Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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IMPROVED BENTONITE BARRIER COMPOSITIONS AND RELATED
GEOSYNTHETIC CLAY LINERS FOR USE IN CONTAINMENT APPLICATIONS
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to improved bentonite barrier
compositions, and
more particularly, to the use of geosynthetic clay liners comprising these
improved bentonite
. barrier compositions having enhanced low permeability over time in
containment
applications.
[0002] Various materials and procedures have been developed and utilized to
form
low permeability barriers in containment applications. For example, low
permeability
barriers are needed to separate waste fluids from contaminating the
surrounding environment
in fly-ash repositories, industrial mineral and metal mining sites, and
landfill sites. These
barriers are also useful for aqueous containment applications such as leachate
ponds,
retention ponds, and water storage reservoirs. The term "containment" when
used herein
refers to both aqueous containments (e.g., ponds) as well as other
containments that have
components that are better separated from the surrounding environment (e.g.,
fly-ash
repositories). For example, "containment" may refer to the separation of ponds
of liquid
waste streams from industrial processes or leachates produced from these or
other industrial
processes from the surrounding environments. A "leachate" as that term is used
herein refers
to an effluent containing contaminants, produced from water (e.g., rain/storm
water)
percolating through a depository (e.g., a landfill, a fly-ash repository,
etc.). A leachate
usually contains a high concentration of electrolytes as compared to fresh
water.
Clay materials, such as bentonite, have been used as low permeability barriers
in containment
applications. Bentonite is an aluminum phyllosilicate whose composition can
vary in its
dominant elements. When first mined or extracted, for example, sodhun
bentonite mined
from Wyoming, often has a moisture content that is approximately about 30% to
about 35%
by weight. In many instances, this moisture may be removed to be about 6% to
about 15%
by weight. This is considered by the industry to be "dry" bentonite despite
the significant
moisture content. The moisture content may vary from application to
application, and may
be dependent on exposure to fluids in the ground that hydrates the bentonite
to a higher
moisture content.
[0003] Bentonite barrier compositions are often formulated from natural or
sodium
exchanged bentonite and mixed with common fluid additives. In many cases, the
bentonite
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barrier compositions may be engineered from granular Wyoming natural sodium
bentonite
with the additives. The granularity or the relative particle size
distribution, often described in
terms of mesh size in the art, can determine how well the bentonite is packed
and its ease of
handling. A common use of bentonite geosynthetic clay liners is to line the
base of landfills
to prevent the migration of leachate and/or solutions containing high
concentrations of
electrolytes.
[0004] While bentonite is highly absorbent, able to absorb water several times
its dry
mass, aqueous fluids having complex chemistries can adversely affect its
absorbency. These
complex chemistries often involve electrolytes that may include, but are not
limited to,
cations. and anions such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zirconium,
lead, cobalt,
copper, tin, silver, sulfates, chlorides, fluorides, bromides, and the like.
The composition of
the electrolytes may vary based on the source material of the containment
(e.g., coal source
for a fly-ash repository).
[0005] Bentonite can also be used in conjunction with a geosynthetic layer to
form a
geosynthetic clay liner. This technique may allow for convenient transport and
installation of
the bentonite, and greatly reduces the amount of bentonite required. The
primary indicator of
the effectiveness of a liner is "permeability." As used herein, the term
"permeability" refers
to the rate of flow of a fluid through a porous media (e.g., a clay liner) as
measured in terms
of cm/s. These barrier compositions should meet the permeability specification
set by
regulations (e.g., local, international, state and federal standards, etc.).
It is desirable for a
liner to be less permeable (i.e., have lower permeability) so that less
materials are transported
through the liner to the surrounding environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to improved bentonite barrier
compositions, and
more particularly, to the use of geosynthetic clay liners comprising these
improved bentonite
barrier compositions having enhanced low permeability over time in containment
applications.
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided
a
geosynthetic clay liner comprising: at least one geosynthetic layer; and a
bentonite barrier
composition comprising: bentonite and a polyanionic low molecular weight
polymer.
[0008] In an embodiment, the geosynthetic layer is a geotextile or a
geomembrane.
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[0009] In an embodiment, the geosynthetic layer comprises a structure selected
from
the group consisting of: a nonwoven structure, a woven structure, and any
combination
thereof.
[0010] In an embodiment,the geosynthetic layer is laminated with a geofilm or
coated
with a coating.
[0011] In an embodiment, the bentonite barrier composition is adhered to the
geosynthetic layer by an adhesive and/or by a mechanical means.
[0012] In an embodiment, the geosynthetic clay liner further comprises a
second
geosynthetic layer that is a geotextile, a geofilm, or a geomembrane.
