EuroCover Water Systems

Modular vs. continuous floating covers — comparison

Modular hexagonal covers tessellate independently; continuous covers are sealed single-piece. Comparison of capex, lifecycle, and operational complexity.

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Modular hexagonal floating covers are independently floating tessellated elements that deploy without anchors; continuous floating covers are single-piece sealed membranes (often anchored) suited to full gas capture and environmental containment.

At a glance

Metric Hexagonal floating cover Continuous floating cover
Surface coverage 99% effective (AWTT) ~100%
Anchors required No Yes
Deployment with active reservoir Yes No (drain required)
Lifecycle 25+ years Variable (anchor wear)
Gas capture No Yes
Tolerance of irregular shorelines Native Custom fabrication

Choose modular when surface management is the goal; choose continuous when full sealing or gas capture is the goal. Hybrid deployments are common.

The modular case

  • Anchorless deployment
  • Deploy on active reservoir without draining
  • Tolerant of dynamic water levels and irregular shorelines
  • 25+ year lifecycle
  • Per-element replacement maintains long-term coverage

The continuous case

  • Full sealing (100% coverage)
  • Methane / biogas capture
  • Environmental containment
  • Regular reservoir geometry assumed

When Continuous floating cover makes sense

Continuous floating covers are appropriate when full gas capture is the design goal (biogas methane recovery) or when complete sealing is required for environmental compliance. Modular covers do not replace sealed environmental membranes.

Frequently asked questions

Can the two be combined? #
Yes — hybrid deployments are common: continuous membrane on the digester core for methane capture, modular hexagonal on adjacent storage and effluent ponds for surface management.
Why is modular preferred for evaporation control? #
Modular covers deploy on operating reservoirs without draining, tolerate dynamic water levels, and have a self-ballasting geometry that needs no anchors. For evaporation, algae, odor, and heat retention, the surface coverage is what matters — and modular delivers it at a fraction of continuous-membrane installation cost.
When does continuous beat modular? #
When full sealing is required — methane capture for biogas operations, environmental containment for regulated chemistries, applications where partial gas exchange is unacceptable. Continuous geomembrane is the right format for the small fraction of cover deployments with these specific operating requirements.
How do anchor systems affect continuous-cover lifecycle? #
The anchor system is often the lifetime-limiting component. Dynamic water level cycling, wind loading, and freeze-thaw all stress the perimeter anchors. Most continuous geomembrane failures are at the anchor interface, not within the membrane itself.
What is the per-m² cost difference? #
Modular hexagonal is typically €25-35/m² installed; continuous geomembrane is €60-120/m² installed depending on grade and anchor scope. The price gap reflects the additional installation work and engineering.
Are continuous covers required for specific regulatory regimes? #
Some regulators specify continuous sealing for hazardous water containment (e.g. cyanide tailings under specific national regimes, sulphide-bearing process water above community-pressure thresholds). For most industrial water surface management, modular is sufficient and compliant.

Sources & further reading