System and Method for Lining an Earthen Formation

Abstract

A method of lining an earthen formation pit includes covering at least a portion of the pit with a polymer. A portion of the polymer-covered area may be additionally covered with bentonite. The bentonite and polymer combine, when hydrated, to form a layer that is substantially water impermeable. A portion of the formation may be covered by a protective slurry of water and cement. A portion of the formation may be covered by a water-resistant layer such as, for example, a plastic tarpaulin.

1 . A method of lining an earthen formation, comprising:
 applying a polymer to at least a portion of the earthen formation;   and applying bentonite to at least a portion of the earthen formation covered with the polymer, the bentonite adapted to combine with the polymer, when hydrated, to form a layer that is substantially impermeable to water.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying the polymer comprises applying the polymer at a concentration of between approximately one-tenth and approximately two-tenths of a pound of the polymer per square foot of covered surface. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer is applied in dry, granular form. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying the polymer comprises applying the polymer to a bottom portion of the earthen formation. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying the polymer comprises applying the polymer to the bottom portion and a lower wall portion of the earthen formation. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying the polymer to at least a portion of the earthen formation comprises applying the polymer to all interior surfaces of the earthen formation, and to a portion of an exterior rim of the earthen formation. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying bentonite clay comprises applying bentonite powder at a depth of at least approximately one-half inch. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising applying a protective slurry to at least a portion of the earthen formation covered with the polymer. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the protective slurry comprises a slurry of cement and water. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the protective slurry comprises a slurry of cement and water in a mixture in the ratio of approximately one pound of cement to approximately one gallon of water. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the protective slurry comprises a slurry of cement and water, the water having a reduced pH. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the pH is reduced by adding potash. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein applying the protective slurry comprises applying the slurry at a depth of between approximately one-fourth and approximately one-half inch. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising applying a water-resistant layer to a portion of the earthen formation. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein applying the protective slurry comprises applying the slurry to cover at least a portion of the water-resistant layer. 
   
   
       16 . A system for lining an earthen formation, comprising:
 a polymer;   an application device operable to apply the polymer to a portion of a surface of the earthen formation;   bentonite clay; and   an application device operable to apply the bentonite clay to a portion of a surface of the earthen formation to form, when hydrated and combined with the polymer, a layer substantially impermeable to water.   
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a protective slurry;   an application device operable to apply the protective slurry to a portion of a surface of the earthen formation.   
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the protective slurry comprises a mixture of at least cement and water. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the mixture of cement and water comprises a mixture in the ratio of approximately one pound of cement to approximately one gallon of water. 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the mixture of cement and water comprises a mixture containing water with a reduced pH. 
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising a water-resistant layer applied to at least a portion of the earthen formation. 
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein at least a portion of the water-resistant layer is covered by the protective slurry.