[0013] In an embodiment, the bentonite barrier composition is present in an
amount
of about 0.25 to about 3 lb/ft2 of the geosynthetic clay liner.
[0014] In an embodiment, the polyanionic low molecular weight polymer
comprises a
polymer selected from the group consisting of: a guar, a hydrolyzed low
molecular weight
acrylamide, a polyacrylate, a polyanionic cellulose, poly(sodium styrene
sulfonate),
polyacrylic acid, pectin, carrageenan, an alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and
any combination
of these.
[0015] In an embodiment, the geosynthetic clay liner has a retained
permeability of
about 1x10-8 cm/s or lower.
[0016] In an embodiment, the geosynthetic clay liner has a retained
permeability of
about 1 x l0-9 cm/s or lower.
[0017] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is
provided a
sandwich geosynthetic clay liner comprising: a first geosynthetic layer; at
least a second
geosynthetic layer; and a bentonite barrier composition that is sandwiched
between the first
geosynthetic layer and the second geosynthetic layer comprising: bentonite and
a polyanionic
low molecular weight polymer.
[0018] In an embodiment, the first geosynthetic layer or the second
geosynthetic layer
is a geotextile or a geomembrane.
[0019] In an embodiment, at least one of the first geosynthetic layer or the
second
geosynthetic layer comprises a structure selected from the group consisting
of: a nonwoven
structure, a woven structure, and any combination thereof.
[0020] In an embodiment, at least one of the first geosynthetic layer or the
second
geosynthetic layer is laminated with a geofilm or coated with a coating.
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[0021] In an embodiment, the bentonite barrier composition is adhered to at
least one
of the first geosynthetic layer or the second geosynthetic layer by an
adhesive and/or a
mechanical means.
[0022] In an embodiment, the bentonite barrier composition is present in an
amount
of about 0.25 to about 3 lb/ft2 of the sandwich geosynthetic clay liner.
[0023] In an embodiment, the thickness of sandwiched bentonite barrier
composition
is about 0.01 inch to about 2 inches.
[0024] In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a
geosynthetic
clay liner comprising: at least a first geosynthetic layer; a
bentonite barrier composition
comprising: bentonite and a polyanionic low molecular weight polymer; and an
adhesive that
at least partially bonds the bentonite barrier composition to the first
geosynthetic layer.
[0025] In an embodiment, the adhesive may comprise an acrylic polymer,
polyvinyl
acetate, waterborne polyurethane dispersions, or combination thereof.
[0026] In an embodiment, the adhesive is present in an amount of about 2% to
about
25% by weight of the bentonite.The features and advantages of the present
invention will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the description
of the various
aspects of the present invention that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the
present
invention, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject
matter disclosed
is capable of considerable modification, alteration, and equivalents in form
and function, as
will occur to those skilled in the art and having the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0028] Figure 1 shows data described in Example 1.
[0029] Figure 2 shows data described in Example 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The present invention relates to improved bentonite barrier
compositions, and
more particularly, to the use of geosynthetic clay liners comprising these
improved bentonite
barrier compositions having enhanced low permeability over time in containment
applications.
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[0031] Of the many advantages of the present invention, the bentonite barrier
compositions and geosynthetic clay liners of the present invention present
long-lasting
protection against contaminant seepage to the surrounding environment in
containment
applications involving complex chemistries. Containment applications often
have complex
electrolyte chemistries, which include electrolytes, such as anions and
cations like calcium,
potassium, magnesium, iron, zirconium, lead, cobalt, copper, tin, silver,
sulfates, chlorides,
bromides, fluorides, and any combination thereof. It is believed that the
bentonite barrier
compositions of the present invention are particularly useful in situations
involving complex
electrolyte chemistries because they contain a low molecular weight
polyanionic polymer that
is believed to bind (e.g., chelate) the electrolytes in the containment. This
binding is believed
to prevent the electrolytes from interacting with the bentonite in an
undesirable manner.
Moreover, when used in geosynthetic clay liners, the bentonite barrier
compositions of the
present invention provide enhanced retained permeabilities throughout the
period of use of
the liner, which is advantageous in terms of retarding the rate of seepage out
of the
containment to the surrounding environment over time. The term "retained
permeability"
refers to the permeability of a barrier or liner after at least 8 days of
exposure to a solution
comprising at least 300 mg/L of electrolyte(s). These advantages may be
particularly
important in view of rigorous regulations relating to containment
applications.
[0032] The bentonite barrier compositions of the present invention generally
comprise bentonite and a polyanionic low molecular weight polymer. Optionally,
other
additives may be included, depending on the desirability of including any such
additives.
