Geomembranes

Geomembranes are impermeable geosynthetics that, until recently, were mainly used as canal and pond liners. However, modern technology has broadened liner applications to include landfills, wastewater treatment lagoons, oil and gas exploration (including hydraulic fracturing or "fracking"), aquaculture, irrigation ponds and remediation. In many of these applications, a nonwoven geotextile is used as a cushion to protect the geomembrane. In general, geomembrane liners offer excellent puncture resistance and can withstand a wide range of chemicals and temperatures. They are also highly flexible and conform well to the subgrade.

PVC Liners

PVC liners have been successfully used for containment applications since the 1960's. PVC geomembranes have proven especially effective in dealing with limited site access, long haul distances and areas where freeze and thaw are an issue. One of the largest current applications for PVC geomembranes is the containment of hazardous and municipal wastes and their leachates. PVC geomembranes can be factory fabricated into large panels to minimize field sewing. However, they are also easily spliced in the field.

Polyethylene Liners

Polyethylene liners (HDPE, LLDPE) typically offer superior tensile strength and stiffness and are resistant to chemicals and puncture. These geomembranes are safe for potable water containment and can be fabricated into panels of up to one acre in size.

Geomembrane Liners Used in Hydraulic Fracturing "Hydrofracking" or "Fracking"

Oil and natural gas production (O & G) is a fast-growing segment of the geosynthetic materials market. The development of hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" to reach difficult to extract oil and gas reserves in the U.S. has led to a boom in O & G production. The scope and range of geosynthetic material specifications for fracking sites will vary depending on region, climate, site conditions, environmental and safety regulations.

There are four main applications for geomembrane liners at fracking locations: pad liners, secondary containment, impoundments and floating covers. Pad liners have typically consisted of 24-40 mil geomembranes. Secondary containment typically involves a 24-30 mil geomembrane and nonwoven geotextile. Materials typically used in impoundments range from reinforced geomembranes to 6-mil black film. But new technologies and techniques for liners in all these areas are being introduced rapidly. Floating covers are made by sandwiching a sheet of foam board between two sheets of 24-40 mil LLDPE or a woven, coated PE geomembrane.

Recently, LLDPE liners have seen heavy use in "fracking." Linear Low Density Polyethylene liners are malleable, tough and respond well to the cold temperatures seen in areas where fracking is occurring. 30 - 40 mil LLDPE single-sided textured and smooth liners and 36 mil scrim-reinforced single-sided textured LLDPE liners are used on rig pads and as pit liners, frac liners, reserve pits and pond liners.

Whether your specification calls for HDPE, LLDPE, or PVC, US Fabrics has the liner to fit your needs. With standard roll sizes up to 22.5 feet wide, as well as custom fabricated panels, we can provide a geomembrane to fit your site-specific dimensions.