ASTM D5886-95 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D5886-95(2023) — Standard Guide for Selection of Test Methods to Determine Rate of Fluid Permeation Through Geomembranes for Specific Applications. This guide assists users in selecting one or more appropriate laboratory or field test methods to assess the permeability (rate of fluid permeation) of candidate geomembrane materials to gases, vapors, and liquids for specific service conditions and applications.

Abstract

This guide summarizes and references specific test methods used to determine permeation and transmission rates through nonporous, homogeneous geomembranes. It describes permeation as a three‑step process (dissolution/absorption, diffusion, desorption) and discusses methods for single‑component permeants (gases, vapors, liquids) as well as approaches for complex multicomponent mixtures such as waste liquids. The guide emphasizes selecting methods that simulate expected service conditions and notes that users are responsible for addressing safety and regulatory concerns.

General information

• Status: Current.
• Publication date: May 1, 2023 (designation: ASTM D5886-95(2023)).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 13.060.30 (Sewage water), 17.120.01 (Measurement of fluid flow in general).
• Edition / version: D5886-95(2023) — original base number D5886 (1995) with revision issued in 2023.
• Number of pages: 8 pages.

Scope

The guide covers selection of one or more appropriate test methods to assess permeability of geomembranes for proposed applications and permeants. It addresses test methods for single‑component fluids (individual gases, vapors, liquids) and discusses approaches for measuring permeation by individual species within complex mixtures (for example waste leachates). The emphasis is on choosing test methods that relate to and simulate expected service conditions for barrier applications. The guide does not claim to cover all safety concerns; users must establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices.

Key topics and requirements

• Guidance on selecting permeability/permeation test methods appropriate to the intended service and permeant type (gas, vapor, liquid).
• Discussion of the dissolution–diffusion–desorption mechanism for molecular permeation through nonporous geomembranes.
• Coverage of methods for single‑component permeants and considerations for testing complex, multicomponent fluids (e.g., waste liquids, leachates).
• Recommendations to select test conditions (temperature, concentration gradients, exposure configuration) that best simulate service conditions.
• References to related test standards and terminology standards used when applying or interpreting permeation test data.
• Statement that the user is responsible for safety, health, and regulatory applicability when using the guide.

Typical use and users

This guide is used by geomembrane manufacturers, materials and environmental testing laboratories, civil and environmental engineers (landfill liners, reservoirs, containment systems), design consultants, regulators evaluating barrier performance, and researchers studying transport through polymeric membranes. Typical applications include selection of test methods for assessing organic vapor transmission, water vapor transmission, leachate permeation, and gas transmission through flexible membrane liners and polymeric geomembranes.

Related standards

ASTM D5886-95(2023) references and relates to other ASTM standards and terminology documents used in permeation testing and geosynthetics, for example ASTM E96/E96M (water vapor transmission test methods), ASTM D4439 (terminology for geosynthetics), and other D35 committee standards such as D4491 for related permeability/permeability‑type measurements. It also replaces earlier reaffirmations/revisions of D5886 (the 1995 base with subsequent revisions).

Keywords

barriers; diffusion of gases and vapors; flexible membrane liners (FMLs); gas transmission; leachate; organic vapor transmission; permeability; polymeric geomembranes; reservoirs; transport of chemical species; transport of ions; waste disposal; water vapor transmission.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D5886-95(2023) is a standard guide from ASTM International that helps users select appropriate test methods to determine rates of fluid permeation (permeability) through geomembranes for specific applications.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers selection and discussion of test methods for measuring permeation of single‑component permeants (gases, vapors, liquids) and considerations for complex multicomponent mixtures; it explains the permeation mechanism and emphasizes choosing conditions that simulate service exposure. It also notes user responsibility for safety and regulatory issues.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geomembrane manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, design and environmental engineers (landfills, reservoirs, containment), regulatory bodies, and researchers in geosynthetics and membrane transport.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation D5886-95(2023) indicates the 1995 base document was revised and the current published version is the 2023 revision. The standard is listed as current (published May 1, 2023). Users should consult the official ASTM publication for any amendments or corrigenda.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a D‑series ASTM guide developed under Committee D35 (Geosynthetics) and Subcommittee D35.10 (Geomembranes). It relates to other D35 geomembrane and geosynthetics standards and to test method standards referenced within the guide.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Barriers; diffusion of gases and vapors; flexible membrane liners (FMLs); gas transmission; leachate; organic vapor transmission; permeability; polymeric geomembranes; reservoirs; transport of chemical species; transport of ions; waste disposal; water vapor transmission.