A Caribbean refinery faced a serious, escalating problem: years of sludge buildup had rendered a critical storm tank virtually unusable. Designed to manage stormwater events, the tank had instead become an off-spec storage vessel filled with sludge. This accumulation severely compromised its intended function, leaving the refinery vulnerable during periods of heavy rainfall and increasing the risk of overflow and environmental non-compliance. With no reliable data on sludge volume or distribution, the client needed a partner who could assess the situation, adapt quickly, and implement a solution remotely, even under tight logistical constraints.

The Challenge

The project presented multiple unknowns from the outset. The client had no reliable data on sludge levels or distribution within the tank. The accumulated material had a variable composition, making treatability uncertain until testing could be performed.

The Caribbean location added significant logistical complexity: international shipping, customs clearance, and a French electrical standard (400V/50Hz) incompatible with standard U.S. equipment configurations.

Despite these constraints, the client required a fast, complete solution with minimal operational disruption.

The Solution

CTP environment completed engineering studies and on-site assessments, then tested the sludge to confirm treatability and determine the best treatment method.
We mobilized and modified a containerized GEOFLOC® dewatering unit (a self-contained 20-ft container) to meet the site's electrical standards prior to deployment, preventing on-site delays.

The full solution included:

  • A geobag platform for sludge dewatering,

  • Hundreds of feet of hose to transfer material from the tank to the treatment system

  • A dual pumping configuration using two pumps: one to feed sludge into the GeoFloc® unit and another to return treated water to the existing wastewater treatment plant.

We sequenced operations to prioritize treated water recovery before transitioning to full sludge dewatering. After three weeks of CTP-led operations, our team provided hands-on training so the client could operate the system independently for another three weeks.

The Results

The GEOFLOC® unit completely removed the accumulated sludge and rehabilitated the storm tank for full operational use. The team efficiently managed dewatered material through the geobag system and safely recovered and reintroduced treated water into the facility's process.

Despite international logistics and customs challenges, the project finished on time and without incidents. The client now has a fully functional tank and the operational training needed to maintain it going forward.