What is Concrete Slurry Dewatering?

How to Dispose of Concrete Slurry?

Proper disposal of concrete slurry wastewater involves several methods, depending on environmental conditions and regulations.

• Decantation Ponds: Concrete slurry is often transported to collection and decantation ponds, where solids naturally settle over time. This method requires a controlled, closed area to isolate the slurry, allowing sediment to sink to the bottom, while clearer water collects at the surface. Although effective for solid separation, the remaining water usually needs additional treatment or disposal. Over time, these ponds fill up with settled materials and require periodic maintenance or clearing.
• Transport to Processing Plants: For larger projects, concrete slurry can be collected and transported in watertight tankers to processing plants. Specialized equipment, such as belt presses and centrifuges, separates solids from water, enabling wastewater treatment and reuse while also producing solid byproducts for disposal or repurposing, such as lime for secondary use. Processing plants are ideal for extensive operations, though costly, as they require advanced infrastructure and are designed to manage stormwater and processed water runoff effectively.

Advantages of Proper Concrete Slurry Management

Effective concrete slurry management supports compliance with environmental regulations and prevents ecological damage. Properly managing slurry disposal helps to:

• Minimize Environmental Impact: Controls the liming effect and prevents pollutants from entering sensitive ecological areas.
• Enable Water Reuse: Treated slurry water can be reused in certain applications, reducing overall water consumption.
• Reduce Disposal Costs: Efficient handling and disposal lower long-term waste management costs for projects requiring continuous dewatering.

Concrete slurry management not only ensures regulatory compliance but also supports sustainable practices within the construction and concrete processing industries.

Mobile Filter Press and Dewatering Stations

By utilizing a mobile mounted filter press with slurry and clean water tanks, water can be quickly removed from the slurry and result in decrease of 15% moisture solid cakes of material from the slurry.  The residual clean water is then piped directly back to the grinding unit.  This process allows for 100% control of the slurry product cradle to grave (ROI Calculator).  Because the Dewatering Station is mobile, it eliminates site set-up costs, and since they run automatically, there is minimal requirement for personnel to operate them.

FAQ

What is concrete slurry wastewater?

Concrete slurry wastewater is a byproduct of diamond grinding and sawing processes, containing water and concrete fines that must be managed and disposed of safely.

How can concrete slurry wastewater be disposed of?

Common methods include spreading on rural slopes (where permitted), decantation ponds, or transporting to processing plants with specialized equipment.

Why is proper slurry disposal necessary?

Proper disposal prevents environmental damage, especially due to slurry’s liming effect, and ensures compliance with regulations.

What are the benefits of processing slurry at specialized plants?

Processing plants offer effective water and solid separation, allowing water reuse and creating solid byproducts for disposal or secondary use.