Technical Absorbents to display SAF water blocking technology at Waterworld
December 19, 2012 - United Kingdom
With a worldwide market worth in excess of US$3 billion in 2009 (Source: Industrial Fabrics Association International), geotextiles is a growing sector. This is an exciting prospect for manufacturers who work within this field including Super Absorbent Fibre (SAF) manufacturer Technical Absorbents (TAL). In February 2013, the UK-based company is looking to further strengthen is position in the market by exhibiting at the Waterworld Middle East event in Doha, Qatar.
The event, which takes place between 4th and 6th February at the Qatar National Convention Centre, is aimed at those involved in the regions water and waste water industries. TAL is looking to introduce visitors to its water-blocking absorbent technology and demonstrate its use in many different applications that require such a function.
Geotextiles are traditionally permeable fabrics – which when used in conjunction with soil – have the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect and/or drain when used in conjunction with the soil. They are normally sheets of materials supplied in roll form, making them easier to use for small and large-scale applications.
However, for developments that require waterproofing – landfill sites, reservoirs, dams, and other large scale civil engineering projects – it is essential for the geotextile to act as a barrier and be impermeable to liquids/gases. “To achieve this, a super absorbent technology can be introduced during the product manufacturing process,” explains Business Development Manager Dave Hill.
“Due to its ease of conversion, blending and bonding, SAF is one of the preferred options and gives rise to geotextiles that can be used as alternatives to more traditional water-blocking solutions.”
A waterproof barrier works in a number of ways. It prevents water from seeping upwards, e.g. through cracks in an old road onto a new surface. It also stops or helps avoid the downward movement of water, water run-off and seepage.
“SAF-based waterproofing fabrics function by initially absorbing water so that they swell,” continues Dave. “At a certain point this becomes an impermeable barrier to water. In addition, such linings avert the contamination of surrounding soils. This is particularly important in the construction of landfill sites.
“SAF is an extremely effective and versatile super absorbent technology. It has been developed to provide extremely high rates of saline and water uptake. Furthermore, as a fibrous super absorbent, it allows for ease of handling and gives rise to exceptionally substantive and even distribution profiles within final fabric construction. These benefits have made it the super absorbent of choice for many customers, including those within the geotextile sector.”
The event, which takes place between 4th and 6th February at the Qatar National Convention Centre, is aimed at those involved in the regions water and waste water industries. TAL is looking to introduce visitors to its water-blocking absorbent technology and demonstrate its use in many different applications that require such a function.
Geotextiles are traditionally permeable fabrics – which when used in conjunction with soil – have the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect and/or drain when used in conjunction with the soil. They are normally sheets of materials supplied in roll form, making them easier to use for small and large-scale applications.
However, for developments that require waterproofing – landfill sites, reservoirs, dams, and other large scale civil engineering projects – it is essential for the geotextile to act as a barrier and be impermeable to liquids/gases. “To achieve this, a super absorbent technology can be introduced during the product manufacturing process,” explains Business Development Manager Dave Hill.
“Due to its ease of conversion, blending and bonding, SAF is one of the preferred options and gives rise to geotextiles that can be used as alternatives to more traditional water-blocking solutions.”
A waterproof barrier works in a number of ways. It prevents water from seeping upwards, e.g. through cracks in an old road onto a new surface. It also stops or helps avoid the downward movement of water, water run-off and seepage.
“SAF-based waterproofing fabrics function by initially absorbing water so that they swell,” continues Dave. “At a certain point this becomes an impermeable barrier to water. In addition, such linings avert the contamination of surrounding soils. This is particularly important in the construction of landfill sites.
“SAF is an extremely effective and versatile super absorbent technology. It has been developed to provide extremely high rates of saline and water uptake. Furthermore, as a fibrous super absorbent, it allows for ease of handling and gives rise to exceptionally substantive and even distribution profiles within final fabric construction. These benefits have made it the super absorbent of choice for many customers, including those within the geotextile sector.”