Adsorbents specification and use
April 10th 2006 Few people appreciate that there are in fact both absorbents and adsorbents. In the main with a few notable exceptions the majority of commercially available products in today’s market are adsorbents. These rely on surface tension to do their work and release the adsorbed liquid when subject to pressure such as squeezing or wringing. Meltblown products such as pads, rolls, wipers, socks and cushions behave in this way and as a result are classed as such. An absorbent is distinguished by the fact that it will increase in size by taking the liquid through its cellular structure. Release is much slower and requires considerable amounts of energy such as heat and pressure. Some manufacturers combine the properties of adsorbents and absorbents making socks and cushions that are fast wicking and have a greater capacity of absorption. These products tend to be used in general-purpose products having the ability to absorb and gell aqueous liquids as well as adsorbing oils and mild chemicals.
Chemical (Hazchem) in the main pads, socks and roll are manufactured from polypropylene because of its inert nature most UK manufacturers produce these is a yellow colour. There are of course many other types of loose adsorbents and absorbents within the chemical range as well as neutralising products many of which need to specified and used by trained personnel with the benefit of expert chemical advice and guidance.
Spill Kits follow the same approach as the absorbents that form part of their inventory in that they are designated Oil Only, General Purpose (non Hazardous) or Chemical (Hazchem). These are emergency kits, perhaps thought of as being first aid kits for spills, which contain a variety package of products which have been specified to be able to handle a volume of spilled liquid which falls into one of the three categories details above. Depending on the volume of liquid likely to be spilled and the conditions kits are also packaged in such a way as to provide suitable containers, kit bags or rip open single use.
To read a full length feature article covering spill products and PPE from Safety Unlimited, see the forthcoming April May print issue of Health & Safety Matters More articles from Safety Unlimited: | 
