Journal "Exposition. Oil. Gas", No. 5 (98), September 2023
Concrete placement, installation of reinforced concrete channels or steel “half-pipes” for organizing water flows, waterproofing structures, and protecting slopes from washout and erosion are traditionally considered standard solutions. However, the specifics of constructing trenches and water flows using conventional methods require heavy machinery and mixing equipment. In hard-to-reach areas and under the large temperature fluctuations typical of oil and gas facilities, concrete placement becomes impractical, while transporting reinforced concrete channels increases logistics costs.
Given the specific conditions of technology application at oil and gas fields, it is necessary to select the most reliable and cost-effective solution from the wide range available on the market.
The technical solution for forming channels and drainage systems, protecting slopes, and waterproofing using concrete canvas СТО 56910145-025-2017 provides a range of significant advantages when carrying out the work:
- water resistance of the structure;
- crack resistance and durability of the structure;
- resistance to UV radiation, alkalis, acids, and petroleum products;
- rapid installation under any conditions;
- ease of transportation.
Concrete canvas is a roll geocomposite material consisting of layers of nonwoven geotextile stitched together and filled with a dry concrete mix. It can be easily folded and cut. When wetted and subsequently dried, the material forms a strong waterproofing coating of the required shape and accommodates sharp bends. Concrete canvases are manufactured in standard thicknesses of 5, 8, and 13 mm; the roll width is 2 m, and the roll length is 20 m.
Experience with the technology
We will demonstrate the replacement of traditional drainage solutions with concrete canvas using the construction of a section of drainage ditch at the water intake facility of ООО «Иркутский завод полимеров» as an example.
For pilot commercial operation, as part of cooperation with the Irkutsk Oil Company, 8 mm-thick T8 concrete canvas was supplied.
In June 2023, a pilot section of the drainage ditch was installed at the construction site. The concrete canvas strips were laid with overlaps in the direction of water flow, secured along the top of the ditch using anchors, and connected to each other with self-tapping screws. Upon completion of the installation, the system was flushed with water.
Based on the installation and operation results, a Certificate was issued recommending T8 Concrete Canvas as a replacement for the reinforced concrete channels specified in the design.
Concrete canvases have been successfully used for constructing surface drainage systems in the Irkutsk Region (the “Baikal R-258” road), the Kurgan Region (the R-254 road), and the Zabaykalsky Krai (the A-350 road), among others.
