1. GSE CoalDrain Geocomposite
INTRODUCTION
The design of geotextile filters for very fine-grained soils is one of
the most daunting geotechnical problems. These soils include coal-
combustion by-products, silts, fine sands and dispersed clays. To
address this problem, particularly for coal-combustion projects, GSE
has developed the CoalDrain geocomposite. CoalDrain is comprised of
an innovative composite filter (CoalTex) and a high flow GSE geonet.
This patent-pending product allows filtration of very fine soils without
such concerns as clogging and piping.
COAL ASH LANDFILL LEACHATE COLLECTION AND
REMOVAL SYSTEM
Coal combustion products (CCPs), including fine-grained fly ashes and flue gas
desulfurization (FGD) materials, are regularly deposited in landfills. A leachate
collection and removal system is necessary beneath the CCP waste to provide
adequate drainage and reduce the hydraulic head on top of bottom liner
system. The traditional solution for such drainage layers is a graded sand
and gravel layer. The natural granular materials require extra preparation of
the sub-grade and consume valuable airspace, typically several feet of a fine
sand filtration layer and an aggregate drainage layer.
GSE CoalDrain geocomposites utilize an innovative composite geotextile
that replaces the graded granular filter. GSE’s geonet, laminated to the filter
geotextile, acts as the drainage material. CoalDrain requires less sub-
grade preparation and occupies far less airspace than natural granular
materials (only 0.30 in to 0.50 in compared to several feet). GSE CoalDrain
geocomposite has proven efficacy in efficiently retaining fine-grained
particles while allowing only liquids to pass. The geonet core provides
sufficient in-plane lateral flow capacity; it has excellent long-term hydraulic
performance and creep resistance to ensure that the leachate collection
system will continue working throughout the project’s lifespan.
APPLICATION SHEET
GSEworld.com
GSE CoalDrain Geocomposite
A PROVEN SYSTEM
A patent pending innovative
drainage geocomposite that has
been independently tested to
perform in coal ash applications.
[Coal Ash Pond]
[GSE Coal Ash System]
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxx
xxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
GROUND WATER
EXISTING SOIL
GROUND WATER MONITORING WELL
GSE COALDRAIN
LEAK LOCATION & WHITE LINER
COAL ASH RESISTANT GCL
xxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[GSE Coal Ash System]
GSE CoalTex Filter

2. INNOVATIVE STRUCTURE
The CoalTex filter geotextile is an
innovative structure with an apparent
opening size (AOS), specially designed
for CCP filtration functions. This
patent-pending product relies on a
layered filter that mimics traditional
graded granular filters. The structure
created as a result of the composite
filters makes it possible to use
CoalDrain even in the most challenging
of environments such as CCPs.
PROVEN RELIABILITY
Extensive laboratory and field tests
have been conducted to evaluate
the performance of GSE CoalDrain
with CCR materials (stabilized FGD,
gypsum, ad fly ash) from different
coal combustion power facilities.
CoalDrain was tested under the exact
same conditions as would exist in an
actual CCP disposal site. The research
program proved that GSE CoalDrain
geocomposite meets or exceeds the
filtration design requirements.
Geocomposite Products: GSE COALDRAIN GEOCOMPOSITE
This Information is provided for reference purposes only and is not intended as a warranty or guarantee. GSE assumes no liability in connection with the use of this Information.
Specifications subject to change without notice. GSE and other trademarks in this document are registered trademarks of GSE Lining Technology, LLC in the United States and certain
foreign countries. REV 13APR2015
GSE is a leading manufacturer and marketer of geosynthetic lining products and services. We’ve
built a reputation of reliability through our dedication to providing consistency of product, price
and protection to our global customers.
Our commitment to innovation, our focus on quality and our industry expertise allow
us the flexibility to collaborate with our clients to develop a custom, purpose-fit solution.
For more information on this product and others, please visit us at
GSEworld.com, call 800.435.2008 or contact your local sales office.
North America 800.435.2008 | Europe & Africa 49.40.767420 | Asia Pacific 66.2.937.0091 | South America 56.2.595.4200 | Middle East 20.23828.8888
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
GradientRatio
Time (Hours)
0.5
0.0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Sample A
Sample B
Sample C
[HCR Tests on Two Different CCRs]
[Total Suspended Solids From Intermediate
Scale Field Tests (Butalia, 2012)]
[Gradient Ratio Tests on Three Different CCRs]
[Results of Large-Scale Field Tests (Schmitt & Cole, 2012)]