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Welcome to the Zappa-Stewart Superabsorbent Blog

The 3 Best Methods for Improving the Compressive Strength of CCR

The physical properties of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) present many challenges to utility owners and environmental professionals. The waste material (commonly referred to as Coal Ash) is most often captured and stored in open ponds or impoundments, which allow for unrestricted stormwater infiltration, resulting in saturated CCR.

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Topics: SAP, CCR Stabilization

What is Liquid Waste?

One of the core applications for superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) is liquid waste solidification. SAPs are utilized by waste management professionals to prevent potentially harmful fluids from entering waterways, groundwater aquifers, and other sensitive environments.

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Topics: Waste Solidification, SAP, Liquid Waste Management

Coal Ash Drying with Superabsorbent Polymers

A Step-by-Step Guide for Minimizing Reagent Quantities and Treatment Costs

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are the most efficient available technology for eliminating free liquid and stabilizing saturated coal ash.  However, without the proper planning steps, SAPs can be severely over-applied which often leads to unexpected treatment costs and/or underperformance.   

The following steps are critical for the successful stabilization of coal ash with superabsorbent polymers: 

 

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Topics: SAP, Environmental Remediation, superabsorbent polymers, SAP Applications, Wastewater Treatment Sludge, SAP costs, Coal Ash

Reduce Sludge Disposal Costs with Superabsorbent Polymers

Managing Costs of Liquid Waste Disposal

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) provide many financial and environmental benefits in the rapid solidification of liquid-bearing wastes and contaminated sediments. Environmental remediation professionals utilize SAPs for minimizing waste volume, excessive transportation and disposal expenses, and reagent handling and mixing costs. Furthermore, SAPs are not only safe for the environment, but prevent leaching of toxic waste into groundwater, surface water, and other sensitive natural resources.

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Topics: SAP, superabsorbent polymers, Wastewater Treatment Sludge, SAP costs

Liquid Waste Solidification Using Superabsorbent Polymers - Demo

When a Southeastern US-based fiber optic and telecom contractor was faced with a persistent liquid waste management challenge, the contractor contacted Zappa-Stewart to conduct an on-site demonstration of solidification with ZapZorb superabsorbent polymers (SAPs).

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Topics: Waste Solidification, SAP, Sawdust vs SAP, Liquid Waste Management, superabsorbent polymers, Wastewater Treatment Sludge

Can Superabsorbent Polymers in Ice Packs be Recycled?


Zappa-Stewart supplies large volumes of sodium polyacrylate superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) to many industrial and consumer sectors.  Hot/cold packs, the gel-filled packaging that accompanies perishable online grocery deliveries, is one specific SAP application that is experiencing explosive growth in demand.  With the increased demand for SAPs in the hot/cold pack market, we have also received an increasing volume of questions from customers and end users about ways that SAPs can be repurposed, rather than simply tossed in the garbage. It’s a great question and fortunately for millions of consumers across the globe, we have some answers.

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Topics: Super Absorbent Polymers, SAP, Gel Packs, Landfills, Soil Hydration, Recycle

Superabsorbents for Vacuum Truck Contractors:  The safe, fast, and low cost choice for managing liquid waste

The rapid increase in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) activities throughout North America has resulted in a higher demand for vacuum truck services to manage liquid waste streams. And while drilling contractors and pipeline maintenance crews often rely on the convenience and efficiency of hiring a vacuum truck to get liquid waste out of their way, the next step in the process, liquid waste solidification, is often not as efficient or cost effective as it could be. Low-end commodity absorbents, like those that are widely used in the waste treatment industry, present several challenges to environmental contractors. Fortunately, superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) offer a safe, efficient, and cost-effective solution to liquid waste solidification.

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Topics: Super Absorbent Polymers, SAP, Sawdust vs SAP, Hydroexcavation Trucks, Vacuum truck

Why Solidify?

When we think of life and death decision-making, police officers, firefighters and doctors often come to mind. However, nurses and other healthcare professionals also make life and death decisions on a daily basis, and at the same time, they repeatedly put their own health at risk through the potential spread of infection.  All this to improve the health of others they may never have met.

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Topics: Super Absorbent Polymers, SAP, Medical Waste Solidification, SAP for Medical Applications

With SAPs: “S” stands for SAFE

 

Safety is of the highest importance with most companies in any industry. And while sodium polyacrylate superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are extremely safe products, misconceptions or uncertainties about the safety of SAPs are often encountered in various SAP end-use markets.

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Topics: Safety, Super Absorbent Polymers, SAP

5 Myths About Superabsorbent Polymers for Waste Solidification

 

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Topics: Waste Disposal, Waste Solidification, SAP