Geomembrane

Geomembrane Manufacturers in Dubai - The Complete Guide

Geomembranes are engineered barrier materials that are widely used for containment and fluid management in various infrastructure applications. Made from materials like PVC, LLDPE, HDPE, PP and others, geomembranes come in various strengths and thicknesses to suit different project requirements.

As one of the fastest growing markets in the Middle East, there is high demand for quality geomembranes in the United Arab Emirates, especially in Dubai. Leading geomembrane manufacturers and suppliers in Dubai provide high-performance products for applications like landfill liners, mining, aquaculture, agriculture, underground construction and more.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of geomembrane products, applications, installation and leading manufacturers in Dubai.

What is a Geomembrane?

A geomembrane is an essentially impermeable geosynthetic material that is used as a barrier layer in containment or fluid management applications. Made from polymeric materials like HDPE, LLDPE, PVC, FPP, EPDM and others, geomembranes come in either sheet or liquid applied form.

Geomembranes are engineered with properties like:

• High tensile strength
• Puncture and tear resistance
• Flexibility and elongation
• Resistant to acids, alkalis, fungi and bacteria
• Thermal stability
• Low permeability

The impervious nature and durability makes geomembranes ideal materials for applications that require containment of liquids, vapors or gasses. As geomembranes are available in different strengths and thicknesses, the appropriate product can be chosen based on project requirements.

Geomembrane Applications

Geomembranes have a diverse range of containment and fluid management applications:

Landfill Liners

One of the most common uses of geomembranes is as bottom liners and covers in municipal solid waste landfills. HDPE geomembranes with thickness from 1mm to 3mm is generally used due to its chemical resistance, durability and low permeability. The geomembrane liner prevents leachate from the waste contaminating the surrounding soil and groundwater.

Mining

In mining applications like heap leaching and tailings ponds, geomembranes provide an impervious barrier to prevent seepage contamination from mining waste. HDPE, LLDPE and PP geomembranes with high tear strength offers long-term containment performance.

Agriculture Ponds

For agriculture ponds and irrigation canals, PVC and PE geomembranes prevent loss of water into the ground. UV-stabilized geomembranes are used for longer performance life in exposed conditions.

Waste Water Treatment

In waste water treatment plants, lagoons and sludge ponds, geomembrane liners allow effective water containment and management. LLDPE, PVC and HDPE liners are commonly used.

Aquaculture

HDPE and LLDPE geomembranes are ideal for aquaculture applications like fish farms, shrimp ponds and hatcheries. They provide total water retention while being non-toxic for marine life.

Stormwater Management

As pond liners in stormwater detention and retention basins, geomembranes contain stormwater efficiently while preventing infiltration into ground.

Water Containment

For containment of fresh water, desalinated water and drinking water, geomembranes provide a durable and impermeable barrier for preventing water loss and contamination.

Tunnels & Underground Structures

In below-ground structures like subway tunnels, underground parking garages, geomembranes protect against water ingress and moisture damage.

Secondary Containment

Geomembranes are used as secondary containment systems for storage tanks, preventing leaks and spills from escaping.

Floating Covers

On reservoirs, lakes and tanks, floating geomembrane covers minimize evaporation losses and control gas emissions.

With their versatility, durability and performance properties, geomembranes serve as reliable barrier systems for diverse containment and fluid management applications.

Geomembrane Types

Geomembranes are made from different polymeric materials, based on the performance requirements of the application:

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)

HDPE is the most common geomembrane material, providing an optimal balance of strength, chemical resistance, low permeability and cost-effectiveness. HDPE geomembranes have high tensile strengths and are suitable for exposed installations as they are UV-stabilized. They have operating temperatures between -70°F to 180°F.

LLDPE (Linear Low Density Polyethylene)

LLDPE geomembranes offer excellent flexibility and field weldability. They have high elongation and puncture resistance. LLDPE liners are used for applications like landfills and mining that require good conformability to settle into uneven ground.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC geomembranes provide good resistance to acids, bases and salts. They have high flexibility and seam strengths. PVC is suitable for pond liners and containments with aggressive chemical exposure.

PP (Polypropylene)

PP geomembranes have excellent chemical resistance and withstand high temperatures up to 230°F. They are suitable for mining applications and containments for hot fluids. However, PP has lower impact resistance compared to PE.

FPP (Flexible Polypropylene)

As a modified form of PP, FPP geomembranes combine the chemical resistance of PP with flexibility for improved field installation. This makes FPP ideal for landfill liners.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

EPDM is a synthetic rubber-type geomembrane suitable for applications like floating covers on ponds. It has good weathering and UV resistance.

Others: CSPE, EIA, PIB, Asphalt

Other less common geomembrane materials include CSPE, EIA, PIB and asphalt/bentonite composites used for specialized applications.

So based on performance requirements, an appropriate geomembrane material can be chosen - HDPE and LLDPE being the most popular options.

Geomembrane Thickness

Geomembranes are available in different sheet thicknesses:

• 0.5 mm
• 0.75 mm
• 1 mm
• 1.5 mm
• 2 mm
• 3 mm

Thicker geomembranes above 2 mm are also produced for specialized applications.