These compositions may be used alone, for example in amended soil
applications, or in
geosynthetic clay liner applications. The term "geosynthetic clay liner" and
its derivatives as
used herein refer to manufactured hydraulic barriers comprising a bentonite
composition and
comprising at least one geosynthetic layer.
[0033] The bentonite component of the bentonite barrier compositions may
comprise
a natural bentonite or a modified bentonite. Both granular and powdered
bentonite may be
suitable; however, granular bentonite rather than powdered bentonite may be
preferred for
ease of manufacturing reasons. Modified bentonites may be suitable. These
include those
modified with potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and aluminum (A1).
Sodium
bentonite may be especially suitable in the bentonite barrier compositions of
the present
invention. A suitable high quality bentonite is commercially available as
"NATIONAL
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Standard and/or Premium Bentonite" from Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC.
Sodium
bentonite's enhanced ability to swell makes it especially useful in the
applications discussed
hPre in.
[0034] In some embodiments, the bentonite that is used in the bentonite
barrier
compositions of the present invention may be pre-hydrated, if desired. For
instance, the
bentonite may have about a 50% moisture content for some applications. This
may be an
option when manufacturing a geosynthetic clay liner.
[0035] The concentration of bentonite in the bentonite barrier compositions of
the
present invention may vary. For example, the concentration of bentonite may be
about 85%
or greater by dry weight of the barrier composition. In some embodiments, the
concentration
of the bentonite may be about 90% or greater by dry weight of the barrier
composition. In
some embodiments, the concentration of the bentonite may be about 95% or
greater by dry
weight of the barrier composition. In some embodiments, the concentration of
the bentonite
may be about 98% or greater by dry weight of the barrier composition. In some
embodiments, the concentration of the bentonite may be about 99.5% or greater
by dry
weight of the barrier composition.
[0036] As to the granular embodiments, the size of the particles may vary and
can
affect the packing of the bentonite and its ease of use. Suitable granular
bentonites, referring
to Table 1, may have a d90 (which is the equivalent diameter where 90 mass-%
(of the
particles) of the powder has a smaller diameter (and hence the remaining 10%
is coarser)) for
the bentonite of about 6 mesh to about 60 mesh. The corresponding micron size
is given in
Table 1.
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TABLE 1
FiTK¨Mc g 1-1 ; INCHES MICROg LL
----MIIMETEkil
-I
3 0.2650 6730 6.730
-4- i 0.1870 4760 4.760
, __________
0.1570 4000 4.000
6 ' 0.1320 3360 3.360
7 ' 0.1110 = 2830 2.830
8 0.0937 2380 2.380
0.0787 2000 2.000 ¨
12 = 0.0661 1680 1.680
_
14 0.0555 1410 = 1.410
¨
16 = 0.0469 1190 1.190
.....t ..
18 0.0394 1000 1.000 :
0.0331 841 0.841
0.0280 1 707 0.707
,
0.0232 f 595 0.595
0.0197 , 500 0.500
0.0165 ' 400 0.400
___ _ _ _ ......... ___
0.0138 354 _ __ 0354 r
0.0117 297 0.297
- ._.. 60 0.0098 250 0.250
70 0.0083 210 0.210 -1
. ___________________________________________________________ .
80 = 0.0070 177 0.177
I i
100 . 0.0059 149 0.149
120 0.0049 125 0.125 ,
140 0.0041 . 105 0.105
170 0.0035 88 0.088
_ _ __________________________ ....._
200 ' 0.0029 74 0.074
230 ' 0.0024 63 0.063 !
... _____________________
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270
0.0021 I 53 0.053
325 0.0017 ( 44 0.044
t=-, A (\Al C
41VU V.UV1J 37
1 0.037
[0037] For the powdered bentonites, any suitable powdered bentonite useful for
applications discussed herein is suitable for use in the present invention.
Examples may have
a d50 of about 20 mesh to about 400 mesh. d50 is the average equivalent
diameter where 50
mass-% (of the particles) of the powder have a larger equivalent diameter, and
the other 50
mass-% have a smaller equivalent diameter. In some embodiments, the d50 is
about 200
mesh.
[0038] An example of a suitable powdered bentonite for use in the present
invention
has the following particle size distribution: 100% has to pass through a 100
mesh, a minimum
of 67% pass through a 200 mesh, and 2% pass through a 325 mesh.
[0039] The polyanionic low molecular weight polymer of the bentonite barrier
compositions of the present invention may include guar gums, hydrolyzed low
molecular
weight acrylamides, polyacrylates, polyanionic cellulose, poly(sodium styrene
sulfonate),
polyacrylic acid, pectin, carrageenan, alginates, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and
any combination
of these. These are organic polymers which dissociate into anions in solution.
