Geomembranes are a reliable and cost effective solution to any containment need. There are many different types and can be made from different materials such as PVC, LDPE, HDPE, Polypropylene, XR5 and more. Geomembrane installation requires trained technicians to execute various welding methods, such as wedge welding, to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the installations for containment applications.
They are ideal for a variety of primary and secondary applications including:
- Pond Liners
- Reservoirs
- Lakes
- Portable Water Storage
- Irrigation Canals
- Covers
- Oil Containment
- Landfills and More
There are a variety of methods that exist for producing high quality geomembranes. Our fully automated solutions are best for in-house, high speed production. By producing these products in-house you reduce in-the-field labor and material handling. A fully automated solution will provide the ability to quickly weld overlaps on long straight seams producing products of various lengths and widths. Each solution is designed to use the principles of heat, speed and pressure to get the perfect welded seam. Geotextile fabric welding machines, for instance, vary in power consumption based on their design and intended use, with simpler machines using less power compared to more complex models.
The significance of pressure settings in the welding process of geotextile materials cannot be overstated, as both insufficient and excessive pressure can compromise the integrity of seams.
Miller Weldmaster’s automated welding solutions also provide:
- Versatility to accommodate multiple applications
- Reduced floor space
- High-speed production for increased output
- Ability to create made-to-rder products
- Reduced fabric handling
- Combine multiple rolls into smaller portable rolls
- Less in-field assembly
- Ability to weld multiple rolls of same or different thickness together at one time
Hot air welders are specialized machines that utilize heated air to join materials, particularly geotextiles and geomembranes. These welders are portable and effective for detailed work in various conditions, making them a valuable tool in welding technology. Hot air is especially suitable for materials sensitive to high temperatures and offers efficient energy consumption compared to other methods.
Welded geotextiles play a crucial role in the mining industry for managing waste materials, creating barriers that prevent leakage and protect groundwater, thereby reducing environmental cleanup costs.
“Your welder has provided us with a unique selling proposition within the marketplace which makes us stand out against our competitors, allowing our business to grow whilst providing efficiency savings along the way. Our Miller Weldmaster machine is the focal point of our growth plans. We hope to be able to come back and purchase bigger and better machines in the future!” - HBB GeoSales
Understanding materials at a molecular level is essential when welding geomembranes. Effective welding requires the surfaces of the materials to be softened to a specific depth, allowing them to co-mingle and fuse. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is particularly important in this context, with specific temperature ranges required for effective welding and adherence to ASTM standards for air channel testing.
Achieving proper weld strength is crucial, as it depends on factors such as temperature, welding speed, and pressure, especially for T-seams where multiple layers overlap.
Each welding machine can be fully customizable and provides full versatility for the in-house production of your geomembrane liners and covers. Various welding machines cater to specific needs in the construction industry, offering functionalities, benefits, and durability to meet different project requirements.
Different welding techniques, such as hot-air welding, wedge welding, and extrusion welding, have specific applications and advantages, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in liner construction.
Wedge welders are key for welding PVC geomembranes, functioning as hand-held devices that heat and seal material sheets together at a molecular level. Wedge welding is effective for cooler weather conditions and is versatile for both prefabrication and field installations.
Still have questions? Contact one of our automated specialists to discuss your production and potential options.
Miller Weldmaster will help you select the right solution for your application.
