Portable spill bunds are easy to use

When a spill bunds or leak happens, its not just the inconvenience and cost of the cleanup that a company or individual will have to face. The EPA will also investigate and can impose additional fines, conditions and other restrictions that are deemed appropriate to the scale of the offence. So any spill is not only damaging to the environment, but can be a costly exercise that will waste much productive time.

 

Because the EPA covers such a broad range of areas, they have at their disposal and number of regulatory tools to help the enforce the law, including:

• Formal warnings
• Licence conditions
• Notices and directions
• Mandatory audits
• Enforceable undertakings
• Legally binding pollution reduction programs
• Prosecutions

Fabric Solutions Australia is a provider of portal spill bunds. These are used in variety of areas where the potential for contamination may occur. Uses include:

• Wash down applications
• Servicing or storing plant and equipment
• Drive on and off fuel transfers
• Storage of drum and containers

Portable spill bunds are particularly useful as they are re-usable and easy to re-locate. They can be bought “off the shelf” or readily customized to suit individual applications as required. So don’t chance the costly expense that a spill will incur (and likely fine), make sure your site is properly protected.

For More Detail About Pool Visit:- Pool Care

Uses for Dam Liners and Geomembranes

Geomembrane – any membrane that is impermeable or very low permeable synthetic membrane liner or barrier. Used with soils, rocks or other geotechnical material in order stop the migration of fluids (or gases in some cases) from the containment area. The geomembrane is used either as a containment barrier, a lining or as capping to minimise evaporation. Dam Liners and pond liners are two very common examples, however liners have much wider uses in commercial and mining industries such as landfill sites (both as a liner and as a cap), evaporation ponds, rain water harvesting etc.

Geomembranes are typically made from flat polymer sheets, usually EPDM, PVC, Polyethylene (high and low) or Polypropylene. These are the most common materials however are other compounds and mixes are sometimes utilised.

In the case of dam liners, the use is a last resort for farm dams where other methods of sealing the dam have either failed or are not practical. Dams are typically built on clay based soil and then sealed with a clay like bentonite, sodium or gypsum. However whenever soil conditions are not ideal or where ground movement can occur, it is often necessary to consider a dam liner.

Farm dams, which only ever collected water for livestock and irrigation are about the only types of dams that typically don’t use a liner. All other uses require a geomembrane liner and is considered mandatory, especially for mining and commercial applications, In fact anywhere where leeching of chemicals or untreated water into the environment is unacceptable.

Geomembranes are not only used underneath but can be used over the top as a cap. Capping can prevent both rain and other elements from entering the storage area. This is used extensively in landfill applications and material selection will depend on the base liner or the cap which are under different loads and different weather conditions.

Using an online Pond Liner Calculator to work out your Pond Liner Requirements

Ponds are a great addition to a home garden and can be made in a variety of ways to suit both your tastes and the surrounding environment. Many people choose dig our own pond as this gives them a lot of flexibility in designing the shape and size of the pond. These ponds need to be sealed and a pond liner is usually the easiest and cheapest choice.

When ordering your pond liner, you obviously want to make sure you have enough! Luckily to calculate the amount required is quite simple. It is just the maximum size of the pond with the depth and edges added on. Also when installing the pond liner, it should never be stretched, so it doesn’t hurt to allow for a little extra.

For this example, lets assume our pond will end up being 3 metres long and 2 metres wide, and we want to have a maximum depth of 500 mm. We will allow an extra 300 mm along each edge. This gives us enough material to bury and conceal with rocks or paves and helps secure the pond liner in place. The edging will also prevent water from going over the top and running back in behind the pond liner. Using an online Pond Liner Calculator to work out your Pond Liner Requirements

Calculating Maximum Lengths for the Pond

To work out the total length take the pond length, add twice the maximum depth you want to have plus twice the amount of edging you want to use.

In our example of a 3m long x 2m wide pond at a maximum depth of 500 mm and with 300 mm edging the calculation becomes:

3m + 2 x 0.5m + 2 x 0.3m = 4.6m

Likewise for the width,

2m + 2 x 0.5m + 2 x 0.3m = 3.6m

So of a 3m x 2m pond, you should order a flat sheet at least 4.6 m x 3.6 m if you want to go to a maximum depth of 0.5 metres, with about 300 mm edging all the way around.

Even better, many pond suppliers offer a pond liner calculator, such as this one from Fabric Solutions (this is where the link should be http://www.fabricsolutions.com.au/pond-liner-calculator-page/) making it a simple as plugging in the numbers.

Lastly, before you make your pond, check with local council or authorities on any restrictions or requirements before you order.

