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Equipment Specifications

Permeable Floating Cover Specifications

Closed-cell PE foam construction, 90 mph wind rating, walkable at 50mm+, self-draining design with no gas collection or rainwater pumping required. Three variants for thermal insulation, odor control, and algae prevention.

Material Properties

Cover membrane, foam, and flotation specifications with applicable ASTM test methods.

PropertyUnitValueTest Method
Cover Membrane (Standard)mil40 min.ASTM D5199
Cover Membrane (20mm / Algae)mil30 min.ASTM D5199
Foam Type-Closed-cell PE foam-
Foam Thickness (Standard)mm20+-
Flotation Capacity (Standard)lbs / 100 sq ft600-
Flotation Capacity (20mm / Algae)lbs / 100 sq ft200-
Tensile Properties-Per specASTM D638
Initial Tear Resistance-Per specASTM D1004
Thickness-Per specASTM D1593
Carbon Black Content%2.0 min.ASTM D1603
Mullen Burst Strength-Per specASTM D3786
Trapezoid Tear-Per specASTM D4533
Grab Tensile Strength-Per specASTM D4632
Index Puncture Resistance-Per specASTM D4833
Mass-Per specASTM D5261
Nominal Thickness-Per specASTM D5199
Carbon Black DispersionratingPer specASTM D5596
Accelerated Weathering-Per specGRI GM11

Key Features

Design advantages of EFI's permeable floating cover system.

Insulated floating cover technology
No gas collection system required, gases escape vertically through cover fabric
No rainwater collection trench or pumping equipment required, self-draining
90 mph wind gust rating
Walkable at 50mm+ thickness with safety equipment
Individually displaceable panels for maintenance access
Each panel independently buoyant, no additional support required
Fabricated in climate-controlled building; assembly only on-site
Can be installed in wet basin
Covers entire water surface with no free-floating edges
Accommodates water level fluctuation

Applications

Typical applications for permeable floating cover systems in wastewater and lagoon environments.

Thermal insulation for wastewater lagoons and treatment basins

Odor control for municipal and agricultural lagoons

Algae growth prevention by blocking sunlight penetration

Lagoons where gas collection is not required or mandated

Facilities seeking lower maintenance vs. impermeable cover systems

Cold climate lagoons requiring thermal retention

System Specifications

Complete system specifications for permeable floating cover design, installation, and anchorage.

ParameterSpecification
Cover TypePermeable floating, closed-cell PE foam bonded to polyester/polypropylene fabric
Panel ConnectionUV resistant thread sewn panels
Slope Cover Membrane (Standard)40 mil min. HDPE geomembrane
Slope Cover Membrane (20mm/Algae)30 mil min. HDPE geomembrane
Flotation Capacity (Standard)600 lbs per 100 sq ft (3 persons + cover weight)
Flotation Capacity (20mm/Algae)200 lbs per 100 sq ft
Wind RatingUp to 90 mph gusts
Walkable Thickness50mm minimum
Perimeter AnchorageHDPE geomembrane slope cover sewn to panels, anchored at perimeter
FabricationClimate-controlled building; on-site assembly and attachment only
InstallationCan be installed in wet basin; assembled on shore and pulled into position
VariantsStandard, 20mm, Algae Control

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between permeable and impermeable floating covers?
Permeable covers allow gases and rainwater to pass through the cover fabric vertically, eliminating the need for gas collection piping and rainwater pump systems. Impermeable covers capture biogas for energy recovery or flaring and require stormwater removal infrastructure. Choose permeable when the goal is odor control and thermal insulation; choose impermeable when biogas capture is required.
Can you walk on a permeable floating cover?
Yes, permeable covers at 50mm+ thickness are walkable with proper safety equipment: full body harness with tether to a fixed perimeter point, personal flotation device, and a buddy system with an observer at the perimeter at all times. Covers below 50mm thickness are not rated for foot traffic.
What wind speeds can a permeable floating cover withstand?
EFI's permeable floating covers are rated for wind gusts up to 90 mph. The HDPE geomembrane slope cover is anchored at the perimeter to prevent wind intrusion between the cover and ground surface. For prolonged winds over 90 mph, temporary weights can be added to fluttering skirt edges.
How is rainwater handled on a permeable cover?
Rainwater drains vertically through the permeable cover fabric, no rainwater collection trench or pumping equipment is required. During heavy rain events, temporary ponding on the surface is normal since the drainage rate through the cover can be slower than the rainfall accumulation rate. Portable submersible pumps may be used to assist in extreme events.
How are permeable covers repaired?
Small holes can be fixed with a hot-glue gun on site. Seam repairs require specialized EFI equipment. Permanent patches are applied using heat welding. Each panel is individually displaceable and removable for maintenance access without disturbing the entire cover system.

Download Permeable Cover Specification Package

Get the complete permeable floating cover specification package including material data sheets, flotation calculations, installation guidelines, and maintenance procedures.

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