ASTM D5641-94e1

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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 14-Nov-1994
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.10 - Geomembranes

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D5641-94(2001)e1 - Standard Practice for Geomembrane Seam Evaluation by Vacuum Chamber
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-1994

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
e1
Designation: D 5641 – 94
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—The title was corrected editorially in June 1995.
1. Scope Terminology D 4439).
3.1.2 seam, n—the connection of two or more pieces of
1.1 This practice covers procedures to perform nondestruc-
material by mechanical, chemical, or fusion methods to pro-
tive quality control testing described in Practice D 4437 and
vide the integrity of a single piece of the material.
D 4545 for evaluating the continuity of all types of geomem-
3.1.3 vacuum chamber, n—a device that allows a vacuum to
brane seams using the bubble emission or vacuum chamber
be applied to a surface.
method.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—In geomembranes, typical seams
1.2 The technique described in this practice is intended for
would include adhesive bonded, bodied chemical fusion welds;
use on geomembrane seams, patches, and defects.
chemical fusion welds; dielectric; dual hot wedge; fillet extru-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
sion; flat extrusion; hot air; single hot wedge; and ultrasonic.
standard. The inch-pound units in parentheses are provided for
(See EPA/530/SW-91/051.)
information only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
NOTE 1—For definition of other terms used in this practice, refer to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Terminology D 4439.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Summary of Practice
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 4.1 The basic principle of this practice consists of creating a
pressure differential across a seam and observing for bubbles in
2. Referenced Documents
a film of foaming solution over the low pressure side, within
2.1 ASTM Standards: the vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber has a viewing port
D 4437 Practice for Determining the Integrity of Field that allows observation of the seam area being tested. The
Seams Used in Joining Polymeric 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
D 4439 Terminology for Geotextiles is held firmly in place, vacuum is applied. Air leakage through
D 4545 Practice for Determining the Integrity of Factory flaws in the test area cause bubbles in the foaming solution that
Seams Used in Joining Flexible Sheet Geomembranes may be observed.
E 515 Test Method for Leaks Using Bubble Emission Tech-
5. Significance and Use
niques
2.2 E.P.A. Documents: 5.1 This practice is a nondestructive evaluation intended to
be used for quality control purposes during factory or field
EPA/600/2-88/052 Lining of Waste Containment and Other
Impoundment Facilities, NTIS PB89-129-670 seaming of geomembranes.
5.2 This practice may also be used to evaluate geomem-
EPA/530/SW-91/051 Inspection Techniques for the Fabrica-
tion of Geomembrane Field Seams brane panels for holes that penetrate the entire thickness of
material. Limitations on the test practice are that it may not be
3. Terminology
suitable for uneven or curved surfaces, thick seams, seams in
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: corners, and thin extensible geomembranes.
3.1.1 geomembrane, n—an essentially impermeable geo-
6. Apparatus
synthetic composed of one or more synthetic sheets. (See
6.1 Vacuum Pump—The vacuum pump shall be fuel or
1 electric powered and capable of sustaining the required
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-35 on Geosyn-
vacuum for the duration of the test.
thetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes.
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 1994. Published January 1995.
6.2 Vacuum Gage—The vacuum gage shall be capable of
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.09.
registering, as a minimum, to 70 kPa (10 psi) in increments of
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03.
5 kpa ( ⁄4 psi).
Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 5641
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
vacuum chamber gasket and the geomembrane material. For
most cases, a minim
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