The Application of HDPE Geomembranes in Tailings-N

Introduction to HDPE Geomembrane

    HDPE geomembranes are composed of high-density polyethylene resin, with additives like antioxidants. They feature strong impermeability (permeability coefficient <10⁻¹² cm/s), chemical resistance, and durability (service life over 50 years). Common specs: thickness 0.5-3.0mm, width 2-8m, tensile strength 18-25MPa, widely used in anti-seepage projects.

Characteristics to HDPE Geomembrane

1. Super strong water resistance: Permeability coefficient < 10⁻¹² cm/s, can effectively prevent liquid penetration, and is the core material for anti-seepage projects such as tailings dams and landfill sites.

2. Resistance to chemical corrosion: Can withstand pH values ranging from 3 to 11 of acidic and alkaline environments and most organic solvents, and can adapt to complex media in tailings such as heavy metals, acid and alkali waste liquids.

3. Excellent mechanical properties: Tensile strength reaches 18-25 MPa, with strong resistance to puncture and tear, and can withstand slight deformation of the foundation and load impact.

4. Long-term durability: With the addition of anti-oxidants and other additives, the outdoor service life exceeds 50 years, and can resist environmental aging caused by ultraviolet rays, high and low temperatures (-40°C - 60°C), etc.

5. Good construction compatibility: The texture is flexible, and can be cut and welded according to engineering requirements. The joint strength is above 90% of the base material, and is suitable for construction in different terrains.

Geomembrane Parameters

Application cases of Geomembrane

1. Pingchuan Iron Mine in Liangshan, Sichuan Province:The tailings dam of this mine adopts HDPE geotextile membrane for anti-seepage. 1.5mm thick HDPE geotextile membrane is laid on the dam body and the reservoir area. Through precise construction, the tailings water leakage rate has been effectively reduced by over 95%, successfully preventing heavy metals and other pollutants from entering the surrounding soil and water bodies, effectively ensuring the local ecological environment safety, and providing a solid guarantee for the living environment of surrounding residents.

2. Tailings Dam of a Mining Company in Mongolia: 1.5mm HDPE membrane is selected as the anti-seepage material. Due to its stable chemical properties, it can withstand corrosion from more than 80 kinds of strong acid and alkali chemical media. After laying, it effectively prevents pollutants in the tailings from seeping into the soil, greatly reducing the risk of water pollution, protecting the already fragile local ecological environment, and facilitating the sustainable development of the mining industry.

3. ITY Gold Mine in Côte d'Ivoire: Its tailings storage facilities use 1.5mm thick GSE® HD high-density polyethylene geotextile membrane. This membrane has strong resistance to ultraviolet rays, weathering and chemical erosion. The project was completed 94 days ahead of schedule and met GRI - GM 13 and GRI - GM 19 standards, effectively ensuring the safe storage of the gold mine tailings and reducing potential threats to the surrounding environment.

Why choose Haoyang Environment's HDPE geomembrane?

1. The product has outstanding performance. Its permeability coefficient is ≤ 1×10⁻¹³m/s, and the anti-seepage effect is excellent. It can effectively block harmful liquids in tailings. The tensile strength is ≥ 28MPa, and the environmental stress cracking resistance is ≥ 700 hours. It can withstand the heavy pressure of tailings and changes in complex terrain.

2. The production process is advanced. It adopts three-layer co-extrusion technology and uses high-quality raw resin. The product thickness is uniform and the quality is stable.

3. The specifications are diverse and the services are comprehensive. The thickness ranges from 0.5 - 3.0mm, and the widest can reach 10 meters, reducing construction joints. Haoyang Environment also provides one-stop services from design to after-sales to ensure the smooth progress of the project.

Future prospects and development trends

In the field of tailings treatment, the future of HDPE geotextile membranes looks promising, with many anticipated development trends. 

1. From the perspective of performance improvement, with the advancement of materials science, HDPE geotextile membranes will be endowed with stronger characteristics. For example, developing new additives can further enhance the membrane's ability to withstand extreme temperatures, enabling it to maintain stable performance in high-temperature mine tailings or tailings treatment in cold regions, effectively coping with complex environments. 

2. In terms of environmental sustainability, recyclable and degradable HDPE geotextile membranes will become the focus of research. This not only reduces the long-term environmental impact of discarded geotextile membranes after tailings treatment but also forms a resource recycling model, lowering production costs. At the same time, the production process will also move towards a green direction, reducing energy consumption and pollutant emissions. 

3. Intelligent monitoring and management is also an important trend. By integrating sensing technology into HDPE geotextile membranes, real-time monitoring of their usage conditions in tailings can be achieved, such as whether there are leaks or damages. Once an anomaly is detected, an alarm can be promptly issued, allowing staff to take prompt measures, significantly enhancing the safety and efficiency of tailings reservoir management and driving the tailings treatment industry towards a more intelligent, efficient, and environmentally friendly direction.