Treatment system for liquid concrete washout waste

Solid and liquid concrete waste is collected from a construction site and safely off-loaded at a treatment site. Solid waste is separated and sent to a crusher to be made into road bed aggregate. Liquid waste is put in a first tank to settle the solids, then moved to a second tank to settle remaining fine solids, and moved to a third tank coupled to a circulation pump with CO2 gas injection to lower the pH. The liquid in the third tank is then filtered before discharging for recycle, irrigation or dust control. A precipitate agent is preferable added to the liquid in the third tank to remove heavy metals and the precipitate is periodically backwashed from the filter into the first tank. The sludge created in the settling and filtering process is periodically dewatered in the first tank and mixed with the solid concrete waste sent to the crusher.

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains generally to treatment of concrete washout waste, and more particularly to treatment of waste liquid associated with washout of concrete trucks and associated equipment on construction sites and at concrete batch plants.

2. Description of Related Art

Construction sites have long been identified as a large contributor to urban runoff pollution if the proper pollution prevention practices are not regularly performed. Construction materials washed into the storm drain have a direct impact on local waterways and habitat living in that environment.

The most common discharge into storm drains from concrete construction activity is the residue and contaminants from washing down equipment such as concrete trucks, pumps, mixers, chutes, hand tools and wheelbarrows. Other cementitious contaminants include washout from grout, mortar and stucco. Once released into a storm drain, the solids and sediments are not easily removed and the high pH and suspended solids of the waste are extremely toxic to aquatic wildlife.

Temporary washout areas with berms, haybales, linings and catchment systems are typically used on construction sites, but with poor results. These temporary sites are prone to leaking or flooding during rains. Evaporation or leaching as a method to remove the liquid waste is not environmentally safe or practical. Dumpsters and sludge boxes are also used to contain washout waste but are prone to leaking during use or during transport.

Some concrete trucks are equipped with a reclaimer system, a temporary storage for washout waste that is returned to the batch plant for recycling. These systems require valuable time for the operator to use and need ongoing maintenance to stay operational.

On some construction sites, individual plastic bags are used to contain washout waste. These small bags, typically about 5 gallons, are time consuming to use and usually require two persons to handle during washout activities. They may be left on the jobsite for several weeks exposed to the elements, rough ground, and puncture hazards.

Some existing systems transport the concrete waste to evaporation ponds or lagoons to evaporate the liquid and then bury, dispose or recycle the remaining solids. Evaporation ponds are subject to leaking high pH liquid with suspended solids and heavy metals into the environment. In some cases, pH treatment is performed in place to reduce the environmental risk of leaking evaporation ponds.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a treatment system and method for treating liquid waste from concrete washout activity. In one example, a truck mounted liquid concrete waste vacuum system with a storage tank is adapted to be used in conjunction with a watertight concrete washout bin placed at a construction site. The concrete washout bin is configured to roll off a transport vehicle for delivery to a construction site and to contain all solid and liquid concrete washout waste from construction activities. When the concrete washout waste is to be removed from the site, the liquid concrete waste vacuum system attached to the transport vehicle is first used to remove the liquid waste from the washout bin and store it in the tank. The bin containing the remaining solid waste is loaded on the transport vehicle and taken to the treatment facility where both the solid and liquid waste is safely off-loaded. The storage tank on the truck is preferably about 300 gallon capacity.

The solid and liquid concrete wastes are transported to the treatment facility. Solid waste is separated and sent to a crusher to be made into road bed aggregate. Liquid waste is put in a first tank to settle the solids, then moved to a second tank to settle remaining fine solids, and moved to a third tank coupled to a circulation pump configured with CO2gas injection to lower the pH. The liquid in the third tank is then filtered before discharging for recycle, irrigation or dust control. A precipitate agent is preferably added to the liquid in the third tank to remove heavy metals. The sludge created in the settling process in the first tank is periodically dewatered and mixed with the concrete solid waste sent to the crusher. The filter is periodically backwashed into the first tank.

An embodiment of the invention is a treatment system for treating liquid concrete waste that comprises a first tank configured to receive liquid concrete waste, where the first tank is configured to settle suspended solids, a second tank configured to receive liquid from the first tank, where the second tank is configured to settle suspended solids, a third tank, configured to receive liquid from the second tank, a CO2injector hydraulically coupled to the third tank, where the CO2injector is adapted to reduce pH by injecting CO2into liquid circulated from the third tank, a discharge line hydraulically coupled to the third tank, where the discharge line is adapted to discharge treated liquid from the third tank, and a filter positioned in the discharge line, the filter adapted to remove suspended particles from liquid flowing through the discharge line from the third tank.

