Chemical spill absorbents for laboratories, chemical plants and battery rooms

Why polypropylene for chemicals

Polypropylene is chemically inert: it absorbs and retains aggressive liquids without degrading, dissolving or triggering a reaction, even at high concentrations. Yellow is the industry colour for chemical sorbents, so responders can tell them apart from oil-only and universal absorbents at a glance.

What they handle, and what they do not

Our chemical absorbents are compatible with a wide range of liquids found in labs and process plants:

• Acids: sulphuric acid up to 98%, hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric, acetic and chromic acid.
• Bases and caustics: sodium hydroxide 30% and above, potassium hydroxide, ammonia and ammonium hydroxide, caustic cleaning agents and lime slurries.
• Solvents and fuels: acetone and MEK, toluene and xylene, methanol, ethanol and IPA, degreasers and thinners, brake and hydraulic fluids.
• Water-based liquids and unknowns: coolants and glycols, CIP cleaning agents, plating and rinse baths, battery electrolyte, and unknown spills as a first response.
• Not recommended for hydrofluoric acid or strong oxidisers such as fuming nitric acid or oleum.

Test, then deploy

Always test compatibility with your own chemicals before the absorbents are put into use. Used absorbents take on the properties of the liquid they have absorbed, so a pad full of acid must be handled and disposed of as that acid requires, under local rules. Say this on your packing and in your kit instructions.

Which format goes where

• Pads: lab benches and fume hoods, chemical storage and dip tanks, battery charging and plating lines, and emergency spill kits.
• Rolls: chemical storage aisles, under drum racks and IBCs, transfer and decanting areas, and walkways in process plants; perforated to tear to size.
• Socks: diking spills at source, around drums, carboys and IBCs, protecting drains during transfer, and in plating and battery rooms.
• Pillows: dosing stations, drip pans, trays and sumps, under leaking chemical valves, and in pits and bund corners.

Supply under your brand

Yellow is the standard colour; every other parameter is set by you: construction (pads and rolls plain or bonded, in seven options), size, weight, fill, perforation, print and packing. Socks and pillows have a sonic-welded outer and are filled to your weight. Chemical absorbents can share a 40'HQ container with oil-only and universal products, 5–6 products in all, which suits distributors who stock a full spill range. Plain polybags are standard; printed polybags, cartons and labels are available at extra cost.