ASTM D5641-94(2001)e1
(Practice)Standard Practice for Geomembrane Seam Evaluation by Vacuum Chamber
Standard Practice for Geomembrane Seam Evaluation by Vacuum Chamber
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers procedures to perform nondestructive quality control testing described in Practice D4437 and D4545 for evaluating the continuity of all types of geomembrane seams using the bubble emission or vacuum chamber method.
1.2 The technique described in this practice is intended for use on geomembrane seams, patches, and defects.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units in parentheses are provided for information only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation:D5641–94 (Reapproved 2001)
Standard Practice for
Geomembrane Seam Evaluation by Vacuum Chamber
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5641; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
e NOTE—Editorial changes were made in July 2001.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This practice covers procedures to perform nondestruc- 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
tive quality control testing described in Practice D 4437 and 3.1.1 geomembrane, n—an essentially impermeable geo-
D 4545 for evaluating the continuity of all types of geomem- synthetic composed of one or more synthetic sheets. (See
brane seams using the bubble emission or vacuum chamber Terminology D 4439).
method. 3.1.2 seam, n—the connection of two or more pieces of
1.2 The technique described in this practice is intended for material by mechanical, chemical, or fusion methods to pro-
use on geomembrane seams, patches, and defects. vide the integrity of a single piece of the material.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 3.1.3 vacuum chamber, n—adevicethatallowsavacuumto
standard. The inch-pound units in parentheses are provided for be applied to a surface.
information only. 3.1.3.1 Discussion—In geomembranes, typical seams
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the wouldincludeadhesivebonded,bodiedchemicalfusionwelds;
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the chemical fusion welds; dielectric; dual hot wedge; fillet extru-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- sion; flat extrusion; hot air; single hot wedge; and ultrasonic.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- (See EPA/530/SW-91/051.)
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—For definition of other terms used in this practice, refer to
Terminology D 4439.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards: 4. Summary of Practice
D 4437 Practice for Determining the Integrity of Field
4.1 The basic principle of this practice consists of creating a
Seams Used in Joining Flexible Polymeric Sheet
pressuredifferentialacrossaseamandobservingforbubblesin
Geomembranes
a film of foaming solution over the low pressure side, within
D 4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
the vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber has a viewing port
D 4545 Practice for Determining the Integrity of Factory
that allows observation of the seam area being tested. The
Seams Used in Joining Manufactured Flexible Sheet
foaming solution is applied to the surface to be tested and the
Geomembranes
vacuum chamber is placed over the test area. As the chamber
E 515 Test Method for Leaks Using Bubble Emission Tech-
is held firmly in place, vacuum is applied.Air leakage through
niques
flaws in the test area cause bubbles in the foaming solution that
2.2 E.P.A. Documents:
may be observed.
EPA/530/SW-91/051 InspectionTechniques for the Fabrica-
5. Significance and Use
tion of Geomembrane Field Seams
5.1 This practice is a nondestructive evaluation intended to
be used for quality control purposes during factory or field
1 seaming of geomembranes.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosyn-
5.2 This practice may also be used to evaluate geomem-
thetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes.
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 1994. Published January 1995.
brane panels for holes that penetrate the entire thickness of
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.13.
material. Limitations on the test practice are that it may not be
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03.
suitable for uneven or curved surfaces, thick seams, seams in
Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, DC 20402. corners, and thin extensible geomembranes.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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D5641–94 (2001)
7. Procedure
7.1 Theareaoftheseamtobeevaluatedshouldbecleanand
free of soil or foreign objects that might prohibit a good seal
from being formed between the vacuum chamber and the
geomembrane.
7.2 Energize the vacuum pump.
7.3 Wet an area immediately adjacent to and including the
geomembrane seam or test area measuring approximately
twice the width and length of the vacuum chamber with a
foaming solution.
7.4 Place the vacuum chamber over the wet area of the
geomembrane such that the gasket is in complete contact with
the geomembrane surface, and the test area is centered under
the viewing port.
7.5 Apply a normal force to the top of the vacuum chamber
to effect a seal and open the vacuum valve.
7.6 Ensure that a leak tight seal is created between the
FIG. 1 Vacuum Chamber
vacuum chamber gasket and the geomembrane material. For
most cases, a minimum vacuum of 28 to 55 kPa (4 to 8 psi) as
registered on the vacuum gage should be appropri
...
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