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Investigation of the suitability of a geosynthetic clay liner system for the El Paso Solar Pond

Conference ·
OSTI ID:109855
The El Paso Solar Pond Project experienced a complete failure of its XR-5 8130 (SP) membrane liner. This paper will summarize the XR-5 8130 (SP) liner failure analysis, and provide design and installation procedures of its replacement: a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL). This application represents the first use of a GCL in a solar pond. Geosynthetic clay liners offer major advantages over membrane liners. Unlike membrane liners, clay liners are puncture-proof, have predictable permeability, and are self-healing. Furthermore, the cost of clay liners is less than that of membrane liners. However, disagreement exists as to the efficacy of clay liners in solar ponds. The high temperatures and salinity of the pond are factors which cause the most concern. Most information available for clay liners is in conjunction with municipal waste disposal facilities, although compacted clay liners have been used in Israel and Mexico for solar ponds.
OSTI ID:
109855
Report Number(s):
CONF-950725--; ISBN 0-89553-167-4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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