ASTM D7703-15

Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Lance Method

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Geomembranes are used as barriers to prevent liquids from leaking from landfills, ponds, and other containments. For this purpose, it is desirable that the geomembrane have as little leakage as practical.  
4.2 The liquids may contain contaminants that, if released, can cause damage to the environment. Leaking liquids can erode the subgrade, causing further damage. Leakage can result in product loss or otherwise prevent the installation from performing its intended containment purpose.  
4.3 Geomembranes are often assembled in the field, either by unrolling and welding panels of the geomembrane material together in the field, unfolding flexible geomembranes in the field, or a combination of both.  
4.4 Geomembrane leaks can be caused by poor quality of the subgrade, poor quality of the material placed on the geomembrane, accidents, poor workmanship, manufacturing defects, and carelessness.  
4.5 Electrical leak location methods are an effective and proven quality assurance measure to detect and locate leaks.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice is a performance-based standard for an electrical method for locating leaks in exposed geomembranes. For clarity, this practice uses the term “leak” to mean holes, punctures, tears, knife cuts, seam defects, cracks, and similar breaches in an installed geomembrane (as defined in 3.2.5).  
1.2 This practice can be used for geomembranes installed in basins, ponds, tanks, ore and waste pads, landfill cells, landfill caps, canals, and other containment facilities. It is applicable for geomembranes made of materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, bituminous geomembrane, and any other electrically insulating materials. This practice is best applicable for locating geomembrane leaks where the proper preparations have been made during the construction of the facility.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
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: 31-Dec-2014
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.10 - Geomembranes

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7703-11 - Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Lance System
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Referred By: ASTM D7953-20 - Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Arc Testing Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Referred By: ASTM D7909-21a - Standard Guide for Placement of Intentional Leaks During Electrical Leak Location Surveys of Geomembranes
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Referred By: ASTM D6747-21 - Standard Guide for Selection of Techniques for Electrical Leak Location of Leaks in Geomembranes
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Referred By: ASTM D7002-22 - Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Puddle Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Referred By: ASTM D7700-22 - Standard Guide for Selecting Test Methods for Geomembrane Seams
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D7703 − 15
StandardPractice for
Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using
1
the Water Lance Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7703; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D7953 Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed
Geomembranes Using the Arc Testing Method
1.1 This practice is a performance-based standard for an
electrical method for locating leaks in exposed geomembranes.
3. Terminology
For clarity, this practice uses the term “leak” to mean holes,
punctures, tears, knife cuts, seam defects, cracks, and similar
3.1 Definitions:
breaches in an installed geomembrane (as defined in 3.2.5).
3.1.1 For general definitions used in this practice, refer to
Terminology D4439.
1.2 This practice can be used for geomembranes installed in
basins, ponds, tanks, ore and waste pads, landfill cells, landfill
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
caps, canals, and other containment facilities. It is applicable
3.2.1 artificial leak, n—an electrical simulation of a leak in
for geomembranes made of materials such as polyethylene,
a geomembrane.
polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, chlorosulfonated
3.2.2 conductive-backed geomembrane, n—a speciality
polyethylene, bituminous geomembrane, and any other electri-
geomembrane manufactured using coextrusion technology fea-
cally insulating materials. This practice is best applicable for
turing an insulating layer in intimate contact with a conductive
locating geomembrane leaks where the proper preparations
layer.
have been made during the construction of the facility.
3.2.3 current, n—the flow of electricity or the flow of
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
electric charge.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
3.2.4 electrical leak location, n—a method which uses
standard.
electrical current or electrical potential to locate leaks in a
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
geomembrane.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2.5 leak, n—for the purposes of this practice, a leak is any
unintended opening, perforation, breach, slit, tear, puncture,
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. crack, or seam breach. Significant amounts of liquids or solids
may or may not flow through a leak. Scratches, gouges, dents,
2. Referenced Documents
or other aberrations that do not completely penetrate the
2
geomembrane are not considered to be leaks. Type of leaks
2.1 ASTM Standards:
detected during surveys include, but are not limited to: burns,
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
circular holes, linear cuts, seam defects, tears, punctures, and
D6747 Guide for Selection ofTechniques for Electrical Leak
material defects.
Location of Leaks in Geomembranes
D7002 Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed
3.2.6 leak detection sensitivity, n—the smallest leak that the
Geomembranes Using the Water Puddle Method
leak location equipment and survey methodology are capable
of detecting under a given set of conditions. The leak detection
sensitivity specification is usually stated as a diameter of the
smallest leak that can likely be detected.
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosyn-
3.2.7 poor contact condition, n—for the purposes of this
thetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes.
practice, a poor contact condition means that a leak is not in
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2015. Published February 2015. Originally
intimate contact with the conductive layer above or underneath
approved in 2011. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D7703–11. DOI:
10.1520/D7703–15.
the geomembrane to be tested. This occurs on a wrinkle or
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
wave, under the overlap flap of a fusion weld, in an area of
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
liner bridging and in an area where there is a subgrade
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. depression or rut.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D7703 − 15
3.2.8 probe, n—for the purposes of this practice, any con- 5.1.1 The principle of the electrical leak location methods is
ductive rod that is attache
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7703 − 11 D7703 − 15
Standard Practice for
Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using
1
the Water Lance SystemMethod
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7703; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This standardpractice is a performance-based practice using the water lance system, a standard for an electrical method for
detectinglocating leaks in exposed geomembranes. For clarity, this documentpractice uses the term “leak” to mean holes,
punctures, tears, knife cuts, seam defects, cracks, and similar breaches in an installed geomembrane.geomembrane (as defined in
3.2.5).
1.2 This standardpractice can be used for geomembranes installed in basins, ponds, tanks, ore and waste pads, landfill cells,
landfill caps, canals, and other containment facilities. It is applicable for geomembranes made of materials such as polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, bituminous geomembrane, and any other electricallyinsulating
electrically insulating materials. This standard may not be practice is best applicable for locating geomembrane leaks where the
proper preparations have not been made during the construction of the facility.
1.3 Warning—The electrical methods used for geomembrane leak location could use high voltages, resulting in the potential for
electrical shock or electrocution. This hazard might be increased because operations might be conducted in or near water. In
particular, a high voltage could exist between the water or earth material and earth ground, or any grounded conductor. These
procedures are potentially VERY DANGEROUS, and can result in personal injury or death. The electrical methods used for
geomembrane leak location should be attempted only by qualified and experienced personnel. Appropriate safety measures must
be taken to protect the leak location operators as well as other people at the site.The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
D6747 Guide for Selection of Techniques for Electrical Leak Location of Leaks in Geomembranes
D7007D7002 PracticesPractice for Electrical Methods for Locating Leaks in Geomembranes Covered with Water or Earthen
MaterialsLeak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Puddle Method
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes.
Current edition approved June 1, 2011Jan. 1, 2015. Published July 2011February 2015. Originally approved in 2011. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D7703–11.
DOI: 10.1520/D7703–11.10.1520/D7703–15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D7703 − 15
D7953 Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Arc Testing Method
3. Terminology
3.1 For general definitions used in this document, refer to D4439.Definitions:
3.1.1 For general definitions used in this practice, refer to Terminology D4439.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 artificial leak, n—an electrical simulation of a leak in a geomembrane.
3.2.2 conductive-backed geomembrane, n—a speciality geomembrane manufactured using coextrusion technology featuring an
insulating layer in intimate contact with a conductive layer.
3.2.3 current, n—the flow of electricity or the flow of electric charge.
3.2.3 electrode, n—the conductive plate that is placed in earth or in the material under the geomembrane or a conductive element
typically placed in
...