Geomembrane Welding - Achieving Reliable Seams for Long-term Containment Integrity
Geomembranes provide a continuous barrier for fluid and vapor containment across applications like landfill liners, mining heaps, ponds etc. The key to realizing their full performance lies in proper joining of adjacent liner panels through welding processes.
Flawed welding can lead to weakened seams, leakage points and compromised liner integrity. As leading geomembrane experts, we provide specialized welding services using advanced equipment and internationally accredited procedures.
Importance of Waterproof Seams
Geomembranes are deployed in strips and carefully aligned to minimize overlaps. The parallel edges need to be firmly fused to form impermeable, durable seams:
- Prevents any fluid transmission through the welded joints
- Provides seam strength often exceeding the parent material strength
- Accommodates liner expansion/contraction due to temperature changes
- Withstands applied loads and soil stresses across the seam
- Ensures the geomembrane acts as a continuous barrier throughout its design life
High weld quality is also crucial for passing strict leakage tests during liner commissioning.
Welding Options for Different Geomembranes
The welding process is selected based on the liner polymer:
Thermal Welding
- Wedge Welding: For polyolefin liners like HDPE, LLDPE. Uses friction heat and pressure for strong bonds.
- Hot Air Welding: Typically for PVC liners. Employs focused hot air and adjustable speed/temperature settings.
Chemical Welding
- Solvent Welding: Bonding of adjoining EPDM or CSPE rubber liners using liquid solvent solutions.
High Frequency Welding
- Dielectric Welding: Molecular vibration and fusion from HF energy. Used for sensitive liners like PP, PB.
Our crew is trained and certified in all leading geomembrane welding techniques.
Stringent Welding Protocols
To achieve consistently strong, impermeable field seams our welders ensure:
- Edge preparation by abrasion and cleaning using alcohol for maximum adhesion
- Usage of calibrated, automated welding equipment for parameter control
- Maintaining adequate temperatures, speeds, pressure as per manufacturer standards
- Executing continuous welds without gaps or skips between segments
- Ensuring sufficient overlap distance between liner edges
- Avoiding folds or wrinkles along the welding path
- Visual examination for defects followed by peel or shear testing
- Destructive testing on sample welds to validate weld strength
- Making repairs to any identified flaws for 100% integrity
Why Choose Us?
Our geomembrane welding services deliver proven results based on:
- 25+ years experience in welding all major geosynthetic liner types
- Certified and trained welders following stringent protocols
- Usage of advanced welding equipment like wedge welders, extruders, hot air machines
- Availability of in-house destructive and non-destructive testing facilities
- Stringent cleaning, surface preparation and edge alignment prior to welding
- Continuous inspection and testing along every meter of weld length
- Documentation including WPS, welding logs and test reports
- Timely completion of projects to avoid delays
- High business ethics, transparency and customer satisfaction
For reliable, high-strength geomembrane seams, trust our certified welding services. Get in touch with our experts!