Another aspect of the invention is a treatment pad adapted to support the first, second and third tank, where the treatment pad is further adapted to prevent spills of liquid concrete waste.

A still further aspect of the invention is where the treatment pad is further adapted to receive a concrete washout waste bin, and where the treatment pad is further adapted to receive solid concrete waste.

Another aspect of the invention is where the first tank is adapted to collect sludge from the second tank and from the third tank, and where the first tank is adapted to dewater the sludge for removal.

A still further aspect of the invention is where the filter is configured to remove particles sized at about 45 microns or more.

Another aspect of the invention is where the third tank is adapted to receive a precipitating agent.

A further aspect of the invention is where the precipitating agent is sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate.

Another embodiment of the invention is a first tank configured to receive liquid concrete waste, where the first tank is configured to settle suspended solids, a second tank, configured to receive liquid from the first tank, where the second tank is configured to settle suspended solids, a CO2injector hydraulically coupled to the second tank, where the CO2injector adapted to reduce pH by injecting CO2into liquid circulated from the second tank, a discharge line hydraulically coupled to the second tank, where the discharge line is adapted to discharge treated liquid from the second tank, and a first filter positioned in the discharge line, the first filter adapted to remove suspended particles from liquid flowing through the discharge line from the second tank.

Another aspect of the invention is where the first filter is configured to remove particles as small as about 45 microns.

A further aspect of the invention is a second filter adapted to filter particles from liquid flowing from the first tank to the second tank.

A still further aspect of the invention is a treatment pad adapted to support the first and second tank, where the treatment pad is further adapted to prevent spills of liquid concrete waste.

Another aspect of the invention is where the treatment pad is further adapted to receive a concrete washout waste bin, and where the treatment pad is further adapted to receive solid concrete waste.

A further aspect of the invention is where the first tank is adapted to collect sludge from the second tank, and where the first tank is adapted to dewater the sludge for removal.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method of treating liquid concrete waste having suspended particles that comprises providing a first tank, second tank, a CO2injector and a filter, placing the liquid concrete washout waste in the first tank, settling the suspended particles to form a sludge, separating the liquid from the sludge in the first tank, transferring the liquid from the first tank to the second tank, reducing the pH of the liquid in the second tank by injecting CO2in the liquid, transferring the liquid from the second tank through the filter, and discharging the filtered liquid.

Another aspect of the invention is adding sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate to the liquid in the second tank to form a precipitate, and removing the precipitate with the filter.

A further aspect of the invention is removing the sludge from the first tank, and crushing the sludge into an aggregate road base.

A still further aspect of the invention is forming precipitated particles in the second tank, and transferring the precipitated particles from the second tank to the first tank.

Another aspect of the invention is forming a filter cake on the filter, and transferring the filter cake from the filter to the first tank.

A further embodiment of the invention is a method of treating liquid concrete waste having suspended particles that comprises providing a first tank, a second tank, a third tank, a CO2injector and a filter, placing the liquid concrete washout waste in the first tank, settling the suspended particles to form a first sludge, separating the liquid from the first sludge in the first tank, transferring the liquid from the first tank to the second tank, settling the liquid in the second tank to form a second sludge, separating the liquid from the second sludge in the second tank, transferring the liquid from the second tank to the third tank, reducing the pH of the liquid in the third tank by injecting CO2in the liquid, transferring the liquid from the third tank through the filter, and discharging the filtered liquid.

Another aspect of the invention is adding sodium dimethyidithiocarbamate to the liquid in the third tank to form a third sludge, and transferring the third sludge to the first tank.

A further aspect of the invention is dewatering the first sludge in the first tank, transferring the first sludge from the first tank to a crusher, and crushing the first sludge into an aggregate road base.

A still further aspect of the invention is forming precipitated particles in the third tank, and transferring the precipitated particles from the third tank to the first tank.

Another aspect of the invention is forming a filter cake on the filter, and transferring the filter cake from the filter to the first tank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates a transport vehicle10equipped with frame12and elevating slide rack14for handling skid loaded containers such as concrete washout bins16. Concrete wash out bins are typically located at sites of concrete activity and are used by concrete mixer trucks to wash concrete solids from their equipment before returning to the batch plant.

A liquid concrete waste vacuum system20is mounted to truck10and consists of a tank and vacuum pump mounted to truck frame12. Hose22is connected to waste vacuum system20and is used to access liquid in concrete washout bin16.

During retrieval of a concrete washout bin16containing washout waste, the liquid concrete waste vacuum system20is used to remove the liquid waste from the bin before loading onto the transport vehicle10. Both the liquid waste in vacuum system20and the solid waste in concrete washout bin16are transported to a treatment facility at the same time.

