Designation: D 6747 – 02e1

Standard Guide for

Selection of Techniques for Electrical Detection of Potential
Leak Paths in Geomembranes1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6747; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

e1 NOTE—Editorial corrections were made in November 2002.

1. Scope 3.1.4 potential leak paths, n—for the purposes of this

1.1 This standard guide is intended to assist individuals or document, a potential leak path is any unintended opening,
groups in assessing different options available for locating perforation, breach, slit, tear, puncture, crack, or seam breach.
potential leak paths in installed geomembranes through the use Scratches, gouges, dents, or other aberrations that do not
of electrical methods. For clarity, this document uses the term completely penetrate the geomembrane are not considered.
potential leak path to mean holes, punctures, tears, knife cuts, Leak paths detected during surveys have been grouped into five
seam defects, cracks and similar breaches over the partial or categories: (1) Holes—round shaped voids with downward or
entire area of an installed geomembrane. upward protruding rims, (2) Tears—linear or areal voids with
1.2 This guide does not cover systems that are restricted to irregular edge borders, (3) Linear cuts—linear voids with neat
seam testing only, nor does it cover systems that may detect close edges, (4) Seam defects—area of partial or total separa-
leaks non-electrically. It does not cover systems that only tion between sheets, and (5) Burned through zones—areas
detect the presence, but not the location of leaks. where the polymer has been melted during the welding
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the process.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 4. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 4.1 Types of potential leak paths have been related to the
bility of regulatory requirements prior to use. quality of the sub-grade material, quality of the cover material,
care in the cover material installation and quality of geomem-
2. Referenced Documents brane installation.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 4.2 Experience demonstrates that geomembranes can have
D 4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics2 leaks caused during their installation and placement of mate-
rial(s) on the liner.
3. Terminology 4.3 The damage to a geomembrane can be detected using
3.1 Definitions: electrical leak location systems. Such systems have been used
3.1.1 electrical leak location, n—any method which uses successfully to locate leak paths in electrically-insulating
electrical current or electrical potential to detect and locate geomembranes such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl
potential leak paths. chloride, chlorosulfonated polyethylene and bituminous
3.1.2 geomembrane, n—an essentially impermeable mem- geomembranes installed in basins, ponds, tanks, ore and waste
brane used with foundation, soil, rock, earth or any other pads, and landfill cells.
geotechnical engineering related material as an integral part of 4.4 The principle behind these techniques is to place a
a manmade project, structure, or system. voltage across a synthetic geomembrane liner and then locate
3.1.3 geosynthetic, n—a planar product manufactured from areas where electrical current flows through discontinuities in
polymeric material used with soil, rock, earth, or other geo- the liner (as shown schematically in Fig. 1). Insulation must be
technical engineering related material as an integral part of a secured prior to a survey to prevent pipe penetrations, flange
manmade project, structure, or system. bolts, steel drains, and batten strips on concrete to conduct
electricity through the liner and mask potential leak paths. The
liner must act as an insulator across which an electrical
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics potential is applied. This electric detection method of locating
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes. potential leak paths in a geomembrane can be performed on
Current edition approved Jan. 10, 2002. Published April 2002.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.09.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 6747 – 02e1

