special? In this article, we present five beneficial characteristics of TPU medical grade.

Learn more about how you can ensure top quality MAterials for your Medical Device

Finding The Right Materials For Medical Applications Is A Challenge

When it comes to designing medical devices, the challenge is two-fold.  The material must be approved for use by rigorous healthcare standards. Additionally, achieving functionality can demand very unique qualities from the materials they are made of. For example, catheters and IV tubes must be extremely flexible for patient comfort. That means silicone, metal and most materials will be too stiff to be used in such applications.

What you need to know about PVC

In our previous article, we mentioned that PVC has been widely used for such devices in past years since it can be softened with plasticizers. However, PVC has largely fallen out of favor because it has been found that chemicals from common plasticizers can leach out of the medical tubing, fluid bags, and other devices. These chemicals have been associated with cancer and liver disease and therefore banned for use in numerous countries around the world.  

The Benefits of Medical-grade TPU

Medical TPU solves many of these problems and brings some additional advantages for medical device designers. This plastic material offers nearly the same flexibility as PVC without requiring the use of plasticizers and it’s even more durable. In fact, TPU can be up to four times stronger than similar elastomers like silicone.


Strength
When developing medical tubing, for example, it’s possible to develop tubes with thinner wall thicknesses for the same maximum pressure than could be done using PVC or silicone. For a tube with a given outer diameter, the inner diameter can be larger and fluid flow rates can be higher.

 

High Moldabilty
TPU is highly moldable, and therefore can be incorporated into a wide variety of medical implants.

 

Biocompatible
TPU medical grade is also biocompatible. Numerous TPU medical grades have passed USP Class VI biological testing, which measures materials’ hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity, irritation, and sensitization. Medical TPU won’t trigger adverse reactions in the vast majority of patients or leach chemicals like PVC.

 

Coloring
Additional properties of TPU that make it appealing to medical designers include non-yellowing and the ability to be color-matched for different applications.

 

Chemical Resistant
Medical TPU is abrasion resistant, chemical resistant, and won’t soften or rigid over time.


TPU Medical Grade at E2

Increasingly, medical device designers and healthcare product manufacturers are switching to TPU over other types of medical plastics. TPU has the durability and malleability required for most product designs as well as the flexibility and biocompatibility to make it friendly and safe for patients.

If you’re thinking about making the switch to medical-grade TPU coated fabric, E2 can help. We offer a wide range of medical TPU materials that can be customized for your healthcare applications. Get in touch with our team today to find out more about what you can create with medical TPU.

 

E2 Connect

Healthcare Fabric: Considerations for Your Product

Choosing the right fabric for your healthcare product is critical. The fabric you use will not only affect whether the final product is safe for medical applications, but also whether it is patient-friendly and durable enough for long-term use.

There are several common types of healthcare fabrics currently in use. Today, we’ll take a look at these different materials to help you determine which one is right for specific applications.

Learn more about how you can ensure top quality for your Healthcare Product


Why PVC is Not The Popular Choice for Medical Applications

Not long ago, the majority of modern medical devices and products were made from PVC.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) coated fabric was until recently the most common textile used in healthcare products. An evergrowing demand of the plasticizers to produce soft and flexible PVC resulted in the product to release toxic chemicals. As a result, PVC has been banned in numerous countries and quickly fallen out of favor for medical applications.

Silicone in Medical Applications

Silicone is frequently used in medical applications because it is highly flexible, biocompatible, and antimicrobial. It can be used for a wide range of products, such as catheters, medical tubing, and implanted devices without causing abrasion or negative reactions.

However, silicone does have some important limitations. It’s difficult to mold and extrudes, and it cannot be coated using most common solvents. These make it a more difficult coated fabric to use in some manufacturing processes. In addition, when used to design medical implants, silicone lacks the durability required for life-long use by patients. 

TPU: An Emerging Medical Material

Medical-grade TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) has recently emerged as one of the most promising materials for medical applications. Medical TPU is fully biocompatible and, while not as flexible as silicone, is soft enough to be used for medical tubing and implants. From a manufacturing standpoint, TPU can easily be extruded and molded to achieve complex product designs.

Additional Advantages of TPU

TPU has two additional advantages over other types of healthcare fabrics. First, it’s highly durable. Compared to silicone, medical-grade TPU can be up to four times as strong. That enables it to be used for producing high-flow medical tubing with relatively thin walls or medical implants that last for a patient’s entire lifetime. 