Hayman Island Swimming Pool Renovation

The magnificent pool that is the key feature to Hayman Island was part of a refurbishment project. The pool is equal in size to 7 Olympic sized pools, and is the largest in swimming pool in the southern hemisphere. This luxurious pool forms part of the pool wing where visitors staying in the pool rooms can have direct access to the pool.

The pool was recently part of a major renovation and rebranding effort at Hayman Island Swimming Pool, being rebranded as a “One and Only” resort.

Fabric Solutions were selected in October 2013 to undertake the complex relining of the pool with a special heavy duty scrim reinforced swimming pool liner.

Because of the immense size of the project there were many complex hurdles that needed to overcome to deliver what the resort wanted in the time line required. These included:

1. The sheer size of the pool.
2. The complex shape due to it being integrated with some of the resort accommodation plus a large central island.
3. The resort is in the Whitsundays which is subtropical and subject to wet weather. Never a good proposition when all of the installation works needed to be done outside. Rain and wind can play havoc with installation.
4. Very tight time line for completion.
5. Working with and around other trades also involved in the renovation of the resort.

The initial step was to do a full survey of the pool to work out the shape and size of the pool liner needed. Mark Stewart of All Terrain Surveys was engaged to go to Hayman Island to do this. This was a little problematic as the pool was full as the resort was still operating at this time (closed 15^th January 2014).

Around 3 days was needed to survey the entire pool, after which the data was processed using state of the art software so that the pool liner could be shaped and designed.

The liner was manufactured in 10 large sections at Fabric Solutions’ Yatala factory which is then installed and sealed on site. The liner is manufactured in order to reduce the time on site and reduce the potential for weather interruptions.

Once the pool liner sections are shipped, at the same time the first group of installers leave to meet the semi trailer at Airlie Beech to catch the dedicated barge to Hayman Island. Preparation work is the first job on the list, with some concrete work and cutting a grove into the concrete structure to fix the top of the liner into, used to create the below water seal.

The weather was not kind and most days there was some rain. On one occasion, it rained for 3 days and this put around 150,000 litres of rain water into the pool. All that can be done is to hook up the pumps and then dry off the liner and keep going. This particular storm cost the team around 5 days in lost time. I guess this goes with the territory when you are working on a project in the open.

4.5 weeks after starting, we finally had all the sections joined and secured into the sealing groove at the top. Now, it was time to fill the pool. The pool volume is around 8.5 million litres, so it was decided to fill direct form the ocean. This in itself created issues as the large pumps brought in to do the filling could only pump during high tide as the suction pipes of the pumps were high and dry during low tide. After 2.5 days of high tide only filling and the pool was full.

It was time for the project weary install crew to pack up and head back to Brisbane. Another commercial liner install project completed on time, on budget and on spec by Fabric Solutions Australia.

How To Protect Your Pond Liner

When installing or building a pond there are 3 main methods to construction. Firstly you can buy a pre-fabricated pond shell made from either fibre glass or plastic. These are a very easy and quick way to get started with a pond. However you will be limited to size and shape of what is available. Some people chose to concrete form their ponds but this can be an expensive process. Lastly many people choose to dig our their own pond and line it with a pond liner.

When preparing a site for a pond and before fitting a pond liner, you will need to make sure the ground is smooth as possible and there are no rocks, protruding roots or any other sharp objects. Some people lay down about 50 mm of sand to make a firm base or alternatively you can use a geotextile underlay.

A Geo textile underlay adds a protective barrier between a liner and the surface it is being installed onto. Used not only with pond liners, it is regularly used with tank liners and dam liners, helping protect the liner against sharp objects like rocks as well as from intrusion from tree roots.

Geotextile underlay is usually recommended as it is a better alternative to sand. It can hinder root growth into the pond liner as well as being more flexible with ground movement.

A good geotextile underlay needs to have a couple of key properties:

1. It should be permeable, which means it lets water pass through it.
2. It needs to be designed to be laid against soil and dirty conditions, and needs to be rot resistant.
3. Finally in needs the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect or drain water that might be trapped under the pond lining.

Geotextile underlay material is also a great DIY solution, as its much easier and quicker to lay than sand. You can also install the underlay in sections, just overlapping the joins, which means you waste less by being able to utilise smaller pieces.

Typically made from mechanically bonded polypropylene needle punched material and usually comes in black, but can be bought in white or grey colours. This long lasting material is a recommended addition with making any small or large pond with a pond liner.

For More Information Visit:- Pond Liner

Spill bunds reduce risk of contamination and subsequent plant

Our population is growing, Industry is expanding & technology is changing. We can no longer ignore the impact industry has on our environment. Every step possible needs to be taken to protect the environment.

