Accurate detection method of high-density polyethylene film leakage location based on secondary electric potential difference

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) film leakage location detection is frequently accomplished using the double-electrode technique. The electric potential and potential difference are the main physical parameters in the double-electrode approach. Due to the impact of the complex geoelectric environment, the electric potential and the electric potential difference are not sensitive enough to respond to minimal leakage. The tiny leaking area cannot be precisely located using the electric potential and electric potential difference. Using the COMSOL Multiphysics software, this study created a standard geoelectric model of the double-electrode method. We calculated a new parameter—the G parameter through secondary electric potential difference—based on the response characteristics of the electric potential and the electric potential difference while the HDPE film is leaking. The experiment demonstrates that the G parameter is more sensitive than the electric potential and electric potential difference for detecting the leaking area of HDPE film. The G parameter is more effective at detecting leakage than the electric potential and electric potential difference. The results of this study can be used to locate HDPE film leakage areas in a landfill.