Managing slurry waste is a critical challenge in the stone fabrication industry and getting it right can make all the difference to operational efficiency, compliance and sustainability.
We recently spoke with the team at Ascend Stone, a leading stone fabrication company in Melbourne that recently overhauled their slurry management system with the help of Slurry Solutions.
By implementing our innovative slurry control products, Ascend Stone has significantly improved waste handling, reduced environmental impact and streamlined workshop processes. Read on to discover how their team approached the upgrade, why they chose Slurry Solutions and the tangible benefits they’ve seen since making the switch.
Can you give us a brief description on the type of work that that you do?
At Ascend Stone, we fabricate benchtops in both engineered stone and natural stone.
From the production side of the business; on average how many jobs would you fabricate each week?
Our small but efficient team on average would fabricate 13-15 slabs of stone per week, which roughly equates to 5 standard size kitchen benchtops.
What percentage of the stone you work with is engineered stone?
With its rising popularity in the last decade 80%-90% of our work is now engineered stone at the moment.
Can you explain to us what slurry waste management system you had in place and the issues you may or may not have been experiencing from an operational point of view?
Slurry is one of the main byproducts of the stone fabrication process, and it is one that can cause environmental damage if not managed properly. The old system we had in place was to simply pump the slurry water from the drain into a holding tank and allow the sediments to settle at the bottom. We would then require to regularly clean out both the tanks and drain by manually removing the mud and allowing to dry out before disposing of it safely. This process is both time consuming and difficult, not to mention the dried mud can still be hazardous. Also, since we recycle the filtered water like most stone factories, the water fed back into our machines and hoses was still very murky.
How did you first find Slurry Solutions?
I found Slurry Solutions through a bit of extensive research on the Internet in a bid to find a cost-effective solution to manage my slurry. A series of convincing video demonstration by Slurry Solutions Australia, which is the Australian branch run by Huss Akkari, convinced me to give him a call.
Did you feel we assisted you in finding the best solution to your specific set-up and requirements?
Huss was very friendly and knowledgeable, but above all very patient in sharing his expertise to help me find a set up that best suited my needs. He even provided free trials of his products so I could decide which ones I would include in my new system.
What products or equipment from Slurry Solutions did you add to your existing slurry management process?
My slurry management process has undergone a complete change with the products from Slurry Solutions. They now include the SlurrySep Floc, SlurryDry, SlurrySafe, SlurryPump and different types of dewatering bags. Together, they now make the disposing of my slurry an easy process and keep everything looking clean.
After all the improvements were implemented; from an overall initial cost outlay would you say it impacted the business?
While there are ongoing costs to have these products in place, they have mainly replaced the expenses from the old laborious process. With the current system, our biggest outlay is in the SlurrySep and the dewatering bags. However, the costs are still very manageable and since it is important for the slurry to be managed and disposed of responsibly, these costs will simply be factored into the business. Furthermore, by the time we take into account that there is nearly no downtime required to clean up slurry, we might actually edge out in front.
Do the benefits of using an improved slurry management system outweigh the cost of consumables required to maintain the system?
The biggest benefits from using Slurry Solution’s product are that my recycled water is now as clear as fresh water, and the waste solids are now non-hazardous to dispose. While costs of consumables are important, being able to achieve these results with ease definitely outweigh the relatively low investments and ongoing costs.
Would you recommend Slurry Solution’s products and services to other people in your industry?
Definitely. The products from Slurry Solutions are particularly suited to small and medium stone fabrication factories for their slurry management. We all should do our part to operate ethically and be environmentally responsible in disposing our slurry waste. A solution can easily be tailored to suit each factory’s needs without the need for a major financial investment.
Ascend Stone’s success story is a clear example of how the right slurry management solution can elevate operations across the board. By partnering with Slurry Solutions, they’ve not only met their compliance obligations but also created a cleaner, safer and more efficient workspace for their team.
If you’re in the stone or concrete industry and facing similar challenges, it’s time to rethink how you handle slurry. Our systems are designed to simplify waste management, reduce downtime and support more sustainable practices.
Ready to improve your slurry management? Get in touch with Slurry Solutions today by calling 1300 622 175 or submit an online enquiry now.
