Barrier Systems

Abstract

Barrier systems are intended to minimize the movement of liquids and/or gases from one location to another. Typical example applications include the use of liners for canals, ponds, dams, waste disposal facilities and spill protection around tanks. The liquids to be “contained” may range from water (e.g. in canals, ponds and dams) to contaminated water (e.g. in landfills; sewage lagoons; brine ponds; or contaminated groundwater) to relatively pure chemicals (e.g. hydrocarbons) stored in tank farms. In these applications the primary objective is to limit the physical escape of the liquid to either surface water or groundwater. In situations where the liner is in contact with contaminated water over long periods of time (e.g. lagoons, landfill liners, etc.), a secondary objective may also be to limit chemical migration by the process of diffusion (Section 24.3.1) whereby contaminants migrate from a point of high concentration (e.g. in the retained fluid) to points of lower concentration (e.g. in groundwater).