WO2024164043A1

WO2024164043A1 - Ad hoc concrete washout treatment

Info

Publication number: WO2024164043A1
Application number: PCT/AU2024/050071
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Scott Hall
Original assignee: Phzz Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Phzz Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2023-02-07
Filing date: 2024-02-06
Publication date: 2024-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 2025-08-07

Abstract

Provided is an ad hoc concrete washout treatment arrangement 10 comprising a sensor arrangement 12 configured for operative insertion into a reservoir 14 for concrete washout 16 to sense a pH value of such washout 16, a carbon dioxide gas supply 18 and at least one bubbler 20 configured for operative deployment within said reservoir 14 and arranged in fluid communication with the carbon dioxide supply 18 via a control valve 22. Also included is a controller 24 arranged in signal communication with the sensor arrangement 12 and control valve 22, the controller 24 configured automatically and periodically to monitor and compare a pH value of the washout 16 with a user-selectable pH value, and automatically to actuate the control valve 22 until the monitored pH value reaches said user-selectable pH value. Once the monitored and user-selectable pH values are substantially equal, the controller 24 automatically closes the control valve 22 and automatically transmits an electronic notification to at least one preregistered contact 34. In this manner, the washout 16 is automatically treated via bubbling carbon dioxide gas therethrough until the washout reaches the user-selectable pH value.

Description

AD HOC CONCRETE WASHOUT TREATMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

[ 0001 ] This invention relates broadly to the field of treating process water, and more speci fically to an ad hoc concrete washout treatment arrangement and an associated method of treating concrete washout .

BACKGROUND ART

[ 0002 ] The following discussion of the background art i s intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only . The discussion i s not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[ 0003 ] In the art of process water, concrete wash water or so-called concrete washout is generally contaminated water and slurry from washing out concrete trucks , pumps , and chutes after completing a pour and related cement , concrete , and stucco proj ects . The wastewater from all of these proj ects is regarded as highly contaminant and potentially damaging to the environment , as such washout water is typically caustic and corrosive , which can damage drains and sewer systems i f not properly contained .

[ 0004 ] Conventionally, such concrete wastewater or washout is collected in concrete washout bins to prevent harm to the environment and other water resources . Suitable containment and disposal of concrete washouts are required by law in many j urisdictions , as they are an important tool for protecting the environment from the pollution caused by construction activities. As it is necessary to wash concrete processing equipment, such as trucks and mixers, used to handle concrete in a timely manner before the concrete hardens, this is typically performed on site and as soon as practicable. Often, such washout is captured in a bin, tank or similar reservoir for treatment and/or disposal. Conventional treatment or disposal requires transport of washout and/or dedicated treatment facilities that are expensive, complicated and often not near an operational site where the washout is generated.

[0005] Accordingly, Applicant has identified a need in the art for a cost-effective, automated and mobile washout treatment arrangement able to treat concrete washout in an operational environment. The current invention was conceived with these goals in mind.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] As known in the field of chemistry, pH, historically denoting "potential of hydrogen", is a scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. In general, pH is defined as the decimal logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion activity in a solution. Acidic solutions (solutions with higher concentrations of H+ ions) are measured to have lower pH values than basic or alkaline solutions. On the pH scale, at 25°C, solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic, solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic, and solutions with a pH of 7 are neutral.

[0007] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that reference herein to 'concrete washout' is made in a broad and non-exclusive manner and that such reference to concrete washout or concrete wastewater may include other basic solutions , such as groundwater with a pH higher than 7 , and/or other process water solutions .

[ 0008 ] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an ad hoc concrete washout treatment arrangement comprising : a sensor arrangement configured for operative insertion into a reservoir for concrete washout to sense a pH value of such washout ; a carbon dioxide gas supply; at least one bubbler configured for operative deployment within said reservoir and arranged in fluid communication with the carbon dioxide supply via a control valve ; and a controller arranged in signal communication with the sensor arrangement and control valve , said controller configured to : i . automatically and periodically monitor and compare a pH value of the washout with a user- selectable pH value ; ii . automatically actuate the control valve until the monitored pH value reaches said user- selectable pH value ; and iii . once the monitored and user-selectable pH values are substantially equal : a . automatically close the control valve ; and b . automatically transmit an electronic noti fication to at least one preregistered contact ; wherein the washout is automatically treated via bubbling carbon dioxide gas therethrough until the washout reaches the user-selectable pH value . [0009] In an embodiment, the carbon dioxide gas supply and controller are housed or supported in a unitary manner on a single platform, such as a cargo tray of a utility vehicle, with the sensor arrangement and bubbler deployable from said platform to facilitate portability of the arrangement for ad hoc treatment of washout in the reservoir.