With the harsh chemicals and fuels being used on a daily basis there is a very real danger of spills leading to contamination of the surrounding environment. These spills may be minor such as a leak in a container or leaky fitting. It could also be more substantial such as equipment failure where the entire contents of the container are suddenly released.

When a chemical spill occurs, there are important steps that need to be taken to minimize the impact on the environment and limit the damage.

• Control the source of the spill – Where ever possible and practical steps must be taken to stop or minimize the spill. If a spray hose bursts turn off the appropriate valves to prevent further spillage. Consult the Material Data Sheet for guidelines (MSDS) Spill bunds and secondary containment systems are a great solution to minimize the damage of a spill.

• Contain the spill – It is vitally important to contain the spilled liquid or material in a confined area to prevent the substance from spreading over a wide area causing more damage. Minimize the risk and damage by using a spill bund. A spill bund will contain the spill. The spill should ideally be cleaned and cleared away as soon as possible to minimize damage. It is important to prevent any spill flowing into any body of water especially storm water drains.

• Isolate the area concerned (if appropriate) – Safety first! Access should be restricted and competent qualified personal should handle the cleanup operation. Ideally if the spill is particularity dangerous or toxic someone should be stationed at the spill site until the hazards materials are cleaned up.

• Contact the authorities (if appropriate) – If the spill enters drains, storm water drains, water ways or can damage the environment / pose a health threat to the public the fire brigade, Public health authorities or appropriate authorities should be notified as soon as possible.

• Clean up the spill – All protective measures need to be adhered to at all times.

Protective clothing and equipment need to be used to ensure personal safety of the individuals involved with the cleanup operation.

Spill bunds are a preventative measure that will contain spills and reduce the impact of spills on the environment. Spill bunds are custom made to required sizes and designed to contain the entire volume of material. They are cost effective solutions that can be reused if cared for and maintained properly.

Spill bunds reduce the risk of contamination and subsequent plant damage.

Once the spill is contained and cleared away it is advisable that the original vessel / Container are cleaned as part of the clean up procedure. The spill bund will contain the water residue until it the pumped out and disposed of safely.

Protection of our environment is paramount – it is the only one we have!

For More Information Visit: – Spill Bunds

Benefits of using Fabric Solutions Australia Pond Liner

A pond is generally defined as a body of standing water, either natural or man-made, that is usually smaller than a dam or lake. The technical distinction between a pond and a lake has not been universally standardised. Some say that the definition of a pond relates to depth that light can penetrate and support rooted plants, while other definitions are related to size (footprint) rather than depth or volume. The terms pond, lake and dam can often be used interchangeably.

A pond liner is generally thought to be an impermeable liner, often a geomembrane material that is used for water retention. These impermeable liners are used for the lining of lakes, garden ponds and artificial streams in parks and gardens.

Pond liners need to be protected from sharp objects (for example, sticks, roots and stones) below the liner and from being punctured by any objects in the water body. Liner protection can be provided with layers of sand, concrete, fibre-matting, geotextile and other materials.

Pond liners are manufactured in rolls and strips of liner can be seamed or welded together in a fabrication facility or on site. A number of flexible materials, such as PVC and EPDM, and polyethylene (LLDPE) can have their panels pre-fabricated together in the factory to fit the design shape of the pond.

The edge of the pond liner can be rolled over and secured in a trench or it can be fixed to a vertical wall made in brick or concrete. Box-shaped pond liners can be made for rectangular structures. The vast majority of flexible pond liners available commercially are manufactured of EPDM, butyl rubber or PVC, with LLDPE now being used more and more as it has become more commonly available.

Butyl Rubber and EPDM are relatively expensive but are very flexible, long lasting and mostly fish friendly. PVC and LLDPE are much cheaper but in many cases PVC is not fish friendly or does not have good long term UV resistance.

LLDPE has excellent UV resistance, is fish friendly and flexible albeit not as flexible as Butyl or EPDM.

A good quality pond liner will last many years but many of the lighter gauge (thin) and cheap pond liners have limited life, poor UV light resistance and potentially can kill fish, particularly the more sensitive breds like Koi fish.

For More Information Visit:-  Pond Liner

Pool Rollers by Fabric Solutions

Making your life easier and more pleasant. Spend less time working on your pool and more time in your pool

A pool roller simplifies the way to enjoy your pool cover. Fabric Solutions range of pool rollers are quick and easy to use and makes the process of removing and replacing the cover from the pool a simple one person operation.

You can also prolong the life of your pool blanket by using a pool roller to store your pool cover.

Fabric Solutions rollers are made from a stainless steel frame and then powder coated for added protection in coastal regions. Our range of rollers includes a wheel, handle and brake to ensure your blanket is easy to wind on and off. 

