Author: william castillo

The geomembrane for symbiotic aquaculture is one of the most important elements in the beginning of aquaculture projects. The beginning entails the purchase of material machinery necessary for the aquaculture farm, fish farm or shrimp farm. In a large number of occasions, the necessary information is not available to choose the appropriate aquaculture instruments or materials. Our trajectory as project developers and consultants has given us the opportunity to identify the shortcomings that producers have at the beginning of the projects. Thus, 85% of investors and producers are lacking in information on the characteristics of the machinery and materials.

What is a geomembrane or liner for symbiotic aquaculture?

A geomembrane or liner is a waterproof sheet composed of plastic resins and chemical additives that give it certain qualities. Usually the most used additives are carbon, antioxidants and thermal stabilizers. These substances give the geomembrane mechanical resistance, against ultraviolet rays and against heat.

There are many types of geomembranes depending on the polymer they are made of. For example: PVC (Polyvinyl chloride). PP (Polypropylene). PS (Polystyrene). PET (Polyethylene terephthalate). LDPE (Low Density Reinforce Polyethylene) or HDRPE (High Density Polyethylene). Some of these polymers are used to manufacture bottles. Others for plastic packaging, others for pipes and so on. Of all of them, the geomembranes or liners most used in symbiotic aquaculture are those made with HDRPE or LDPE.

Differences between geomembranes for HDRPE and LDPE symbiotic aquaculture

HDRPE (High Density Reinforce Polyethylene) is a thermoplastic polymer of ethylene, polymerized by free radicals. Like LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene). The latter has three or four carbon atoms. It is also confused with various branches at the molecular level. This makes them have a low density and that increase their flexibility at the cost of their resistance. The HDPL has almost no ramifications. So it has a more compact structure that increases its rigidity at the cost of flexibility. In this way, HDRPE is more resistant to mechanical stress, tensile breakage or impacts than LDPE. However, this one is more flexible. Usually, for symbiotic aquaculture, the HDRPE geomembrane or liner is more used due to its greater resistance.

Why choose our HDPE geomembrane?

Because at PONDLINERUSA we have all the necessary resources to offer the best option on the market in terms of cost-benefit ratio when it comes to the safe containment of toxic products.

If you want to know more about our geomembranes made with high-density polyethylene sheets, contact us and our customer service team will offer you all the information you need.

We are increasingly aware of the importance of water when it comes to ensuring proper management, from its capture to its storage. The main problem derived from water treatment is due to problems with filtration. In the case of landfills, the leachates that are generated (industrial waste, slurry, etc.) can contaminate the groundwater, hence the importance of adequately waterproofing the slopes.

To ensure a correct waterproofing of the slope, the recommended material is HDRPE geomembrane for different reasons such as health, mechanical and chemical resistance, comfort and reliability during installation and its cost is affordable. It is a high-density reinforce polyethylene sheet of HDRPE focused on waterproofing reservoirs and landfills.

Next we will explain in this post the first phase when installing the HDPE geomembrane on roofs:

SUBSTRATE PREPARATION

The support indicates the waterproofing system to be used. Depending on how we prepare the support, it will influence the life of the waterproofing system.

These are the characteristics that a reservoir or spillway must present for its correct waterproofing

1. Regular and uniform: the support material must be the same, with continuous granulometry and the absence of large sizes that can cause punctures. Otherwise, the best solution for the support must be studied, such as placing a protective geotextile or geocomposite to ensure the integrity of the waterproofing system.

2. Compact: it is achieved, reaching the energetic compaction of 95% Proctor of the soil used, both at the bottom of the basin and on the slopes

HDRPE GEOMEMBRANE PROPERTIES

The geomembrane will be made of high-density polyethylene that is homogeneous throughout its thickness. This material is the basis of the waterproofing system, so the choice and implementation must be carefully selected. The thickness of the geomembrane depends on:

• Substrate preparation (type of aggregate)

• Membrane protection (geotextile type)

• Type of waste (for landfills)

• Total height of the landfill or reservoir water

HDPE GEOMEMBRANE PLACEMENT

The placement and extension of the geomembrane will be carried out continuously. In the same way, they will be installed on the slopes and at the base in a differentiated and independent way. The sheets, once presented, must be welded, ensuring that their temperature is the same in order to avoid tensions.

These are the steps for its placement:

• Extension and numbering of the panels

• If necessary, provisional anchoring of the same

• Welding and numbering

• Checking the welds

• Definitive anchorage