FIG. 2is a schematic flow diagram of a concrete washout treatment system according to the present invention. Concrete waste washout bin16collects concrete washout waste at a construction site. The liquid waste is transported to the treatment facility either in the concrete wash out bin16or in a concrete wash out vacuum system20attached to the transport vehicle as illustrated inFIG. 1.

Solid concrete washout waste30, such as aggregate and hardened concrete, can be removed from the concrete washout bin16, by dumping on a treatment pad32where it can be swept or shoveled. Treatment pad32is sloped and has curbs or berms34(shown inFIG. 3) to contain any liquid from concrete waste washout bin16and associated washing activities and to prevent accidental spills. Solid concrete washout waste30is transferred to a crusher36and recycled into class11aggregate road base at box38.

Treatment pad32also has drain sump40to collect liquid from washing activities. The liquid concrete washout waste is collected from the concrete washout bin by washing, or pumped from the truck mounted storage tank of liquid concrete washout vacuum system20to a first large tank42, also designated tank A. Tank A preferably has a capacity of about 4,000 gallons and, in one embodiment, is fabricated from a watertight 20 yard debris bin with a flat bottom. The liquid waste in tank A is preferably allowed to settle for at least about 12 hours, thus allowing the majority of suspended solids and particulates to settle to the bottom forming a sludge. In one embodiment, there are a plurality of Tank A's to allow simultaneous filling, settling and dewatering.

Next, the liquid from tank A is preferably transferred to a tank44, also designated Tank B. Tank B preferably has a capacity of about 8,000 gallons and in one embodiment, is fabricated from a watertight 40 yard debris bin with a flat bottom. The liquid in tank B is preferably allowed to settle for at least about 48 hours providing further settling of the fine suspended solids and particulates into a sludge.

The liquid from tank B is transfered into a tank46, also designated Tank C. Tank C preferably has a capacity of about 8,000 gallons and, in one embodiment, is fabricated from a watertight 40 yard debris bin with a flat bottom.

When tank C is about full, the liquid is circulated through a Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas injection system50that injects CO2into the recirculated liquid to bring the pH from a typical level of about 12 to 12.5 to a preferable level of about 7.25 to about 7.75. In one mode of operation, about 25 pounds of CO2are used to treat about 8,000 gallons of liquid. Once the pH in tank C has been lowered to about 7.25 to about 7.75, tank C is allowed to settle for at least about 24 hours.

In a preferred embodiment, CO2injection system50is placed in an enclosure and automated with a pH sensor, liquid pump and controller. In some situations, the preferred pump is about ½ to about ¾ horsepower, such as used for circulating swimming pool water, and is coupled to tank C with conventional plumbing fittings.

After the liquid in tank C has settled for at least about 24 hours or more, it is pumped through a filter52for reuse such as non-crop irrigation, dust control or water for mixing concrete. Tank54, also designated Tank D can be a storage tank, a water truck or an irrigation distribution system. Water from tank D can be used for washing concrete waste washout bins, concrete trucks and concrete equipment on treatment pad32.

In a second embodiment of the invention, after pH treatment, the liquid in tank C is treated with a sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate (SDDC) precipitate agent56, such as NAMET™, to precipitate heavy metals such as Chromium (Cr) and Molybdenum (Mo). In one mode, about 1.5 lbs of dry NAMET™ is added to about 8,000 gallons of waste water in tank C. In one test of this mode, total Cr was about 0.28 ppm after the water was treated. In another mode, about 4 lbs of dry NAMET™is added to about 8,000 gallons of liquid waste reduce the total Cr to less than 0.28 ppm. In a further mode, about 2 quarts of liquid NAMET™ is added to Tank C to remove almost all the Cr and most of the Mo.

In a preferred embodiment, the precipitate formed in the bottom of tank C after treatment with SDDC is vacuumed and transferred to tank A. In another embodiment, the precipitate formed after treatment with SDDC is vacuumed, dewatered and disposed of in an environmentally safe manner such as a hazardous waste landfill.

In a preferred embodiment, filter52is a paper cartridge filter system similar to a residential swimming pool filter system and is configured to filter particles sized at about 45 microns or greater. In one embodiment, heavy metals present in the liquid adhere to the particles that form the sludge, or filter cake, on filter52. Thus some of the precipitate of iron (Fe), aluminum (Al) and Chromium (Cr) is removed in this fashion. In a preferred mode, filter52is periodically cleaned by backwashing the filter cake into tank A. In another mode, the filter cake is dewatered and disposed as a hazardous waste. In a further mode, the used paper filter with the filter cake is disposed as hazardous waste.

