Spill-Sorb Catalogue - OIL ABSORBENT / CHEMICAL

ENVIRONMENTAL
INTELLIGENCE
INTRODUCING SPILL-SORB
THE HYDROCARBON ABSORBENT PEAT
S
PHAGNUM peat moss is only found north of the 49th parallel and has the
highest moisture absorbency characteristics of all the known peat mosses. In
its natural state in the Spill-Sorb “Fison” peat bogs of Parkland County,
Alberta, each lb/kg of sphagnum moss retains from 9 to 14 lbs/kg of water.
Spill-Sorb Canada Inc. then cultivates this high grade 90% moisture content raw
resource to a +/- 60% content through bog preparation and aeration. It is then carefully
harvested, screened, and brought to our Entwistle plant where our specialized heat
treatment and air drying process reduces the moisture content to +/- 10%. At this level
the peat fibre’s water retention features change so that its cellular structure now
becomes singularly hydrophobic (resistant to water) and has a natural affinity to
absorbing and encapsulating hydrocarbons. This activated peat is then double
compressed into 4 cubic foot/200 litre and 2 cubic foot/100 litre bags for shipment
The Sphagnum Peat Plant to our worldwide network of licensed Spill-Sorb Master Stocking Distributors.
Natural absorption. We call it “Environmental Intelligence.”
Spill-Sorb is a non-toxic, all natural, 100% organic, lab-tested, field proven, industrial absorbent that is
economical, efficient, non-abrasive, non-toxic, non-leaching and in its natural state is already
biodegraded. The inherent capillary action of the activated peat provides a powerful wicking action and
encapsulates oils, solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and all other organic chemicals on
contact.
Spill-Sorb suppresses vapours and absorbs hydrocarbons on land or water,
in dry or wet conditions, and does not require specially trained technicians
or high tech equipment for handling or disposing of the spent peat.
Spill-Sorb weighs little and affords users the ability to carry more, clean
up more, and save on transportation and disposal costs.
Spill-Sorb Canada Inc.
Head Office:
Suite 301, 12204 - 106 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T5N 3Z1
Phone:
(403) 488-8881
Fax:
(403) 482-2320
spillsorb@compusmart.ab.ca
Plant:
Entwistle, Parkland County
Alberta, Canada T0E 0S0
International:
152 Sir Lowry Road, Cape Town
P.O. Box 855, Greenpoint 8051
Republic of South Africa
Phone:
(21) 461-8449
Fax:
(21) 461-8459
spillsorb@kingsley.co.za
www.spillsorb.com
Spill-Sorb that is used will not
leech or discharge used pollutants, making it clean and easy to
handle.
Spill-Sorb that is used can be
incinerated or disposed of in landfills or land farmed with no detrime nta l
e f f e c ts
to
the
environment.
PORE
WATER
STORAGE
Peat Fibre — magnified
Spill-Sorb as an energy source, contributes 8,000 B.T.U.s per
pound, excluding absorbed hydrocarbons, and burns to a
residue of less than 2% of it’s original volume.
Spill-Sorb is available in compressed and loose-filled bags, in
booms, socks, cushions and pads, in various combinations of
spill kits, and in customized filtration and bioremediation
treatment packages. Some examples are shown on page 4.
Designed and printed in Canada ©1998 Spillsorb Canada Inc.
Spill-Sorb Page 1
SPILL-SORB
THE USES
Spill-Sorb is used for environmental spill
cleanup and remediation purposes by fire
departments, industries, airports, railways,
transportation companies, garages and service stations, oil
refineries and distribution facilities, oil wells and drilling
rigs, and from marine vessels to harbours; the list is endless!
Spill-Sorb is used to filter industrial wastes, untreated
effluents, heavy metals, algae, and polluted industry and
mining remnant wastes.
For industrial and home use,
Spill-Sorb absorbs PCB’s, oil based
paints, inks and dyes, animal fats,
vegetable oils and blood.
Due to its high vapour suppression capacity, Spill-Sorb is able to greatly reduce
combustible vapours eliminating the chance of an explosion. In the case of
gasoline, 90% vapour suppression is commonly achieved.