Choosing the Right Healthcare Fabric Manufacturer

When determining what type of medical fabric is right for your application, it’s essential to understand the requirements and strengths of the material. At E2, we produce medical-grade TPU-coated fabrics that offer numerous advantages for healthcare applications, including durability, biocompatibility, and flexibility. The fabric is also completely safe for direct skin contact. Get in touch with our team today to find out more about what E2 medical TPU can do for your healthcare products.

E2 Connect

Antimicrobial Fabric: The Important Benefits for your Medical Application

Antimicrobial fabric has long played an important role in preventing the spread of germs in shared facilities. Hospitals, prisons, military facilities, and even hotels rely on this coated fabric for everything from bedding and linens to gowns and uniforms.

If you’re considering making the switch to using antimicrobial textiles, this will offer an overview for getting started. We’ll explain the benefits and why they’re used so widely across the medical environment. We’ll also cover what antimicrobial fabrics are made from and whether they’re durable enough to withstand repeated use.

Why do you need antimicrobial fabric?

Microbial contamination of fabric is a surprisingly common problem. Bacteria and fungi are able to grow on sweat, oil, and other contaminants that naturally seep from humans into their clothes and linens. While you probably haven’t seen mold growing on a fabric, chances are good that you’ve noticed the results of contamination.

Textiles that allow for the growth of bacteria often develop a permanent odor. Over time, bacteria and fungi can cause a permanent stink that won’t come off no matter how many times the fabric is washed.

The Potential Damage Caused by Microbial Growth

Microbial growth can also be bad for the durability of your products. Bacteria and fungi slowly eat away at both natural and synthetic textiles. Worse, the odor these microbes produce encourages more wash cycles that ultimately reduce the lifespan of your products.

In medical applications and shared facilities, fabrics can also be a transport vector for pathogens. While most disease-causing bacteria can’t live forever on textiles, they can live long enough to hitch a ride across a hospital or prison to where they can cause new infections.

Preventing  Contamination

Antimicrobial fabrics prevent bacteria and fungi from contaminating your products. The coatings are designed to inhibit microbes from latching on to your products in the first place. If bacteria can’t effectively colonize the textile, they can’t stick around to multiply and cause problems. Other antimicrobial fabrics are designed to actively kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms that do make it into the textile matrix. 

Preventing Microbial Colonization

The impact of these antimicrobial treatments is significant. Since there is no microbial colonization, no odor develops—even when the fabric is worn or used multiple times without washing. Less frequent washing also means that products will have longer lifespans than products made without.

Medical facilities can also potentially reduce the spread of disease by switching to antimicrobial fabrics for uniforms, gowns, and linens. Preventing contamination of clothes, in particular, is significant since medical providers often go from patient to patient without extra precaution if an infectious disease isn’t suspected.

What Are Antimicrobial Fabrics Made From?

Antimicrobial fabrics are made from a variety of popular textiles, including polyester, vinyl, composites, nylon, and acrylics. In most cases, a coating is applied to the surface of the fabric, so it doesn’t affect the normal performance or durability of these materials.

That’s a significant benefit since it means that many existing products can be made using antimicrobial fabrics without changing your manufacturing process. You also don’t give up any of the properties, including strength and flexibility, of the underlying textile.

What about Fabric Durability?

One of the biggest concerns we hear from manufacturers is that antimicrobial fabrics won’t be durable enough for long-term use. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In comparison, antimicrobial fabrics retain the same durability as textiles without.

In fact, antimicrobial products often have longer lifespans because they undergo less scrubbing and washing—cleaning simply isn’t needed at the same intensity since these fabrics won’t allow odor-causing bacteria to flourish. The underlying material also won’t be slowly degraded by microbial contaminants like it often is in unprotected textiles.

Finding the Right Manufacturer For your Application

A key part of making the switch to antimicrobial fabrics, particularly for medical applications, is getting the right manufacturer. You need a reliable fabric manufacturer that understands the range of available coatings most relevant to your application. A knowledgeable partner can help optimize your existing production process.

At E2, we have years of experience working with antimicrobial fabrics and helping our customers meet project demands. We leverage our expertise to make sure you’re getting the best fabric with the right coating per your application. To learn more about the antimicrobial fabrics we offer, you can contact an E2 expert today.

