SENSOR DDS^® - Technology Trusted by the Whole World

Sensor is one of the global leaders in the field of detection and precise location of geomembrane leaks. Since 1990, it has been developing and deploying advanced SENSOR DDS^® systems that protect the environment, water resources and critical infrastructure in demanding industries - from landfills, hydraulic structures and the mining industry to the oil, gas, energy, agricultural and construction sectors. The company’s technologies have been used in more than 49 countries worldwide, on more than 1,700 projects, and protect more than 17 million m² of geomembranes.

Sensor is a global leader in the field of detection and precise location of geomembrane leaks. For more than 35 years, it has been developing and deploying SENSOR DDS® technology, which helps protect the environment in industries such as water management, mining, landfills and construction. The company’s solutions have been implemented in countries around the world.

World leader in leak detection for geomembranes and waterproofing - ELL since 1990

Sensor DDS® since 1990

Tailings Dam

Exposed and Covered Liner Integrity Testing on Tailings Dams in Mining

A tailings dam in the mining industry is an engineered embankment used to store mine tailings, mining waste or other by-products after ore has been separated from waste rock. Solid waste materials are often used as part of the tailings dam structure itself.

For this reason, environmental protection around the dam should be the highest priority. SENSOR DDS® technology should always be used to prevent toxic material from leaking from the tailings dam into the subgrade and subsequently contaminating groundwater. Liner integrity testing after installation is carried out using SENSOR DDS® MIT. After the geomembrane liner is covered with a drainage layer, we then use the SENSOR DDS® Mobile dipole method.

Global Leader Since

Arc Tester - SENSOR DDS® MIT and SENSOR DDS® Mobile Dipole Method

General project information:

Total area: 283,000 m²
1.5 mm HDPE geomembrane liner
Drainage/protective layer: 500 mm gravel
Arc Tester SENSOR DDS® MIT was used for exposed geomembrane inspection
SENSOR DDS® Mobile was used for covered geomembrane inspection

During liner integrity testing on a tailings dam at a gold mine, we identified a total of 132 leaks and liner defects. Most of them were cuts or poor-quality extrusion welds. However, cigarette burns were also a very common type of damage.

The average daily performance reached 9,500 m² per technician. Due to the specific conditions of the project, repeated team mobilization to the site was required.

Geomembrane Integrity Analysis After Cover Layer Installation

After verification of the exposed geomembrane integrity and subsequent installation of the drainage layer, a secondary inspection of the entire area was carried out using the SENSOR DDS® Mobile method. This diagnostic inspection was performed to detect damage that may have occurred during the backfilling process.

The inspection identified a total of 102 leaks. The analysis confirmed that more than 50% of the defects were punctures caused by penetration of sharp-edged aggregate. This type of damage occurs as a result of extreme vertical pressure and shear forces from heavy machinery acting directly on the geomembrane surface.

A critical factor was the rotation of tracked vehicles in place, which led to extensive linear damage several metres long.

Tailings Dam

Exposed and Covered Liner Integrity Testing on Tailings Dams in Mining

Arc Tester - SENSOR DDS® MIT and SENSOR DDS® Mobile Dipole Method

Geomembrane Integrity Analysis After Cover Layer Installation

Comprehensive Services by SensorGroup

Periodic Waterproofing Monitoring

Continuous Waterproofing Monitoring

Covered Geomembrane Testing

Exposed Geomembrane Arc Testing