[0010] In an embodiment, the controller is arranged in wired or wireless signal communication with the sensor arrangement .

[0011] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement comprises at least one pH probe for insertion into the reservoir.

[0012] In an embodiment, the carbon dioxide gas supply comprises at least one cylinder with compressed carbon dioxide gas .

[0013] In an embodiment, the carbon dioxide gas supply comprises a plurality of cylinders with compressed carbon dioxide gas, said cylinders arranged in fluid communication via a manifold.

[0014] In an embodiment, the carbon dioxide gas supply comprises a pressure regulator for regulating a pressure of carbon dioxide gas supplied from the gas supply.

[0015] In an embodiment, the bubbler comprises an elongate conduit with a plurality of foramina therein via which carbon dioxide gas is injectable into the washout within the reservoir . [0016] In an embodiment, the control valve comprises a solenoid-actuated normally-closed valve, said solenoid controlled by the controller.

[0017] In an embodiment, the controller comprises any suitable processor or microcontroller, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) , which is configured to receive input, perform logical and arithmetical operations on a suitable instruction set, and provide output, as well as transitory and/or non-transitory electronic storage.

[0018] In an embodiment, the controller includes an inputoutput, such as a display and/or network connection, via which the user-selectable pH value and preregistered contact are programmable.

[0019] In an embodiment, the arrangement includes a pressure sensor via which the controller is able to monitor a pressure of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler.

[0020] In an embodiment, the controller is programmable with a carbon dioxide gas supply pressure at which the gas supply supplies the bubbler, the controller configured to control the control valve accordingly.

[0021] In an embodiment, the arrangement includes a flow sensor via which the controller is able to monitor a flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler.

[0022] In an embodiment, the controller is programmable with a carbon dioxide gas supply flow rate at which the gas supply supplies the bubbler, the controller configured to control the control valve accordingly. [0023] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to close the control valve if a monitored pressure and/or flow rate deviates from the programmable pressure and/or flow rate .

[0024] In an embodiment, the controller is configured periodically to log a sensed pH value, pressure and/or flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler for auditing purposes.

[0025] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to display, and/or transmit to the at least one preregistered contact, a monitored pressure and/or flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler.

[0026] In an embodiment, the electronic notification transmitted to the at least one preregistered contact is selectable from a non-exhaustive group consisting of an email, a mobile phone text message and a push notification.

[0027] In an embodiment, the controller includes a modem configured to transmit the electronic notification via a mobile telephone network and/or the internet.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of treating concrete washout ad hoc, said method comprising the steps of: sensing, via a sensor arrangement inserted into a reservoir, a pH value of washout in the reservoir; via a controller, automatically and periodically monitoring and comparing the pH value of the washout with a user-selectable pH value; automatically controlling, via the controller, a control valve arranged in fluid communication between a carbon dioxide supply and at least one bubbler operatively deployment within said reservoir until the monitored pH value reaches the user-selectable pH value ; and once the monitored and user-selectable pH values are substantially equal , automatically closing the control valve and automatically transmitting an electronic noti fication to at least one preregistered contact , so that the washout is automatically treated via bubbling carbon dioxide gas therethrough until the washout reaches the user-selectable pH value .

[ 0029 ] In an embodiment , method includes the step of programming the controller with the user-selectable pH value and preregistered contact .

[ 0030 ] In an embodiment , the method includes the step o f monitoring, via a pressure sensor, a pressure of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler arrangement .

[ 0031 ] In an embodiment , the method includes the step o f monitoring, via a flow sensor, a flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler .

[ 0032 ] In an embodiment , the method includes the step o f closing, via the controller, the control valve i f a monitored pressure and/or flow rate deviates from the programmable pressure and/or flow rate .

[ 0033 ] In an embodiment , the method includes the step o f periodically logging, via the controller, a sensed pH value , pressure and/or flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler for auditing purposes .

[ 0034 ] In an embodiment , the method includes the step o f displaying and/or transmitting to the at least one preregistered contact , via the controller, a monitored pressure and/or flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler .

[ 0035 ] In an embodiment , the step of transmitting the electronic noti fication is performed as an email , a mobile phone text message and/or a push noti fication .

