Washdowns, ingredient spills, and changeovers add time and slip hazards. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) capture and immobilize liquids quickly, making cleanup faster and safer while supporting housekeeping SOPs. SAPs also support spill kits and certain packaging absorbents where permitted.

Topics: SAP, SAP Applications, HDD, ZapOut, Tunneling

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) rapidly immobilize free liquid by converting it into a stable gel, helping sites cut handling/disposal costs, reduce risk, and meet landfill “no free liquids” requirements. Below you’ll find quick answers to the most common questions we get about SAPs—plus where to use them and how to validate performance in the field.

Topics: SAP, SAP Applications, HDD, ZapOut, Tunneling

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) cut coal-ash (CCR) disposal costs by 20%+ because they work at ultra-low dosage rates (often ~0.3–0.5%), solidify in 15–30 minutes, and don’t add bulk—so you save on labor, trucking, and tipping fees. Unlike lime/cement, SAPs are inert and non-corrosive, avoid high-pH waste profile changes, and keep projects compliant with EPA Method 9095B Paint Filter requirements—even in saturated ash.

Topics: SAP, SAP Applications, HDD, ZapOut, Tunneling

Managing drilling fluid waste from HDD and hydrovac work shouldn’t drain time, money, and crews. Traditional absorbents like sawdust or lime add bulk, slow you down, and still risk free-liquid failures at the landfill. Zappa-Stewart superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) flip that script—solidifying mud in 15–30 minutes, cutting added material to a fraction of the usual dose, shrinking pit volumes, and helping loads pass Paint Filter so you can haul sooner, safer, and at lower total cost.

Topics: SAP, SAP Applications, HDD, ZapOut, Tunneling

Reducing environmental impact is a growing priority in directional drilling, tunneling, and heavy construction. One innovative solution leading the way is superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) — sustainable, high-performance materials that solidify directional drilling mud and tunnel muck while dramatically lowering greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional materials like Portland cement and quicklime.

Topics: SAP, SAP Applications, HDD, ZapOut, Tunneling

Tunneling has emerged as the least disruptive and most efficient methodology for rail and vehicle transportation, clean water and wastewater security and conservation as well as security for the movement of chemicals and hydrocarbon through sensitive environments.

Topics: SAP, SAP Applications, HDD, ZapOut, Tunneling

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.

Topics: SAP, CCR Stabilization

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.

Topics: Waste Solidification, SAP, Liquid Waste Management

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: 

 

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

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.

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