FIG. 1 Schematic of Electrical Leak Detection Method

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 D 6747 – 02e1
exposed liners, on liners covered with water, or on liners volts DC. A hand-held probe is then traversed through the
covered by a protective soil layer, or both. water. An electrical current flows through the potential leak
paths causing localized abnormalties in the electrical paths as
5. Developed Systems shown schematically in Fig. 3. The typical procedure is to flood
5.1 Electrical leak detection systems were developed in the the test area, then locate the potential leak paths, drain the area
early 1980’s and commercial surveys have been available since and perform repairs. A hand-held probe or a probe on a long
1985. A short description of these systems is presented in this cable is scanned through the water to locate these places where
section. current is flowing through a leak. A typical procedure is to
5.2 The Water Puddle and Water Lance System—The tech- flood the test area to a depth of approximately 0.15 to 0.75 m.
nique is appropriate to survey a dry uncovered geomembrane This technique can locate very small leaks, smaller than 1 mm.
during its installation when placed directly on a subgrade that The signal amplitude is proportional to the amount of electrical
is an electrically conductive layer below the geomembrane. current flowing through the leak, so practical measures should
The lower conductive layer is usually the soil and the upper be taken to maximize the current through the leaks. The signal
conductive layer being water. A cathode ground is established amplitude is inversely related to the distance from the leak, so
and an anode is placed in a water puddle maintained by a the scanning spatial frequency should be designed to provide
squeegee or to the water stream of a lance (as shown the desired leak detection sensitivity.
schematically in Fig. 2). Water is usually supplied by gravity
5.3.1 Features—This system has the advantage of being
from a tank truck parked at a higher elevation than the lined
used to locate potential leak paths in in-service impoundments.
area. For this technique to be effective, the leaking water must
Primary and secondary liners can be tested. The water head on
come into contact with the electrical conducting medium to
the liner facilitates the survey speed by minimizing the
which the ground electrode of the 12 or 24 volts dc supply can
presence of wrinkles and waves, and lack of contact between
be connected. Since the geomembrane is not a perfect electrical
the liner and the conductive soil at the bottom of slopes. This
insulator, a steady background signal can be audible. As the
technique can be used in wet conditions. The main advantage
water flows through a leak path, there is an increase in the
of this technique is the detection of leak paths with the
signal. Leak paths as small as 1 mm in size are then located by
protective granular layer covering the liner (after the installa-
an audio signal or by measuring a current of magnitude related
tion of the drainage layer on the geomembrane) (refer to 5.5 for
to the size of the leak. It can also be used to search for leak
description of the method). The survey rate depends primarily
paths in geomembrane-lined concrete and steel tanks.
on the spacing between sweeps and the depth of the water. A
5.2.1 Features—The main advantage of this system is the
close spacing between sweeps is needed to detect the smallest
possibility to detect leak paths in geomembrane joints and
sheets as work progresses during the construction phase. leaks. The survey rate for a survey while wading, sweeping the
Larger leak paths do not mask smaller ones because this probe so that it comes within 0.25 m of every point on the
technique locates leak paths independently on uncovered liner. submerged geomembrane is 800 to 1200 m2/h per person. For
The electrical survey rate of approximately 500 m2/h per a survey with a towed probe with the probe scanned within 0.4
operator does not affect the installation work schedule and m of every point, the survey rate is 800 to 1000 m2/h per two
permits a rapid construction quality control (CQC) of the persons, including establishing the survey lines. The approxi-
installer work. The approximate setup time varies from 1 to 3 mate setup time is 30 to 90 min. These times do not include the
h. time to flood the liner.
5.2.2 Limitations—This technique cannot be used with a 5.3.2 Limitations—The main disadvantage of this system is
protective layer covering the liner. The presence of wrinkles that it cannot be applied to detect potential leak paths in
and waves, steep slopes and lack of contact between the liner geomembrane joints and sheets as work progresses during the
and the conductive soil at bottom of slopes inhibits the survey construction phase since, because of the need to flood the
speed. This technique cannot be used during stormy weather geomembrane with water. The presence of large leak paths may
when the membrane is installed on a desiccated subgrade, or influence the detection of small leak paths in their vicinity.
whenever conductive structures cannot be insulated or isolated. Depending on the bottom configuration of the surveyed appli-
The procedure to detect potential leak paths in seams of repair cation, the water depth can be substantial in some areas; the
patches is difficult and lengthy since it requires a certain procedure is more lengthy consisting of flooding the area,
infiltration time. probing to locate the leak paths and draining of the area to
5.3 The Water-Covered Geomembrane System—The prin- perform repairs.
ciple behind this system is to test the geomembrane while it is 5.4 The Electrically Conductive Geomembrane—
covered with water, a technique similar to the previous system Coextrusion technology makes possible the manufacture of a
requiring an electrically conductive layer below (subgrade) and polyethylene geomembrane that can be spark tested. The
above the liner (water or saturated drainage layer). A cathode material has a thin layer of electrically conductive material as
ground is established and an anode is placed in contained an integral part of the geomembrane. This provides a way to
water. The voltage impressed across the liner (by a high voltage spark test the installed geomembrane. The spark testing that
dc or ac power supply) produces a low current flow and a occurs in the field is very similar to the method used in the
relative uniform voltage distribution in the material above the factory to identify holes during geomembrane manufacturing.
geomembrane. To maximize this current, a high voltage power The conductive geomembrane is installed such that the con-
supply with safety circuits is used that can provide up to 400 ductive side is against the sub-base and the non-conductive

