RNR Environmental supplies application-matched ZORBZALL® industrial absorbents for hydrovac slurry, hydro-excavation spoils, vacuum-truck waste and other high-moisture materials. Available options include general-purpose sodium polyacrylate SAP, high-salinity-resistant SAP and specialty SAP/mineral blends for challenging waste chemistry. Clay and mineral absorbents are also available when appropriate. These products control free liquid and convert difficult liquid or semi-liquid waste into a more manageable material for handling, transportation and disposal.
Hydrovac slurry is solidified by incorporating an absorbent into the wet material until free liquid is controlled and the material reaches the consistency required for handling or disposal. In suitable applications, high-efficiency SAP may require substantially less added material than sawdust, clay or other conventional bulk absorbents. Because salts, minerals, hydrocarbons and other contaminants can affect performance, the absorbent grade and dosage should be matched to the waste stream. RNR can evaluate a representative sample or provide samples for customer in-house testing.
Dosage depends on moisture content, soil, dissolved salts, minerals, hydrocarbons and other characteristics of the hydrovac waste. General-purpose ZORBZALL® SAP may begin around 0.5%–1.5% by weight in suitable applications, with many waste streams requiring less than 1%. High salinity, emulsified oils or elevated hydrocarbon concentrations can reduce the performance of standard SAP and may require a specialty grade or SAP/mineral blend. Representative sample testing determines the appropriate product, dosage and treatment cost.
The cheapest absorbent per pound is not necessarily the lowest-cost way to solidify hydrovac waste. Contractors should compare dosage, added material weight, hauling, transportation and disposal charges. Using less absorbent can reduce the amount of additional material that must be hauled and disposed of. RNR can evaluate cost per treated ton or gallon rather than absorbent price alone.
Hydrovac operations can generate large volumes of water-heavy slurry that is expensive to transport and dispose of. Depending on the waste chemistry, project requirements and final disposition, RNR can evaluate whether excess water should be separated, treated, recovered for appropriate reuse or managed through evaporation where conditions and regulations permit. In suitable applications, RNR WasteShrink™ Technology can reduce water burden before final solidification, potentially lowering hauling weight, disposal tonnage and total waste-management cost.
Disposal requirements vary by receiving facility, waste characteristics and jurisdiction. Facilities that require waste with no free liquids may use the Paint Filter Liquids Test or other acceptance criteria. RNR can evaluate representative hydrovac waste samples to determine an effective ZORBZALL® dosage for solidification. Final acceptance requirements are determined by the receiving facility and applicable regulations.