An example
of a suitable polyanionic low molecular weight polymer may be commercially
available
under a "PAC-R" tradename from Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, a
commercial
unit of Ashland Inc., and other suppliers.
[0040] Preferably, the molecular weight should be about 1,000,000 or less.
Thus, as
used herein, the term "low molecular weight" refers to a weight average
molecular weight of
about 1,000,000 or less. In some embodiments, the molecular weight may range
from about
50,000 to about 600,000. In some embodiments, the molecular weight may range
from about
200,000 to about 300,000. It should be noted that if the polymers have too
high of a
molecular weight, this could lead to a flocculation of the clays in the
bentonite, which is
undesirable.
[0041] Polyanionic cellulose is a preferred polyanionic low molecular weight
polymer for use in the bentonite barrier compositions of the present
invention. Polyanionic
cellulose is a nonionic cellulose ether that forms polyanionic species in
aqueous solution.
Polyanionic cellulose typically has a higher degree of carboxymethyl
substitution and
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contains less residual NaCI than technical grade carboxymethylcellulose,
although some
polyanionic celluloses contain considerable NaCI. As a water-soluble polymer,
it dissolves
iamlediately in cold/hot water and can be osed as a thickening aeent, rheoloav
controller,
bond, stabilizer, suspending agent, and filtrate reducer. Low molecular weight
polyanionic
celluloses, as described for use in this invention, have good properties of
salt resistance,
which are useful in the context of the invention.
[0042] The concentration of the polyanionic low molecular weight polymer in
the
bentonite barrier compositions of the present invention may be about 0.1% to
about 15% by
dry weight of the barrier composition. In some embodiments, the concentration
of the
polyanionic low molecular weight polymer in the bentonite barrier compositions
of the
present invention may be about 0.4% to about 1%. In some embodiments, the
concentration
of the polyanionic low molecular weight polymer in the bentonite barrier
compositions of the
present invention may be about 0.5% to 0.7%. To determine the optimal amount
to include,
one should consider the composition (e.g., ionic content) and the
concentration of any
leachates present in the containment.
[0043] Although not wanting to be limited by any theory, it is believed that
the
polyanionic low molecular weight polymers effectively bind (or chelate) the
electrolytes that
are present in the containment, which prevents their interaction with the
bentonite in the
composition. Additionally, the polyanionic low molecular weight polymers
provide some
viscosity to the solution. The polyanionic low molecular weight polymers are
also at a good
molecular weight for interaction with the montmorillonite in the bentonite.
[0044] Optionally, the bentonite barrier compositions of the present
invention, may
further comprise at least one additive. Suitable additives include sodium
carbonate,
magnesium oxide, and magnesium hydroxide. If present, in some embodiments,
these may
be included in an amount of about 1% to about 8%, based on the dry weight of
the
composition. In some embodiments, they may be included in an amount of about
3% to
about 4% based on the dry weight of the composition. An indication of the
desirability of
including these additives is the pH of the leachate in the containment as they
may serve as pH
adjusters. Additionally, water may be added to the bentonite barrier
composition, if desired.
Doing so may be desirable to aid manufacturing processes, for example, such as
needle
punching to form a liner.
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[0045] The bentonite barrier compositions of the present invention may be used
alone, in an amended soil application, or may be used to form a geosynthetic
clay liner
CIl,W ----------------------------------------------------------------- diug
to the present invention to form containments of contained matter (such as
fluids
and solids) to provide separation or to form a barrier between contained
matter from the
surrounding environment.
[0046] The contained matter may be aqueous and/or contain solids. In some
embodiments, the contained matter may contain leachates. If desired, for
example, to meet
regulation standards, the bentonite barrier compositions of the present
invention may be used
to form aqueous containment ponds. The surrounding environment may contain
groundwater. Oftentimes in containment applications, it is desirable to
maintain as much
separation as possible between the contained matter and the groundwater in the
surrounding
environment to minimize the potential contamination of the ground water by the
contained
matter (e.g., leachates) in the containment.
[0047] In some embodiments, the bentonite barrier compositions of the present
invention may also be used alone (i.e., without combining it with soil or a
geosynthetic layer)
to form containments.
[0048] In amended soil applications, for example, one could mix the bentonite
barrier
compositions of the present invention with soil to impart a particular
permeability to the soil,
for example, in decorative ponds, fish ponds, and irrigation ponds. Such
processes may be
referred to as "amended soil" applications. The ratio of bentonite to soil may
vary in any
given amended soil application. In some embodiments, the ratio of bentonite to
soil may be
50/50. In others, the ratio may be 60/40. In others, the ratio may be 30/70.
