Soil Covered Geomembrane
-
Dipole Method (ASTM D7007)
-
Dipole Method (ASTM D8265)
Water Covered Geomembrane
-
Dipole Method (ASTM D7007)
-
Dipole Method (ASTM D8265)
Bare Geomembrane
-
Water Puddle Method (ASTM D7002)
-
Water Lance Method (ASTM D7703)
-
Arc Testing Method (ASTM D7953)
-
Conductive-backed Geomembrane Spark Testing Method (ASTM D7240)
Applications
-
Landfills/ Heap Leach Pads
-
Reservoirs/ Ponds (single & double lined)
-
Leachate Ponds/ Wastewater Lagoons
-
Lined Tanks/ Secondary Containment for Fuel Storage
Geomembrane Leak Detection
Penteco employs cutting-edge technology to detect holes and breaches in geomembrane containment applications with our Electrical Leak Location (ELL) testing. Our expert ELL surveys can be conducted on a variety of surfaces, including bare geomembranes, and those covered with earthen materials, water, or wastewater.
During our ELL surveys, electricity is introduced above the geomembrane and grounded to the conductive layer below. Through this process, our advanced methods track the electrical current traveling through any holes or breaches in the geomembrane. Rest assured that with Penteco's innovative and precise ELL testing, we can detect even the smallest of leaks in your containment systems.
Expert Leak Detection Services Available Across Canada
Chemung County Landfill Elmira, New York, USA
The landfill is double-lined, with dipole testing after cover material placement required on all slopes less than 10%. In addition, the tie-in areas and penetrations were tested using a combination of arc testing and a modified dipole method testing to enable detection in non-standard configurations. Over the years, several dozen holes have been detected including dozer damage, bad welds, a bad pipe penetration seal, and one knife slice smaller than a grain of sand (shown in photo below right). TRI has helped to keep this site in compliance with an allowable leakage rate of 189 lphd.
Duke Energy East Bend Station: Rabbit Hash, KY, USA
TRI has been performing the ELL testing at this site since 2017, including coal ash landfill cells, drainage swales and an associated detention pond. Damage detected by the dipole method includes large dozer damage as well as leaks as small as pinholes. TRI’s proprietary three meter-spaced double dipole with GPS-based data acquisition allowed each of these large cells (~18 hectares) to be rapidly surveyed by one technician within one working week.
Envirotech Services Brine Ponds: Various facilities, USA
TRI has been performing the ELL testing for this client for their various facility sites since 2019 in order to keep their double-lined wastewater brine ponds in service where no leakage is tolerated. Various methods were used on various liners and liner configurations including arc and spark testing and the water puddle method. TRI specializes in determining the most effective method for various liner materials and configurations, especially during the project construction phase, so that a facility can be put into service without issues.
Ghent Generating Station: Ghent, KY, USA
TRI has been performing the ELL testing at this site since 2013 as part of various pond and pad construction projects totaling over 57 ha. Soil dipole, water dipole, arc testing, and water puddle testing were used for the various configurations as dictated by both project specifications and weather events. Larger ponds were tested as they were being built, demanding a quick response to schedule changes and bringing new challenges due to extreme weather events and contractor coordination.
Project Profiles
"PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT"
Penteco is thrilled to unveil our latest offering - the Leak Survey Service, created in partnership with TRI Environmental, the leading expert in leak detection surveys with over two decades of experience in the field. Our collaboration with TRI empowers us to bring this highly specialized and sophisticated service to the Canadian market, providing unparalleled accuracy and effectiveness in detecting leaks.
As industry experts, we recognize the significance of carrying out leak surveys with the utmost precision and efficiency, which is why we are committed to delivering top-notch service to our clients. With our unparalleled knowledge and TRI's proven track record, we are confident in our ability to support your needs and exceed your expectations.
Why Care about Leakage?
Geomembranes provide us with the best line of defense to protect our natural water systems and soils; therefore, we need to ensure they are designed, installed and tested properly!
The limitation of liner
Geomembranes are a very thin and relatively weak barrier. They can easily get damaged during construction or through operations. 73% damage occurs during cover soil placement, 24% occur during geomembrane installation, 2% occurs during post construction (Nosko, 1996)
Nosko and Touze-Foltz* surveyed 300 geomembrane lined (~ 3,000,000 m2) and reported the following:
-
Stones caused 71.2% of the holes
-
Heavy equipment caused 15.6% of the holes
-
Seam welding caused only 6.3% of the holes
The truth about leakage
The environmental impacts of leaking containment system can range from negligible to severe. These consequences carry financial, public health and environmental liability. Leakage from a pond can be undesirable for several reasons, including:
-
Contamination and pollution of soils and groundwater from the leaking fluids.
-
Underground erosion and/or formation of solution cavities.
-
Slope instability due to phreatic surface buildup below the liner.
-
Uplifting of liner reducing the pond capacity and exposing the liner to mechanical damage - pressure of gas and/or liquid present under the liner.
-
Loss of valuable clean water, or potential loss of valuable solution.
The importance of ELL
It is important to detect and repair leaks after installation, and especially after soil placement. Electrical Leak Location (ELL) surveys are proven to be the most effective means of finding leaks in geomembrane systems.
For a landfill designed to stay under a leakage rate of 20 gallons/acre/day, it is recommended to perform both a bare geomembrane survey method and the dipole method after placement of any cover material. To obtain an ALR of 5 gallons/acre/day, it is recommended to specify either white or conductive backed geomembrane and perform both a bare geomembrane survey method and the dipole method after placement of any cover material (Beck, 2015).
Expertise
Penteco boasts a team of seasoned professionals with extensive expertise in electrical leak location surveys on geomembrane systems. Our skilled technicians are equipped with the latest tools and techniques to accurately identify leaks, ensuring the integrity and reliability of your containment systems.
Comprehensive Solutions
Penteco offers comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. From initial assessment to detailed reporting, our services encompass the entire spectrum of electrical leak location surveys, providing clients with actionable insights and recommendations to address any identified issues effectively. Click here for generic ELL drop-in specifications.
Commitment to Quality
At Penteco, quality is our top priority. We are committed to delivering exceptional results and exceeding client expectations. With a dedication to professionalism, reliability, and integrity, we strive to ensure the satisfaction and peace of mind of every client we serve.
Precision
With Penteco, clients can expect precise and thorough leak detection services. We utilize advanced technologies and meticulous methodologies to pinpoint leaks with unparalleled accuracy, minimizing downtime and potential environmental risks associated with undetected leaks.
Why work with us?