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 D 6747 – 02e1

FIG. 2 Schematic of Water Puddle and Lance Systems

side is on top. The testing utilizes a voltage source to charge an conductive element is then swept over the upper surface to
element such as an electrically conductive neoprene pad. The inspect for the presence of potential leak paths. Where a
charge is then transferred to the (underlying) conductive layer potential leak path occurs, a closed circuit is created and a
of the geomembrane through the capacitance effect. Another spark is produced as shown in Fig. 4. To facilitate leak path

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FIG. 3 Schematic of Water-Covered Geomembrane System

location, equipment must include an audible alarm. Different types of equipment are utilized depending on the area to be

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 D 6747 – 02e1

FIG. 4 Schematic of Conductive PE Geomembrane Leak Detection System

tested. For example, small, hand-held detectors are used in moisture, but it does not have to be saturated with water. It
confined areas and large detectors can be used on large, open requires an electrically conductive layer below the geomem-
areas. brane. The most common implementation of this method is to
5.4.1 Features—The main advantages of this technique are: make dipole measurements using two moving electrodes
this is the only system that utilizes a conductive grounding spaced a constant distance apart. Pole measurements can also
layer that is an integral part of the membrane being tested thus be made by making potential measurements on the protective
eliminating the issue of inconsistent grounding; it can be soil cover using one moving electrode referenced to a second
performed during construction; no water pumping is required; distant electrode. The data can be taken on a grid or at regular
current flow is miniscule; primary and secondary liners can be points along parallel survey lines. The data can be plotted in the
tested; all slopes can be tested; it can detect leak paths smaller field and analyzed to locate areas with a characteristic leak
than 1 mm. The rate of testing depends on the type of signal. The data can be analyzed in raster data form or using
equipment used. Using a 2-m wide brush, travelling at 3 to 5 contour plots.
km/h, the rate can be up to 500–1,500 m2/h. Repairs can be 5.5.1 Features—This method has the distinct advantage of
performed immediately upon location of a leak path. The setup locating potential leak paths that are made during the emplace-
time required is approximately 30 min. ment of the protective soil layer. These construction damage
5.4.2 Limitations—The presence of wrinkles and waves and leaks have been found to be prevalent type of damage to
steep slopes inhibits the survey speed. This technique cannot geomembranes that are difficult to detect during construction
be used during stormy weather. The location of leak paths with activities. This technique can be used in wet conditions. With
the protective granular layer covering the liner is not possible. proper signal sampling, this technique can locate small leaks,
It is not the intention of this method to replace traditional typically as small as 3 mm. The signal amplitude and distinct-
non-destructive testing of seams since a conductive path ness decreases as the measurements are made at greater
through the conductive layer on the bottom of the upper flap of distances, so proper signal more distant is proportional to the
a fusion weld seam must be conducted with a lower voltage amount of electrical current flowing through the leak. The
and lower leak detection sensitivity. survey rate depends on the sampling density of the measure-
5.5 The Soil-Covered Geomembrane System—This method ments. If the measurements are made too far apart, smaller
tests the geomembrane after the protective soil layer is em- leaks can be missed. The rate of testing also depends on data
placed. As shown in Fig. 5, it is similar to the water-covered acquisition methodology and whether the data interpretation is
geomembrane method except the geomembrane is covered accomplished in the field. The approximate survey rates for a
with soil during the survey, and point-by-point measurements survey taking one measurement every square meter is 400 to
are made on the surface of the soil. The soil must have some 1,000 m2/h per person, including establishing the survey lines