Some of the substances Spill-Sorb can safely encapsulate:
Animal Fats
Blood
Bunker C Oil
Crude Oils
Cutting Oils
Cyanide Wash
Diesel Fuels
Dyes
Gasoline/Petrol
Heavy Metals
Herbicides
Inks
Jet Fuels
Kerosene/Paraffins
Motor Oils
Oil Base Paints
PCBs
Pesticides
Styrene
Solvents
Varsol
Vegetable Oils
Acetone
Acetone Cyanohydrin
Acrolein
Alcohols
Allylchloride
Acetonitrile
Amyl Acetate
Avgas 100/130
Benzene
Butanol
Butyl Acetate
Butyric Acid
2-Butanone
Bromodichloromethane
Bromoform
Canola Oil
Carbon Disulphide
Carbon Tetrachloride
Chloroform
Chloromethane
Chlorobenzene
Corn Oil
Cyclohexane
Dichlorobenzene
Dichloromethane
1,2-Dichloroethane
Ethanol
Ethyl Benzene
Ethyl Ether
Ethylene Glycol
Heptane
Hexane
Hexachlorobenzene
Hexachlorobutadene
Hexachloroethane
Hexane (97%)
Isobutanol
Isoprene
Isopropanol
JP/7
Methanol
Methylene Chloride
Methyl Ethyl Keytone
Methylphenol
Methyl Methacrylate
Napthalene
2-Nitroaniline
Nitrobenzene
Pentane
Pentachlophenol
Phenol
Phenol (48% in acetone)
Petroleum Ether
Propanol
Scintillation Liquid
Silicon Oil (100 CS)
Tetrachloroethane
Tetrachloroethylene
Tetrahydrofuran
Toluene
Triethylamine
Trichloroethylene
Trichlorophenol
Vinyl Acetate
Vinyl Chloride
Xylenes
Spill-Sorb Page 2
SPILL-SORB
APPLICATION
The remediation of oil damage on land
Spill-Sorb is spread over the affected area as quickly and evenly as possible to a
sufficient depth to allow for immediate absorption. After use the absorbent/spill mix should be swept
up and containerized for removal; either to be incinerated, land filled or land farmed.
Absorption times are, typically
Petrol/Gasoline
2 Seconds
Gas-Oil
5 Seconds
Engine Oil
20 Seconds
Blood
30 Seconds
Light Crude
60 Seconds
Heavy Crude
90 Seconds
The remediation of oil damage on standing water
Spill-Sorb should be scattered across the surface of the water to a sufficient depth so as to ensure that
full absorption will take place. Typically absorption times will increase by 15% over land use applications. After use the absorbent will have a tendency to form a mat windborne to the downside of the
water surface, from where it can be recovered.
Disposal
Spill-Sorb will burn to a residue of less than 2% of its original volume. Spill-Sorb can also be land filled
or land farmed into a usable compost. Spill-Sorb may be the only oil absorbent containing humic acid
which aids in the biodegradation of hydrocarbons through microbial activity. As a result of its natural
capillary capacity Spill-Sorb on contact absorbs hydrocarbons or other pollutants such as PCBs very
quickly and encapsulates the pollutants indefinitely. Used Spill-Sorb will not leech or discharge used
pollutants, making it clean and easy to handle, and has passed the Toxicity Characteristics Leaching
Procedures (TCLP) test with oil.
If conditions do not permit burning (yes, you can often burn the encapsulated spill right on the water),
Spill-Sorb can easily be collected from the water surface by scoops or nets. Spill-Sorb can be swept up,
shovelled or vacuumed after it has been used.
Limited Warranty
The company warrants that the composition of the product conforms to the description on the label,
within recognized tolerances. No further warranty is given, expressed or implied.
Limited Liability
The liability of the company’s products is limited to the replacement of the defective product or a
refund of the purchase price, at the option of the company. Under no circumstances shall the company
be responsible for any incidental or consequential damage.
Spill-Sorb Page 3
SPILL-SORB
BOOMS, SOCKS, PADS & SPILL KITS
For use on land and water, standard and customized booms, socks, pads and spill kits
are available in a variety of sizes. Illustrations are typical packages to make cleanups
easy, safe and effective.
Pads with loop
and tie tapes and
5 pocket quilted
ma ts 500 by
500 mm / 20" by
20" – 2.5 to
10 litre / 5 pints
to 3 gallon absorbency rating.
Portable and mobile spill
cleanup kits in carry bags
and wheeled containers
include brooms, shovels,
pads, booms and bags of
Spill-Sorb
Booms with ropes and
tie tapes. 2000 & 4000
by 125 & 180 mm /
6'7"& 13'2" by 5" &
7½" – 25 to 75 litre /
12½ to 37½ gallon
absorbency rating.