 

E2 Connect

Geomembrane Specifications – What Civil Engineers Should Know About the Specs Used for Every Project

Specifications are the bedrock of geomembrane development, fabrication, and installation. But for engineers on the receiving end of new projects and geomembranes, specifications can often breed confusion. Unfortunately, there are many outdated specifications in use today that can cause headaches during installation. Today, we’ll explain why it’s essential to use the current guidelines and find the right specs for your project.

Learn more about how you can ensure top quality for your geomembrane for an effective and efficient installation


Why Are There So Many Outdated Specs?

It is alarmingly common for geomembrane projects today to be based on outdated specs. For example, PVC is one of the most commonly specified materials for a wide range of applications. But, the most common spec in use for PVC is from 2004, even though industry organizations have released three new specification versions since then.

A lot of the confusion simply comes down to a lack of awareness of the specification updates. 

This is particularly problematic as the generation gap grows between older and younger geomembrane project engineers. Many veteran engineers don’t want to know or learn about new geosynthetic materials. That has meant that there are fewer guides to teach updated specs to young engineers starting out in the industry.

Using Current Specs Matters

Unfortunately, using outdated specs has consequences for geomembrane installations. Using the incorrect material for a specific project can lead to wrinkles, shrinkage, or welding issues. These problems are often costly and time-consuming to fix in the field. Worse, they can compromise the integrity of a geomembrane installation if they’re not dealt with appropriately.

Outdated Specs Can also Raise the Overall Cost of a Geomembrane Installation

Relying on guidelines that are decades old often means opting for more expensive geomembrane materials. Specification updates typically reflect best practices for the use of more modern, cost-effective geomembrane materials.

Finding the Right Specs for Your Project

When it comes to getting the right specifications for a particular geomembrane installation, there are three main sources.

ASTM International
ASTM International is primarily composed of materials producers. This organization offers specifications based on geomembrane materials that won’t undergo fabrication.

FGI
The Fabricated Geomembrane Institute is a coalition of geomembrane fabricators. The FGI modifies ASTM International specs to reflect the extra processing and treatment that geomembranes undergo during fabrication.

IAGI
The International Association of Geosynthetic Installers is comprised of engineers, field installers, and welders. IAGI is an organization that has long been the standard-bearer of specs used by civil engineers.

Using up-to-date FGI and IAGI Specs for Your Projects

In recent years, the FGI and IAGI have come together to produce unified standards. These updated specifications better reflect the capabilities of fabricated geomembranes. Using up-to-date FGI and IAGI specs for your projects is the best way to avoid costly headaches down the road.

Deliver Top Quality on Every Project

Applying current specifications in a geomembrane project is essential to getting the job done at the highest level as well as avoiding costly errors. It is unfortunate that the common go-to specs in the industry are to the outdated versions.

At E Squared, we make it a priority to educate and guide our industry partners on how they can make the most of staying in tune with the above organizations and their specs. By consulting our experts, you can deliver top quality for any project.

 

E2 Connect

Considerations for Building a Secondary Containment System

Reinforced Geomembranes are frequently used as secondary containment applications. They’re resistant to a wide range of chemicals and hydrocarbons while also being puncture-resistant and versatile.

In this article, we review the essential considerations that go into developing a secondary containment system.

Learn more about how you can ensure top quality for your geomembrane for an effective and efficient installation

Every Application is Different

One of the essential aspects of building a secondary containment system is that the reinforced geomembrane you use needs to match your containment goal. Some liner materials are only effective at containing specific types of chemicals. In addition, some liner materials can degrade over prolonged exposure to corrosive chemicals. Secondary containment is just that and procedures need to be established to ensure immediate clean up of any spills.

The type of secondary containment is important

There are specific considerations as to what type of reinforced geomembrane you need. Your need might be temporary containment for a spill or a long-term containment system. Is your liner going to be exposed to the elements? Will it need to be moved from place to place?  ‘Fold-and-go’ berms have their own set of requirements as well. 

A Brief Overview of the Different Materials You Might be Considering 

Some geomembrane material options you might consider for secondary containment:

All of these product options are suitable for factory fabrication as well as field fabrication. Also, it is always important to refer to the manufacturer’s Chemical Resistance List prior to selecting your geomembrane.