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 D 6747 – 02e1

FIG. 5 Schematic of Soil-Covered Geomembrane System

and including data interpretation. Setting up the equipment and soil has to be scraped away at the measurement points. The
electrodes typically requires 1 to 2 h. presence of large leaks may influence the detection of small
5.5.2 Limitations—A limitation of this method is that the leaks in their vicinity.
soil surface must have some moisture to make adequate 5.6 The Grid System—This permanent system has been
electrical contact with the soil. In cases where the surface of developed to monitor leaks under the lined bottom and final
the soil is desiccated, the soil must be wet with water, or the dry cover of landfills. It requires an electrically conductive grid of

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electrodes below the geomembrane as shown schematically in large amount of wire needed for large grids, the system is
Fig. 6. The leaks are located by taking potential measurement usually installed in smaller sections. It cannot be used during
via a widely spaced grid of electrodes under the lined area. The construction phase.
collected data are then processed to determine the distribution
of the current density that best reproduces the observed voltage 6. System Functionality or Calibration
data. 6.1 A realistic test of the leak detection sensitivity should be
5.6.1 Features—The system is used principally as a perma- performed and documented as part of the leak location survey.
nent monitoring system. It can alert an operator on a continu- An actual or artificial leak simulator can be used.
ous or sequential period basis. The technique permits isolating 6.2 For the water puddle and water lance systems, an
the general location of a leak. It can be used under cover soil artificial leak consists of a leak path of a specified size in an
and with waste stored in the application. Telemetry can be used electrical conductor (1 mm recommended) that is connected to
for remote and/or ongoing monitoring. The maximum area of the material under the geomembrane with an insulated wire.
testing per station (comprising of 130 to 200 electrodes) is The leak location equipment and procedures should be dem-
approximately of 10,000 m2 with a 5 to 12 min per scan done onstrated to be able to detect the artificial leak when water is
by one person. covering the potential leak path on the geomembrane.
5.6.2 Limitations—The main limitation is related to the 6.3 For a water-covered geomembrane, an artificial leak
placing of the electrodes under the floor area. Because of the consists of a leak path of a specified size in an electrical

FIG. 6 Schematic of Permanent Monitoring System

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conductor (1 mm recommended) that is connected to the 7.1.1 Subgrade restrictions (conductivity, moisture content,
material under the geomembrane with an insulated wire. The etc.),
artificial leak is then submerged in the water on the geomem- 7.1.2 Geosynthetics underneath or above the geomembrane,
brane. The leak location equipment and procedures should be 7.1.3 Uncovered material restrictions (waves, wrinkles,
demonstrated to be able to detect the artificial leak when the steep slopes, etc. ),
leak is midway between sweeps of the leak location probe. The 7.1.4 Cover material restrictions (conductivity, water satu-
leak location survey procedures must be such that the leak ration, etc.),
location sensor sweeps are no further apart than the sweep 7.1.5 Water requirement (depth necessary, quantity of water
spacing as that used to demonstrate the leak detection capabil- needed, bottom slope),
ity. 7.1.6 Protruding accessories (pipes, steel bars, access plat-
6.4 For a soil-covered geomembrane, the artificial leak (size forms, etc.),
7.1.7 Economic factors, and
of 3 mm recommended) is buried in the protective soil cover at
7.1.8 Intent of test.
the depth of the geomembrane. The leak location equipment
and procedures should be demonstrated to be able to detect the 8. Reporting
artificial leak when the leak is midway between the measure- 8.1 The CQA report should contain the following param-
ment points on the surface of the protective soil. The leak eters:
location survey procedures must be such that the measurements 8.1.1 Description of the survey site,
are made no further apart than those used in the leak detection 8.1.2 Climatic conditions,
test. 8.1.3 Type of geomembrane,
6.5 For electrical conductive geomembrane, the leak loca- 8.1.4 Cover material description,
tion equipment (the mobile brush) and procedures should be 8.1.5 System and specific conditions of survey,
demonstrated to be able to detect the artificial leak on the 8.1.6 Type, location and size of detected potential leak
geomembrane. paths,
8.1.7 Map of the surveyed areas, and
7. Considerations 8.1.8 Survey on repaired areas if desired.
7.1 In selecting one of the many systems described in 9. Keywords
Section 5, the following considerations must be taken into 9.1 electrical leak location system; geomembrane; leak
account: detection

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