Typical boom, shown cut open,
5 minutes after being removed
from an oil soaked area of the
ocean. Note t here is no
leaching of oil.
Spill-Sorb Page 4
SPILL-SORB USED WITH
WATER FILTRATION & PURIFICATION
The World is benefiting from interest in pollution, now, at a time when it is possible
for our comparatively young industries to improve operations and reverse the trend of
polluting our environment. This can be done at a reasonable cost, and without jeopardizing the financial stability or the health of our present and future generations.
Industrial wastes, untreated effluent from textile dye houses, metal plating, or battery manufacturing
plants are high in colourants and heavy metal pollutants. Although colourants are generally biodegradable, special treatments are necessary to restore significant amounts of oxygen that are
used up. Nature can also eliminate the heavy metals that are dumped into the environment during manufacturing processes, but it takes a long time for these to
break down, and even the traces that are left can be highly toxic.
Chemicals treating chemicals is not the answer! They are costly,
dangerous to handle, both before and after the treatment process, and are
very difficult to safely dispose of. Tests show that after just two passes
of effluent through a mat of peat and water, the concentration of
common transition metals was lowered to well below acceptable environmental limits for these toxic substances. Even though this peat would
now be considered “polluted” it is completely safe to handle or store,
and disposal presents no problem.
Effluent
Filtration
to dispose of.
Spill-Sorb can be used as a cleansing agent. It can absorb 8–12 times its
own weight and is able to remove or neutralize 95% to 100% of contaminants present in water without any specialized training, and won’t
complicate the problem further by being hazardous to handle or difficult
Its unique cellular structure allows Spill-Sorb to absorb dyes and other colour compounds. Because of
its chemical composition, Spill-Sorb can stabilize or neutralize these elements. With its ability to
absorb through its porous exterior it can encapsulate, surround, and lock liquids and soluble solids into
its gelatinous interior; thus virtually eliminating any chance of leaching when disposed of in landfill
sites.
Accepted current processes of purifying water using Spill-Sorb as the filter satisfies the stringent pollution control requirements of many well known governmental agencies including the United States
Environmental Protection Agency. The federal government of Canada and affected provincial governments have also approved landfill as an acceptable disposal method for used peat.
This spent peat can also be burnt without any danger to the atmosphere. Companies doing research into
water filtration using peat have found that the spent peat can continue to be used for horticultural
purposes with excellent results. There is no danger of anything leaching out of the peat and contaminating ground waters.
Costs involved would depend on the degree of pollution, daily capacity, and other factors unique to
each individual situation. The cost of Spill-Sorb as a natural resource is minimal. The technology is
priced much lower than filtration processes now in place. Spill-Sorb has secured raw peat resources
available for all current and anticipated uses to carry this company and its customers for well over a
hundred years.
Spill-Sorb Page 5
SPILL-SORB USED WITH
WATER FILTRATION & PURIFICATION
Test Results of Removal of Heavy Metal Pollutants
using the Husson/Couplan Water Treatment System
METAL
Cyanide
Fluoride
Aulminum
Barium
Cadmium
Chromium +6
Chromium +3
Copper
Iron
Lead
Manganese
Nickel
Silver
Zinc
Antimony
Mercury
EFFLUENT LIMIT
BEFORE
AFTER
0.03
18.00
0.20
1.00
0.10
0.05
0.25
0.20
0.50
0.05
1.00
1.00
0.05
0.05
36.00
0.03
40.00
0.30
25.00
300.00
300.00
250.00
31.50
8.40
0.10
0.04
0.25
0.20
0.25
0.03
67.50
0.05
0.05
0.08
0.05
0.01
7.50
30.00
15.00
Test Results of Removal of Pollutants (in addition to heavy metals) from a Sample of a Typical
Dyehouse Effluent using the Husson/Couplan Water Treatment System
CHARACTERISTIC
Colour Sample “A”
Colour Sample “B”
Turbidity Sample “A”
Turbidity Sample “B”
Turbidity Sample “C”
C.O.D.
B.O.D.
T.O.D.
