How New ASTM Standards Impact Geomembrane Welding

Leister Insight16 Sept 2024

In the realm of geomembrane welding, precision and reliability are paramount. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has been a cornerstone in setting benchmarks for quality and performance.

Author: Eddie Weiser, Technical Sales Engineer, BL GEO Marketing

Recent additions to the ASTM standards–D8580-24 and D8468-23–introduce new guidelines that elevate the industry’s standards for geomembrane welding. Leister, stands at the forefront of these advancements, ensuring that their equipment not only meets but exceeds these new standards.

ASTM D8580-24: Elevating Wedge Welding Practices

The newly published ASTM D8580-24 provides a comprehensive framework for wedge welding of polymeric geomembranes. This standard is designed to enhance the quality and consistency of welds by setting clear parameters for the welding process and equipment. Key highlights of this standard include:

Comprehensive Parameter Display: Welding devices must exhibit all three critical welding parameters–temperature, speed, and pressure–ensuring that operators can closely monitor and adjust settings in real time.
Closed-Loop Control Systems: Heat and speed must be controlled by closed-loop systems, which enhances precision and consistency throughout the welding process.
Pressure Accuracy: Accurate pressure readings are crucial for achieving high-quality welds, and these standard mandates that welding machines display pressure with precision.
Equipment Design: Welding machines should be designed without sharp edges that could potentially damage the geomembrane, ensuring a smooth and effective welding process.
Data Acquisition: The inclusion of a data acquisition system is recommended to support quality control and provide valuable insights during the welding operation.

Leister’s welding equipment is engineered to align perfectly with these requirements. Our machines offer integrated displays for welding parameters, advanced closed-loop control systems, and precise pressure readings. Additionally, our equipment design prioritizes safety and efficiency, eliminating sharp edges and including robust data acquisition features.

ASTM D8468-23: Enhancing Data Recording for Quality Assurance

The ASTM D8468-23 standard introduces rigorous protocols for data recording during thermal fusion welding of geomembranes. This standard focuses on:

Minimum Data Requirements: Establishing the essential data that must be recorded during welding to ensure thorough quality control and detect any anomalies.
Post-Welding Analysis: Using recorded data for comprehensive post-welding analysis, allowing for the verification that welds meet the required quality levels.

Leister’s commitment to quality is reflected in our advanced data recording capabilities. Our equipment is designed to seamlessly integrate with data acquisition systems, providing detailed records of every welding operation. This feature is crucial for both quality control and post-welding analysis, ensuring that all projects adhere to the highest standards of performance.

Leister: Pioneering Excellence in Geomembrane Welding

By aligning with the latest ASTM standards, Leister reinforces its position as a leader in geomembrane welding technology. Our equipment is not only compatible with the new guidelines but is also designed to help customers stay ahead of industry requirements. Investing in Leister welding machines means investing in reliability, precision, and future-ready technology.

For customers, this means enhanced capability to handle projects that specify these new standards, ensuring both compliance and superior performance. As the geomembrane industry evolves, Leister remains dedicated to supporting its clients with cutting-edge solutions that meet and exceed the latest ASTM standards.

In summary, the new ASTM standards D8580-24 and D8468-23 mark a significant advancement in geomembrane welding, and Leister is proud to lead the way with equipment that meets these enhanced criteria. With our technology, customers can achieve the highest levels of welding quality and efficiency, ensuring the success of their projects and contributing to a sustainable future.

Links Download ASTM standards:

D8580-24
D8580 Standard Practice for Wedge Welding of Polymeric Geomembranes (astm.org)

D8468-23
D8468 Standard Practice for Data Recording Procedure for Welding Devices Used to Produce Thermal Fusion Welds in Geomembrane Systems (astm.org)