7 Different Types of Absorbent Materials

Absorbents are materials used to soak up liquids and are an important safety tool in just about every industry. Spills at worksites pose dangers that range from fall risks to possible contamination from biohazards and infectious bodily fluids.

Three Types of Absorbents Used in Absorbing Material

Absorbents have three main uses and are packed in various ways to absorb each type of spill efficiently:

1. Multipurpose universal absorbents used to clean up water, oils, and solvents all at once.
2. Oil absorbents that are used to clean out oil from water.
3. Chemical and HazMat absorbents that clean water-based fluids like gas, coolants, acetone, turpentine, etc.

Many absorbents are made from clay similar to what’s found in kitty litter — a common absorbent product that is thrown down on a liquid spill and left for some time to cover the spill. Chemical, hazmat, and oil spills often use absorbents made with superabsorbent polymers, or hydrogels, that solidify the liquid for cleanup. SpillFix is made from a byproduct of coconut husks, called coir, and it absorbs spills instantly and more effectively than clay, is lighter in weight, and can be reused. Read more about the discovery of coir. SpillFix can clean virtually any land-based spill, including oils and biohazard spills. We classify it as both a multipurpose and chemical/hazmat cleaner. As one of our customers told us, “I have yet to encounter a spill or leak this product can’t handle.”

Seven Basic Ways Absorbent Material Is Sold

The absorbent material is packaged in seven basic ways:  

• Absorbent pads — sold in sheets to soak up low-volume spills and to protect surfaces from spills.

• Absorbent pillows — used to quickly soak up a lot of liquid in one place.

• Absorbent socks — used to absorb liquids, usually oil, off industrial equipment.

• Absorbent booms — larger versions of socks that are used to clean up bigger spills.

• Loose absorbents — usually granules poured directly on a spill to absorb it; ingredients might include superabsorbent polymers.

• Reusable absorbents — such as towels and rags.

• Skimmers – which are tubes to attract, contain, and remove oil, grease, and oily waste from bodies of water. 

  SpillFix can be used in all of these products except for skimmers that use tubes. SpillFix can be used in skimmers but not left unattended.

One Product That Has the Most Absorbent Material for Every Spill

SpillFix works faster than clay absorbents because it absorbs immediately and will clean to a residue-free surface, thus not requiring secondary cleaning with a mop and bucket, etc. In fact, it can be reused for later spills if not fully saturated with the spilled material, but you should immediately dispose of it after cleaning toxic or potentially hazardous spills. SpillFix works on land-based spills and is sold in packages and jars of different sizes to meet customers’ volume needs. They can be used to create or refill absorbent socks, pads, and pillows. Remember, SpillFix can be reused, too, so it’s possible to use one of these a few times before refilling it with more SpillFix. Booms, though, are larger items, so we sell absorbent booms in two sizes — 5’ and 10’ x 4” — that can be joined to make larger booms. We offer a refillable four-gallon bucket and a 555-gallon Super Sack for businesses that respond to large industrial spills. (It’s actually 568 gallons but the marketing experts say “555” is easier to remember.) It will absorb 300 gallons of oil.

100% Organic Absorbing Material 

SpillFix is a fully organic product and safe to use in any setting. It is made from a renewable resource and is certified food safe. In addition, it is OMRI-listed for organic use and on the NSF registry for nonfood compound use, in food processing and manufacturing. NSF tests products for environmental and public health and safety-based risk management solutions.  Contact us today to order your first SpillFix shipment!