Phosphates
Suspended Solids
BEFORE TREATMENT
1250 APHA
2700 PT/CO
21.5 APHA
530 PPM SIO2
660 JTU
1200 PPM
150 PPM
1200 PPM
33.6 PPM
216 PPM
AFTER TREATMENT
65 APHA
10 PT/CO
3 APHA
1.1 PPM SIO2
0 JTU
85 PPM
8 PPM
156 PPM
0.76 PPM
4 PPM
Spill-Sorb Page 6
SPILL-SORB USED AS A
PEAT-OVER-SAND SEWAGE FILTER
For small communities, resorts, and campgrounds, an opportunity to save thousands
of dollars in installation and updating of sewage treatment facilities now exists. By
utilizing research done by the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation in conjunction with the Soil Science Department of the University of Minnesota, the United States
Forest Service has turned to a peat-over-sand filtration process to eliminate some of the sewage treatment problems at various sites throughout the U.S.
The filter consists of an area of ground varying
from 70–90 feet in diameter with a 24–30 inch
sand base covered with 8–12 inches of peat.
Each filtering system is equipped with irrigation sprinklers to spray effluents over the
filtering medium. Federal standards are met
with 99+% of phosphates being removed and
almost 100% of biochemical oxygen demand
(B.O.D.) and coliform bacteria being removed.
Nitrogen removed meets or exceeds all guidelines, with the potential of greater nitrogen
removal when the peat is implanted with
natural gasses.
In relation to present waste treatment methods,
the peat-over-sand filtering method, using Spill-Sorb, has very low installation, operation and maintenance costs. With over 500 years of known peat resource in existence, any future need to modify, or
adapt to other methods of filtration are almost non-existent. Spill-Sorb has a guaranteed peat supply for
all current and anticipated needs for well over 100 years.
With the size of facility needed for small communities, resorts, campgrounds or rural uses, it will be
15–20 years before the peat would have to be
Basic Constriction of a Peat Over Sand Sewage Filter.
replaced. Even then the peat has not been
destroyed, only enriched with nutrients, making it
an excellent soil conditioner. This system is
entirely natural. It doesn’t use any costly, or
potentially dangerous chemicals that in them- DISTRIBUTING
PLATE
selves cause pollution problems. Everything is
recyclable. Spill-Sorb is 100% natural. There are
no processing additives.
Experiments with various peat types and different
sands have shown that this type of system works
well under carefully controlled conditions using
automatic overhead sprinklers. Evaluations are
being made to research findings to enable this
type of filtration process to be applied to larger
scale city disposal systems covering several
acres. The potential for using Spill-Sorb for
sewage treatment is tremendous.
SPILL-SORB
COARSE
SAND
Spill-Sorb Page 8
SPILL-SORB® ON VESSELS—
PROTECTING WATERWAYS & OCEANS
The 1989 grounding of the Exxon Valdez resulted in the release of 35,000 Tons of
Toxic petroleum into an environmentally sensitive region in Alaska. Missteps that
caused and then followed the spill outraged much of the American public against
Exxon in particular and against environmental pollution in general. The story stayed alive in 1990 as
the beaches near the oil spill were still polluted and various legal battles continued in the spring.
On February 4, 1970, the oil tanker Arrow struck Cerberus rock in Chedabucto Bay, Nova Scotia.
16,000 tons of Bunker C oil started flowing in the Bay. Tests were conducted to assess the potential of
peat as an absorbent. Peat was first spread on a patch of oil of approximately 20 square feet which was
slowly drifting to the shore. Using a ¼" wire mesh screen, two persons brought the slick to the shore by
dragging it with the screen positioned vertically in the water.
On April 22, 1970, the sinking of the ferry Patrick Morris resulted in polluting beaches near Glace Bay,
Nova Scotia with Bunker C oil. The beach was covered with numerous lumps of Bunker C approximately one square inch in size. Peat was spread on the beach, mixed with the Bunker C and picked up
with rakes. The operation resulted in the removal of 95% of the oil.
In November 1970, a private company used peat to absorb crude oil on the shorelines of the
St. Lawrence River. The spill was 1,500 feet by 200 feet and twenty men worked during three days at
low tide. They spread peat at a rate of 4 cubic feet per 100 square feet of beach, On rocky shorelines, the
same technique removed about 90% of the oil.
Oil Tankers will soon be required to carry oil discharge-removal equipment under a new regulation.
