If you work in an automotive workshop, construction site or other industrial area, it's essential to use oil-absorbent pads. There's a wide range of choices available for absorbents but the pads are among the most commonly used.
Oil only absorbent pads are ideal for soaking oil spills on water and land surfaces. They're designed to absorb different substances, but usually not great for water, unless they're specifically designed for that too.
If you're looking to purchase such pads but don't know anything about them, here are several important tips to ease your purchase.
What Are Oil Absorbent Pads?
Oil absorbent pads are specifically designed to soak up oil spills on both land and water surfaces. These pads can absorb various substances, with some being only effective in absorbing water, while others can absorb both water and oil. Also, there's a separate category of pads specifically designed to handle more dangerous and hazardous materials.
What Are They Made Of?
Oil only absorbent pads are typically made from polypropylene, which is a type of thermoplastic polymer. Thermoplastic materials are synthetic resins that become plastic when heated. Polypropylene is especially useful because it's hydrophobic, meaning it repels water, and oleophilic, meaning it attracts oils. Oleophilic substances are a relatively recent addition to the industrial toolkit, but the demand for oil-absorbent materials is rapidly increasing. Modern oil-absorbent pads have multiple layers of polypropylene, allowing them to quickly absorb large quantities of oil while leaving behind any water present. This property has various applications in industrial environments. Oil-absorbent pads, socks, and booms are used for various purposes, including:
- Cleaning up leaks near heavy machinery.
- Maintaining safe workspaces in automotive workshops.
- Managing larger spills in industrial settings.
- Spot-cleaning oil-based substances such as vegetable oil and paint.
- Containing spills immediately after they occur.
Many booms and pillows also have the ability to float, allowing them to absorb oil discharges in water pools. Even in situations where water isn't present, using oil-specific pads can make the cleanup much easier. Businesses that consistently stock oil-specific cleanup products can guarantee the safety and efficiency of their workspaces.
How to Choose Your Oil Absorbant Pads?
How these pads are made will determine their effectiveness, which is why it's essential to carefully choose your options. There are several popular options available for industrial oil spill response, including basic oil selective bonded pads and rolls, which are great for quick and simple cleanups.
- Oil-selective pillows and socks are designed for containment and can act as barriers to prevent spills from spreading.
- Oil-selective spill kits are available in various sizes and include loose sorbents, socks, pads, pillows, and disposal bags, making them a convenient option for workers.
- Oil-selective drum top pads are ideal for containing leaks on drums, while oil-selective net booms are perfect for selectively absorbing large spills on land. These booms can be linked to form an absorbent barrier, and each four-boom bale can absorb up to 38 gallons. With a nylon mesh covering and full-length rope, workers can easily deploy and retrieve the booms.
How to Use Them
These pads are versatile and you can use them in various settings. You can place them beneath or around machines, drips or leaks on hard surfaces to prevent oil from reaching the ground. Use them also as a cleaning rag to wipe down pipes, hoses and nozzles to remove gas, petroleum or diesel. Additionally, these pads are suitable for using water to absorb any oil, gas or diesel floating on the surface.
How Much Oil Do They Absorbe?
The absorbency of pads varies based on their weight, size, and material. A pack of pads that weigh 8kg will have a higher absorbency than a pack of pads that weighs 4.5kg. The larger and heavier the pad, the more it can absorb. It is important to ensure that you are using the right product for your specific application. Often, customers use an absorbent pad that's too powerful for their needs.
Are They Lint-Free?
No, oil-absorbent pads aren't lint-free. They are made of melt-blown polypropylene, which is a material that produces very low lint. However, you can find absorbent pads with a special top layer designed to retain the melt-blown polypropylene while the pad is being used for wiping, cleaning, or pressing against surfaces.
Can I Use Oil-absorbent Pads for Gas and Diesel Absorption?
Yes, these pads can absorb gasoline, petroleum, and diesel. It's recommended to choose the right absorbent pad depending on the type of spill you are dealing with. For minor drips, use thinner pads as they are cheaper and come in larger quantities per pack. For major spills, go for thicker pads that can absorb more fluid per pad.
Do They Have Flame-resistant Properties?
Oil-absorbent pads made of 100% melt-blown polypropylene are flame-resistant. However, if there are any additional layers present, the pads will are no longer considered flame-resistant. Flame-resistant materials are designed to withstand high heat without burning immediately, and will instead melt.
What Happens When They're Soaked in Oil?
When these pads, booms, blankets, and pillows become saturated with oil, they have a tendency to sink instead of float on the surface. In general, it's not desirable to saturate an oil pad or any other absorbent material entirely, as it would become excessively heavy and difficult to dispose of. In most situations, be sure to enclose an oil spill on water with booms and other containment materials, while utilizing oil pads to eliminate the sheen and oil from the surface.
