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Welcome to the Zappa-Stewart Superabsorbent Blog

Most Asked Questions About Superabsorbent Polymers

Every day our team receives many questions from current customers and interested future users of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) around the world.

We have provided answers to some of the most popular questions, below.

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Topics: Super Absorbent Polymers, superabsorbent polymers, SAP Applications, Sodium polyacrylate superabsorbent polymers, SAP costs, FAQ

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

Fisheyes in Your Ice Packs?

Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is commonly used in the manufacturing of ice packs used in the shipping of frozen and refrigerated food packaging.

SAP conglomerates, known as fisheyes, nodules, or gel balls, are common problems in ice pack production. 

Fisheyes are denoted as globs or conglomerates of SAP gellant that do not readily hydrate when combined with water.

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Topics: superabsorbent polymers, SAPs for consumer products, SAP Applications, Fisheye, Icepacks

Simplifying Sludge Removal with Superabsorbent Polymers

Industrial contractors utilize superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) in wastewater treatment, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), remediation, and other industrial sectors to simplify the solidification of challenging liquid waste streams. SAPs feature the highest absorbency of any solidification technology, allowing contractors to process more sludge with less reagent, minimizing the quantity of material mixed into the waste, time spent blending reagent, and the disposal weight of the solidified waste. 

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Topics: SAP vs Cement, superabsorbent polymers, SAP Applications, Wastewater Treatment Sludge, Sludge removal

How Does the Use of Solidifiers Bring Compliance with Medical Waste Management Regulations?

With the recent COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, infection control within the healthcare environment is more important than ever before. Management of potentially infectious waste needs to be strictly followed in order to keep our healthcare workers, material handlers, truck drivers and others safe from potentially virulent material.  Taking full precautions and maintaining compliance with existing regulations support employees’ health and safety, which in turn benefits hospitals and other service companies that depend on said employees.

Before starting a discussion on how Zappa Stewart solidifiers allow compliance, let’s first understand the regulations with which a product/business must comply.

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Topics: Medical Waste Solidification, superabsorbent polymers, SAP Applications, Covid-19, Infectious Viruses

Wastewater Treatment Sludge Becomes Dry & Stackable in Minutes with SAPs

Sludge, a viscous mixture of liquid and solid components, is generated by essentially all industrial and municipal wastewater treatment facilities. When sludge must be periodically removed in order for plant maintenance crews to conduct repairs on process equipment and concrete holding basins, superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are the safest, fastest, and most efficient choice to convert wet sludge to dry stackable solids.

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Topics: Environmental Conditions, Environmental Remediation, SAP vs Cement, Sawdust vs SAP, superabsorbent polymers, SAP Applications, Wastewater Treatment Sludge, Solidifier

Absorbent Pads:  Keeping Your Meat Safe & Delicious With Superabsorbent Polymers

Have you ever wondered how those thin pads under your ribeye steak absorb and hold so much liquid?  Yet a similar size paper towel can only absorb a fraction of the same volume and releases the liquid when any pressure is applied.  

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Topics: superabsorbent polymers, meat tray, dali tray, SAPs for consumer products, SAP Applications