GMB: extend lifespan with sustainable sealants

Zutphen, Netherlands

GMB & SABA

For over half a century, GMB has been active in sustainable solutions for water quality, water safety, bioenergy and industrial construction and infrastructure projects. GMB Services, one of many GMB subsidiaries, has worked with our products for years now, and has always been very happy with them. So when the company’s BioEnergie division encountered a problem, they obviously asked SABA to help come up with a solution.

Composting tunnels

GMB BioEnergie specialises in composting and bio-drying biosolids (a byproduct of the wastewater treatment process). These biosolids arrive at the company’s facility in very wet condition and contain a high percentage of water. By reducing the moisture content from approximately 75% to approximately 35%, GMB makes it easier for the biosolids to be transported and undergo further treatment. They are processed in several large, concrete composting tunnels at GMB BioEnergie’s two sites in Tiel and Zutphen.

The search for durable solutions

After many years’ heavy use, GMB BioEnergie’s composting tunnels showed some wear and tear at the expansion joints. Air was able to escape from the tunnels, which negatively affected the composting process. Replacing the tunnels would require a considerable financial outlay. This being the case, the company asked SABA to help come up with a solution that would be able to withstand the challenging conditions inside the tunnels and that would help extend the lifespan of the existing tunnels and allow them to function for several more years without requiring maintenance.

Testing for the most durable solution

We tested Sabatack® 950 Boost and SABA Sealer MB-T inside one of GMB BioEnergie’s composting tunnels. Given the challenging conditions, featuring high temperatures, considerable mechanical load and high ammonia concentrations, it was essential that we find a quick and durable solution. Ideally, the tunnel would be operational again within 8 hours of application of the products.

In consultation with the client, our Application Manager decided to test both products, with each side of the tunnel being sealed off with a different sealant. After several months and multiple composting cycles, it was found that both sealants were completely up to the job, and no cracks were visible anywhere. GMB BioEnergie opted for Sabatack® 950 Boost for practical reasons.

Client-specific solutions

GMB BioEnergie was very happy with the result. The composting tunnel was sealed off in a durable manner, meaning that energy consumption in the tunnel in question was reduced, since hot air was no longer able to escape through the cracks. Sabatack® 950 Boost can be applied quickly, and its application is a great deal more cost-efficient than demolishing the tunnels or subjecting them to modification procedures.

This confirms that our sealants can significantly extend the lifespan of structures, meaning that costly major repairs can be postponed. SABA always seeks to provide highly efficient, client-specific solutions, in consultation with the client.

"Our collaboration with SABA was very pleasant. Communication was quick and prompt, and recommendations were issued quickly. Lines of communication are short and practical." Frank te Brake Production Manager GMB BioEnergie

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