LLDPE-R

Reinforced LLDPE-R is available in various thicknesses and with textured and smooth finishes, which appeals for a lot of applications. LLDPE-R  is ideal for short-term applications of three years or less. LLDPE-R is an economical alternative to longer life products like EIA/KEE. Also, LLDPE-R is resistant to less aggressive chemicals and hydrocarbons. Reinforced LLDPE-R is provided with encapsulated edges to ensure that all factory edges are sealed for maximum performance. 

PVC

PVC is a popular geomembrane material, but it’s not typically utilized  for secondary containment. This material has limited resistance to chemicals and hydrocarbons , which allows for very limited use in a secondary  In general, PVC is best for greywater or similar containment.

EIA/KEE containing DuPont Elvaloy

EIA/KEE containing DuPont Elvaloy is one of the best and proven options for secondary containment. It has a 20-year lifespan in the field and is extremely non-reactive. EIA/KEE has been an industry standard for primary and secondary applications for over 30 years and offers chemical resistance, physical strength, and outdoor durability IEIA/KEE is provided with encapsulated edges to ensure that all factory edges are sealed for maximum performance. 

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) provides the ultimate in performance.  Offering Chemical and Hydrocarbon resistance, extreme hot and cold resistance along with the industries highest level of abrasion resistance.

See  Berm Liner Characteristics Chart below to determine the right fit for your application:

E2 CHART

Static vs. Dynamic Applications

Is your application for a semi-permanent liner installation or a rapidly deployable secondary containment system. A ‘fold-and-go’ liner is appropriate for quick responses, but they come with some additional considerations.

For example, if a liner will be used dynamically, the material may need to have additional abrasion resistance. In addition, low-temperature flexibility may be required, review your product specification to ensure the product meets these requirements.


Communication is Key

The best way to determine what material you need to contain a specific chemical is to talk to your manufacturer. You’ll need to communicate specifically what your needs are and what the purpose of the system is. That includes whether the liner will be exposed to the elements and whether it needs to be able to withstand physical as well as chemical forces.

In some cases, additional testing may be required to ensure that a specific geomembrane material will work for your containment system. You can work with the manufacturer to confirm UV exposure performance along with specific chemical resistance requirements..

Conclusion

When designing secondary containment for chemicals, your geomembrane Manufacturer is an important source of guidance and knowledge. Here at E2, we have years of experience helping engineers design and build secondary containment for chemicals. We offer a wide range of geomembrane materials and testing solutions to help with any containment application.


E2 Connect

How the Shear and Peel Strength Affect the Performance of your Geomembrane

When geomembrane seams fail in the field, the ensuing fix is often costly and time-consuming. But testing geomembrane performance ahead of time can help installers avoid the vast majority of issues. In this article, we take a closer look at how you can prevent seam failures and we explain the value of shear and peel strength tests.

Why Do Seams Fail?

Before we dive into strength tests, it’s important to understand why seams fail in the first place.

In many cases, it’s simply because welders don’t realize that different geomembrane materials require specific settings for their welding equipment. Temperature. Speed (dwell time). Pressure. Geomembranes are produced in a variety of materials, and each requires a specific setting for the 3 welding parameters. The 3 variables are best controlled in a factory fabrication facility.  When you transition the process to the field more variables are added.

Learn more about how you can ensure top quality for your geomembrane for an effective and efficient installation


In addition, getting a high-quality seam in the field becomes difficult. Installers have to deal with changing conditions related to temperature, humidity, and wind throughout the day. Plus, dust and dirt can get into the seams. These factors combine to create a challenging environment and can compromise the integrity of a weld.

Shear and Peel Strength Testing (ASTM D7408 & D7747)

The best way to achieve confidence in a seam is to test it. There are two key tests that engineers can use to test geomembrane seams: shear strength and peel strength. This is in addition to field testing using air lance (ASTM D4437) or air channel testing (ASTM D7177).  Our discussion today will focus on Shear and Peel testing.

Testing in The Factory vs Testing in The Field

Shear strength is a measure of the force required for a seam to fail when the materials are pulled across one another. Peel strength measures the force required if the materials are pulled apart to force the seam open. Both tests are destructive, so seams should be tested in a controlled environment rather than in the field. Both factory and field destructive testing are required to certify the factory-fabricated panel and the installed and completed liner.

Who is responsible for confirming the quality of a product’s seams?

Ultimately, the civil engineer is responsible for confirming the quality of a product’s seams. The QC/QA personnel at the factory fabricator and the field installer are ultimately required to test and confirm seam quality.

