Review: Liner Integrity Survey Course

T-CLIC is the first and only training provider for learning this in-demand CQA skill.

Sixteen people attended the T-CLIC geoelectric Liner Integrity Survey Course taught by Ian D. Peggs of I-CORP and A. J. Shah of TRI during the first two days (12/13 April) of TRI’s Spring CQA week. There were four installers (two from Canada), eight engineers (one from Canada, two from the Navy), two manufacturer/installers, and two practitioners.

This was a quiet but intense group that participated strongly in resolving a stubborn problem that prevented simple calibration of the water lance equipment on a known hole in an exposed GSE conductive liner. Calibration on an artificial hole connected to the power supply was no problem. However, a real hole in the conductive sheet would not give a significant signal.

After quite some time, during which the novice surveyors became quite frustrated and questioned the functionality of the equipment, it was found that removing a metal water hose connector from a small pool of standing water–normally not a problem–resolved the issue. This made the instructors scratch their heads even more, until one of the surveyors obtained a leak signal from a small L-shaped cut under the small pool of water! Problem solved. This was a perfect practical example of the need to persist in getting a good calibration signal before starting a production survey. Also an example of the type of situation that can arise in the field. The associated process of circuit analysis provided a very positive learning experience for all.

Industries that are improving liner installation quality through the utilization of liner surveys include waste management, mining, wastewater and fuel/oil storage.

On a sunny warm Texas spring day the soil-covered liner survey the surveyors found that signals were deteriorating with time until one of the three teams suggested watering the drying surface. Good thinking and evidence of learning from the classroom session. Once again the practical problem was resolved.

It is expected that five of the attendees will move on to become fully certified in the field through a production survey audit and a 40-question, 90-minute, written test.

The next LIS course may well be an on-the-road course in South Africa, with the next North American course scheduled for sometime in the Fall.

Further information from Sam Allen at sallen@tri-env.com or Ian D. Peggs at icorp@geosynthetic.com.

Survey equipment details can be found on www.linersurvey.com.

Ian D. Peggs is president of I-CORP International, Inc. He can be reached at icorp@geosynthetic.com.