The selection of geomembrane thickness depends on:

• Application - Landfill liners usually require 2mm to 3mm thick geomembranes, while pond liners can use 0.5mm to 1.5mm sheets.
• Performance Needs - For high mechanical strength and puncture resistance in mining applications, thicker sheets above 1.5mm are preferred. Where flexibility for conformance is important such as liquid containment berms, thinner 0.5mm geomembranes are ideal.
• Chemical Exposure - With aggressive chemicals, a thicker geomembrane provides longer performance life.
• Installation Conditions - In sites with rough ground or high elevation differential, thicker sheets above 1mm provides reliability.

The right thickness ensures the geomembrane has adequate mechanical properties and barrier performance for the containment application, along with ease and reliability of installation.

Geomembrane Manufacturers in Dubai

As a leading commercial hub with large-scale infrastructure projects, there is high demand for quality geomembranes in Dubai and the UAE. Some leading manufacturers and suppliers of geomembranes in Dubai include:

Exceed Gulf Industries

A major manufacturer of HDPE, LLDPE and PVC geomembranes, Exceed Gulf offers an extensive product range from 0.5mm to 3mm thickness, wide widths up to 22m and custom fabrication. Serving UAE and international clients, Exceed has extensive experience in landfills, mining, water management, tunnels and other applications.

TenCate Geosynthetics

A global leader in geosynthetics, TenCate Geosynthetics provides a range of durable geomembrane liners - Mirifi HPDE, Mirifi LLDPE, Mirifi PVC Fabric - for applications including landfills, ponds, reservoirs, lagoons, mining, tunnels and secondary containment. Products are manufactured at facilities in the UAE.

NAUE GmbH & Co. KG

The German-based NAUE GmbH & Co. KG manufactures geosynthetic barrier liners and supplies to clients across the Middle East from their UAE facilities. Their Carbofol geomembrane range includes HDPE, LLDPE and PP products suitable for any containment application.

Officine Maccaferri

With advanced production sites in Abu Dhabi, Officine Maccaferri provides high quality geomembranes and geosynthetic products for the Middle East markets. Their HDPE and LLDPE Aquaterra geomembrane series offer premium performance for hydraulic containment applications like ponds and landfills.

Green Rubber Group

Dubai-based Green Rubber Group manufactures a wide range EPDM rubber liners for applications like irrigation canals, water treatment lagoons and liquid containment. With over 20 years experience they provide custom liner solutions.

BIG Group Dubai

Manufacturer of PVC and HDPE geomembranes, pool liners, tarpaulins, BIG Group provides custom fabrication and installation services for diverse lining applications across the UAE.

These leading manufacturers have advanced production capabilities, extensive application expertise and high quality standards demanded in the UAE market. They offer custom fabrication and design support for optimal geomembrane selection and performance.

Geomembrane Installation

Proper installation of geomembranes is crucial for achieving effective long-term containment performance. The key installation steps include:

Site Preparation

The subsurface must be properly graded and compacted to a uniform smooth surface. Sharp rocks or vegetation must be removed. This ensures the liner conforms smoothly without excessive stresses.

Deployment

Geomembranes are transported in rolls and unrolled over the prepared surface. To avoid wrinkles, light tensioning is applied with sandbags or similar means. Seams are aligned with overlap based on welding type.

Field Seaming

Overlapping edges of adjacent geomembrane rolls are joined using thermal welding processes. This creates continuous impermeable seams stronger than the membrane itself. Testing ensures seam integrity.

Penetration Sealing

For pipes, structures or any penetrations across the geomembrane, custom fabricated boots are sealed using specialist welding techniques. This maintains the barrier continuity.

Damage Repair

Any minor installation damage or defects in the geomembrane are repaired by patching and welding repair patches.

Backfilling

Once installed, the geomembrane is covered with protective soil backfilling, sand or geotextile cushioning to prevent damage.

Specialized geomembrane installation contractors have the technical expertise to handle these key steps for successful deployment. Leading Dubai-based installers like Exceed Infrastructure provide complete geomembrane installation services.

With proper installation matched with quality geomembranes from reputable manufacturers, effective long-term containment performance can be achieved in critical applications.

Conclusion

Geomembranes provide advanced barrier technologies that are indispensable for modern infrastructure projects. They are instrumental for successful containment and fluid management across applications like landfills, mining, water management, tunnels and many others.

Made from engineered materials like HDPE, LLDPE and PVC, geomembranes offer properties like impermeability, chemical resistance, mechanical durability and flexibility. Leading manufacturers in Dubai provide high performance products to suit diverse project requirements in the region and worldwide.

With their innovative products, extensive application expertise and fabrication capabilities, the top geomembrane manufacturers in Dubai are helping drive the progress of major projects and developments in the UAE. By working closely with engineering consultants and installation contractors, they ensure geomembranes serve as the most reliable barrier and containment systems - protecting the surrounding environment and communities safely into the future.