Additional Tips for High-quality Seams

Size Matters

Beyond testing, there are a few things installers, welders, and engineers can do to ensure high-quality seams.

To start, it’s good practice to use the widest geomembrane material possible to reduce the total number of seams. Also, use extra care when trimming materials. Uneven edges as a result of unsteady blades or bad cuts can impact the weld and seam quality.

A Factory Seam is a Better Seam

Factory seams produced in a factory allow for production and testing in one controlled environment. The best way to ensure seams are uniform in nature is to have them factory-fabricated where the geomembranes can be properly tested.

Determine the Right Temperature 

Finally, keep in mind that every geomembrane supplier processes their material differently. Find out what temperature your product was rolled at. This information can help you determine what temperature to weld at to get reliable seams.

Testing is Critical for Ensuring High-Quality Seams 

High-quality geomembrane seams are essential to the integrity of every project. The most important thing you can do to confirm the quality of your seams is to test them.
At E2, we’re involved in developing the methods for shear and peel strength tests. That means we know how to test properly and how to interpret the results. Our role in testing also enables us to help coordinate civil engineers, installers, and fabricators to get the best results for your product.

Contact an E2 expert to learn more about how you can ensure top quality for your geomembrane and achieve the most effective and efficient installation.

 

E2 Connect

Geomembrane Wrinkles: Your Challenges and Solutions From a Manufacturer’s Point of View

Wrinkles are all too common when installing a new geomembrane. Small wrinkles can turn into cracks under pressure. That, in turn, can compromise the integrity of an entire geomembrane installation and cause a costly amount of damage. In this article, we take a closer look at why geomembrane wrinkles form and how you can avoid them in the first place.

What Causes Geomembrane Wrinkles?

Geomembrane wrinkles can form when air gets trapped beneath your membrane during installation. The membrane may look flat initially. But, the trapped air will heat up in the sunlight and expand until it pushes the membrane up into a wrinkle. Another reason is that geomembranes arrive from the factory with inherent creases or poor layflat properties which will manifest themselves into wrinkles during the installation process.

Learn more about how you can ensure top quality for your geomembrane for an effective and efficient installation

What Can be Done Once a Wrinkle has Already Formed?

There’s no simple or cheap way to remove wrinkles once they form. The best option in many cases is to cut and re-weld panels in the field. However, that presents its own challenges and is typically very expensive. You also can’t straighten out a wrinkle simply by putting weight on top of it. That only increases the chance that the wrinkle will develop into a full-fledged crack.

Quality is Key

So, how do you stop wrinkles before they start? The key is to choose a high-quality geomembrane that is produced consistently with good layflat and camber. Geo-membranes with good layflat and camber are less prone to wrinkles than those that are not. Even the best heat sealer won’t be able to stop a poorly manufactured geomembrane from generating wrinkles in the field.

Knowing Details of the Geomembrane Source

The best way to ensure you have a high-quality geomembrane product is by knowing the details of the source – the geomembrane manufacturer. Details during geomembrane production make a big difference when it comes time to fabricate and install a geomembrane. For example, a geomembrane that was produced without camber will be much less likely to wrinkle during installation than one with camber. Eliminating camber ultimately depends on the alignment and winding of geomembranes during the manufacturing process at the factory.

The winding of the final geomembrane for storage and shipping also makes a difference. If the fabric isn’t wound properly by your manufacturer, that can lead to shrinkage.

Additional Precautions You Can Take

  • Unreinforced Geomembranes – Wrinkle formation also depends to a large extent on the properties of your geomembrane. Unreinforced geomembranes are more likely to develop wrinkles since they have no fabric reinforcement to provide structure and stability during manufacturing, fabrication and installation. 

 

  • Environmental conditions in the field – It is advisable to take precautions in the field that can help prevent wrinkles such as aiming for optimal times of the day to install panels when temperatures are cooler either night or in the morning. IAGI and other industry Associations have developed guidelines that address this issue.
  • Temperature – Temperature, during fabrication and deployment in the field, can cause thermal expansion of your geomembrane even before the panels are installed. 

Avoid Wrinkles From Your Future Geomembrane Installations

The best way to eliminate wrinkles from your geomembrane installations starts with choosing the highest quality geomembrane manufacturer for your project. At the end of the day, proper manufacturing and fabrication are essential to preventing wrinkles from developing in your geomembrane.