In a less preferable embodiment, filter52is a polymer filter charged to remove heavy metal ions such as Cr. In a further, less preferable embodiment, filter52is a reverse osmosis system. These less preferable embodiments are significantly more costly than a paper cartridge filter.

In an alternative embodiment, Tanks A, B and/or C have rounded or cylindrical bottoms. In a further alternative of this embodiment, Tanks A and/or B are concrete structures. Further, Tanks A, B and/or C could have liners suitable for the pH of the liquid waste solution and for vacuuming sludge from the bottom.

In another alternative embodiment, Tank B is omitted from the system. In this alternative, settling times for Tank A and Tank C can be increased or the throughput of liquid to be treated is decreased. In a further alternative embodiment, Tank B is replaced with a filter, such as a sand filter, that removes particles as the liquid is moved from Tank A to tank C. This filter can be cleaned periodically by backwashing into Tank A. In a still further embodiment, an additional tank C is added to the system to provide additional treatment capacity and water storage.

In a further alternative embodiment, pH reduction is accomplished by addition of an acid to Tank C. Acid can be added in liquid solution or solid form. Although nitric acid, acetic acid or muratic acid would be preferable in this embodiment, any acidic material such as vinegar, acidic fermentation of food processing waste or an acidic waste stream from an industrial process would be suitable to neutralize the pH in tank C. Any contaminates present in the acidic material would need to be neutralized or removed before discharge of the treated liquid from Tank C. Acid treatment can be used in conjunction with or to supplement the CO2injection system.

In an alternative mode of operation, chlorine or other chemicals can be added to the liquid in Tank D to disinfect the liquid or control algae or insect growth. In a further alternative mode, a zeolite treatment method or water softening chemicals are used to remove hardness in the water in Tank D.

In a preferred mode of operation, particulate sludge is accumulated in Tank A until it is about 18 inches to about 24 inches deep. Tank A is then drained and the sludge is dewatered until it can be scooped or shoveled out of Tank A. The dewatered sludge from Tank A is mixed with the solid concrete waste30removed from the concrete washout bins16and is processed through crusher36and used as class11aggregate road base38.

In a further mode of operation, a second Tank A is placed in service while the first Tank A is dewatered and the sludge removed. First and second Tanks A are then alternated in service.

In another mode of operation, any sludge or silt buildup on the bottom of Tank B is periodically removed with a vacuum, such as a swimming pool vacuum system, and placed into Tank A.

In an exemplary embodiment, the treatment system described above discharges water that meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water standards for pH, turbidity and heavy metals.

FIG. 3illustrates a schematic plan view of an equipment layout for a concrete liquid treatment system. Treatment pad32is sloped toward drain sump40and has curbs or berms34on at least three sides to prevent liquid waste or spills from draining into the environment. A transport vehicle10deposits concrete waste washout bin16near drain sump40. Liquid concrete washout vacuum system20empties liquid concrete waste through hose22into drain sump40or alternatively into a tank A (42).

Solid concrete waste30from concrete waste washout bin16and washing activities collects on treatment pad32where it can be swept or scooped and transported to a crusher (not shown). In a further embodiment, the concrete pad measures about 40 feet by about 100 feet.

Two tank A's are shown and designated42A and42B. One can be in service settling or dewatering sludge while the other is receiving liquid concrete waste. A pump60transfers liquid from sump40to tank A. After settling in tank A for at least about 12 hours, clarified water from tank A is transferred by pump62into adjacent tank B. Liquid in tank B settles for at least 48 hours. Clarified water from tank B is transferred by pump64from tank B into tank C.

As described previously inFIG. 2, CO2injection system50recirculates liquid from tank C with pump66and lowers the pH of the liquid. A sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate (SDDC) precipitate agent56is added to the liquid in Tank C to precipitate heavy metals such as Cr and Mo. SDDC can be added manually or with an automated dispersal device.

After settling, liquid from Tank C is transferred by pump68through filter system52and used directly for washing, mixing or irrigation or is transferred to Tank D for reuse, irrigation or disposal.

In one embodiment, a portable pump is used for pumps60,62, and/or64. The portable pump is preferably about ½ horsepower and preferably uses about a 1½ inch diameter hose. In a further embodiment, level switches are placed in tanks A, B and C to control pumps60,62, and64to prevent accidental overfilling.

In another embodiment of the invention, an enclosure with a roof is placed around and over tanks A, B and C to keep out rain and protect the treatment system from unauthorized access. In a further embodiment, the CO2injection system50is positioned in an enclosure to protect it from the elements and to prevent unauthorized access.