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TBM

Tunnelling & Drilling Sludge Solidification

Background & Industry Challenges

Modern tunnelling and drilling operations generate massive volumes of waste slurry and drilling fluids. Whether from mechanized tunnelling (e.g., TBMs), microtunnelling, or shaft excavation, managing this liquid-solid waste poses serious challenges:

High Water Content: Sludge contains excessive free water, making it difficult and expensive to transport and dispose.

Disposal Limitations: Many jurisdictions restrict or prohibit the dumping of untreated slurry due to environmental concerns.

Inefficient Dewatering: Conventional dewatering methods are often slow, labor-intensive, and ineffective with fine particles.

Site Constraints: Urban tunnelling sites are often tight on space, requiring fast, compact, and mobile waste solutions.


SOCO offers a robust and field-tested solution to the challenges of tunnelling and drilling waste: Solidification using proprietary superabsorbent polymers (SAPs).


Instead of relying on traditional dewatering or complex mechanical separation, our method instantly transforms slurry into a solid, manageable material that meets transportation and disposal requirements.


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Our Solution: Advanced Sludge Solidification Using High-Performance SAPs

SOCO offers a robust and field-tested solution to the challenges of tunnelling and drilling waste: Solidification using proprietary super absorbent polymers (SAPs).


Instead of relying on traditional dewatering or complex mechanical separation, our method instantly transforms slurry into a solid, manageable material that meets transportation and disposal requirements.


How It Works

SAPs are introduced directly into the sludge using in-line or batch application systems.


Within minutes, the polymer absorbs and locks in free water—rapidly reducing volume and increasing handling efficiency.


The resulting material is non-leachable, stackable, and compliant with landfill disposal or reuse standards.


This method is scalable, mobile, and field-proven in large tunnelling and directional drilling projects across North America and beyond.



Key Advantages

✅ Fast Solidification

Sludge is transformed into solid form within minutes—significantly reducing downtime and improving on-site logistics.


✅ Reduces Disposal Volume

By immobilizing free water, our SAPs decrease the overall mass and volume of waste, cutting transportation and tipping fees.


✅ Improves Site Safety & Cleanliness

Solidified material eliminates the risks of spillage, leakage, and unstable storage—keeping worksites cleaner and safer.


✅ No Heavy Equipment Needed

Unlike mechanical separators, our solution does not require centrifuges, presses, or tanks—minimizing capital investment.


✅ Environmentally Responsible

The polymers are non-toxic, non-leaching, and compliant with environmental regulations—suitable even for sensitive job sites.


✅ Customizable for Slurry Type

Formulations can be tailored to the specific characteristics of your waste—whether it’s bentonite-based, spoil-heavy, or contains drilling additives.



Ready to Simplify Slurry Management?


SOCO’s tunnelling & drilling solidification system is trusted by leading contractors for its efficiency, reliability, and environmental compliance.


Contact us today to schedule a site assessment or request a polymer sample for testing.



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