Types of Spill Kits

Types of Spill Kits

You should be aware of how to choose the right spill kit for your requirements.

So first, you have to know about the types of spill kits available on the market. There are 3 types of spill kits. They are Oil only kits, universal or general-purpose kit, and hazmat spill kit. You have to choose the right one to depend upon what liquids you may have to clean up in case of a spill.

Universal or General Purpose Kits: These types of spill kits are made up of gray absorbents to clean up both water-based fluids and hydrocarbons. These are usually g­ray in color. Oil Only Kits: This is made with white absorbents that repel water and float on water. Oil spill kits are used to clean up hydrocarbons only (motor oil, jet fuel, diesel, gasoline, hydraulic oil, etc).

Hazmat Kits: The third one is the hazmat spill kit, which is made with yellow absorbents to clean up aggressive fluids such as acids and solvents. It will absorb hydrocarbons as well as water-based fluids.

Sorbents

The sorbent is a part of the spill kit. Sorbents are the materials that soak up oil from the water. They can use either absorption or adsorption. Absorption allows the oil to actually penetrate into the sorbent itself through pores. Adsorption attracts the oil to the surface of the sorbent material however doesn't permit it to enter.

Sorbent material may be a material wont to absorb or adsorb liquids or gases. Examples include material like molecular sieve material, which acts by adsorption (attracting molecules to its surface). It has an outsized internal surface area and a good thermal physical phenomenon.

Does polypropylene absorb oil?

100% polypropylene is naturally hydrophobic or repels water, while like materials adhere or are attracted to the surface area of the polypropylene fibers. Polypropylene is a by-product of oil, therefore it will act as a sorbent and can absorb oil or oil-based liquids.