The heavy duty castor wheels allow for full mobility and they are easy to store away from the pool if necessary. Each roller comes with a fully adjustable strap system to fix to the blanket and a UV resistant over cover to protect your blanket from the sun’s rays whilst it is stored on the roller.

The low profile frame system is ideal for applications where the height is restricted i.e where the roller is placed in an enclosed area/box. Our rollers are compact, portable and are a great investment and addition to your pool.

For More Information Visit:- Pool Rollers

Why should I choose LLDPE material for my pond liner

With so many varieties of materials available to use in pond liners, it can become a daunting task to choose the right material to suit your particular application. A quality LLDPE material, or Lineal low Density Polyethylene, however ticks all the boxes associated with choosing the correct pond liner material.

A top quality LLDPE material, such as Enviroliner, is commonly available in three different thicknesses to suit nearly all pond liner applications, the three being the 0.5mm thick material, the 0.75mm thick material and the 1.0mm thick material.


All three materials are best suited for different makes of ponds, though all three are suitable in any domestic pond as they have high UV stability and are Potable grade, meaning that fish and other aquatic life can be safely housed in the pond with a quality LLDPE pond liner installed.

0.5mm LLDPE material is the best suited quality LLDPE material for smaller ponds due to the flexibility of the material. This means the pond liner is easier to install, though it is not as robust as the 0.75mm LLDPE or 1.0mm LLDPE materials. Unlike other flexible pond liner materials on the market, the 0.5mm LLDPE material is a cost effective solution to waterproofing that beautiful pond of yours.

The 0.75mm quality LLDPE material is the middle ground between the flexibility of the 0.5mm LLDPE material, and the robustness of the 1.0mm LLDPE material, and as such it is a very popular choice for pond liners. 0.75mm quality LLDPE material is best suited for medium to large sized ponds, though it can be used in smaller ponds depending on finished size of the liner sheet.

1.0mm quality LLDPE is the most robust of the three material thicknesses, and as such is mainly used in larger pond applications where the elements can be harsh.

The 1.0mm LLDPE material is more commonly used in dam liner applications, though it also has its place in large pond liner applications aswell. The 1.0mm LLDPE material is the stiffest material of the three, however it makes up for this by being the strongest and most durable thickness of the three, and as such it also has the greatest life expectancy.

For More Information Visit:- Pond Liner

Extend your travel time with a portable recreational fuel or water bladder

Boating, fishing or camping, you can enjoy longer trips away by conveniently storing extra fuel and water onboard with a custom made bladder.

Unlike rigid plastic and metal canisters, a bladder tank can be custom made to suit your vehicle, boat or even motorbike.

And when empty, they roll up to a fraction of the final fill size and weigh little compared to the final fill weight.

The flexibility of a bladder also means you can store them in recesses such as rear footwells, rear or side cargo areas, and many other places that would be hard to fit a rigid canister.

When considering a bladder, be it for fuel, water or some other liquid, make sure its fit for purpose. This means in the case of fuel, the material is rated to hold fuel and won’t leak or weep over time. Not all fuels are the same and for a fuel like unleaded petrol the bladder will have to be specially made if they are to last. In the case of water, the material should be a potable grade material, meaning it is water safe and will have no after taste from the material.

 Other points to look for when buying a bladder is to make sure:

1. It is puncture resistant, as you don’t want it leaking in the car!
2. Weather resistant – you will be outdoors after all
3. It is not cheaply produced, sealing and joining techniques such as heat or hf welding are much more stronger than a chemical or glue bonds.

Apart from fuel and water you can also store liquids like black and grey water.

Advantages here are the bladder will only fill as required, with no airspace.

This reduces contamination problems and means you only use the minimum amount of space needed.

Water and fuel bladders can be made in sizes to store liquids from 100 litres to 500 litres. You should always be aware of the amount stored, as a litre of liquid is roughly 1 kg of weight.

Finally, another great advantage of a bladder is that there is a great range of standard fittings that you can customise them with, such as:

1. Breather/Vents
2. Elbow fittings
3. Valves
4. Garden hose fittings
5. Barbed fittings
6. Skin fittings
7. Tie downs

So next time you plan a long camping trip consider taking a water or fuel bladder along for the ride and enjoy a longer time away.

For More Information Visit:-  Water Bladder

Bladders are an easy and economical way of storing your water

Even when space is land limited, you can still store water

Bladder tanks, when empty, roll up to a fraction of the final fill size and weigh little compared to the final fill weight. This means you can usually fit a bladder tank anywhere a person can get into. Bladder tanks are then the ideal solution for water storage where there is limited space. Bladder tanks are also called pillow tanks, rain water bladders or just water bladders.

