This knowledge technology have a three-step process:

Step 1: Filling -- Sludge (dredged material) is pumped into the Geotube container. Environmentally-safe polymers are added to the sludge, which makes the solids bind together and water separate. The TenCate Geotube?container's unique fabric confines the fine grains of the material.

Step 2: Dewatering -- Clear effluent water simply drains from the Geotube container through the small pores in the specially engineered textile. This results in effective dewatering and efficient volume reduction of the contained materials. And this volume reduction allows for the repeated filling of the Geotube container. Over 99% of solids are captured, and clear filtrate can be collected and recirculated through the system. The decanted water is often of a quality that can be reused/returned for processing or returned to native waterways without additional treatment.

Step 3: Consolidation -- After the final cycle of filling and dewatering, the solids remain in the bag and continue to densify due to desiccation as residual water vapor escapes through the fabric. Volume reduction can be as high as 90 percent. When full, the Geotube container and contents can be deposited at a landfill, remain on-site, or the solids can be removed and land-applied when appropriate.