[ 0036 ] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a utility or service vehicle , or a similar portable platform, comprising an ad hoc concrete washout treatment arrangement in accordance with the first aspect of the invention .

[ 0037 ] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an ad hoc concrete washout treatment arrangement and an associated method of treating concrete washout ad hoc, substantially as herein described and/or illustrated .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an ad hoc concrete washout treatment arrangement , in accordance with aspects of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a diagrammatic operational flow representation of the ad hoc concrete washout treatment arrangement of Figure 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[ 0038 ] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof . This description is included solely for the purposes of exempli fying the present invention to the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[ 0039 ] In the figures , incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments , like reference numerals are used to identi fy like parts throughout . Additionally, features , mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail , as such features , mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[ 0040 ] Additionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings , but provide a functional overview of the invention only . As a result , features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure , but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[ 0041 ] Broadly, the present invention provides for an ad hoc concrete washout treatment arrangement 10 which is configured to be mobile and readily-transportable in order to treat concrete washout or related solutions with carbon dioxide on-demand and as and when necessary or needed . Such concrete washout or process water generally dissolves calcium hydroxide and other alkalis that are present in fresh and hardened concrete , elevating process water pH from the neutral level of 7 to levels above 12 . At pH levels above 8 , the water is too alkaline to be discharged is disposed of in conventional ways , e . g . into a drain . When added to process water, carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid, which is a relatively weak acid that reacts with calcium hydroxide to reduce the process water or washout ' s pH level .

[ 0042 ] With reference now to the accompanying figures , there is broadly exempli fied one embodiment of such an ad hoc concrete washout treatment arrangement 10 . Arrangement 10 generally comprises a sensor arrangement 12 , a carbon dioxide gas supply 18 , at least one bubbler or gas inj ector 20 , and a controller 24 configured and adapted as described below to treat concrete washout or process water 16 in a reservoir or tank 14 .

[ 0043 ] The sensor arrangement 12 is generally configured for operative insertion into the reservoir 14 for concrete washout 16 in order to sense a pH value of such washout 16 . In one embodiment , the sensor arrangement comprises at least one pH probe for insertion into the reservoir 14 .

[ 0044 ] The carbon dioxide gas supply 18 typically comprises at least one cylinder with compressed carbon dioxide gas . In one embodiment , the carbon dioxide gas supply 18 comprises a plurality of cylinders with compressed carbon dioxide gas , said cylinders arranged in fluid communication via a mani fold 28 . In one embodiment , the carbon dioxide gas supply 18 also comprises a pressure regulator 42 for regulating a pressure of carbon dioxide gas supplied from the gas supply 18 .

[ 0045 ] Arrangement 10 also includes at least one bubbler or gas inj ector 20 which is configured for operative deployment within said reservoir 14 and which is arranged in fluid communication with the carbon dioxide supply 18 via a control valve 22 . In one embodiment , the bubbler 20 comprises an elongate conduit , such as a tube or pipe , with a plurality of foramina therein via which carbon dioxide gas is inj ectable into the washout 16 within the reservoir 14 . In a typical embodiment , the control valve 22 comprises a solenoid-actuated normally-closed valve , said solenoid controlled by the controller 24 .

[ 0046 ] Arrangement 10 further includes controller 24 which is arranged in signal communication with the sensor arrangement 12 and control valve 22 . The controller 24 may comprises any suitable processor or microcontroller, such as a programmable logic controller ( PLC ) , which is configured to receive input , perform logical and arithmetical operations on a suitable instruction set , and provide output , as well as transitory and/or non-transitory electronic storage , as necessary .

[ 0047 ] The controller 24 is generally configured to automatically and periodically monitor and compare a pH value of the washout 16 , as monitored via the sensor arrangement 12 , with a user-selectable pH value . Controller 24 further automatically actuates the control valve 22 until the monitored pH value reaches the user-selectable pH value . Once the monitored and user-selectable pH values are substantially equal or at least within predetermined tolerances or permissible range , the controller 24 is configured to automatically close the control valve 22 and automatically transmit an electronic noti fication to at least one preregistered contact .

[ 0048 ] In one embodiment , the electronic noti fication transmitted to the at least one preregistered contact , as represented by mobile devices 34 , may comprise an email , a mobile phone text message and/or a similar a push noti fication . In a typical embodiment , the controller 24 includes a modem or similar transmitter 36 which is configured to transmit the electronic noti fication via a mobile telephone network and/or the internet , as required .

