Heavy Sludge Waste

Overview

Common liquid hazardous waste presents uncommon challenges and risks to remediation and hauling companies.

The Challenge

Hazardous waste usually can’t be remediated in-situ. Onsite or offsite remediation, or offsite disposal, are typically an industrial company’s only options. Removing heavy sludge quickly from pits or other enclosures requires strong pumps, robust high-capacity tanks, and a safe and easy to operate machine.

Once waste is on the move, particularly to an offsite location, secure containment becomes another major concern. US DOT Code 407 and 412 regulations require robust 3rd -party Nationally Recognized Test Lab (NRTL) tank documentation and validation to ASME standards, along with manufacturer testing and documentation of additional protective structures. Code hazmat vacuum trucks must also be regularly inspected to ensure that their operating conditions still comply with Code requirements. Unfortunately, many units on the market are either difficult to use and empty, or feature tank protective systems that don’t meet DOT requirements. In a rollover accident or rear-end collision, these less robust systems carry an increased risk of damage to valves and manways, creating potential for costly hazardous waste spills. Less robust tanks and protective systems may also shorten the length of time these units can be safely used for Code transport applications, reducing their revenue-earning potential and increasing long-term cost of ownership.

The Solution

Cusco’s powerful Industrial Vacuum trucks include operator-friendly features that speed system setup and takedown, for quicker sludge pumping and offloading, and more revenue-earning trips in a day. Cusco’s tanks are designed and 3rd-party validated to meet both DOT’s 407 and 412 standard, and Cusco’s overturn and rear bumper systems are designed and validated with full FEA dynamic load simulations to prove compliance with all DOT standards. In addition, the robust tank, protective components, and hose management system, combined with easy ground-level access to regular maintenance components, and bolt-on/bolt-off component replacement, up to the chassis itself, will keep the system operating and earning income through years of near-constant use.

The Results

• Fast waste removal: the power and ease of use to set up and quickly fill the tank
• Secure hauling: designed, built, and inspected to meet ASME & DOT containment, rollover, and rear collision standards
• Fast waste offload: full pump-off and dump with the minimum of effort
• Years of Code use: high safety margin construction combats the effects of time and wear

Note

Vacuum equipment must always be operated by a properly trained and competent worker, following all safe work practices and documented procedures for this type of equipment.