Often used in conjuction with geomembrane lined storage ponds, floating covers are a very good choice for potable or wastewater liquid storage applications. Life expectancy of a floating cover can exceed 20 years.
There are 3 main components of a Floating Cover Design: Cover Material, Ballast Tubes and Encapsulated Floats.
- Cover Material: As the floating cover will likely be exposed, the greatest area of degredation is UV exposure. Thus it is important to use a high quality UV resistant material such as Polyropylene, XR-5 or Hypalon.
- Ballast Tubes: These tubes are fastened to the top of the cover material and are used in the middle of the cover and out to the corners. The weights cause the cover to be in tension, thus forcing the rain water to the sumps as well as allowing controlled walk surfaces around the covered area.
- Encapsulated foam floats: Floats are located parallel to the ballast tubes and other places for common walkways.
Other Design Options include: Access hatches, air vents, and sump pumps.
Advantages:
- Chemical Stability — as the liquid is completely covered it is kept more chemically stable thus provided for cleaner water with less chemical use.
- Odor Containment — greatly reduces wastewater ‘odors’ from the surrounding environment.
- Low Maintenance – Only routine inspections and periodic cleaning (based on the containment location and storage liquid.)
This information is provided for reference purposes only and is not intended as a warranty or guarantee. LCSI assumes no liability in connection with the use of this information.
Floating Cover - XR-5 Design Specification (CSI format) 
