Installation of a Protective Liner for Sludge Pits at the Kovykta Gas Condensate Field

At the Kovyktinskoye gas condensate field – the largest gas field in Eastern Russia, sludge ponds are being constructed under extreme natural and climatic conditions and are complicated by a shortage of inert materials, particularly sand. 

Sludge pits pose a serious threat to the environment due to the risk of toxic substances entering soils in the aeration zone and groundwater. 

The specialists at “TechPolymer” proposed an optimal technical solution for installing an anti-filtration liner on the bottom and slopes of excavations, which compensates for the shortage of construction materials and ensures reliable waterproofing of sludge pits.

The main elements of the technical solution are the “Hydromat 3D” geocomposite drainage mat STO 56910145-005-2011 and the waterproof geomembrane TU 2246-001-56910145-2014 (type 5/1 – a polymer sheet thermally bonded to a protective and drainage coating made of nonwoven geotextile). “Hydromat 3D” will be used as a cushion for the geomembrane.

even load distribution

The three-dimensional structure of «Hydromat 3D» acts as a cushion and compensates for the absence of the required underlying layer. This promotes more even pressure distribution on the geomembrane anti-filtration barrier and increases its resistance to puncture or deformation on an unprepared base.

effective moisture drainage

Drainage using «Hydromat 3D» prevents conditions that can cause microcracks and geomembrane damage under the effects of temperature fluctuations and mechanical loads resulting from frost heave.

environmental safety

Effective moisture drainage prevents the development of microorganisms and rotting, thereby reducing the negative impact on the environment.

The use of the TechPolymer technical solution in constructing the pit liners at the Kovykta gas condensate field minimised the risk of environmental pollution, offset the shortage of inert materials, and reduced logistics costs.