The water bladder can also be made to the size and shape of the cavity, where it is long and thin or square, so you can capture more rainwater without taking up precious space. Also since the installation is usually out of sight.

So if you could make use of this wasted space, why wouldn’t you? Areas where there is no structural support and limited access can still be utilised with a bladder tank. Spaces might include an underneath house water tank or under a verandah or deck attached to the house. Other places can include sheds, stairwells, pool sheds and much more.

In both cases, the tank areas can be connected to the down pipes so rainwater can be collected and stored, with excess water diverted to the existing storm water drain.

There are two ways a bladder can be installed, either framed or unframed. Both installation methods have benefits:

Framed Bladder Tanks:

- You can store up to 20% more water for the same area, as the bladder can fill more water into the frame and harness

- A frame will set the size that the bladder can go to, preventing the bladder from filling too much and touching the part of the building structure.

-  The additional frame and components make this type of installation more expensive

Unframed Bladder Tanks:

- When not using a frame, reinforced material is used. This will not stretch like a framed bladder reducing the comparative capacity.

- As the bladder fills, so to will the footprint of the bladder increase, changing as the tank empties and fills

- This means that the bladder has to be set in place properly so that it doesn’t expand too much and touch part of the building. Bladders are    also more prone to shifting due to heavy rains or uneven ground.

-  It is always cheaper to install a bladder without a frame, and perfectly safe to do so.

When considering a bladder tank, make sure you see a professional manufacture like Fabric Solutions Australia, that way you will get the right expert advice. Remember every liter of water weights 1 kg, so a 1000 liter tank is one ton of weight, so make sure you get the installation right the first time and enjoy years of out of sight rain water collecting.

 For More Information Visit:-  Water Bladder Tanks

Tank liners for commercial and industrial uses

Extending the Life of a water tank

After many years of use, a water tank may start to slowly leak. This can be from a number of reasons. A concrete tank can gets cracks from small ground movements. A plastic tank may split at the seams over time or from UV degradation. Your options for repair will then depend on the type of tank you have.

               

Types of Tanks:

Concrete – a very solid construction, requiring good ground preparation. Bushfire proof and the only type of tank that can be placed in-ground. Concrete has a high thermal mass, naturally keeping stored water cooler as well as neutralizing acid in the water. Cooler water means much lower risk of algae blooms and other bacteria forming. However can be prone to cracking with ground movements. Tends to be the worst for overall environmental impact.

Poly Tank – a lighter more cost effective solution that is very popular in residential situations. Tanks are made from polyethylene in a variety of colours with minimal impact on the environment . The tanks are generally easy to maintain and are 100% recyclable. Poly tanks are very strong, won’t rust and less likely to crack than concrete tanks. Tanks come with a minimum 10yr guarantee, but tend to use BPA and UV inhibitors in the manufacturing process. Poly tanks also have a very low thermal mass, so water will warm on hot days, which can be an issue with bacterial growth.

Steel Modular Panel Tanks – long life span (usually a 20yr warranty) and keeps water cool. Comes in a range of styles and finishes, with a flat roof structure. Stainless steel tanks can also be considered the best environmentally, with almost 100% recyclability at end of life, but tends to be the most expensive.

When fixing a tank, there are only a few methods that can be be considered:

Application of a sealant

Pros – inexpensive for concrete tanks if done properly and is some cases the water won’t need to be drained before application.

Cons – will not generally work on poly tanks, and needs to be flexible to accommodate tank movement.

Welding (plastic or steel)

Pros – This is an effective way to repair poly tanks, as done properly the weld is about as strong as the original plastic.

Cons – need to remove water to make repairs, and join strength is dependent on the skill of the operator.

Use of a tank liner

Pros – very flexible and will move accommodate ground movements easily. Custom made to fit any tank. Usually comes with a 10yr guarantee. Will fit any almost any tank that is still structurally sound. Does not usually need the same level of preparation as applied coatings do. Also if you can get inside the tank, you can usually install the liner yourself.

Cons – you will have to empty the tank. Must be careful with abrasive surfaces as it is possible to puncture lining.

For More Information Visit:- Tank Liner

Secondary containment liner or portable spill bund

Don’t Let One Spill Ruin Your Day

In this new age of safety, it is important to remember legal and moral obligations to provide and keep a safe work place. When hazardous chemicals and liquids are being used, it is very important to take a pro-active approach to managing potential spills. One spill can literally ruin your whole day with the cost and effort that goes into the clean up. Prevention is then the answer.This is where spill containment liners become an important asset in the workplace. Used in either permanent or portable applications, a spill containment liner will do as it suggests – contain a spill. Whether its water, fuel or some other substance, a contained spill is much easier and cheaper to clean up, and there is much less impact on the environment.

