I. Introduction to HDPE Geomembrane
HDPE Geomembrane, also known as high-density polyethylene Geomembrane, is a waterproof and barrier material made from high-density polyethylene resin through special processing. It possesses outstanding seepage prevention performance, excellent chemical stability, and strong anti-aging ability. It is widely used in various fields such as environmental protection, water conservancy, and transportation. In Indonesia's aquaculture industry, HDPE Geomembrane also plays a significant role, effectively solving key problems such as pond seepage prevention and water quality protection, and contributing to the healthy development of the local aquaculture industry.
II. Characteristics of HDPE Geomembrane
(1) Physical Characteristics
The physical properties of HDPE geomembrane make it highly suitable for aquaculture, providing a reliable waterproof barrier for ponds and enabling it to adapt to various construction and usage environments.
| Character | Details | Advantage |
| thickness | 0.2 and 3.0mm | Ensure the anti-seepage effect and durability |
| density | ≥0.94g/cm³ | High density endows it with excellent barrier properties |
| strength of extension | 10 and 30MPa | High strength ensures that the geomembrane is not easily stretched and broken during laying and use |
| elongation at break | ≥300% | The high elongation at break endows it with excellent flexibility |
| osmotic coefficient | ≤1.0×10⁻¹³ cm/s | The extremely low permeability coefficient ensures excellent anti-seepage performance |
(2) Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of HDPE geomembranes ensure their stability in complex aquaculture water environments, preventing pollution to the aquatic organisms and the water bodies, thus providing a safe and reliable environment for the aquaculture.
| Character | Details |
| acid-base resistance property | It can withstand various acid and alkali solutions |
| corrosion resistance | It has excellent corrosion resistance to most chemical substances |
| Anti-microbial erosion | It is not easily decomposed by microorganisms and has an inhibitory effect on the attachment and growth of microorganisms |
III. Factors Affecting the Price of HDPE Geomembrane
The price of HDPE geomembrane is influenced by multiple factors: the price of high-density polyethylene raw material fluctuates with the price of crude oil; advanced technology improves quality but increases costs; the demand for aquatic farming in Indonesia causes changes in prices; long-distance island transportation leads to high freight charges; regional policies and economic levels also result in price differences.
IV. Application of HDPE Geomembrane in Indonesian Aquaculture
1. Efficient Water Storage: Indonesia has a hot and humid climate with uneven rainfall distribution, and some areas have limited freshwater resources. The HDPE geomembrane, with its extremely low permeability coefficient, can effectively prevent water from seeping into the soil, ensuring stable water levels.
2. Stable Water Quality: Local fish farming often relies on natural water bodies and is susceptible to environmental influences. The geomembrane can isolate the soil from the water body, preventing soil impurities, heavy metals, and pathogens from polluting the water, maintaining stable water quality.
3. Precise Monitoring of Oxygen Content: The high temperature in Indonesia causes significant changes in water oxygen levels, affecting the survival of breeding organisms. The HDPE geomembrane reduces oxygen loss due to water seeping into the soil, allowing farmers to monitor water oxygen content in real time and adjust the operation of aeration equipment in a timely manner.
4. Reduced Maintenance Costs: The surface of the HDPE geomembrane is smooth, which can inhibit the growth of algae in the water and contains anti-ultraviolet additives, making it resistant to sunlight, reducing the frequency of maintenance.
5. Significant Yield Increase: Compared to directly excavating ponds, using the HDPE geomembrane can make the pond slope more stable, able to withstand natural threats such as wind, rain, and waves. The ponds can be designed deeper and with a steeper slope, increasing breeding space and improving fish yields.
363514.webp)
V. HDPE Geomembrane Laying Method
In Indonesian aquaculture, the laying of HDPE geomembrane must follow a strict procedure.
1. Before construction, carefully clean the bottom and slope of the pond, remove sharp objects, weeds, tree roots, etc., and compact the ground to a degree of 90% or more, providing a stable foundation for the laying of the geomembrane.
2. During laying, start from the lowest point of the pond bottom and extend gradually upwards along the bottom to the higher level, laying the direction parallel to the long side of the pond, reducing the number of welds. During the laying process, do not pull the geomembrane too tightly, leaving a 3%-5% slackness to adapt to the expansion and contraction deformation caused by temperature changes, foundation settlement, etc. The longitudinal joints of adjacent two geomembrane should be offset by more than 1 meter, avoiding being on the same horizontal line. The longitudinal joints should be at least 1.5 meters away from the dam foot, bend foot, and should be set in the planar area. When laying on the slope, the membrane should be spread in a direction basically parallel to the slope line, laying from top to bottom, ensuring that the geomembrane is closely adhered to the slope.
3. Welding is a key step. Use the double-track hot-melt welding process, with welding temperature controlled at 280 - 350℃, speed 1.5 - 2.5 meters/minute. Before welding, clean the joint of the geomembrane first, removing dust, oil, and other impurities to ensure the welding surface is clean and dry. The overlap width should be maintained at 10 - 15 centimeters. After welding, use the air pressure detection method to test the weld seam. Inflate the space between the weld seam to 0.2 MPa, maintaining for 5 minutes without pressure loss, indicating a qualified weld seam; or use the electric spark detection to ensure no missed or false welds.
4. After the geomembrane laying is completed, properly handle the edges. Dig 30 - 50 centimeter deep anchoring ditches around the pond, bury the edge of the geotextile in the ditch, backfill with soil and compact to prevent the geotextile from being lifted, ensuring the seepage prevention effect.
 (1)924238.webp)
VI. Case Analysis of HDPE Geomembrane in Indonesian Aquaculture
(1) Case One
In a medium-sized tilapia farm on the Java Island of Indonesia, in the past, due to the use of traditional earthen ponds in the fish ponds, there was a serious leakage problem. During the dry season, frequent water replenishment was required, resulting in frequent fish diseases. To solve these problems, the farm decided to carry out a renovation using HDPE geotextile membranes. During the construction process, the laying process was strictly followed, and the welds were carefully welded and inspected. After the renovation, the water leakage problem in the ponds was completely resolved. The output of this farm increased by approximately 30%, the cost decreased by 25%, and the economic benefits were significantly improved.
(2) Case Two
In a shrimp farm on Sumatra Island, before applying HDPE geomembrane, due to seawater backflow and the aging of the pond bottom, the water quality deteriorated, and the growth of shrimp was slow, resulting in low production. After the pond was renovated using HDPE geomembrane, the geomembrane effectively isolated seawater and the bottom sediment, maintaining stable and clean water quality. At the same time, the surface of the geomembrane was smooth, facilitating cleaning and disinfection, reducing the occurrence of shrimp diseases.
VII. Existing Problems and Future Development
(1) Existing Problems
Although HDPE geomembrane has obvious advantages in Indonesian aquaculture, there are still some problems. Some farmers have insufficient understanding of HDPE geomembrane, lack knowledge of its performance, advantages, and correct usage methods, resulting in mistakes in choosing and using the geomembrane when selecting and using it, and unable to fully exert its functions.
(2) Future Development
Looking forward to the future, HDPE geomembrane has great potential in the Indonesian aquaculture sector. In terms of technological innovation, developing more environmentally friendly, durable, and more resistant to aging geomembranes, such as adding new types of antioxidants and UV-resistant additives, to improve their service life and stability. In terms of policy support, the Indonesian government is expected to introduce relevant preferential policies and subsidy measures to encourage farmers to use geomembrane, promoting the green development of the aquaculture industry. In terms of market expansion, as the scale of Indonesian aquaculture continues to expand and the requirements for the breeding environment increase.
237.webp)
106.webp)
558.webp)