Meltblown polypropylene sorbents boast very high absorption rates, averaging twelve to fifteen times their dry weight in spilled fluids. With that said, Fiberweb sorbents can absorb as high as 23 times their dry weight, which is off of the charts. Different types of liquids are denser/heavier, and/or more viscous than others, so absorption rates vary depending on the fluid absorbed.
“Natural” (oil-only) meltblown polypropylene has no additives introduced during the extrusion process. These products absorb low surface tension fluids, such as oil, gasoline, and diesel, and they repel high surface tension fluids (water-based). Oil-only sorbents are primarily used on marine-based oil spills, but the composite versions (spunbond/meltblown/spunbond pp, fine fiber mb/coarse fiber meltblown/fine fiber mb, and spunbond/meltblown pp) are used quite often for MRO applications involving petroleum fluids. Oil-only products are mostly white in color, which is the color produced without any dye added, but we also offer blue fine fiber composites. Edge trim and density-transition post-industrial waste are granulated and blown into spunbond polypropylene sleeves (sewn or sonically bonded) to make accessory sorbents, such as booms, socks, and pillows. These products are considered "green" by USA standards.
Universal products are treated with surfactant (surface active treatment) during extrusion, which lowers the surface tension of water and allows them to absorb most fluids, including oil, water, coolants, and solvents. These products are typically used in manufacturing/production facilities for everyday general maintenance and MRO applications. Available with three separate surface textures, they are great for wiping greasy tools and equipment, drip catching, and for protecting drains and walkways. Universal pads and rolls are mostly gray in color, but we also offer green SMF composites (spunbond pp/coarse fiber meltblown pp/fine fiber meltblown pp). We also offer printed slip hazard products in both pads and rolls, as well as pads with film backing for drip catching applications. Universal post-industrial waste is granulated and blown into spunbond polypropylene sleeves to make accessory sorbents, such as socks and pillows. Incidentally, universal socks and pillows may contain non-polypropylene post-industrial waste. If you are unsure if the fluid absorbed may create an adverse chemical reaction, it is advisable to use hazmat sorbents.
Hazmat sorbents are the same as universal sorbents but just marketed differently. Both universal and hazmat sorbents are highly inert and can absorb and retain very aggressive chemicals, including most acids and bases. These products are generally used in laboratory environments and near chemical storage as a safety precaution. Hazmat sorbents are all yellow in color, which is the standard color denoting severe caution. Just as described with oil-only and universal sorbents, hazmat post-industrial waste is processed and blown into sleeves to produce accessory sorbents, such as socks and pillows.
Refer to our chemical compatibility guide for usage.