Need to solidify sludge or liquid waste for transportation or disposal? RNR Environmental evaluates each waste stream to identify the appropriate absorbent product and dosage while focusing on the lowest practical total treatment cost—not simply the lowest absorbent price per pound.
Available options include general-purpose ZORBZALL® SAP, high-salinity-resistant SAP, specialty SAP/mineral blends for water affected by emulsified oils or hydrocarbons, and clay or mineral absorbents when appropriate. For waste requiring no free liquids, RNR can test a representative sample or provide product samples for customer in-house Paint Filter Test evaluation. RNR can also evaluate wastewater treatment and WasteShrink™ Technology when reducing hauling weight and disposal tonnage may provide a better overall solution.
The Paint Filter Liquids Test is commonly used to determine whether waste contains free liquids before landfill disposal. It does not specify which absorbent must be used, and final acceptance requirements are established by the receiving facility and applicable regulations. RNR Environmental can evaluate a representative waste sample or provide product samples for customer testing to identify an appropriate absorbent grade and dosage.
Liquid waste and sludge can often be solidified by incorporating an absorbent that captures free liquid. ZORBZALL® sodium polyacrylate super absorbent polymer can require substantially less added material than conventional bulk absorbents in suitable waste streams. Actual dosage depends on the chemistry, solids content and moisture of the waste.
General-purpose SAP may begin around 0.5%–1.5% by weight in suitable applications, with many waste streams requiring less than 1%. Actual dosage depends on moisture content, solids, salts, minerals, pH and other contaminants. High salinity, emulsified oils or elevated hydrocarbon concentrations can reduce standard SAP performance and may require a specialty grade or SAP/mineral blend. Representative sample testing determines the appropriate product and dosage before full-scale treatment.
The lowest-priced absorbent per pound is not necessarily the lowest-cost treatment. Total cost depends on dosage, added disposal weight, hauling, landfill tonnage and disposal fees. RNR evaluates cost per treated ton or gallon to identify the more economical approach.
Conventional absorbents can require large quantities of material, increasing the volume and weight that must be transported and disposed of. High-efficiency SAP solidification may reduce the amount of absorbent added and improve treatment economics in suitable applications.
For high-moisture waste, RNR can evaluate more than solidification alone. Wastewater treatment and RNR WasteShrink™ Technology may provide opportunities to reduce water, hauling weight, truckloads and disposal tonnage before final disposal.