In others, the
ratio may be 25/75. In others, the ratio may be 1/99. The composition is then
compacted
using known compaction processes to form the desired containment.
[0049] In some embodiments, the bentonite barrier compositions of the present
invention may also be used to form geosynthetic clay liners. In some
embodiments, the
geosynthetic clay liners of the present invention may be especially suitable
for containment
applications to separate contained matter that comprises complex electrolyte
chemistries from
the surrounding environment.
[0050] The geosynthetic clay liners of the present invention comprise at least
one
geosynthetic layer and a bentonite barrier composition of the present
invention. The
geosynthetic layers of the present invention include, but are not limited to,
geotextiles,
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geofilms, and geomembranes. Preferred geosynthetic layers have extremely good
puncture
resistance. To form a geosynthetic clay liner, a bentonite composition of the
present
invention is placed upon a geosynthetic layer, preferably in a uniform
distribution across the
geosynthetic layer. Oftentimes, the bentonite composition is adhered to the
geosynthetic
layer, e.g., by an adhesive or by mechanical means. Suitable mechanical means
include
needle punching, compression techniques, and stitch bonding.
[0051] Geotextiles that are suitable for use in the present invention are
permeable
fabrics that have the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect, and/or
drain. The geotextiles
hold the bentonite in the desired configuration. The geotextiles may be
suitable to form
sandwich geosynthetic clay liners (i.e., a geosynthetic clay liner where the
bentonite
composition is located between at least two geosynthetic layers) described
herein or to form
single layer geosynthetic clay liners as described herein.
[0052] Suitable geotextiles comprise polypropylene, polyester, or blends
thereof, and
can be woven or nonwoven. Needle-punched and heat-bonded types of geotextiles
are
examples of nonwoven geotextiles. Therefore, more specific examples of
suitable geotextiles
include, but are not limited to, polypropylene ("PP") nonwoven or woven
geotextiles,
polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") woven or nonwoven geotextiles, or woven or
nonwoven
geotextiles that comprise a blend of PP or PET. Suitable geotextiles are
commercially
available from GSE Lining Technology, LLC, in Houston, TX, at
www.gseworld.com.
[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, the geotextiles may be
coated
with a coating or laminated with a geofilm. Suitable coatings may include, but
are not
limited to, PP coatings and polyurethane coatings. Also, in some embodiments
of the present
invention, a geofilm (described below) may be laminated to a geotextile
through a suitable
lamination process. Examples of suitable lamination techniques include heat
processes and
adhesive bonding. Using coatings or laminations may improve the durability of
the
geosynthetic clay liner.
[0054] Suitable geofilms for use in the present invention are durable films
that are
capable of being used in a containment application. An example of a geofilm is
an
impermeable film having a thickness of at least about 3 mil to about 10 mil.
Suitable
geofilms may comprise high density polyethylene ("HDPE"), low density
polyethylene
("LDPE"), liner low density polyethylene ("LLDPE"), PP, polyvinylchloride
("PVC"),
thermoplastic olefinic elastomers ("TPO"), ethylene propylene diene monomer
("EPDM"),
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and blends thereof. An example of a suitable geofilm may be commercially
available under a
"INTEPLUSO" tradename from Inteplast Group, Livingston, New Jersey.
[0055] Suitable geomembranes for use in the present invention are a kind of
geosynthetic film that is a thicker film (e.g., 10 mil or thicker).
Geomembranes are made of
various materials. including, but not limited to, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, PP, PVC,
TPO,
EPDM, and blends thereof. In some embodiments, these geomembranes may be
reinforced
with a geotextile.
[0056] In some embodiments, a bentonite barrier composition of the present
invention
may be adhesively bonded to a geomembrane to form a geosynthetic clay liner.
In some
embodiments, the bentonite barrier composition and the adhesive may be applied
in
alternating layers up to a desired thickness or weight of bentonite per square
foot of the
geosynthetic clay liner. When an adhesive is used, the adhesive may be used in
an amount of
about 2% to about 25% by weight of the bentonite. In some embodiments, the
adhesive may
be used in an amount of about 8% to about 12% by weight of the bentonite. In
some
embodiments, the adhesive may be used in an amount of about 10% by weight of
the
bentonite. Examples of adhesives suitable for use include, but are not limited
to, those
comprising an acrylic polymer (for example, commercially available from
manufacturer
Rohm and Haas Company under the tradename "ROBONDTm PS-90"), polyvinyl acetate
(for
example, commercially available from manufacturer Forbo Adhesives, LLC under
the
tradename "PACE8383"), or waterborne polyurethane dispersions (for example,
commercially available from manufacturer Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc.
under the
tradename "SNOWTACK 765A").
