Hydrovac Waste, Slurry & Spoils Solidification

RNR Environmental provides ZORBZALL® sodium polyacrylate super absorbent polymer (SAP) for solidifying hydrovac slurry, hydro-excavation spoils, vacuum-truck waste and other high-moisture materials. ZORBZALL® absorbs free water and can convert difficult liquid or semi-liquid waste into a more manageable material for handling, transportation and disposal.

Hydrovac slurry can often be 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. High-efficiency SAP can require substantially less added material than conventional bulk absorbents in suitable applications. RNR recommends testing a representative sample to determine the appropriate ZORBZALL® dosage.

Dosage depends on moisture content, soil, dissolved salts, minerals, contaminants and other characteristics of the hydrovac waste. ZORBZALL® dosage can begin around 0.5%–1.5% by weight in suitable applications, with many waste streams requiring less than 1%. Representative sample testing provides the best basis for determining effective 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. RNR Environmental can evaluate solidification requirements and, in suitable applications, determine whether additional waste-reduction strategies may reduce hauling weight, disposal tonnage and total waste-management costs.

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.