Geotextile and Sludge Tubes
Geotextile Dewatering Tubes (or Sludge Tubes, Geo-Tubes, Dewatering Tubes) are ideal for filtering materials on projects.
They are used extensively on Water Treatment projects (WWTP’s), agricultural ponds, aquaculture facilities, pulp and paper mills and numerous industrial lagoons for consolidation of media.
If you have questions about any of our products, give us a call at (+1) 772.646.0597 or toll free at (+1) 888.703.9889 or request a price quote. |
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| Technical Specifications | ||||
| Product Flyer | Geotextile Tube Flyer | |||
| Property | Value | Extra Notes | ||
| Length | 50' |
Other Lengths by Special Order | ||
| Width (laying flat) | 7.5', 12', 22.5' 30', 37.5', 45' |
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| Circumference | 15', 30', 45' 60', 75', 90' |
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| Filling Port Spacing | 1, 2, or 3 ports | Equally Spaced Depending on the Tube Length and Volume | ||
| Bracing Loop | Every 20' OC | - | ||
| Size and Estimated Capacity per Tube | ||||
| Circumference | Tube Height (ft) | Tube Volume (cy/ft) | ||
| 15 | 3.5 | 0.6 | ||
| 30 | 5 | 2 | ||
| 45 | 5.5 | 3.5 | ||
| 60 | 6 | 5.4 | ||
| Material Specification | ||||
| Fabric | Woven Geotextile | UV Stable | Weight/Unit Area oz/sq.yard (g/sq. m) |
Color |
| Polypropylene | Yes | Yes | 16.6 (560) | Black |
| Polyester | Yes | Yes | 17.7 (600) | White |
| Polyester | Yes | Yes | 24 (810) | White |
Learn More about Dewatering Bags
The sludge / sediment geotextile dewatering tubes are normally filled to 85% with slurry mix capacity and then allowed to consolidate. Once consolidation has taken place the dewatering tubes are then refilled, and the cycle continues, until the capacity 85% of consolidated solids is reached.
The geotextile dewatering tubes should be left in left in-place to dewater over a period of time to achieve the best volume reduction. Reduction rates depend on slurry, organics and conditions. Once consolidated the tube material can be trucked to off-site location for disposal or used as fill, compost or other beneficial uses.
Sludge Tube Benefits:
- Requires minimal dewatering equipment
- It is not very labor intensive and can run 24/7
- No hi-tech complicated procedures or parts.
- Typically the most economical approach to dewatering
This technology is often the most inexpensive economical route to consider for treating a specific sludge / slurry stream. Simple soil analysis in conjunction with hanging bag tests can economically determine the correct fabric and pore size necessary for the conditions to safely deploy the Dewatering Tube in an environmentally responsible manner. *** Disclaimer ***
Other Considerations (Polymers)
Polymers: Depending on the media, pump rates and site limitations we may consider using polymers to improve floccing and dewatering times. These materials can help support the plant manager in his goal of superior performance at minimal cost by offering a complete dewatering package to our customers.
Additional items to consider when planning a sludge tube program:
- All necessary dredging, pumping, and piping systems (The sludge / slurry flow to the tubes must be controlled through a series of manifolds and valves)
- Consider contacting a polymer specialist to treat the sludge and also the necessary management and labor to establish/maintain a sludge tube dewatering process.
The correct use of Polymer can reduce total time and provide huge savings on a geotextile dewatering tube system but must be carefully monitored during the tube filling operation. Periodic beaker tests should be done to ensure peak performance and TSS thresholds are achieved.
Additional considerations while using tubes;
- Slurry / Sludge solids content
- Placement of inlets for distribution of sludge/solids in each tube
- Drainage of clear, free-flowing filtrate from each tube to retention area or reservoir.
- Tube height should not exceed 5’ and inflation rates of multiple tubes applications
- Stability of additional layers of tubes (if filling a second layer tube)
- Safe location tubes with respect to potential hazards and area.
Other Filter Bag Options
Other Dewatering Bag Uses
Other Filtering Devices
- Type 1 Turbidity Curtain
- Type 2 Turbidity Curtain
- Type 3 Turbidity Curtain
- Silt Fence (Standard & DOT)
- Best Management Practices











