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Leak Detection

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HGI’s Leak Detection Technology

Leak Location: Single vs. Double Liners

Leak detection in single and double-liner systems varies significantly due to their structural differences. Electrical Leak Location (ELL) surveys are used for single liners, which are typically placed atop soil, earth, or clay-lined structures. These surveys use an electrical current that flows along conductive pathways, while resistive pathways impede the current. The current is grounded to the earth substrate below the liner.

For example, the water puddle method on a bare liner introduces an electric current via water through a mobile device that sprays the charged water onto the liner. The operator is alerted when the current flows through a hole in the liner and contacts the substrate. In covered single-lined systems, a hole in the liner creates a local region of high conductivity. The electric potential relative to the hole is significant and measurable, while current levels remain low and uniform across an intact liner.

The construction and type of liner used in double-lined systems are crucial for applying ELL technology. If the operator uses ELL methods such as water puddle, spark testing, or arc testing, the primary liner (top liner) must have a conductive backing, or the methods will not work. For double-lined systems covered with water, the current used for leak detection is connected to liquid in the interstitial space or leak detection zone. Thus, the interstitial space must be filled with water for ELL methods to detect leaks effectively.

A diagram illustrating a leak detection system in a water body. Water sits in a hole with a highly resistive liner. A leak in the liner shows induced current (e-) moving through the conductive earth to a data acquisition unit. The path of the leak is marked with red e- symbols.
Diagram depicting a scheme for detecting leaks in a landfill or pond liner. It shows an angled cutaway view of a layered liner with induced currents flowing from a data acquisition system through a leak in the liner into a conductive earth.
HGI’s advanced technology, including proprietary electrical methods, ensures precise leak detection even in complex containment structures like mining tailing ponds and leach pads. These methods offer advantages such as automated data collection, enhanced safety by eliminating the need for personnel to enter the pond, and the ability to conduct surveys with the pond at full capacity. This sophisticated approach allows for detailed mapping of leak locations, providing clients with clear and actionable data to address any issues promptly.

Single and double-liners are used in various containment applications based on specific needs and regulations. A single liner is typically used in applications where the risk of leakage is minimal, the environmental impact is low, or the regulatory requirements are less stringent. The primary advantage of a single-liner is cost-effectiveness, making it a practical choice for less critical applications.

Single Liners: Common Uses

  1. Canals and Ponds: For controlling water infiltration and maintaining water levels in agricultural, decorative, and stormwater ponds.
  2. Low-Risk Landfill Cells: Used in areas where the waste is non-hazardous, with minimal leachate risk contaminating the groundwater.
  3. Agricultural Ponds: For irrigation and livestock water storage, water retention must be ensured, and seepage into the soil must be prevented.
  4. Recreational Lakes and Ponds: To maintain water bodies in parks and golf courses.
  5. Industrial Process Ponds: These are used to store non-hazardous process water in industries.
  6. Stormwater Detention Basins: To control stormwater runoff and prevent flooding.
  7. Water Reservoirs: For water storage in areas with low environmental risk.

In contrast, double-liners are essential in scenarios with a higher risk of contamination or where regulatory requirements are stringent. This is particularly true in mining, hazardous waste storage, and municipal solid waste landfills. Double liners provide an additional layer of protection, reducing the likelihood of environmental contamination. The double liner system often includes a primary, secondary, and leak detection system sandwiched between them. This configuration ensures that any breach in the primary liner is detected quickly, allowing for immediate remedial action to prevent leakage into the environment.

Double geosynthetic liners are utilized in applications where the risk of contamination is high or where strict environmental regulations necessitate additional layers of protection. Common uses include:

  1. Hazardous Waste Landfills: To prevent the leakage of toxic leachate into the surrounding environment and groundwater.
  2. Municipal Solid Waste Landfills: To comply with stringent environmental regulations and ensure that any leakage from the primary liner is quickly detected and contained by the secondary liner.
  3. Mining Operations: For tailings storage facilities, heap leach pads, and process ponds where the containment of hazardous leachates is critical.
  4. Industrial Waste Containment: To safely contain industrial byproducts and prevent environmental contamination.
  5. Water Treatment Plants: To contain treated and untreated water, ensure that any potential leaks are managed to prevent contamination of clean water supplies.
  6. Agricultural Waste Ponds: For containing manure and other agricultural waste, preventing the runoff of pollutants into nearby water source.
  7. Chemical Storage Ponds: To contain chemicals and prevent hazardous substances from leaking into the environment.

Assurance Monitoring

Assurance Monitoring provides site managers and workers with the assurance that their site remains leak-free and in compliance with state regulators

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Underground Infrastructure

Underground infrastructure, such as pipelines, is used to transport gas, liquid, and hazardous waste in many settings, including residential, industrial

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Permanent Monitoring

Permanent monitoring for containment structures such as subsurface tanks, geosynthetic lined ponds, landfills, mine tailings, dams, and heap piles

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Industries

We provide unique and cutting edge geophysical solutions to complex problems and environments. Our distinctive approach and rigorous quality assurance program has created a pathway of success

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CONTACT HGI FOR YOUR LEAK DETECTION NEEDS

WE ARE HERE TO HELP
CONTACT HGI FOR YOUR LEAK DETECTION NEEDS