[ 0049 ] In this manner, the washout 16 or similar proces s water is automatically treated via the controller monitoring a pH value and bubbling carbon dioxide gas therethrough until the washout reaches the user-selectable pH value .

[ 0050 ] Importantly, in a preferred embodiment , the carbon dioxide gas supply 18 and controller 24 are typically housed or supported in a unitary manner on a single platform 26 , such as a cargo tray of a utility vehicle , with the sensor arrangement 12 and bubbler 20 easily deployable from said platform 26 to facilitate portability of the arrangement 10 for ad hoc treatment of washout 16 in the reservoir 14 . For example , platform 26 may comprise a back of a utility or service vehicle , or a similar portable platform, which is able to easily travel to an operational site where the reservoir 14 is located . Similarly, in one embodiment , the controller 24 i s arranged in wired or wireless signal communication with the sensor arrangement 10 to facilitate ease of sensor deployment and portability .

[ 0051 ] Typically, the controller 24 includes an inputoutput 38 , such as a display and/or network connection, via which the user-selectable pH value and preregistered contact are programmable .

[ 0052 ] In one embodiment , the arrangement 10 includes a pressure sensor 30 via which the controller 24 is able to monitor a pressure of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler 20 . In such an embodiment , the controller 24 is programmable with a carbon dioxide gas supply pressure at which the gas supply 18 supplies the bubbler 20 , the controller 24 configured to control the control valve 22 ( or other safety switch) accordingly .

10053] Similarly, in one embodiment , the arrangement 10 includes a flow sensor 32 via which the controller 24 is able to monitor a flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler 20 . In such an embodiment , the controller 24 is programmable with a carbon dioxide gas supply flow rate at which the gas supply 18 supplies the bubbler, the controller 24 configured to control the control valve 22 ( or other safety switch) accordingly .

[ 0054 ] In one embodiment , the controller 24 is configured to close the control valve 22 ( or other safety switch) i f a monitored pressure and/or flow rate deviates from the programmable pressure and/or flow rate . In one embodiment , the controller 24 is configured periodically to log a sensed pH value , pressure and/or flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler 20 for auditing or related record- keeping purposes . Similarly, in one embodiment , the controller 24 is configured to display, and/or transmit to the at least one preregistered contact 34 , a monitored pressure and/or flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler .

[ 0055 ] The arrangement 10 also typically comprises an electrical power supply (not shown) for energising the controller, and sensor arrangement 12 , e . g . a 240V mains supply connection, a battery arrangement , or the like .

[ 0056 ] In light of the above broad disclosure , a more speci fic example sees the arrangement 10 designed to work on either high or low pH detection and treatment via suitable programming of the user-selectable pH value . The controller 24 may be programmed with pH level set-point parameters to control the dosing time and dosing carbon dioxide volumes . These set points are monitored via the pH sensor probe 12 which is typically manually placed or deployed in the tank or reservoir 14 to be treated . The pH probe 12 senses the existing pH levels and sends these values to the controller 24 .

[ 0057 ] I f the sensed pH level is greater than the desired pH level (normally around a pH value of 8 , but this is variable ) the controller 24 will send a signal to control valve 22 solenoid to open and carbon dioxide will flow from the gas supply cylinders 18 to the bubbler 20 . Gas pressure may be pre-set by fitted gas regulators 42 and pressure and flow sensors 30 and 32 (with optional safety switches ) will monitor the flow and pressure back to the controller 24 to indicate treatment is in progress . I f at any point during the treatment process , i f the sensors 30 and 32 detect unwanted or undesired flow rates and pressures, an alarm can be raised by the controller 24 and treatment stopped.

[0058] During treatment or dosing of the washout 16 with carbon dioxide, gas will be delivered via a multi-way manifold 28 and dispensed into the high-pH washout via a 2- way outlet to a twin pipe bubbler 20. The bubbler 20 or injector typically comprises tubes with foramina defined therein which oscillates due to gas pressure to move naturally around inside the washout within the tank, thereby ensuring broad dispersion of carbon dioxide gas is achieved.

[0059] During the treatment process of carbon dioxide delivery, the PH probe 12 will monitor the pH level of the washout, which would be decreasing and signal the controller when a desired user-selectable pH level is reached. The controller 24 will then shut the control valve 22 to halt treatment. Typically, during the treatment process, all flow rates and pressures will be displayed on a display 38 and logged for record-keeping purposes, e.g. timestamps against sensed pH levels, flow rates, pressures, etc.

