Treatability Testing of Dredged Materials

Brennan doubled down on our dewatering capabilities when we acquired the Dredging & Dewatering division of Infrastructure Alternatives, Inc. (IAI) in 2023. We handle the whole operation from proposal to disposal, starting with bench-scale testing through full-scale implementation. 

Treatability Testing

At our treatability laboratory in Rockford, MI, we apply traditional wastewater testing techniques to optimize chemical and mechanical treatment processes in new and innovative ways. Using the data our experienced chemists acquire, we implement the most cost-effective, full-scale solution for your remediation project.

Geotextile Tube Dewatering Test (GTDT)

We perform A specialized test called a geotextile tube dewatering test (GTDT). This test may also be referred to as a pillow test and replaces the hanging bag test.  A GTDT involves pouring sediment or other material to be dewatered into a small-scale geotextile tube. The flow rate, turbidity, and suspended solids content of the water passing through the geotextile tube fabric, weep water, or filtrate are evaluated.

Chemical Conditioning

Prior to the geotextile tube dewater test, our in-house chemist will perform a polymer screen and rapid dewatering test (RTD) to identify a chemical conditioning program for the material to be dewatered. Depending on the material's chemical composition and physical properties, these programs may be single or dual applications. The results of the polymer screen are provided to the client with our recommended LB per dry TON dose(s).

Water Treatment Bench Testing

Our team has lab-scale filters for evaluating the performance of various types of media. We can also perform flocculation and settling tests to evaluate chemical addition and clarification processes for removing solids and associated contaminants. 

Comprehensive treatability lab studies to optimize effectiveness:

• Chemical flocculant, coagulant,  and polymer optimization 
• Soil amendment trials
• Geotextile tube dewatering tests (GTDT)
• Paint filter and compressive strength analysis
• Turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS)
• Mechanical dewatering and processing trials 
• Rapid dewatering tests (RDT)
• Wastewater treatability study

Treatability Test Results, Reporting, and Recommendations

Treatability test results are summarized and provided to clients with a photo log. We can also provide recommendations for full-scale project design and implementation.

"Brennan’s crew demonstrated the ability to make rapid adjustments when conditions warranted and did an exceptional job of communicating throughout the project. I would not hesitate to use their services when presented with a future opportunity."

— Jim Brown, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District.

What are your dewatering options?

High-speed material separation and dredged material dewatering are imperative to any environmental dredging project. Dewatering details are on our website here.