 

Secondary Containment liners are designed and used as a solution both for the permanent or temporary containment of liquids or substances that are potentially hazardous to the environment. A company like Fabric Solutions Australia can produce secondary containment liners to suit almost any situation for both. Temporary or permanent applications. Each secondary containment liner or portable spill bund is made to suit the application, with many different polymeric materials available, depending on the chemicals or contaminants involved.

Usage of a spill containment liner can be installed in large permanent areas such as fuelling stations, but can also be utilised in smaller applications with a spill bund, such as with generators, compressors and other onsite machinery that uses potentially hazardous liquids or substances.

Drive over models are also available and can have either foam filled sides or collapsible sides depending on application.

Spill bunds also come with a wide array of options, including:

• The fitting of drain points and/or collection sumps

• Supplied with protective groundsheets, floor inserts or wheel tracks available

• Can be custom made to whatever size and shape required

• For use in almost any terrain

So consider the use of a spill containment system on your worksite and don’t let one spill ruin your day.

For More Information Visit: – Portable Bund Liner

Secondary containment liner or portable spill bund

Don’t Let One Spill Ruin Your Day

In this new age of safety, it is important to remember legal and moral obligations to provide and keep a safe work place. When hazardous chemicals and liquids are being used, it is very important to take a pro-active approach to managing potential spills. One spill can literally ruin your whole day with the cost and effort that goes into the clean up. Prevention is then the answer.This is where spill containment liners become an important asset in the workplace. Used in either permanent or portable applications, a spill containment liner will do as it suggests – contain a spill. Whether its water, fuel or some other substance, a contained spill is much easier and cheaper to clean up, and there is much less impact on the environment.

 Secondary Containment liners are designed and used as a solution both for the permanent or temporary containment of liquids or substances that are potentially hazardous to the environment. A company like Fabric Solutions Australia can produce secondary containment liners to suit almost any situation for both. Temporary or permanent applications. Each secondary containment liner or portable spill bund is made to suit the application, with many different polymeric materials available, depending on the chemicals or contaminants involved.

Usage of a spill containment liner can be installed in large permanent areas such as fuelling stations, but can also be utilised in smaller applications with a spill bund, such as with generators, compressors and other onsite machinery that uses potentially hazardous liquids or substances.

Drive over models are also available and can have either foam filled sides or collapsible sides depending on application.

Spill bunds also come with a wide array of options, including:

• the fitting of drain points and/or collection sumps

• supplied with protective groundsheets, floor inserts or wheel tracks available

• Can be custom made to whatever size and shape required

• For use in almost any terrain

So consider the use of a spill containment system on your worksite and don’t let one spill ruin your day.

For More Information Visit: – Portable Bund Liner

Fabric Solutions Australia provide quality custom shape void liners

Often the desire for a water tank is left unmet due to space restrictions,. However in some cases even though you think you might not have the space for a standard rain water tank, you may unknowingly still have space for something similar. During the construction of commercial and domestic buildings, there are always little spaces or voids that can’t traditionally be utilised. If you could make use of this wasted space, why wouldn’t you?

While a tank takes up exterior space, a custom void liner can make use of empty building cavities by utilising that space for storage of water. Companies like Fabric Solutions Australia, aim to provide the highest quality custom shape void liners that are perfect for water storage use inside building cavities. These liners are an ideal solution for a waterproof coating as a flexible membrane can move with the building structure. Liners are also made from potable material that is algae resistant, so you know your water is stored safely.

Suitable building cavities and voids can be in areas such as underneath stairwells or inside a basement, basically any cavity that has some structural support and a person can fit into. Also many different types of lining material are available depending on the application, which means you may not be limited to just storing drinking water.

Areas where there is no structural support and limited access, can still be utilised with a bladder tank. Areas might include the underneath of decks or even the house. In both cases, the tank areas can be connected to the down pipes so rainwater can be collected and stored, with excess water diverted to the existing storm water drain.

For More Information Visit:- Void Liners

Main Features of Secondary Containment Systems

Secondary Containment: – Secondary containment is a safeguard measure used to prevent accidental releases or spills of toxic or hazardous substances to the environment (water, soil & air). Secondary containment can be a structure that is chemically compatible to hold a release and remain liquid tight until clean up occurs. Secondary containment can also be an engineered means to redirect a spill away from water or other sensitive receptor to a temporary diversion system.Even the most safety conscious organisation can have an emergency, and preparing for one will depend on what hazardous substances you use and store.

If you store large amounts of hazardous substances, you will need secondary containment to minimise the extent of the spill and to help you recover the spilled substance.

The secondary containment system prevents hazardous liquids, or hazardous substances that may liquefy in a fire, from escalating to a point where staff at the site, the public, or the environment can be harmed.

