System for fluid containment and venting

Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling subterranean fluid flow. The system utilizes a fluid impervious geotextile material comprising geotextile fabric having a polymeric material thereon, and a fluid distribution system comprising an array of perforated pipes in fluid communication with a vent. The system may include a plurality of geotextile anchors.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for controlling subterranean fluid flow, the system comprising:
 a fluid impervious geotextile sheet material comprising geotextile fabric having a first side and a second side, the geotextile sheet material having a continuous polymeric material thereon, the polymeric material optionally being on the second side of the geotextile fabric; and   a fluid distribution system comprising an array of perforated pipes in fluid communication with a vent,   
       wherein when the system is installed, the fluid impervious geotextile sheet material laterally extends on or under the surface of the ground with the first side of the geotextile sheet material more subterranean than the second side, wherein the array of perforated pipes is located under the geotextile sheet material at a location to collect and vent volatile gases captured under the fluid impervious geotextile sheet material. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid impervious geotextile sheet material is configured to provide at least one sloped surface, and a portion of the array of perforated pipes is located at a top location of the sloped surface under the fluid impervious geotextile sheet material. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of geotextile anchors. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising geotextile fabric wrapped around the array of perforated pipes. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , the vent having a one-way valve or a safety release valve. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a powered venting system. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the powered venting system is wind powered. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a gas probe. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the geotextile sheet material is installed over a methane generating material. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the methane generating site is a landfill. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein after being installed, the geotextile sheet material is covered by ballast material. 
     
     
         12 . A method of controlling fluid flow in ground, the method comprising:
 installing a system of  claim 1  laterally over an expanse of ground with the first side of the geotextile material against the ground;   optionally covering at least a portion of the system with ballast;   collecting fluids, optionally volatile fluids, from the ground underneath the geotextile sheet material in the fluid distribution system; and   venting collecting gases.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the collected gas comprises methane. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the methane is collected for subsequent use as fuel. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the system is installed over a coal seam.