Geomembranes: A Solution for Sustainable Waste Management 

Landfills, mine tailings and effluent ponds all have to keep contaminated liquid out of the ground, and geomembranes are the standard way to do it in modern waste management. Geomembranes are impermeable sheets used to line landfills, ponds and other containment structures. They are made from several polymers, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).

Ocean Non Wovens manufactures and exports geomembranes and other geosynthetics for the waste management, mining and water containment industries. For more on how they are used in ground works, see five ways geomembranes help stabilise earth.

What Are Geomembranes? 

Geomembranes are thin polymer sheets used to line and cover containment structures. They stop liquids and gases escaping from the contained area, which is what makes them the main barrier in a landfill liner or cap.

HDPE geomembranes are the most common choice for landfills because they are strong, durable, and resist chemicals and UV radiation. HDPE is fairly stiff, so the sheets are laid on a smooth, well-prepared subgrade and the panels are heat-welded on site into one continuous barrier. Where the liner has to follow settlement or tight shapes, a more flexible material such as LLDPE is used.

Advantages of Using Geomembranes 

• Leak Prevention: A properly installed geomembrane is a near-impermeable barrier to liquids and gases, which keeps leachate out of soil and groundwater.
• Longevity: GRI White Paper #6 (Koerner, Hsuan and Koerner) estimates the service life of a covered HDPE geomembrane at well over 100 years at typical ground temperatures. Exposed sheets age faster, mainly from UV and heat.
• Cost-Effective: A geomembrane liner is thinner and quicker to place than a thick compacted clay liner, and needs little maintenance once covered.
• Environmental Protection: By keeping contaminants in, geomembranes protect nearby water sources and the people who rely on them.

Applications of Geomembranes 

• Waste Management: Bottom liners and caps in landfill construction, and linings for leachate ponds.
• Mining: Linings for tailings ponds, heap leach pads and process water ponds.
• Water Containment: Linings for water storage tanks and ponds, irrigation canals and channels.

Choosing the Right Geomembrane 

The right geomembrane depends on what it has to hold, for how long, and the site it sits on. Consider:

• Material: HDPE for landfills and chemical containment, because of its strength and chemical resistance; LLDPE or PVC where flexibility and settlement matter more.
• Thickness: Thicker sheets resist puncture and damage better. Municipal solid waste landfill liners in India are commonly specified as 1.5 mm HDPE, while water ponds often use 0.5 to 1.0 mm.
• Installation Method: The seaming method depends on the material. HDPE and LLDPE are joined by hot-wedge or extrusion welding, PVC by heat or solvent welding, and EPDM by seam tape or adhesive.

Ocean Geosynthetics supplies a range of geomembranes, and our team can help you choose one for your project and advise on installation and maintenance.

Geomembranes Manufacturers in India

Ocean Non Wovens manufactures geomembranes and geosynthetics in India. As well as the Indian market, we export to South Asia (including Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan), Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Quality checks run from the selection of raw materials to the final product inspection. We supply both small projects and large commercial and infrastructure works. Contact us to discuss your project.

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