Bentonite clay, polymer compounds equal to slurry management, water recovery


46 Cetcoi 400

46 Cetcoiii 400

The Muddog agents equip concrete producers and practitioners to manage slurry with an eye to water recycling and permit-compliance discharge, plus fines solidification in landfill-ready form.

Cetco Energy Services’ Concrete Slurry Division offers two Muddog-branded compounds for returned mix and gray water treatment in ready mixed and precast operations.

SlurrySep chemical components adjust water pH, augmenting metals precipitation and breaking oil emulsions. Bentonite clay particles attract and encapsulate metallic ions, while the compound’s polymeric portion attracts remaining oils and suspended solids to form a floc that settles to the bottom of a treatment or containment vessel. The bentonite and polymer create a strong, filterable floc. Within minutes, the process encapsulates and contains heavy metals while allowing the floc to readily release water—resulting in a condensed, thickened sludge-like material. Clear water can be discharged directly to a municipal sewer or storage vessel for subsequent reuse in plant operations or mix production. The remaining sludge and its encapsulated contaminants are highly resistant to leaching, and can be packaged or solidified for landfill disposal.

SlurrySep is available in one semi-granular (LPH1) and three granular gradations (HPH1, HPH2, LPH2), with bulk densities of 65 ± 2 or 70 ± 2 (lb./ft.³), and pH properties of 2.5–3.5, 2.5– 4.0, 2.5–4.5 and 3.0–4.0 (1 percent dispersion).

46 Cetcoii 400

SlurrySep reactive separating agents blend minerals, pH-adjusting components and polymers to remove high levels of suspended solids from process or waste water in concrete operations and construction. Rapid suspension of cement fines allows water recycling or discharge within typical stormwater permit thresholds.

In a recent precast/prestressed concrete process water management application (left or right), introduction of SlurrySep to an agitation pit resulted in quick
coagulation and settling of cement fines, whereby they could be easily pumped to dewatering bags and drying, per landfill operator requirements. When plant operators turned off the agitator, fines quickly sank to the bottom, leaving clear reusable water on top. A pump lowered to the bottom effectively conveys the fines without emptying the pit. Large coagulated particles are easily trapped inside with no blockage or blinding of the bag filter material. To the operators’ and plant owner’s welcome surprise, SlurrySep has helped descale the pump, agitator blades and plumbing lines, resulting in cleaner water for truck washout and dust control.

A companion compound, Muddog SlurryDry, consists of semi-granular or powder products that solidify and stabilize waste slurry and other process fluids from concrete production or construction. They are formulated to create solids passing the Paint Filter Liquids Test and the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure for heavy metals.

SlurryDry is available in one powder (SS) and three semi-granular (HS, LS, QS) gradations, with bulk densities of 55 ± 2 or 42 ± 2 (lb./ft.³), and pH properties of 5.5, 6.5–7.5 and 6.45–8.5 (1 percent dispersion). — Cetco Energy Services, Hoffman Estates, Ill.; 800/527-9948; www.cetcoenergyservices.com