ASTM_D_5641_-_D_5641M_-_16.pdf

Designation:D5641/D5641M16Standard Practice forGeomembrane Seam Evaluation by Vacuum Chamber1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5641/D5641M;the number immediately following the designation indicates theyear of original adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of lastreapproval.A superscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This practice covers procedures to perform nondestruc-tive quality control testing described in Practice D4437/D4437M and Practice D4545 for evaluating the continuity ofall types of geomembrane seams using the bubble emission orvacuum chamber method.1.2 The technique described in this practice is intended foruse on geomembrane seams,patches,and defects.1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound unitsare to be regarded separately as standard.The values stated ineach system may not be exact equivalents;therefore,eachsystem shall be used independently of the other.Combiningvalues from the two systems may result in non-conformancewith the standard.1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D4437/D4437M Practice for Non-destructive Testing(NDT)for Determining the Integrity of Seams Used in JoiningFlexible Polymeric Sheet GeomembranesD4439 Terminology for GeosyntheticsD4545 Practice for Determining the Integrity of FactorySeams Used in Joining Manufactured Flexible SheetGeomembranes(Withdrawn 2008)3E515 Practice for Leaks Using Bubble Emission Techniques2.2 E.P.A.Documents:EPA/530/SW-91/051 Inspection Techniques for the Fabri-cation of Geomembrane Field Seams43.Terminology3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.1.1 geomembrane,nan essentially impermeable geosyn-thetic composed of one or more synthetic sheets.(See Termi-nology D4439).3.1.2 seam,nthe connection of two or more pieces ofmaterial by mechanical,chemical,or fusion methods to pro-vide the integrity of a single piece of the material.3.1.3 vacuum chamber,na device that allows a vacuum tobe applied to a surface.3.1.3.1 DiscussionIn geomembranes,typical seams wouldinclude adhesive bonded,bodied chemical fusion welds;chemical fusion welds;dielectric;dual hot wedge;fillet extru-sion;flat extrusion;hot air;single hot wedge;and ultrasonic.(See EPA/530/SW-91/051.)NOTE1For definition of other terms used in this practice,refer toTerminology D4439.4.Summary of Practice4.1 The basic principle of this practice consists of creating apressure differential across a seam and observing for bubbles ina film of foaming solution over the low pressure side,withinthe vacuum chamber.The vacuum chamber has a viewing portthat allows observation of the seam area being tested.Thefoaming solution is applied to the surface to be tested and thevacuum chamber is placed over the test area.As the chamberis held firmly in place,vacuum is applied.Air leakage throughflaws in the test area cause bubbles in the foaming solution thatmay be observed.5.Significance and Use5.1 This practice is a nondestructive evaluation intended tobe used for quality control purposes during factory or fieldseaming of geomembranes.5.2 This practice may also be used to evaluate geomem-brane panels for holes that penetrate the entire thickness of1This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosyn-thetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes.Current edition approved July 1,2016.Published October 2016.Originallyapproved in 1994.Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D5641 94(2011).DOI:10.1520/D5641_D5641M-16.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.3The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced onwww.astm.org.4Available from the U.S.Government Publishing Office,732 N.Capitol St.,NW,Washington,DC 20401-0001,http:/www.gpo.gov.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 material.Limitations on the test practice are that it may not besuitable for uneven or curved surfaces,thick seams,seams incorners,and thin extensible geomembranes.6.Apparatus6.1 Vacuum PumpThe vacuum pump shall be fuel orelectric powered and capable of sustaining the requiredvacuum for the duration of the test.6.2 Vacuum GaugeThe vacuum gauge shall be capable ofregistering,as a minimum,to 10 psi 70 kPa in increments of34psi 5 kpa.6.3 Calibration and AdjustmentThe calibration of thevacuum gauge shall be checked and adjusted periodically,androutinely at a minimum of onc