The capacity of the secondary containment system depends on the type of container and the amount of hazardous substance stored.

What needs secondary containment?

Secondary containment requirements are not straightforward and regulatory guidance is not black and white. This is a good thing, because secondary containment should be adjusted to match site specific conditions without unnecessarily increasing project costs.

You typically expect the following materials and work activities to always have secondary containment:

• Fuel tanks
• Fuel transfer activities, for both mobile and stationary areas
• Volumes of stored or used liquid located adjacent/up gradient to water, where there is a reasonable potential of a worst case scenario spill could reach water. Examples such as:

1. Large volumes stored in drums and tanks
2. Large volumes used in large generators and pumps, hydraulic power packs
3. Moderate volumes located directly near water or unprotected drainage system that directly discharges to water

• Storage of material that may potentially pose a threat to human health or the environment that is not in constant or regular daily use

Consider the following factors when making a judgment call relating to secondary containment:

1. Surrounding environment

2. Timeframe in use

3. Condition of equipment

4. Security and vandalism

5. Weather

6. Available manpower

7. Equipment and materials

For More Information Visit: – Secondary Containment

COST OF CONTAMINATION OF OUR GROUND AND WATER

The release of stored chemicals through leaks and spills can lead to the contamination of soils, surface and ground waters. Surface water and groundwater may mobilise pollutants from many different sources and may, therefore, contain a variety of contaminants. Water that becomes contaminated with pollutants from land sources can reach surface and coastal waters via runoff from rain. Polluted surface waters can filter down to groundwater and may seep slowly for long distances, and over time eventually emerge into rivers, springs or wetlands.

Contaminated water can also infiltrate land to an extent where the land itself becomes contaminated to a level that some form of remediation would be required. Soil can also be contaminated through direct discharges of pollutants, which in turn may result in water pollution.

Water, soil and land contamination have a direct impact on human health, ecological health and land uses. This contamination can also have significant financial impacts for industry and the community because of the high clean-up costs.

Where contamination also affects surrounding properties, the owner or occupier of the premises causing the contamination may be liable for third-party damages and these can be significant.

Preventing leaks, monitoring and early detection minimises the potential for widespread contamination and avoids expensive clean-up operations for industry.One of the best products to eliminate the potential of pollution is the use of a bunding system.

WHAT IS A BUND?

A bund is an embankment or wall of brick, stone, concrete or other impervious material, which forms the perimeter and floor of a compound and provides a barrier to retain liquid. Since the bund is the main part of a spill containment system, the whole system (or bunded area) is colloquially referred to as the ‘bund’. Bunds should be designed to contain spillages and leaks of liquids used, stored or processed above ground.Bunds can be of permanent such as around storage tanks, or temporary where the storage is short to medium term.

Some of the applications that may require temporary storage would be:-

General spill containment

Oil and gas industry

Wash down applications where contaminated water must be collected

Truck and car wash bays

Routine servicing of vehicles and plant equipment.

For More Information Visit: -   Bund Liner

Spill Bunds are crucial for many businesses

Portable Spill Bunds are crucial for many businesses. There is a growing legal and moral need for companies to become more socially responsible. Spill bunding liners, are an effective solution to safely contain hazardous liquids so that they cannot contaminate the environment

Fabric Solutions Australia has the experience and expertise to provide a bunding solution, FSA portable spill bunding is used for the containment of liquids as an environmentally sustainable option to prevent contamination or pollution. Most common uses are for the containment of spills and leaks such as hydrocarbons and other potentially harmful chemicals.

 Our XR5 ® or RPVC (reinforced PVC) spill bunds are designed for both permanent and temporary containment of potentially hazardous liquids or gases. We can produce portable spill bunds to suit almost any situation. Many polymeric materials can be used depending on the chemicals or contaminants involved.

Bunding Applications:

• Spill containment
• Oil and gas industry
• Wash down applications where contaminated water must be collected
• Truck and car wash bays
• Routine servicing of vehicles and plant equipment
• Drive-on drive-off fuel transfer bunds
• Contamination prevention for a range of products
• Plant and equipment, such as generators, pumps or compressors

Features of Portable Spill Bunds:

• Reusable and relocatable
• Spill bunding can have either foam filled sides or collapsible sides
• Designed for quick and easy deployment
• Designed to be driven over
• Manufactured from a range of materials that are chemical and fuel resistant as well as oil and fat resistant
• Lightweight and easily stored when not in use (storage bags can be supplied if required)
• Can be fitted with drain points and/or collection sumps
• Easy to clean
• Available in a range of standard sizes for smaller application
• Can be manufactured to any size

Spill Bunding Material Options (depending on the end application):

The material used in a spill bund is very dependent on the application. Common materials for spill bunds are:

Reinforced PVC (RPVC)

Elvaloy, Aeon®” XR3® and XR5®

Polyethylene (PE)

Reinforced Polyethylene (RPE)

Reinforced Polypropylene (RPP)

Polyurethane (TPU)

For More Information Visit:- Spill Bund

Onion tank is easily transportable

What is an “Onion Tank” and where are they used?

