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Department

Absorbents

Industrial absorbents for oil and fluid spills: SpilKleen oil-only pads, rolls, booms, socks and pillows, PIG sump skimming socks, and granular absorbents made from peat moss, cellulose, recycled paper and volcanic shale. Tell us what spills and where for a quote.

3 specialists online · Mon–Fri 8:00–4:30 ET
7 products
Multi-Zorb
SPK-MLZ10

Multi-Zorb

Volcanic shale granular | 1.5 cu ft bag | 20 lb per bag | Absorbs 10 US gallons | Slip-resistant, non-toxic, non-combustible

Price on quote · 4 business hours
CANSORB Granular — Spill Absorbent
SPK-LFB-5

CANSORB Granular

100% Sphagnum Peat Moss | Absorbs 8–12× weight in hydrocarbons | Oil-only / hydrophobic | pH 3.5–4.5 | EPA 40 CFR 260/264/265/271 compliant

Price on quote · 4 business hours

ERE supplies absorbents for oil and fluid spills on floors, in sumps and around equipment. SpilKleen oil-only pads, rolls, booms, socks and pillows are made of meltblown polypropylene that wicks petroleum and leaves water behind; the pads are perforated so you can tear them to size. PIG sump skimming socks hang in a sump, pit, tank, well or bilge to remove oil from water. For floors, pavement and soil, granular absorbents include CANSORB sphagnum peat moss, Oil Gator cellulose fibre, Gran-sorb recycled paper, SpeediKleen and Multi-Zorb volcanic shale.

For a complete response kit with absorbents, drain cover and protective gear, see spill kits.

Absorbent FAQ

Oil-only or universal absorbent?

Oil-only absorbents pick up petroleum-based liquids and repel water, so they are the choice for oil on water or on wet ground. Universal absorbents such as Gran-sorb take oil, water-based fluids, coolants and solvents alike, which suits shop floors with mixed spills. Pick the type before the size: the wrong type cannot do the job, however big the kit. See our spill kit guide.

Pads, booms or granular?

Pads and rolls wipe up and cover drips and small spills, booms and socks surround a spill or a machine to stop it spreading, and pillows soak up larger volumes in a small footprint. Granular absorbent works best on flat floors you can sweep and on rough or uneven surfaces where a pad cannot make full contact; Multi-Zorb is slip-resistant and non-combustible, and one 20 lb bag absorbs about 10 US gallons.

How much oil does an absorbent hold?

It depends on the material. SpilKleen oil-only polypropylene absorbs up to 25 times its weight in hydrocarbons, CANSORB peat moss 8 to 12 times, Oil Gator up to 6 times, and Gran-sorb about its own weight (1:1) in oil, water-based fluids, coolants and solvents.

How do I keep oil out of a sump or pit?

Hang PIG sump skimming socks: tie a rope to the sock and lower it into the sump, pit, tank or well, where each sock absorbs about 500 mL of oil and leaves the water. Removing the oil also removes a breeding ground for odour-causing bacteria.