Environmental protection is a perpetual topic worldwide. As human society continually develops, the global environment has become increasingly damaged. In order to maintain the Earth’s environment essential for human survival, the protection and governance of the environment will be ingrained within the evolution of human civilization. As for the construction of the environmental protection industry, geomembranes have played an irreplaceable role in the environmental protection field in recent years. In particular, HDPE Geomembrane has shown significant prominence in waterproofing and anti-seepage projects.
1. What is HDPE Geomembrane?
HDPE Geomembrane, whose full name is “High-Density Polyethylene Geomembrane,” is a waterproof and barrier material produced using (medium) high-density polyethylene resin. The material has excellent resistance to environmental stress cracking, low-temperature resistance, resistance to aging, and corrosion resistance, as well as a wide temperature range of use (-60– + 60) and a long service life of 50 years. It is widely used in anti-seepage projects such as life garbage landfill seepage prevention, solid waste landfill seepage prevention, sewage treatment plant seepage prevention, artificial lake seepage prevention, and tailings treatment.
2. Advantages of HDPE Geomembrane
(1) HDPE Geomembrane is a flexible waterproof material with a high seepage coefficient.
(2) HDPE Geomembrane has good heat and cold resistance, with a usage environment temperature of high temperature 110℃, low temperature -70℃;
(3) HDPE Geomembrane has good chemical stability, can resist strong acids, alkalis, and oil corrosion, making it an excellent anticorrosive material.
(4) HDPE Geomembrane has high tensile strength, giving it a high tensile strength to meet the needs of high-standard engineering projects.
(5) HDPE Geomembrane has strong weather resistance, with strong anti-aging performance, allowing it to maintain its performance even with prolonged exposure.
(6) The roughened HDPE Geomembrane enhances the friction performance of the membrane surface. Compared with the same specification smooth membrane, it has stronger tensile strength. The rough surface of the membrane has rough particles on its surface, which will form a tiny gap layer between the membrane and the base when the membrane is laid, significantly enhancing the bearing capacity of the geomembrane.
II. Techniques and Applications of HDPE Geomembrane in the Field of Landfills
Landfills are currently the most commonly used method for treating solid waste and household garbage, characterized by low cost, large processing capacity, and simple operation. It has been widely used in many countries and regions and has been the primary treatment method for household garbage in many developed countries.
High-density polyethylene geomembrane is the most widely used anti-seepage material in landfills. HDPE Geomembrane stands out among polyethylene series products with its superior high strength, stable chemical properties, and excellent anti-aging performance, and is highly valued by designers and owners of landfill industries.
Landfills often involve the problem of leachate containing highly toxic and harmful substances, hazardous chemicals, and other problems. The material used in the engineering has extremely complex usage conditions, including factors of force, natural conditions, media, time, etc., as well as various factors superimposed. The quality of the anti-seepage effects directly determines the engineering quality, and the service life of the geomembrane is also the main factor determining the engineering life. Therefore, the anti-seepage materials used for landfill liners must have good anti-seepage performance, good biodegradability, and good antioxidation performance, among other factors.
After years of research and practice in our company’s geomembrane research institute, the geomembrane used in the anti-seepage system for landfill sites must not only comply with current national and international technical standards but also meet the following requirements:
(1) The thickness of the HDPE Geomembrane should not be less than 1.5mm. The thickness directly determines the stress condition, durability, puncture resistance, and stability of the landfill liner system.
(2) The HDPE Geomembrane should have strong tensile strength, which can ensure that it will not break, tear, or deform during installation or use, and that it can withstand the force of the soil and the landfill waste itself.
(3) HDPE Geomembrane should have excellent puncture resistance, which can ensure that the membrane’s integrity is maintained over time, and that there will be no “holes” or “tears” in the membrane that can lead to leakage.
(4) The HDPE Geomembrane must have excellent chemical resistance, which can ensure that it is not damaged or corroded by the chemical composition of the landfill waste. It should also have good resistance to biological degradation, which can guarantee that it will not be attacked or degraded by bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms that can be found in the landfill environment.
(5) The HDPE Geomembrane should be able to maintain its excellent anti-seepage performance over a long period of time (i.e., at least 50 years), which can ensure the long-term service life of the landfill liner system.
In addition to the above requirements, the HDPE Geomembrane used in landfills should also be designed and installed according to the specific conditions of the landfill site, such as its size, location, climate, geology, hydrology, etc. For example, if the landfill is located in an area with high water tables, it may need to be designed with a double lining system or a leachate collection system that can prevent groundwater contamination.
Overall, the use of HDPE Geomembrane in landfill engineering is an effective way to ensure the safety and environmental protection of modern landfills. By choosing proper materials, designing proper systems, and following proper procedures for installation and maintenance, the landfills can become safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
Post time: Mar-31-2023