A particulate sorbent, often referred to as a granular sorbent, is used to control and clean up oil and other liquid spills. A sorbent either absorbs or adsorbs a liquid, making cleaning up a spill a much easier task. Materials that absorb the liquid swell by at least 50 percent while materials that adsorb swell less than 50 percent.

Unlike sorbent pads, socks and pillows, a particulate sorbent is constructed of loose material. The materials are often found in nature and require no alterations to increase their absorbency. Consider the following particulate sorbent information when choosing the best type for your company’s needs:

1. Use a natural, organic particulate sorbent for an environmentally-friendly option.

2. Purchase natural, inorganic particulate sorbents at a lower cost.

3. Order a synthetic particulate sorbent for high absorbency.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find particulate sorbent materials that are naturally organic

Natural, organic particulate sorbents include peat moss, ground corncobs, feathers, sawdust, hay and straw. Using this type of particulate sorbent is appealing because it's safe to store nearly anywhere and environmentally friendly. Peat moss is an ideal material for cleaning fuel spills because it absorbs vapors, reducing the risk of explosions.

I recommend: Find a loose peat moss sorbent from Loyola Environmental Products. This sorbent is recommended for oil clean up on land or hard surfaces. Order peat moss sorbents online at AbsorbentsOnline.com. This particulate sorbent provider sells peat moss sorbents in pallet quantities. American Safety Products offers 40-pound bags of loose corncob granular sorbent. Corncob effectively absorbs several types of fluids, including solvents, coolants, oil and water.

Purchase a natural, inorganic particulate sorbent

Natural, inorganic particulate sorbents are made from volcanic ash, clay, glass wool, sand and other minerals. These sorbents can easily adsorb up to 20 times their weight in oil. Natural inorganic sorbents are an affordable option when large quantities are needed.

I recommend: Purchase volcanic ash sorbents at Complete Environmental Products. The company packages the sorbent in 25-pound bags as well as 2.5-pound cartons. Specialty Oil Sorbents offers a multi-purpose sorbent made from naturally-occurring minerals. This sorbent is 50 percent more absorbent per pound than clay sorbents.

Use a synthetic particulate sorbent

Unlike natural organic and inorganic sorbents, synthetic sorbents are constructed of man-made materials, such as polypropylene, polyurethane and polyethylene. Synthetic sorbents that are polymers mixed with rubbers swell as they absorb the spill. This option is typically the most expensive and absorbent of the three types of particulate sorbents.

I recommend: Browse a particulate sorbent list of polymers for cleaning acid and base spills at Chemtex. The sorbents neutralize the spill and change colors to indicate the neutralization has taken place. JRM Chemical offers polymer sorbents in granular form for industrial applications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A particulate sorbent that is made of very fine materials, such as sawdust, can be inhaled during application. Workers should wear dust masks to prevent inhalation.