1. Product Description
In addition to professional design and installation, Layfield offers a complete line of inspection and maintenance services for your reservoir baffle curtain, and floating cover systems. Layfield offers inspection and maintenance programs that comply with the AWWA Reservoir Floating Cover Guidelines, where applicable. Timely inspection of the condition and operational effectiveness of a baffle or floating cover system will allow you to maintain the performance of the system and extend its service life to the maximum extent possible. The written report that Layfield provides with each inspection will document any deficiencies and provide recommended remedial actions to resolve these issues. A professional Layfield inspection will allow a facility owner to budget for major maintenance items and for the eventual replacement of the system when further maintenance is impractical. Inspection and maintenance are a critical component in the performance of any geosynthetic system and are a key element in facility operations.

2. Cover Maintenance and Inspection

Maintenance of potable water floating covers is usually a requirement of the authority having jurisdiction. Our most common activity is the regular cleaning of a potable water reservoir cover. We will come and evaluate the site, provide a quotation for services, and then clean and inspect the top surface of the cover. We inspect the complete cover surface after cleaning. We also inspect and maintain cable tensioners, pumps and sump areas, and make repairs.

Layfield can also provide periodic cleaning of potable reservoirs under the cover. We will inflate the cover of a drained reservoir and then go in and wash out sediment and inspect the cover and the base liner materials. Once cleaning is complete we can disinfect the inside of the reservoir using AWWA recommended methods.

Layfield provides regular inspection services and contract maintenance for all of its floating covers.

 

 

3. Floating Cover Inspections
Layfield’s professional inspection services are performed by experienced, qualified personnel. Maintenance is performed by trained technicians with the appropriate skills and equipment to do the job right. The inspection package for a floating cover includes a full visual inspection of the system to determine the integrity of the cover and particularly the seams. As geosynthetic fabrics age they often begin to show visible signs of wear. A sample of the fabric can be removed for laboratory testing and the affected area patched using patching methods approved by the fabric manufacturer. By removing a section of the cover and testing for physical properties a useful estimate of the remaining service life of the fabric can be determined.

Usually Layfield’s initial appraisal of a floating cover system involves a visual inspection and a thorough cleaning of the cover. Layfield’s technicians will wash down the liner, make repairs as needed, and provide a written report of the condition of the cover system.

4. Floating Cover Maintenance
A floating cover inspection will also examine the performance of the cover tensioning system. By maintaining proper tension on the cover and controlling slack the cover can be easily walked on for inspection and repair. Any deficiencies in cover tensioning, such as areas of insufficient tension, uncontrolled or lopsided tension will be noted. In certain cases remedial maintenance on the tensioning system may resolve these issues, but in the event the problem lies in the system design this situation will be described.

The drainage of surface water is another major area that can cause problems in a cover system. Cleaning and maintenance of the pumping, sump system, and drains can restore rainwater removal systems to proper operation.

A visual inspection will generally locate most holes in the cover. Hatches and other appurtenances such as steps, vents and tube weights are also inspected for condition and serviceability. Repairs are performed on all defects identified.

Layfield can perform more involved inspections when required. Some cover systems can be inflated (with the reservoir empty) so that the entire cover and liner system can be carefully inspected and cleaned. Layfield can also arrange an inspection of both the cover and the liner by trained divers. A diving inspection can be videotaped so the owners can see the condition of the cover for themselves.

In situations where a new cover or an addition to a cover is being considered Layfield can provide an initial site evaluation. Factors such as the exposure to vandalism, large deposits of leaves or other debris, and the available resources to maintain the cover should all be considered in a proposed cover project.

Every cover has its own special concerns depending on the tensioning system, materials used, age, rainwater removal system and environmental concerns. Layfield has the experience and knowledge to fully evaluate your cover system.

In summary, Layfield personnel are your cover and baffle system experts and can provide the resources to inspect and maintain these geosynthetic systems. A professional preventative maintenance program can help achieve the performance and longevity that you are looking for in your floating cover system. For more information on inspection and maintenance services available from Layfield please contact your Layfield Representative.