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 HDD waste slurry doesn’t have to mean truckloads of sawdust, curing delays, and high disposal costs. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) from Zappa-Stewart deliver landfill-ready solids in under 30 minutes—cutting pit volumes by 90% and reducing disposal costs by more than 20%. Backed by real-world case studies, SAPs prove to be the faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional absorbents.

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

When a Southeastern US-based fiber optic and telecom contractor was faced with a persistent liquid waste management challenge, the contractor contacted Zappa-Stewart to conduct an on-site demonstration of solidification with ZapZorb superabsorbent polymers (SAPs).

Topics: Waste Solidification, SAP, Sawdust vs SAP, Liquid Waste Management, superabsorbent polymers, Wastewater Treatment Sludge

Zappa-Stewart supplies large volumes of sodium polyacrylate superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) to many industrial and consumer sectors.  Hot/cold packs, the gel-filled packaging that accompanies perishable online grocery deliveries, is one specific SAP application that is experiencing explosive growth in demand.  With the increased demand for SAPs in the hot/cold pack market, we have also received an increasing volume of questions from customers and end users about ways that SAPs can be repurposed, rather than simply tossed in the garbage. It’s a great question and fortunately for millions of consumers across the globe, we have some answers.

Topics: Super Absorbent Polymers, SAP, Gel Packs, Landfills, Soil Hydration, Recycle