[0057] In the sandwich geosynthetic clay liner embodiments of the present
invention,
a bentonite barrier composition of the present invention may be sandwiched
between at least
two geosynthetic layers to form a sandwich geosynthetic clay liner that may be
especially
suitable for use in aqueous containment applications comprising complex
chemistries. In
some such sandwich geosynthetic clay liner embodiments, geotextiles may be
preferred for
use as at least one of the geosynthetic layers. In other sandwich geosynthetic
clay liner
embodiments, a mix of geosynthetic layers may be used, i.e., a geotextile as a
first
geosynthetic layer and a geomembrane as a second geosynthetic layer or vice-
versa.
Geofilms and geomembranes may also be incorporated in sandwich geosynthetic
clay liners
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of the present invention. In certain embodiments, a geofilm or a geomembrane
may be
laminated on a geotextile to form a geosynthetic layer for the geosynthetic
clay liner.
[0058] In the sandwich geosynthetic clay liner embodiments of the present
invention,
the sandwich layer between the geosynthetic layers comprises a bentonite
barrier composition
of the present invention. For example, the amount of bentonite barrier
compositions in the
sandwich layer of the liner may be about 0.25 lb/ft2 (1.2 kg/m2)to about 3
lb/ft2 (15 kg/m2) of
the clay liner. In some embodiments, the amount of bentonite barrier
compositions in the
sandwich layer of the liner may be about 0.50 lb/ft2 (2.4 kg/m2) to about 1
lb/ft2 (4.9 kg/m2)
of the clay liner. The thickness of the sandwich layer may also vary. In some
embodiments,
the thickness of the sandwich layer may be about 0.01 inch (0.0254 cm) to
about 2 inches
(5.1 cm) in thickness.
[0059] In some embodiments an adhesive may be added to the bentonite barrier
composition. Suitable examples of adhesive have been described above.
[0060] In some embodiments, moisture may be added to the bentonite composition
so
that when the sandwich layers are compressed (e.g., by suitable rollers), the
bentonite in
effect sticks to the geosynthetic layers to form a sandwich geosynthetic clay
liner.
[0061] In other embodiments, a sandwich geosynthetic clay liner may be formed
using a needle-punch or stitch-bonding technique.
[0062] Examples of making and installing geosynthetic clay liners are
described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,204, the relevant disclosure of which is herein
incorporated by reference.
[0063] Examining the retained permeability of a geosynthetic clay liner is a
much
better indication of performance of the liner as compared to examining the
initial
permeability of any such liner. Initial permeability is not a true indicator
of compatibility or
performance of a liner in containment applications involving leachate and/or
solutions
containing high concentrations of electrolytes.
[0064] The permeability of a geosynthetic liner of the present invention can
be
measured using Geotechnical Engineering Standard ASTM D5084 ¨ 10, "Standard
Test
Methods for Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Saturated Porous
Materials Using a
Flexible Wall Permeameter." This test may be best suited for an amended soil
application
test or the bentonite composition itself. ASTM D-5887, entitled "Standard Test
Method of
Measurement of Index Flux Through Saturated Geosynthetic Clay Liner Specimens
Using a
Flexible Wall Permeameter" may be specifically used to test geosynthetic clay
liners in fresh
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water conditions. Additionally, ASTM D-6766, entitled "Standard Test Method
for
Evaluation of Hydraulic Properties of Geosynthetic Clay Liners Permeated with
Potentially
Incompatible Liquids," may be used. This test describes laboratory measurement
of both flux
and hydraulic conductivity of geosynthetic clay liner specimens utilizing a
flexible wall
permeameter. The test method measures one-dimensional, laminar flow of
chemicals,
landfill leachate, or contaminated water through a saturated/hydrated
geosynthetic clay liner
specimen under a set of conditions, such as an index test. The GRI-GCL3
specification,
entitled "Test Methods, Required Properties, and Testing Frequencies of
Geosynthetic Clay
Liners (GCLs)" may be used with protocol D-6766 to demonstrate bentonite
performance in
calcium chloride or similar electrolyte solutions. This test may be useful to
test site-specific
leachates.
[0065] The geosynthetic clay liners of the present invention exhibit enhanced
retained
permeabilities that can be maintained over longer periods of time (e.g., in
some
embodiments, 30 days or more; in some embodiments, 170 days or more).
