Geo-Synthetic Clay Liner and Method of Manufacture Thereof
Background
Geo-synthetic Clay Liners (GCLs) are pre-fabricated hydraulic barriers consisting of a layer of bentonite sandwiched between two layers of Geotextile or fixed to a layer of Geomembrance using an adhesive. They are used as a replacement of thick and difficult to construct Compacted Clay Liners (CCL) in land filling systems, land cover fill systems, water proofing systems, under water installations, environmental protections, geomembrane protections, etc. The basic function of a OCL is to provide an impermeable barrier to water and water soluble liquid. Present practice of making OCL has drawbacks like non-uniformity of bentonite layer and low shear strength. Keeping this in view a new method has been developed for making OCL with improved quality.
Introduction
Bentonite powder is first encased in a specially prepared multi-cellular packets made of water soluble polymer films. The films are prepared by using polymers such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone, poly acrylamide, poly acrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, etc Placing dry bentonite powder in water soluble film packets prevent the bentonite being lost through perforation in the geotextile during transportation and handling. At the same time, when OCL so prepared comes in contact with water/leach ate, the water soluble film dissolves and allows the bentonite to swell uniformly to form an impermeable layer. Such packets are then covered on two sides by geotextile materials and the assembly is attached together. The encasing of bentonite in multi-cellular packets enable distributing a pre-determined quantity of powder evenly over an unit surface of OCL.
Special Features
OCL prepared by this improved has the following advantages: Can be used successfully and efficiently on flat surface as well as slopes with varied degree of gradient; Possess improved structural integrity without the use of glue/adhesive, needle punching, compacting and other similar means; Possess improved structural integrity without the use of glue/adhesive, needle punching, compacting and other similar means; No mixing of of any chemical compounds with the clay; Logistic and environment friendly; Economically feasible and commercially marketable product.
Prospective Users
To provide an impermeable barrier to water and water soluble wastes; To create low permeability layer for use in waste containment sites and manmade bodies of water , as seepage resistant structure; As replacement of thick and difficult to construct Compact Clay Liners (CCL) in land filling systems, water proofing systems, under water installations, geomembrane protections, environmental protections, etc. To act as a water barrier shielding in the foundation
Keywords
Geotextile, Bentonite, water-proofing, Liners
Type of Technology
Product/Process
For further information please contact
Managing Director
Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT)
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016, INDIA
Tel : 91-011-26597167, 26857762, 26581013, 26597153
Fax : 91-011-26851169
E-mail : drkdpn@gmail.com
