Oil Absorbent Pads FAQs
Do you have questions about oil absorbent pads? Then you've come to the right place! Click on a question below to see the answer. If you don't see your question answered below, then feel free to reach out to us.
Our Products: Oil-Only Absorbent Pads and Universal Absorbent Pads
What are oil absorbent pads?
They are exactly what the name implies – they are used to absorb oil on the ground and on water. Additionally, different pads absorb different materials. Some will only absorb water while others absorb both water and oil. Also, there is a third type of pad just for more hazardous materials.
Do oil absorbent pads absorb water?
No, they do NOT absorb water. However, universal absorbent pads absorb both water and oil. The way to tell the difference is the color. White pads absorb oil and grey pads absorb water and oil.
Do oil absorbent pads also work for gas and diesel absorption?
Yes, they work great for gasoline, petroleum and diesel absorption. It is best to pick an absorbent pad for what you are cleaning up. If you are cleaning up a little drip, then thinner pads (which are typically cheaper and come more per pack), would be the best. If you are working on major spills, then go with thicker pads that can absorb more fluid per pad.
What are oil absorbent pads made of?
They're made from melt blown polypropylene (which are white in color). Oil and water absorbent pads (which are grey in color) are made from melt blown polypropylene that is treat with a surfactant that allows them to absorb both water and oil.
How do I use oil absorbent pads?
This product can be used anywhere! On hard surfaces, they can placed underneath or around machines, drips or leaks to absorb oil before it hits the ground. They can be used as a rag to wipe down pipes, hoses and nozzles to clean them from gas, petroleum or diesel. Oil absorbent pads can be used on water as well. They will float on the surface and absorb the sheen and any oil, gas or diesel floating on the water.
How should I dispose of oil absorbent pads?
Disposing of this product can be done in 3 different way:
- If the pads have NOT been used, they can be thrown right in a solid waste landfill.
- If the pads have been used but do not show any signs of free flowing gas, diesel, liquid, etc., have not been used with hazardous waste or liquid and does not exhibit any characterizes of hazardous waste, this can also be disposed of in a solid waste landfill.
- Oil pads that have been soaked in oil, gas, diesel, hazardous materials, etc, must be disposed in the proper way. This “proper way” has 2 factors, which is the disposal of the material in the rules and regulations that you would dispose of the liquid itself AND the rules and regulations of your local, state and federal government. For information on this, please visit the EPA’s Website on waste decision of hazardous materials https://www.epa.gov/hw
Are oil absorbent pads lint free?
No. They are made of meltblown polypropylene, which is very low linting. We offer absorbent pads that have a special material on top that will keep in the meltblown polypropylene while the absorbent pad is being used to wipe, clean up or press against anything. We have 2 types of pads that are low linting – our sonic bonded pads and our airloft pads. These absorbent pads are low-linting, more absorbent and will hold together longer than typical absorbents. Plus, they are softer and less abrasive.
How much oil can these pads absorb?
The absorbency depends on the weight, size and material. A pack of pads that weighs 18-lbs will absorb more than a pack of pads that weighs 10-lbs. The bigger an absorbent pad is, the more it will absorbent. The heavier an absorbent pad is, the more it will absorb. Our absorbent pads range in absorbent from 18-gallons per package up to 31-gallons per package.
The main question to ask is – am I using the right product for the right application? A lot of times, we find customers are using an absorbent pad that is overkill for their specific application. If we find out what your application is, we can recommend the correct absorbent pad for the job.
What are the recommended applications?
They can be used anywhere that oil is present. This includes machine shops, gas stations, public works facilities, trucking terminals, fuel transportation and oil delivery and manufacturing facilities (just to name a few). Another application that is great for oil absorbent pads is when you are around water. Oil and water do not mix so making sure you keep oil out of the water by using oil absorbent pads is a great idea. Marinas, boats and commercial boaters should all have oil absorbent pads on board. Oil absorbent rolls, socks and booms are recommended in order to contain oil, gas, or other liquids in a confined space for cleanup.
Are oil absorbent pads flame resistant?
Pads that are 100% melt blown polypropylene are flame resistant. If it has additional layers on it, it is not considered flame resistant. Flame resistant material will not burn immediately and will melt when exposed to high heat. We have oil absorbent pads and universal absorbent pads that are flame resistant.
Do they float when saturated with oil?
When oil pads, booms, blankets and pillows become saturated with oil, they tend to sink when floating on top of the surface. Most times, we do not want to use an oil pad or other absorbent material to its full absorbency as the material will become very heavy and hard to dispose of. In most cases, you will want to surround an oil spill on water with booms and other containment materials while using oil pads to remove the sheen and oil from surface.