[0060] Typically, the controller 24 will have a standalone modem, such as a sim card enabled mobile phone network modem. This allows two-way communication with the controller 24 for external monitoring and status checks as well the capability to send, for example, CSV files to an external reporting point, i.e. the preregistered contact (s) . By having such a discrete modem, there is no reliance on existing communications network infrastructure nor associated security concerns . [ 0061 ] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the present invention includes an associated method of treating concrete washout ad hoc . Such as method broadly comprises the steps of sensing, via a sensor arrangement 12 inserted into a reservoir 14 , a pH value of washout 16 in the reservoir 14 ; and via a controller 24 , automatically and periodically monitoring and comparing the pH value of the washout 16 with a user-selectable pH value .

[ 0062 ] The method also typically includes the steps of automatically controlling, via the controller 24 , a control valve 22 arranged in fluid communication between a carbon dioxide supply 18 and at least one bubbler 20 operatively deployment within said reservoir 14 until the monitored pH value reaches the user-selectable pH value ; and once the monitored and user-selectable pH values are substantially equal , automatically closing the control valve 22 and automatically transmitting an electronic noti fication to at least one preregistered contact 34 , so that the washout 16 is automatically treated via bubbling carbon dioxide gas therethrough until the washout reaches the user-selectable pH value .

[ 0063 ] In one embodiment , method includes the step of programming the controller 24 with the user-selectable pH value and preregistered contact 34 . In one embodiment , the method includes the step of monitoring, via a pressure sensor 30 , a pressure of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler 20 . In one embodiment, the method includes the step of monitoring, via a flow sensor 32 , a flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler 20 . In an embodiment , the method includes the step of closing, via the controller 24 , the control valve 22 i f a monitored pressure and/or flow rate deviates from the programmable pressure and/or flow rate .

[ 0064 ] In an embodiment , the method includes the step of periodically logging, via the controller 24 , a sensed pH value , pressure and/or flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler 20 for auditing purposes . In an embodiment , the method includes the step of displaying and/or transmitting to the at least one preregistered contact 34 , via the controller 24 , a monitored pressure and/or flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler 20 .

[ 0065 ] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for arrangement 10 whereby cost-ef fective , automated and mobile ad hoc treatment of concrete washout or process water 16 is achievable . Arrangement 10 is further remotely operable and monitorable , further facilitating treatment of washout as and when needed on remote sites . In this manner, concrete washout may be collected on a building or industrial site with the mobile arrangement 10 deployable to treat such washout where it is generated, removing the need for transporting washout for treatment .

[ 0066 ] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts , elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts , elements or features , and wherein speci fic integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates , such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as i f individually set forth . In the example embodiments , well- known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee.

[0067] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter .

[0068] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter.

[0069] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations, modifications and/or enhancements of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0070] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Claims

1 . A utility or service vehicle , or a similar portable platform, comprising an ad hoc concrete washout treatment arrangement comprising : a sensor arrangement configured for operative insertion into a reservoir for concrete washout to sense a pH value of such washout ; a carbon dioxide gas supply; at least one bubbler configured for operative deployment within said reservoir and arranged in fluid communication with the carbon dioxide supply via a control valve ; and a controller arranged in signal communication with the sensor arrangement and control valve , said controller configured to : i . automatically and periodically monitor and compare a pH value of the washout with a user- selectable pH value ; ii . automatically actuate the control valve until the monitored pH value reaches said user- selectable pH value ; and iii . once the monitored and user-selectable pH values are substantially equal : a . automatically close the control valve ; and b . automatically transmit an electronic noti fication to at least one preregistered contact ; wherein the washout is automatically treated via bubbling carbon dioxide gas therethrough until the washout reaches the user-selectable pH value .

2 . A mobile ad hoc concrete washout treatment arrangement comprising : a sensor arrangement configured for operative insertion into a reservoir for concrete washout to sense a pH value of such washout ; a carbon dioxide gas supply; at least one bubbler configured for operative deployment within said reservoir and arranged in fluid communication with the carbon dioxide supply via a control valve ; and a controller arranged in signal communication with the sensor arrangement and control valve , said controller configured to : i . automatically and periodically monitor and compare a pH value of the washout with a user- selectable pH value ; ii . automatically actuate the control valve until the monitored pH value reaches said user- selectable pH value ; and iii . once the monitored and user-selectable pH values are substantially equal : a . automatically close the control valve ; and b . automatically transmit an electronic noti fication to at least one preregistered contact ; wherein the washout is automatically treated via bubbling carbon dioxide gas therethrough until the washout reaches the user-selectable pH value .

