Oil-Absorbent Materials
Normal discharge of oil into a sump was not of
great concern in the past, but, with the present
environmental programs, removing oil from water
in sumps and other areas has become important
One method of removing the oil is the use of an
oil-absorbent material in pillow form. When
placed in a sump, the pillows float and absorb oil
as it comes to the surface. As it is not a fixed
system like a skim installation, it can also be
readily used in areas where accidental oil
contamination develops. The fact that
maintenance equipment costs are minimized
also makes this approach attractive. In large
sumps where sump discharge and oil
contamination is great, economics may dictate a
skim system, in which case oil-absorbent
materials could still be valuable as a supplement.
great concern in the past, but, with the present
environmental programs, removing oil from water
in sumps and other areas has become important
One method of removing the oil is the use of an
oil-absorbent material in pillow form. When
placed in a sump, the pillows float and absorb oil
as it comes to the surface. As it is not a fixed
system like a skim installation, it can also be
readily used in areas where accidental oil
contamination develops. The fact that
maintenance equipment costs are minimized
also makes this approach attractive. In large
sumps where sump discharge and oil
contamination is great, economics may dictate a
skim system, in which case oil-absorbent
materials could still be valuable as a supplement.
There are some excellent oil-absorbent materials
available. Two products in this category are:
available. Two products in this category are:
1. Dica-SorbTM.- Detailed information and
sources of supply for this product can be
obtained from Dicalite Division, Grefco, Inc., 630
Shatto Place, Los Angeles, California 90005.
sources of supply for this product can be
obtained from Dicalite Division, Grefco, Inc., 630
Shatto Place, Los Angeles, California 90005.
This product comes in a bag (18 lbs) or
pillow form. The pillow, which is smaller
than the bag, can be floated on the water
surface. One project reports that a pillow
will soak up 55 to 60 pounds of oil.
pillow form. The pillow, which is smaller
than the bag, can be floated on the water
surface. One project reports that a pillow
will soak up 55 to 60 pounds of oil.
This product is recommended by the
manufacturer for removal of oil from
fresh or salt water, in open areas,
harbors, flowing streams, or other oil
spoils in industrial areas.
manufacturer for removal of oil from
fresh or salt water, in open areas,
harbors, flowing streams, or other oil
spoils in industrial areas.
2. SORB-OIL.- Detailed information on this
product can be obtained from Innova
Corporation, SORB-OIL Sales Division,
444 Ravenna Boulevard, Seattle,
Washington 98115, telephone (206) 524-4888.
product can be obtained from Innova
Corporation, SORB-OIL Sales Division,
444 Ravenna Boulevard, Seattle,
Washington 98115, telephone (206) 524-4888.
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