Brady SPC details the steps to choosing the correct sorbent for your application.
Universal For Water- or Oil-Based Fluids
Water- or Oil-Based Fluids
SPC Recommends: Universal Absorbents
Use around machinery, under leaky pipes, in messy traffic areas or for general maintenance projects. Re-Form™ universal absorbents made of recycled materials offer an environmentally friendly solution.
- Coolants
- Solvents
- Gasoline
- Kerosene
- Vegetable oil
- Latex paint
Oil Only For Oil-Based Fluids (Repels Water)
Oil-Based Fluids Outdoors/Water Repelling
SPC Recommends: Oil Only Absorbents
Specialized for oil and other petroleum-based spills including paints and non-water soluble chemicals, these absorbents will not absorb water and will float indefinitely. Re-Form™ oil only absorbents made of recycled materials offer an environmentally friendly solution.
- Hydraulic oil
- Motor oil
- Brake fluid
- Cooking oil
- Turpentine
- Lubricants
Chemical For Hazardous Fluids
Use a mid- to high-level universal product, like MRO100, as the standard in your facility. Its construction can be used on a wide variety of applications and with a standardized absorbent, you will not have to manage the inventory of multiple items.
Hazardous Chemical Fluids
SPC Recommends: Chemical Absorbents
Surfactant-treated polypropylene absorbents can be used on a wide range of chemicals, including hydrofluoric acid. They are chemically inert, so they will not react with aggressive fluids. Keep in mind that absorbents take on the properties of whatever they absorb, so the bright color provides a visual indication to separate waste streams.
- Acids and bases
- Citric acid
- Sodium hydroxide
- Aggressive chemicals
Step 2: Identify Your Application
General Purpose Wiping, Drips and Leaks
SPC Recommends: Pads, Rolls, Socs and Pillows
Pre-cut pads and perforated rolls provide easy access to absorbents for general-purpose use around your facility. Use specialized SOCs and pillows around or underneath dripping equipment.
Heavy Foot and Forklift Traffic
SPC Recommends: Mats and Rugs
Mats and rugs offer greater durability to withstand harsh conditions. Barrier-backed options prevent liquid from penetrating the absorbent and reaching the floor underneath while printed mats warn of possible slips, trips and fall hazards.
Emergency Spill Response
SPC Recommends: Spill Kits, Pallets, Drain Plugs
Spill kits bundle together all of the necessary products to clean up an unexpected spill. Other spill containment options include spill pallets, drain plugs and absorbent storage centers.
Specialty Absorbents
SPC Recommends: Marine or Granular Products
Marine environments require boom, sweep and drag nets to remove fluids in or near bodies of water. Granular absorbents are available when loose absorbents are preferred or when acid/base neutralization is required prior to spill cleanup.
Step 3: Select Absorbent Features
Coverstock
Durability of an absorbent increases with the addition of a coverstock layer.
- For simple drips or leaks, a 1-ply absorbent is all you need.
- For wiping or foot traffic, a 3-ply absorbent will offer the necessary durability.
- For abrasive applications, a pad with spunbond coverstock helps to reduce linting or tearing.
3-ply Construction
(2-Sides Coverstock)
Two layers of coverstock offer maximum durability and reduce possible linting or tearing.
2-ply Construction
(1-Side Coverstock)
A single layer of coverstock offers medium durability and linting.
1-ply Construction
(No Coverstock)
Economical single-ply has lower durability resulting in high linting and tearing.
Absorbency Weight
The absorbency weight can make a significant difference in how much product is required.
- For small spills, choose a light or medium weight product to avoid waste.
- For large spills or continuous leaks, choose a heavy weight product to reduce total material used.
Under-Saturated
Absorbents aren't being used to their full potential. You're throwing money away.
Over-Saturated
Absorbents aren't cleaning the whole spill. Increase the weight to get the job done with less product.
Dimpled Surface
Dimpling increases product strength for areas requiring greater durability. Smooth absorbents have greater surface area and are more absorbent per square inch compared to similarly constructed, dimpled products.
Non-Dimpled
Offers more absorbent surface area.
Dimpled
Provides increased durability.
Perforations
Perforations provide a variety of size options all in one product by allowing you to quickly tear off exactly what is needed to contain the spill.
Download the Chemical Application Guide.
Previously Featured on Brady SPC.
For sorbent products from Brady SPC, please visit MSCDirect.com and check out MSC's Safety Guide Book to further explore these sorbent solutions.
Brought To You By
Brady SPC has been successfully developing, manufacturing and shipping absorbent products for nearly 40 years. Throughout the decades, our customers have relied on SPC products to help them prevent slips, trips and falls within their facilities. Absorbents and spill control products are our focus. At Brady SPC, we’ve invested in our people, processes and facilities to ensure that we provide our customers with the best products for all their spill control needs.
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