Geosynthetics June/July 2022 - 33

This brings us to linear low-density
polyethylene (LLDPE), which presents
the most compliant, workable and costeffective
material for temporary AST
industrial applications. In the 1980s, a
need arose for more flexible materials
for industrial applications. Expanding
on the benefits of HDPE successes,
resin and sheet manufacturers worked
to improve the compounds involved
in manufacturing polyolefin sheets. In
short, the idea was to retain the high
chemical resistance characteristics of
HDPE and create a cost-effective nonreinforced
material that could be factory
welded and fabricated. By adjusting the
polymers and additives involved and
decreasing the density, LLDPE showed
high stress-crack resistance and excellent
elongation, flexibility, extreme cold
weather durability and workability.
These characteristics make LLDPE ideal
for AST liner applications.
While clean water poses no concerns
for chemical compatibility, flowback
water from drilling operations contains
chemicals, hydrocarbons and additives
that can damage the liner. The proprietary
nature of many drilling fluids
makes obtaining information and safety
data sheets on the liquids for continued
study challenging. While many states
have mandated chemical disclosures,
many have not, leaving the need for a
liner compatible with a broad spectrum
of chemical and hydrocarbon tolerances.
With the high chemical resistance of
LLDPE, as well as its suitability for factory
welding/fabrication and testing, it
will continue to be the most compliant
and cost-effective solution now and in the
immediate future for these applications.
Conclusion
While the AST market has significantly
evolved over the last 20 years, it is partnerships
between the O&G producers,
tank installers, factory liner fabricators
and field liner manufacturers that have
made fracking containment the safe and
environmentally sound application it is
today. By eliminating the need for field
fabrication, solving field and weather
issues, and simplifying the design to
allow for factory-fabricated and tested
tapered liners to go in round tanks, significant
strides in safety have been made.
Increased vetting of the chemical compatibility
of short-term containment liners is
needed. With the advent of higher-quality
LLDPE resins, as well as increased training
of installers on proper procedures, the
O&G industry has done an excellent job
of providing a safe and sound frac tank
containment solution. G
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Geosynthetics June/July 2022

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