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:
- Multipurpose universal absorbents used to clean up water, oils, and solvents all at once.
- Oil absorbents that are used to clean out oil from water.
- 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. These kitty litters don’t absorb liquids but rather allow some liquid to cling, meaning you can scoop some up after time, and follow up with mops and mats.
A better option for cleaning up spills is SpillFix granular absorbent. 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 booms — large socks that are used to clean up bigger spills.
- Loose absorbents — usually granules poured directly on a spill to absorb it.
- Reusable absorbents — such as towels and rags.
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.
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.