Absorbent Granules

Shop for absorbent granules of all types and sizes online now at Cromwell. We stock a comprehensive selection of absorbent granules to keep you prepared. Choose from market-leading brand Ecospill® and our exclusive brand, Solent Spill Control®. For further information on Spill Control products, find more in our Spill Control Expert Guide.

What are absorbent granules?

Absorbent granules spill control products are materials designed to quickly and effectively absorb liquids, such as oils, chemicals, and other hazardous substances, in the event of a spill. These granules are typically made from natural or synthetic materials such as clay or recycled materials that have a high absorbency capacity, allowing them to soak up spilled liquids efficiently.

Why buy absorbent granules?

In the event of a spill, absorbent granules are commonly used in various industrial, commercial, and household settings to manage and contain spills, thereby reducing the risk of environmental contamination, slip hazards, and other safety concerns.

When are absorbent granules used?

In the event of a spillage of hazardous liquids, such as chemicals and oils, absorbent granules can be immediately deployed to contain the spill and start to absorb it for easy clean-up with minimum risk.

Absorbent granules types

There are three general types of spill control products, which also applies to absorbent granules: chemical-only spill kits, oil-only spill kits and maintenance spill kits to cover everything else.

• Universal absorbent granules   -   These are versatile absorbents that can effectively absorb a wide range of liquids, including oils, water-based fluids, chemicals, and hazardous materials. They are suitable for use in diverse environments and applications.

• Oil-only absorbent granules   -   Specifically designed to absorb oils and hydrocarbons while repelling water, these granules are ideal for cleaning up oil spills on land or water surfaces. They float on water, making them particularly useful for controlling oil spills in aquatic environments.

• Chemical absorbent granules   -   These absorbents are formulated to safely absorb and neutralize hazardous chemical spills, such as acids, bases, and corrosive substances. They help mitigate the risks associated with chemical spills by effectively containing and neutralizing the spilled materials.

• Speciality absorbent granules   -   There are also specialty absorbents available for specific applications, such as absorbents designed for use in laboratories, healthcare facilities, or food processing plants. These products may have additional features tailored to the unique requirements of their intended use.

Considerations when choosing spill kits

• Absorbency capacity - Select absorbents with a high absorbency capacity relative to the type and volume of liquids you expect to encounter. Higher absorbency allows for quicker containment and cleanup of spills.

• Compatibility - Ensure that the absorbent is compatible with the types of liquids you are likely to encounter. Different absorbents may be better suited for specific types of spills, such as oils, chemicals, or water-based fluids.

• Environmental impact - Consider the environmental impact of the absorbent material, particularly if spills may occur in sensitive ecosystems or waterways. Choose environmentally friendly options that minimize ecological harm.

• Safety features - Look for absorbents with safety features, such as non-slip properties, non-toxic or dust-free composition, or fire-retardant additives, to enhance worker safety during spill cleanup operations.

FAQs

What should I do if a spill occurs in my facility?

• First things first: protect yourself by donning the correct PPE equipment.

• Locate the source of the spill and stop it (you may need to add absorbent socks or pillows underneath and around the source, depending on how the spill occurred).

• Next bring the correct spill kit to the location, and, if it's large and spreading, contain it with absorbent booms.

• Add some signage to the area to keep employees away from the hazard.

• Add the next absorbents to the spill to soak it up. You may need to repeat this step with fresh absorbents to ensure the entire spill is cleaned.

• Load the used absorbents into the disposal bag and secure it with the ties provided.

• Check the area to make sure all the spillage has been cleaned up.

• Log the incident in accordance with your company's policies.

How do I dispose of my used absorbent granules?

It's important that you follow the legal guidelines for disposing of hazardous waste. The mosy important one to consider is the absorbed liquid destruction regulations.

What are the absorbed liquid destruction regulations?

The used absorbent granules must be bagged up in a suitable, labelled disposal bag and tied to ensure secure closure. The bag should be marked as hazardous waste and should be disposed of in line with local council hazardous waste regulations. Check online at https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council to find your local council and find out more about your environmental duty of care at https://www.gov.uk/dispose-hazardous-waste.