An onion tank (show a picture) is an easily transportable, self erecting fluid storage “tank”.They are normally made form a heavy duty reinforced PVC for storage of water or more complex fabrics such as reinforced Elvaloy or urethane if the fluid is aggressive.

Onion bladder tanks are a unique short term portable tank solution designed to be able to take a tank to a remote or difficult location to be used for water or other liquid storage. Onion tanks are designed for on-going use and last a very long time when well looked after. Onion tanks are designed to be portable tanks that can be transported while empty, are easily deployed and then easily relocated as required.

 

Possible applications for onion water storage tanks include:

• Storage of water for fire fighting applications. Some have a top opening large enough to allow for fire fighting water buckets to be filled by helicopter.
• remote site water supply (such as drilling and exploration operations)
• temporary water storage that easily fits on the back of a ute or truck when packed (e.g. for swimming pool maintenance)
• temporary farm and rural water tanks that can be shifted as and when required
• spill containment particularly where fast deployment and filling of a tank are critical

Features:-

• No assembly required – the self supporting design allows for quick set-up and knock-down.
• Completely collapsible – the Onion Tank can be easily folded, taking up minimal storage space.
• Deployment anywhere – the low profile of the Onion Tank provides stability on slopes up to 5 degrees allowing deployment with minimal site preparation
• The unique flotation collar requires no inflation and is also capable of supporting a hose for top filling.
• Handles on the outside of the tank allow for quick set up and easy lifting and a handle on the inside of the tank allows it to be opened inside out for easy cleaning.
• Two 2” (50m) fill/drain ports, 180° apart provide the capability to discharge liquid quickly from either side of the tank.
• Low maintenance, easy to clean and repair.

Extras that can be purchased for an onion tank:

• Top covers
• Ground sheets
• Carry bags
• Custom fittings

For More Information Visit:-  Onion Tank

Liner and Pool Cover Material Thickness

Depending on where you are from you will have heard the terms mil, micron and millimetres to describe the thickness of pool, dam and pond liners as well as Pool Covers. Mil is an imperial US term, micron is a technical term that has been in use for a number of decades and millimetre is the proper metric way of stating a material thickness.

A simple ratio exists between them all:

1 Mil = 1/1000th of an inch = 0.0254 mm

1 micron is 1/1000 of a millimetre (mm)

 

Where did these terms come from? Some interesting History

Mil: -The use of Mil as equalling 0.024 inches in measuring and engineering was first used by Henry Ford as a better, consistant measuring system for his car parts. The Swedish inventor Carl Edward Johansson actually chose the relationship as it allowed switching between metric and imperial threads in a lathe by using wheels with 100 and 127 cogs on them. At this point in history there were many different “inch” lengths, and the development of the “standard inch” ended up taking about 30 years. The mil terms remains a purely American engineering term.

Metre and Millimetre:- The origin of the SI unit metre began in 1668 when the English cleric and philosopher John Wilkins proposed a decimal based unit of length. On the 27th of October 1790 the French Academy of Sciences suggested a basic unit of length equal to one ten-millionth of the distance between the North Pole and the Equator, to be called the metre. The first occurrence of metre in this sense in English dates to 1797.

Over the decades, this definition has been refined so now the current definition of a metre (or meter if are in the US) is the length that light will travel in a vacuum in 1/(299 792 458) of a second. Ok, enough of the nerdy stuff, so you have for example a 500 micron pool liner, what does this really mean? Using the above ratios, 500 microns is simply 0.5 mm or 20 mil

The Thickness of Pool Covers

The thickness of a pool cover is usually measured in microns, and does not include the bubble height. Common pool cover thicknesses are 250, 400, 500 and 600 microns. Typically the thicker the material, the longer it can withstand the Australian sun, but the heavier it will be.

The Thickness of Pool Liners

Pool liners are usually measured in mm, and the recommended thickness for an inground pool liner is 0.75 mm. For an above ground pool, 0.5 mm is the recommended thickness. While it is possible to buy thicker liners, remember that these are not always better as the tracking used to hold the liner in is usually only designed for a specific thickness. Becareful if you go thinner, this is because the material has to stretch into place, and below these thicknesses the material might become too thin where it stretches and is more likely to fail.

For More Information Visit:- Pool Liners