3 . The arrangement of claim 2 , wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply and controller are housed or supported in a unitary manner on a single platform, such as a cargo tray of a utility vehicle , with the sensor arrangement and bubbler deployable from said platform to facilitate portability of the arrangement for ad hoc treatment of washout in the reservoir .

4 . The arrangement of either of claims 2 or 3 , wherein the controller is arranged in wired or wireless signal communication with the sensor arrangement .

5 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 4 , wherein the sensor arrangement comprises at least one pH probe for insertion into the reservoir .

6 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 5 , wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply compri ses at least one cylinder with compressed carbon dioxide gas .

7 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 6 , wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply comprises a plurality of cylinders with compressed carbon dioxide gas , said cylinders arranged in fluid communication via a mani fold .

8 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 7 , wherein the carbon dioxide gas supply comprises a pressure regulator for regulating a pressure of carbon dioxide gas supplied from the gas supply .

9 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 8 , wherein the bubbler comprises an elongate conduit with a plurality of foramina therein via which carbon dioxide gas is inj ectable into the washout within the reservoir .

10 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 9 , wherein the control valve comprises a solenoid-actuated normally-closed valve , said solenoid controlled by the controller .

11 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 10 , wherein the controller includes an input-output , such as a display and/or network connection, via which the user-selectable pH value and preregistered contact are programmable .

12 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 11 , wherein the arrangement includes a pressure sensor via which the controller is able to monitor a pressure of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler .

13 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 12 , wherein the controller is programmable with a carbon dioxide gas supply pressure at which the gas supply supplies the bubbler, the controller configured to control the control valve accordingly .

14 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 13 , wherein the arrangement includes a flow sensor via which the controller is able to monitor a flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler .

15 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 14 , wherein the controller is programmable with a carbon dioxide gas supply flow rate at which the gas supply supplies the bubbler, the controller configured to control the control valve accordingly .

16 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 15 , wherein the controller is configured to close the control valve i f a monitored pressure and/or flow rate deviates from the programmable pressure and/or flow rate .

17 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 16 , wherein the controller is configured periodically to log a sensed pH value , pressure and/or flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler for auditing purposes .

18 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 17 , wherein the controller is configured to display, and/or transmit to the at least one preregistered contact , a monitored pressure and/or flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler .

19 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 18 , wherein the electronic noti fication transmitted to the at least one preregistered contact is selectable from a non-exhaustive group consisting of an email , a mobile phone text message and a push noti fication .

20 . The arrangement of any of claims 2 to 19 , wherein the controller includes a modem configured to transmit the electronic noti fication via a mobile telephone network and/or the internet .

21 . A method of treating concrete washout ad hoc, said method comprising the steps of : sensing, via a sensor arrangement inserted into a reservoir, a pH value of washout in the reservoir ; via a controller, automatically and periodically monitoring and comparing the pH value of the washout with a user-selectable pH value ; automatically controlling, via the controller, a control valve arranged in fluid communication between a carbon dioxide supply and at least one bubbler operatively deployment within said reservoir until the monitored pH value reaches the user-selectable pH value ; and once the monitored and user-selectable pH values are substantially equal , automatically closing the control valve and automatically transmitting an electronic noti fication to at least one preregistered contact , so that the washout is automatically treated via bubbling carbon dioxide gas therethrough until the washout reaches the user-selectable pH value .

22 . The method of claim 21 , which includes the step of programming the controller with the user-selectable pH value and preregistered contact .

23 . The method of either of claims 21 or 22 , which includes the step of monitoring, via a pressure sensor, a pressure of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler arrangement .

24 . The method of any of claims 21 to 23 , which includes the step of monitoring, via a flow sensor, a flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler .

25 . The method of any of claims 21 to 24 , which includes the step of closing, via the controller, the control valve i f a monitored pressure and/or flow rate deviates from the programmable pressure and/or flow rate .

26 . The method of any of claims 21 to 25 , which includes the step of periodically logging, via the controller, a sensed pH value , pressure and/or flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler for auditing purposes .

2. . The method of any of claims 21 to 26, which includes the step of displaying and/or transmitting to the at least one preregistered contact, via the controller, a monitored pressure and/or flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the bubbler.

28. The method of any of claims 21 to 27, wherein the step of transmitting the electronic notification is performed as an email, a mobile phone text message and/or a push notification .