Get Free Sample

REQUEST A QUOTE

REQUEST A QUOTE

3

HDD(Horizontal Directional Drilling)

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a crucial construction technology in pipeline, infrastructure, and energy sectors. However, the drilling process inevitably generates large amounts of drilling fluid waste (mud/sludge). If this mud remains in a liquid state for extended periods, it is not only difficult to handle but also incurs high transportation costs.


The HDD industry urgently needs an efficient, economical, and secure hardening solution.




Request A Quote

The Challenges

-Using vacuum trucks to extract the sludge and then transporting it to centralized treatment facilities is costly (hourly truck fees, transportation fees).


-Traditional adsorbents (sawdust, cement, lime, etc.) have low liquid absorption efficiency, requiring large proportions (20%-100%), increasing transportation volume and costs.


-Natural drying of liquid sludge requires significant site space, impacts project efficiency, and may leak or seep, causing environmental pollution (water pollution, groundwater risks).


-Some sludge solidification materials exhibit backflow under pressure, violating environmental regulations, and their transportation and treatment also generate carbon footprints and safety hazards.


Applications of SLUSORB™ in HDD Mud Solidification ​

What is SLUSORB™?


It is a highly hydrophilic polymer capable of absorbing and retaining hundreds of times its own weight in water or liquid. Through its network and cross-linked structure, it captures and locks in water molecules, preventing leakage. Specifically designed for HDD mud, it efficiently handles Bentonite-based mud, water-based mud, and mixtures thereof, as well as waste generated from hydraulic excavation. The usage rate is extremely low, typically 0.5%–1.5% of the mud weight, with minimal volume expansion (approximately 1%), resulting in significant cost savings.


Key Advantages


Low Dosage, High Efficiency

Only 0.5–1.5% (by weight) of SAP is needed to completely solidify liquid sludge within minutes.


Cost Savings

Reduced vacuum truck frequency and transport volume → Reduced labor, transportation, and tipping costs.


Environmentally Friendly & Safe

Complies with EPA 9095B paint dripping standards, reducing the risk of leakage/leakage; non-leachable after solidification; prevents liquid from flowing into the environment.


No Complex Equipment Required

Only standard machinery (such as an excavator) is needed for mixing; no heavy equipment such as centrifuges or filter presses is required.


Long-Term Stability

SAP is stable in landfill environments and is not easily decomposed by microorganisms, thus locking in the liquid.


Flexibility/Scalability

Different forms and chemical formulations (granular, fibrous, particulate, etc.) are available for various operating conditions (high-salt, conductive liquids, etc.).


Application Method in HDD Projects


Collect waste mud in pits or roll-off containers. If the project is in a remote area or temporary site without a centralized treatment point, on-site solidification can be performed. SLUSORB™ can also be used to solidify slurry mixed with mud and cuttings.


1. Waste Liquid Collection

After the drill bit is pulled back, transfer the waste mud from the vibrating screen or mud tank to a roll-off container or a pre-designated solidification area.


2. Polymer Addition

Before the mud is ready for transport or landfill, perform on-site solidification by directly spreading polymer powder onto the mud surface at a very low recommended dosage (typically 0.5%–1.5% of the mud weight).


3. Rapid Mixing

Use the bucket to rapidly mix the mud and polymer; the solidification reaction is usually completed within 15–30 minutes.


4. Final Disposal

After solidification, the slurry becomes a stackable solid and undergoes a Paint Filter Test (EPA 9095B). The solidified material is immediately transported to a landfill for final disposal, without the need for prolonged drying or reaction.


Long-term Stability: SAP exhibits good stability in landfills and is not easily biodegradable (it does not release previously absorbed liquid in landfill environments).


Note: Please test the slurry properties (conductivity/ionic strength/particle size/liquid content) before purchasing.


FAQs

  • 1.Will SLUSORB™ release water (re-leach)?

    Properly formulated SLUSORB™ will lock in water, creating a non-leachable colloid. SLUSORB™ products are stable in landfill environments and will not be rapidly decomposed by microorganisms.

  • 2.What is the dosage of SLUSORB™?

    The typical dosage is 0.5%–1.5% (by weight) of the sludge, but the specific dosage depends on parameters such as the sludge's conductivity (ion concentration) and free water content.

  • 3.How fast is the treatment?

    After on-site mechanical mixing using excavators or other machinery, SLUSORB™ typically expands and solidifies within minutes (the exact time depends on the formulation, ambient temperature, and sludge characteristics).

  • 4.Is special equipment required?

    No complex equipment is required. The common practice is to use an excavator already on-site to mix SLUSORB™ into the sludge pool. Centrifuges, filter presses, etc., are not needed.

  • 5.What is the disposal method after solidification?

    The cured material can be disposed of in conventional landfills (if it complies with regulations and landfill requirements) because it has been converted into a solid form with no free water and optimized volume and weight.

  • 6.Is this SLUSORB™ harmful to the environment?

    Most SLUSORB™ used for HDD curing are non-toxic, chemically stable polymers. The risk is low under normal handling and landfill conditions. Furthermore, it is more environmentally friendly overall due to reduced risk of liquid spills and fewer transportation trips.

We have “Ask The Expert” online service 24/7. If you have any questions please contact us.