E2 Understands The Demands That Final Application

We understand the demands of the final application. That’s why E2 products are designed to perform under field conditions. We believe that it’s significantly more economical to take measures in a controlled factory environment than it is in the field. At E2, all geomembranes are designed and built to avoid wrinkles from forming so that your project is of the highest quality.

Contact an E2 expert to learn more about how you can ensure top quality for your geomembrane and achieve the most effective and efficient installation.

 

E2 Connect

Top 5 Applications for Geosynthetics

Geosynthetics run the gamut in terms of applications. It’s almost impossible to find any part of a substantial infrastructure project, that doesn’t involve the usage of some type of geosynthetic component.

This is why geosynthetics comprise an entire class of materials. They cover a wide range of functions from chemical containment to soil structural reinforcement, and much more in between. So what are the 5 top applications for geosynthetics?

1. Containment

Any usage that involves geosynthetics as a barrier to liquid or gas materials can be categorized as a containment application. Notable examples include heap leach mining liners, wastewater management, secondary tank containment, and landfill leachate liners. Clay liners, geocomposites, and geomembranes are the most common geosynthetics for containment applications.

2. Drainage

Removal of subsurface or surface water from a specific area is the function of geosynthetics in drainage applications. They provide a dual advantage: firstly to support the fine soil grains from transferring to drainage systems and clogging them up; secondly to support and retain the structure’s integrity. Such systems involve geomembranes, geotextiles, and geogrids in a variety of applications such as dams, tunnels, pavement and roadway, subsurface drainage, and erosion control.

3. Structural Reinforcement

Structural reinforcement refers to the use of geosynthetics to provide reinforcing in civil engineering projects such as pavements, bridge sides, and reinforced earth structures. For example, in supporting the vehicle traffic forces exerted on an asphalt paved road. Structural reinforcement is carried out using geotextiles, geogrids, geocomposites, and geocells, providing an improved service life and low-cost life cycle in basic infrastructure projects.

4. Material Separation

Separation of dissimilar materials in many cases improves the integrity, strength characteristics, function, and service life of both materials. Moreover, this separation contributes to retaining a structure’s parts in distinctive layers, thus preserving their inherent natural drainage behavior. It is usually carried out using geotextiles, geocells, geofoam, or geocomposites to separate layers of aggregate, soil, and other base fill materials. Common application examples include road paving, railroads preparation, highways, airfields, and parking lot construction.

5. Filtration

Most civil engineering applications involve filtration geosynthetics layers. An important part of the project, they remove and separate moisture or fine particles from a structure, instead of the more traditional sand or aggregate filtration layers. Apart from providing advantages such as easier installation and stability, geosynthetics such as geomembranes and geotextiles are widely accepted to provide excellent filtration results. They provide solutions for the construction of airfields, highways, and sports courts.

Geosynthetics Manufacturer

Working with a manufacturer you can count on is ideal for large-scale projects. Connect with a member of the E Squared team for more information on our geosynthetic product solutions.

E2 Connect

Coated Fabrics for Secondary Containment Applications

The Importance of Environmental Control

In the U.S., dealing with environmentally hazardous liquids calls for conforming to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with state and local requirements for secondary containment and under-dispenser containment. As part of your response plan in the event of a leak, contingencies are required for leak prevention and control, as well as appropriate countermeasures. Often, meeting these requirements involves placing physical barriers around the site of a potential leak either as a precaution prior to an event, or after its occurrence. According to the U.S. EPA, installing secondary containment measures prior to a leak can result in significant savings, in case one occurs.

Secondary containment can prevent contaminants from leaking into adjoining resources or being released to the environment. They can also help with recovery in case of a leak. Secondary containment is more effective than using absorbent spill kits, as the latter has small capacity, is single-use, and does not permit recovery of the spilled material.

Types of Secondary Containment

Spill Berms

Spill Berms are shallow container-like structures that can be either preemptively installed, or placed after the fact, on the ground under a potential leak point to catch and retain fluids. They provide an impervious barrier that can be constructed by steel, concrete, or most often: a flexible coated fabric material.

Berms and pools made from coated fabrics are flexible, portable, cost-efficient, and lightweight. They come in various types, such as inflatable or with self-rising sides that raise as the liquid level increases. Moreover, they are provided in a variety of standard and customizable sizes, to the point of being used in leak containment applications where a truck is being driven over them. The versatility of such types of secondary containment allows for them to be permanently placed under machinery, or to be used once a leak has occurred.

