ASTM D7407-07 (2024) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Guide for Determining the Transmission of Gases Through Geomembranes (Designation: ASTM D7407‑07; reapproved 2024). This guide discusses the relevancy of applicable test methods, the materials and test conditions used to obtain gas and vapor transmission data for geomembranes, and practical limitations (it assumes Fickian diffusion behavior and does not address transmission through seams or critique whole barrier system permeability).

Abstract

A concise guide that helps practitioners choose and interpret test methods for measuring gas and vapor transmission through geomembrane materials. It summarizes relevant laboratory procedures, compares measurement approaches (manometric, volumetric and sensor methods), lists practical considerations (temperature, humidity, specimen preparation, test duration) and states the guide’s limitations and intended use for containment design assessment.

General information

• Status: Active — reapproved (2024) / current edition D7407‑07R24.
• Publication date: Reapproved 2024 (ASTM document listing last updated Nov 7, 2024).
• Publisher: ASTM International (published under Committee D35 on Geosynthetics, Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes).
• ICS / categories: 59.080.70 (Geotextiles / Geosynthetics).
• Edition / version: D7407‑07R24 (original 2007 designation, reapproved in 2024).
• Number of pages: 4.

Scope

The guide provides a discussion of the relevance and applicability of several laboratory methods used to determine vapor and gas transmission through geomembrane sheets and films, including manometric and volumetric techniques and sensor-based test methods. It covers test materials, conditioning and standard test conditions, and the interpretation of results for permeance/permeability evaluations of semi‑permeable and permeable geomembranes. It explicitly excludes evaluation of seam transmission and does not serve as a critique of complete barrier systems.

Key topics and requirements

• Overview of test methods applicable to gas/vapor transmission (grouping of methods by gas type and measurement technique).
• Assumption of Fickian diffusion for the target material and implications for data interpretation.
• Comparison of manometric, volumetric and sensor-based techniques (advantages, limitations, sensitivity and expected accuracy/time requirements).
• Test specimen preparation, conditioning (temperature, humidity) and steady‑state considerations.
• Limitations: does not address seam transmission or evaluate full barrier system performance; safety and regulatory applicability left to the user.

Typical use and users

Used by geotechnical and environmental engineers, geomembrane manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, landfill and containment system designers, and regulators to select appropriate laboratory methods, interpret permeability/permeance results, and inform containment design or material selection. The guide is advisory (a "guide" rather than a prescriptive "test method") and is typically used alongside referenced ASTM test methods.

Related standards

The guide references and compares several ASTM and industry test methods commonly used for gas and vapor transmission measurements, including (but not limited to) D1434 (gas transmission), D3985 (oxygen transmission), E96/E96M (water vapor transmission), F1249 (modulated infrared sensor MVTR), F1769 (diffusivity/solubility/permeability of organic vapor barriers) and F1927. Users commonly consult those referenced test methods for detailed, prescriptive test procedures.

Keywords

geomembrane, gas transmission, vapor transmission, permeability, permeance, diffusion, Fickian diffusion, MVTR, manometric, volumetric, geomembranes, geosynthetics.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is a guide (ASTM D7407‑07, reapproved 2024) that discusses methods and considerations for determining the transmission of gases and vapors through geomembrane materials.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the relevance and applicability of laboratory test methods, specimen conditioning and interpretation of gas/vapor transmission data for geomembranes, and identifies limitations such as exclusion of seam transmission and barrier-system critique.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical/environmental engineers, geomembrane manufacturers, testing laboratories, landfill and containment designers, and regulators use the guide to select and interpret appropriate transmission tests.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document was reapproved in 2024 and is listed by ASTM as the active reapproved guide (D7407‑07R24). Users should reference the ASTM document record for the most current status and errata.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is issued under ASTM Committee D35 (Geosynthetics) and is intended to be used together with the referenced ASTM test methods (D1434, D3985, E96/E96M, F1249, F1769, F1927, etc.).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: geomembrane, diffusion, permeability, permeance, gas transmission, vapor transmission, MVTR, manometric, volumetric.