Sludge, the liquid produced during stone and concrete processing, is a highly hazardous substance. Because of the environmental threat it poses, sludge needs to be properly disposed of to protect the environment and maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Ignoring slurry removal laws and discharging into the surrounding area can lead to environmental damage, ecosystem collapse, and hefty fines for your company.
Fortunately, modern sludge treatment techniques like sludge thickening, dewatering, and drying can help your operation avoid both environmental damage and legal trouble.
The Benefits of Sludge Dewatering
Sludge dewatering is a process used in the concrete and stone industries to concentrate sludge solids into dense filter cakes so they can be extracted from the surrounding water. After extraction, the now-clean water can be disposed of safely. Dewatering provides several benefits for slurry professionals by minimizing waste, boosting sustainability, and making it easier to comply with regulations.
Reduce Waste
Most of a sludge’s volume and weight comes from water. By separating the water from the slurry solids, operations can significantly reduce waste size, making disposal cheaper and more manageable. Dry cakes are also less prone to leakage, reducing the risk of spillage during transport.
Recycle Water
Dewatering can remove up to 99.9% of solids and contaminants from water, allowing savvy worksites to reuse their process water and make their operation more efficient and cost-effective. Reusing process water can also help your company maintain a green image and appeal to clients and consumers looking for sustainable stone or concrete products.
Save Money
Not only will the sludge dewatering process help you save on your utility bill, but it will also lower your disposal costs by reducing the volume of your waste, which can then be more easily transported to a disposal site. Streamlining disposal also helps operations avoid legal fines associated with improper disposal by keeping the process in compliance with local regulations.
Maintain Productivity
Improperly disposing of industrial sludge or letting it sit in stores over long periods of time can result in toxins and contaminants leaking into the area around the storage container. Depending on the type of slurry being processed, these contaminants might start to corrode the foundations of the building in which they are stored, eventually leading to a complete site shutdown and a total loss of productivity. Using professional dewatering equipment to remove water from slurry makes it easier to store or transport waste offsite, reducing the chances of leakage from long-term storage.
Using sludge dewatering to reuse work water also reduces the impact of water shortages on stone and concrete operations, especially in the summer months when droughts are more common.
Explore Custom Sludge Dewatering Plants with Full Circle Water
At Full Circle Water, our slurry systems are inspired by our clients. Our equipment is outfitted with user-friendly controls and operates based on the unique challenges of each of the industries we serve. We offer automatic, semi-automatic, and manual systems designed to quickly and efficiently remove solids from slurry.
Our versatile, state-of-the-art solutions seamlessly fit into your existing operation—regardless of your industry or geographic constraints. For example, our portable trailer-mounted filtration system offers the flexibility to treat your slurry on-site, while our WAVEXP (formerly the All-In-One) offers lightning-fast water filtration for permanent worksites or industrial buildings.
Contact us today for a free consultation.