Additionally, at
least in some embodiments, it is believed that the geosynthetic clay liners of
the present
invention may retain these permeabilities for the useful life of the liner,
depending on the
application.
[0066] Additionally, in many embodiments, the geosynthetic clay liners of the
present
invention have a retained permeability that is better than 1 x10-8 cm/s. In
some embodiments,
the permeability of the geosynthetic clay liners of the present invention have
a retained
permeability that is better than 1 x10-9 cm/s, which presents one order of
magnitude increase
in retained permeability. In some embodiments, it is believed that the
retained permeability
of the geosynthetic clay liners of the present invention may be about 1x10-1
cm/s.
[0067] Without being limited by any particular theory, it is currently
believed that the
bentonite barrier compositions of the present invention exhibit enhanced
permeability
properties in complex electrolyte environments (e.g., in fly ash, coal ash
leachate
environments, etc.) because of their high electrolyte resistance. In
conventional bentonite
compositions, it is believed that the presence of electrolytes significantly
decreases the
stability of the hydration of the bentonite, which can disrupt the clay
mineral structure of the
bentonite. It is believed that the electrochemical forces of polyanionic low
molecular weight
polymer play a role in chelating the electrolytes in solution, thus,
preserving the ability of the
bentonite to swell in the composition.
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[0068] To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, the
following
examples of preferred embodiments are given. In no way should the following
examples be
read to limit, or to define, the scope of the invention.
EXAMPLES
[0069] In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of geosynthetic clay liners
of the
present invention and the bentonite barrier compositions of the present
invention, the
following representative examples are given. They involve testing the
geosynthetic clay
liners of the present invention and the bentonite barrier compositions of the
present invention
in exemplary solutions comprising complex electrolyte chemistries.
EXAMPLE 1
[0070] In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of geosynthetic clay liner of
the
present invention, permeability parameters of geosynthetic clay liners were
measured in
solutions comprising complex electrolyte chemistries over time. Acid mine
leachate, a
synthetic leachate (Solution 1 as described in Table 2), and fly-ash leachate,
an in situ
leachate taken from real world depository (Solution 2 as described in Table 2)
samples were
analyzed by a third party independent lab. The composition of these leachates
are given in
Table 2 below. The testing of the liners was performed with these leachates.
Additionally,
different initial moisture contents of the bentonite in the bentonite barrier
composition in the
liner were tested to determine the effect of the initial moisture content on
the retained
permeability observed with the varying solution chemistries at a confining
stress of 5.0psi (34
kPa).
TABLE 2
Liquid Analysis with High Ionic Strength
Acid Mine Fly-Ash
Drainage Leachate
(Synthetic) (Real World)
Solution 1 Solution 2
Electrolytes (1110-4)
Cations
Calcium 660 820
Magnesium 4,000 340
Potassium 660 30
Sodium 670 82
Anions
Chloride 8,600 1,300
Sulfate , 10,000 1,900
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[0071] As a control sample and for comparison, permeability parameters were
measured for an unamended bentonite liner (meaning a liner comprising a
bentonite
composition that does not have a polyanionic low molecular weight polymer
included within
the composition) to determine its retained permeability in Solution 1. The
unamended
bentonite control sample was a PP geotextile sandwich liner having a natural
sodium
bentonite composition in the middle layer that has an "as received" moisture
content of
approximately 10%. The "std. bentonite" line on Figure 1 shows the results.
[0072] Figure 1 shows that the std. bentonite control sample in Solution 1
exhibits a
rapid increase in permeability within days after contacting the leachate. The
permeability
parameters were measured for at least 25 days to determine retained
permeability
characteristics. The testing on this sample was terminated at 25 days since a
trend of
increasing permeability was established. In this particular test, the
undesirable increase in
retained permeability of the unamended bentonite liner in Solution 1 appears
particularly
troublesome following day 11.
[0073] For comparison, several tests were performed using samples of a
geosynthetic
clay liner that comprise a bentonite barrier composition of the present
invention. The
geosynthetic clay liner sample was from a sandwich geosynthetic clay liner
that included two
PP geotextile layers with a bentonite barrier composition of the present
invention comprising
approximately 99% bentonite and approximately 1% polyanionic cellulose at
approximately
0.75 lb/ft2 (3.7 kg/m2). The samples of a geosynthetic clay liner were tested
per ASTM
D6766 protocol to show permeability parameters in Solutions 1 and 2 (see Table
2 for the
compositions of Solutions 1 and 2). The permeability parameters were measured
over time
for at least 25 days or more as indicated in Figure 1, after the geosynthetic
clay liners first
contacted the electrolyte solution. See Figure 1 for specifics as to each
solution and liner
sample.
