Active geocomposite binds contaminants

HUESKER Synthetic has introduced a new range of active geocomposites. The Tektoseal Active product family combines the advantages of geotextiles with proven reliable pollutant ad- and absorbers. Depending on the contamination situation, the customized filter binds oils, heavy metals or PFAS, among others, and allows cleaned water to pass through.

Tektoseal Active is suitable for virtually any contamination situation and surface treatment. "It's a fairly specific product range with a whole range of binders that we tailor to the problem," says Joris van den Berg of HUESKER Synthetic. "This makes it a very reliable solution. The product an sich consists of two geotextiles connected together with in the core a certain absorbent or adsorbent layer as a binder. So it is a product that we have on the shelf. The issues on the project determine the composition and product design."

Isolate contaminants

Applications of Tektoseal Active include realizing a "soil protection" for temporary tank sites at construction sites - making puddling a thing of the past, as an oil curtain in water or as a permeable filter layer on a water bottom. "With a heavily contaminated water bottom, you can choose to dredge, but then you pull the bottom loose with the risk of the contamination spreading further. The alternative is to cover the water bottom with Tektoseal Active with which you isolate the pollution. The product is water-permeable, so the water balance remains intact. Forever," Van den Berg clarifies. "It is also extremely suitable for passive cleaning of contaminated soil at landfill sites. By depositing the contaminated soil on an active geocomposite, the soil is cleaned naturally by rainwater, without posing a risk to the surroundings and the environment."

Proof of concept

Active geocomposites are tailored to the local problem. This means that HUESKER Synthetic always goes through a short step-by-step plan before deployment. "We analyze the situation on site and coordinate expectations. Based on that, we create a proof of concept that is tested in our laboratory," Van den Berg explains. "That ultimately results in a product that can be easily laid (floating or sinking) and is effective for the long term at that specific location. Finally, as HUESKER Synthetic, we not only supply the product but also provide guidance and supervision of the installation."

Van den Berg says the uniqueness of the Tektoseal Active production family is the rapid action of the product. "The water flows through it and the contamination is picked up immediately. Even in groundwater, it does not form a barrier. The filter binds quickly enough for the application, does not inhibit and is stable. It has also been independently tested and certified as a binder for oil, PFAS and other heavy metals. Finally, we also supply an EcoLine variant composed of reclaimed raw materials."