Booms

Buoyant long-shaped structures made of tough yet flexible coated fabrics, booms are used on open water surfaces to help contain or absorb floating contaminants. They are often equipped with skirts that reach into a certain water depth, to provide better oil or debris control in rough waves or sea surf action. Oftentimes, booms are constructed from absorbent materials in order to help absorb and remove oil. 

Containment booms are constructed to be buoyant by either being filled with a buoyant material or by being inflatable. This makes them simple and quick to deploy. Very long booms may come with loops on top for wire or rope to pass through. This will allow for easier handling and manageability.

E Squared Products

E Squared is the joint venture of EPT and Erez, two well-established global leaders in coated fabrics research and manufacturing. With an extensive track record in technical textiles, E Squared can provide coated fabrics for secondary containment products with outstanding performance. Our products perform in the harsh environmental conditions that accompany such operations. These involve extreme uses such as exposure to chemicals, UV radiation, severe temperature and weather conditions. Our products are built to outlast high wear and tear. Our modern coated fabrics offer excellent mechanical properties, maintaining flexibility and durability for extended periods of time. 

All of our coated fabrics are thoroughly tested and are approved by the major standard certification bodies internationally. They are available in a wide range of TPU, PVC, EVA, LLDPE-R, and PVC/PU blends. All of our products are glueable and weldable either by RF or Hot Air. Environmental control and protection applications include oil booms, barriers, flood and leak protection, leak control, berm liners, secondary containment, and inflatable dams.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Top brands in the environmental control and protection industry use our products. To discover how you can benefit from the high-level E Squared research and manufacturing capabilities, contact us to talk to a specialist.

E2 Connect

Performance Benefits of Factory-Fabricated Geomembrane Liners

Geomembranes are meant to provide a practically impermeable barrier for large scale containment of liquids and gasses. Therefore geomembrane liners are manufactured for the lowest possible permeability, depending on the application and chemicals involved.

However, the amount of seam welding, patching, and other fieldwork that is carried out during their installation can play a significant role in the liner’s long-term performance. So what are the benefits of using factory pre-fabricated geomembrane liners?

A Note on Geomembrane Liner Installation

At first glance, geomembrane liner installation is a somewhat straightforward process. A properly prepared site surface is lined with the geomembrane material appropriate for the application. However many conditions in the field can introduce variability, making successful installation more challenging than it initially seems.

Geomembrane liners may arrive at the installation site in smaller pieces to be welded on the spot, or larger pieces pre-welded in the factory (factory fabricated). The latter provides superior results both in terms of leakage prevention, seam testing requirements, time and labor required for installation and lifespan of the geomembrane installation.

Factory vs Field Fabricated Geomembrane Liners

Field Fabricated

Field fabrication of geomembrane liner refers to performing most of the welding of geomembrane seams on the spot at the site during installation. It doesn’t take much to realize that this situation provides less than ideal welding conditions, e.g. terrain morphology, steep slopes, temperature variability, rainfall, wind, and dust particles, to name a few. Moreover, this procedure results in greater time and labor required, increasing overall installation costs.

Factory Prefabricated Geomembrane Liners

Contrary to field welding, factory prefabricated liners are welded in controlled environmental conditions, resulting in consistent welding with guaranteed results. Quality vendors take into account factors like temperature ranges, slopes, and membrane expansion or contraction. According to those factors, they take steps to reduce the occurrence of localized stresses and minimize the chances of liner damage or leaks, for example by increasing the width of the seam or adding reinforcements.

Another primary benefit of factory prefabricated geomembrane liners is their low installation time. What’s more, factory-fabricated geomembrane liners transfer most of the quality inspection costs and labor to the manufacturing supplier, rather than the installation site crew. That’s because the larger panels are certified at the factory and arrive on site as a single panel requiring that only the perimeter welds be QC tested in the field. These factors provide more consistent results, overall cost savings for the installation stage, as well as lifetime increase and maintenance cost reduction of the geomembrane liner.

Choosing a Geomembrane Liner Manufacturer

As demonstrated, factory pre-welded liners provide more consistent results. The basis for a successful liner, however, is using a reliable, high-quality geomembrane. Connect with a member of the E Squared team for more information.

E2 Connect