Poly sorbents are spill containment/cleanup products that are made of polypropylene. There are 3 different colors of poly sorbents, each color signifying something different.
White Poly Sorbents – Oil-Only
White poly sorbents signify that they are oil-only sorbents, so should be used to contain and adsorb oil-based liquids. They are made of a hydrophobic polypropylene material that attracts hydrocarbons, meaning they adsorb oil-based liquids while repelling water. Oil-only sorbents adsorb and contain oil on land or in water, even when raining, and can be used indoors or outdoors – wherever an oil-based spill or leak occurs!
Yellow Poly Sorbents – Hazmat
Yellow poly sorbents signify the presence of a hazard, so should be used to contain and adsorb hazardous materials (hazmat). They are made of a polypropylene material that will not roll or degrade upon contact with harsh or aggressive liquids, and are designed to safely adsorb most acids, bases, and other corrosive or hazardous liquids. They can be used anywhere a hazmat leak or spill occurs!
Gray Poly Sorbents – Universal
Gray poly sorbents signify that they are universal sorbents, so can be used for general purpose cleanup and spill containment. They are made of a polypropylene material that attracts and adsorbs all liquids. Universal sorbents should be used for any spills that aren’t oil-based or hazardous liquids, and can be used anywhere a spill or leak occurs!
Oil-only, hazmat and universal sorbents come in many different forms. The main ones are booms, socks, pads and pillows.
Booms Booms are large polypropylene mesh tubes filled with absorbent materials, that are placed around big spills to contain and adsorb the liquid. They’re highly flexible and can be joined together to contain a large area. They’re typically used for marine and industrial plant applications, as well as for general outdoor applications. Oil-only booms are ideal for containing and cleaning up oil spills on water, as they will adsorb the oil and repel the water, and will not sink even when fully saturated. EcoSolutions carries oil-only, hazmat and universal booms in a wide variety of sizes to suit your individual needs! |  |
 | Socks Socks are smaller polypropylene mesh tubes filled with absorbent materials, that are placed around smaller spills or the base of a machine to contain and adsorb the liquid. They are essentially the same thing as booms, but smaller and more flexible, allowing them to conform to different shapes and fit snugly around bends and into corners. They are typically used to prevent, contain and adsorb small leaks, drips and spills, or to create a temporary bund around machinery during maintenance. EcoSolutions carries oil-only, hazmat and universal socks in a wide variety of sizes to suit your individual needs! |
Pads Pads are flat sheets or mats made of melt blown polypropylene or other absorbent materials. They are lightweight and are used to quickly adsorb and wipe up small spills or leaks, to reduce slip and fall dangers, and can be used on a work surface to prevent spills, so are ideal for general-purpose, everyday leaks and spills. Sorbent pads are typically used in industrial plants, but can be your go-to for any situation where a small spill arises. EcoSolutions carries oil-only, hazmat and universal pads in bulk individual pads or in rolls, in a variety of sizes and widths to suit your individual needs! |  |
 | Pillows Pillows are similar to pads, but thicker, and are filled with polypropylene fibers, activated peat, or other absorbent materials. They are used to adsorb larger spills or leaks and can be placed on top of a spill that has already been contained, to quickly adsorb the corralled liquid. Pillows are used in industrial plants and for other applications both on land and in water. Universal and hazmat pillows are ideal for use in tight or hard to access spaces, under valves, or under machinery lifted off the floor. Oil-only pillows are ideal for placing on top of contained oil spills on water, as they adsorb oil and repel water, and will not sink even when fully saturated. EcoSolutions carries oil-only, hazmat and universal pads in a variety of sizes and widths to fit your individual needs! |
Curious to learn more about poly sorbents, or determine which ones are best for your needs? Reach out to the EcoSolutions team today, we’d love to chat poly sorbents and spill control with you!