[0074] In the first test, a sandwich geosynthetic clay liner of the present
invention
having a bentonite barrier composition as described herein and having
approximately 10%
moisture content was tested in Solution 1. The initial moisture content was
10% due to the
inherent as received moisture content of the bentonite in the liner. Over
time, this
geosynthetic clay liner sample showed enhanced retained permeability while
contacting
Solution 1 over time, relative to the control sample, labeled "std. bentonite"
in Figure 1. As
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shown in Figure 1, this geosynthetic clay liner sample exhibited retained
permeabilities for
more than 171 days of better than 5 x 10
[0075] Similarly, in the second and third tests, additional samples of a
sandwich
geosynthetic clay liner of the present invention having a bentonite barrier
composition as
described herein was tested. The initial moisture content of the samples was
50% due to the
addition of moisture to the bentonite to simulate potential field conditions.
These
geosynthetic clay liner samples were exposed to Solutions 1 and 2 in separate
tests.
Referring to Figure 1 and referring to the test with Solution 1, this liner
sample demonstrated
retained permeability of less than about 5 x 10-9 cm/s. (See the triangle line
in Figure 1)
Referring to Figure 1 and referring to the test with Solution 2, this
geosynthetic clay liner
sample also demonstrated retained permeability of less than about 5 x 10-9
crnis. In both
geosynthetic clay liner samples, the retained permeability appears to be
enhanced relative to
the control sample.
[0076] Thus, Example 1 illustrates that the geosynthetic clay liners
containing
bentonite barrier compositions of the present invention may exhibit, among
other things,
excellent retained permeability in the presence of complex electrolyte
chemistries. The
challenged component in these experiments is the bentonite barrier
composition; and
therefore, this experiment illustrates the efficacy of the bentonite barrier
compositions of the
present invention in any containment application utilizing bentonite barrier
compositions of
the present invention.
EXAMPLE 2
[0077] The goal of this test was to explore the permeability of an unamended
bentonite composition, i.e., one that does not contain a polyanionic low
molecular weight
polymer according to the present invention, without a liner. The ASTM D6766
standard
protocol per GRI-GCL3 was used at a confining stress of 5.0psi (34 kPa). The
synthetic brine
in the experiment contained 0.1N (or approximately 12,000 mg/L) CaC12.
[00781 Figure 2 shows that a sharp increase in permeability was observed after
approximately 220 hours (-9 days) in the synthetic brine. Thus, the data in
Figure 2 confirms
the lack of retained permeability of a standard unamended bentonite in
electrolyte conditions
as shown in Figure 1 within a reasonable margin of error.
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EXAMPLE 3
[0079] In this example, ASTM D5084 protocol was used to evaluate the retained
permeability of certain bentonite barrier compositions comprising
approximately 99%
bentonite and approximately 1% polyanionic cellulose (not incorporated within
a
geosynthetic clay liner) of the present invention in fly-ash leachate
(Solution 2 in Table 2).
This is referred to as amended bentonite in Table 3. This experiment involved
measuring the
permeability of the bentonite barrier composition sample in a leachate
solution at a confining
stress of 5.0psi (34 kPa). The permeability was measured after 11 days of
being in contact
with the leachate solution. The result of the experiment is summarized in
Table 3 below.
[0080] Table 3 shows that the bentonite barrier composition displayed a
retained
permeability of approximately 6 x 10 cm/s, which indicates that the bentonite
barrier
composition of the present invention is able to maintain an enhanced retained
permeability.
Thus, this Example suggests that the bentonite barrier composition of the
present invention is
effective to provide enhanced retained permeability in complex electrolyte
chemistries.
TABLE 3
Sample Effective Confining Permeability
Stress (psi) (cm/s)
Amended bentonite 5.0 6.0 x 10-10
[0081] Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and
advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The
particular embodiments
disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be
modified and practiced
in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art
having the benefit of
the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details
of construction
or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is
therefore evident
that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered,
combined, or
modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the
present invention.
While compositions and methods are described in terms of "comprising,"
"containing," or
"including" various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also
"consist
essentially of' or "consist of' the various components and steps. All numbers
and ranges
disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a
lower limit
and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling
within the range is
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specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form,
"from about a to about
b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a to b," or, equivalently, "from
approximately a-b")
disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range
encompassed within
the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain,
ordinary meaning
unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the
indefinite
articles "a" or "an," as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or
more than one of
the element that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a
word or term in this
specification and one or more patent or other documents, the definitions that
are consistent
with this specification should be adopted. The scope of the claims should not
be limited by
the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the
broadest
interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