According to the Coast Guard, Tankers, off-shore tank barges and coastal tank barges will be required
to carry containment and removal supplies for on-deck oil cargo spills under the proposed rule
(33 CFR, Part l55) as mandated by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
The equipment and supplies required under 33 CFR, Part 15 include SORBENTS; NON-SPARKING
HAND SCOOPS, SHOVELS, AND BUCKETS; CONTAINERS SUITABLE FOR HOLDING
RECOVERED WASTES; EMULSIFIERS FOR DECK CLEANING; PROTECTIVE
CLOTHING; AND NON-SPARKING PORTABLE PUMPS AND HOSES.
Parts 155.205 through 155.220 outline the on-deck cargo spill response equipment requirements for
various types of vessels. Vessels under 400 feet in length require enough containment and removal
equipment for at least 7 barrels of oil. Vessels over 400 feet in length require enough containment and
removal equipment for at least 12 barrels of oil.
In addition, inland tank barges would require material for at least one
barrel of oil during cargo transfers. Vessels carrying oil as a secondary
cargo would require equipment for at least a half barrel of oil. All of the
required equipment is designed for on-deck oil spills. At present, there
are no requirements for vessels to carry materials for on-water releases,
according to the Coast Guard.
While the Valdez captured the largest headlines, the worst problems of
ocean pollution were elsewhere. In fact, although ship accidents and
oil-well blowouts command the public’s main attention, most oil pollution
in the ocean comes from municipal and industrial runoff, cleaning of ship’s
bilges or tanks, and other routine events
Spill-Sorb Page 9
CANADIAN PEAT HARVESTING
& THE ENVIRONMENT
“In 1990, 749,000 metric tonnes, or about 20,000,000 bales of peat were sold by Canadian producers. This volume of peat harvested each year is small in comparison to the
estimated 50 million (50,000,000) tonnes or more of peat that accumulate naturally
each year in Canada. On a volume basis, there are an estimated three trillion (3,000,000,000,000) cubic
metres of peat deposits in Canada.
Canadian
Sphagnum
Peat Moss
Healthier Growth, Naturally
“Canada’s vast wetland and peatland resources are gradually being
subjected to increased development pressure. Wetland conservation
due to urbanisation, industrial development, and agricultural practices
has been substantial , exceeding 20 million hectares since the early
1800’s.
“The need to protect
natural resources and to ensure wise, sustainable us of
the environment is greater today than perhaps at any
point in our history. Like natural resource sectors, the
harvesting of peat moss around the world has attracted
the interest of concerned environmental groups in
government and the public.
“Land Use Impacts on Canadian Wetlands
since settlement.”
Peat Harvesting (0.02%)
Other (0.96%)
Forestry (0.02%)
Urban Expansion (6.00%)
Reservoir flooding (5.00%)
Ports/Harbours (3.00%)
“At present less than 16,000 hectares of Canada’s 111
million hectares of peatlands are being used for peat or
peat moss harvesting. The majority of companies
involved in this industry, through their association with
CSPMA (Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association), has articulated a policy for environmentally-sensitive peatland use and for site restoration or
reclamation after use. The industry, in association with
g o v e r n m e nt and non-governme nt inte r e sts,
Agricultural Impacts (85.00%)
environmental groups, and universities is developing a
national peatland research strategy to promote awareAdapted from “Canadian Peat Harvesting and the
American Wetlands Conservation
ness of peatland restoration technology and restoration. Environment”, North
Council (Canada)
On-going research indicates than new and many
existing sites will revert to functioning peatlands with
proper site management during and after use. Other older sites can also be reclaimed to valued agricultural, forestry, or wildlife habitat uses.”
Sphagnum peat bog in the Boreal Zone
Extracts from a report prepared by David Keys of Maritime Groundwater
Inc. for the Secretariat to the North American Wetlands Conservation
Council (Canada). “Sustaining Wetlands – Issue Paper, No. 1992-3.”
Copies of this report are available free of charge from:
Secretariat,
North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Canada)
Suite 200
1750 Courtwood Crescent,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2C 2B5
-orCanadian Peat Moss Association,
4 Wycliff Place,
St. Albert, Alberta, Canada T8N 3Y8.
Spill-Sorb Page 10
SPILL-SORB
BIO-REMEDIATION/DEGRADATION
THE PROBLEM: . . Hydrocarbons in/on soil; from the level of a fresh spill to
saturation over years of exposure.
✢ The hydrocarbons (oils) render the soil contaminated and unfit for any form of
agricultural production.
✢ Hydrocarbon exposure for extended periods of time in the soil may see the product leeching
down to the water table causing further environmental problems.
THE SOLUTION:
Bio-Remediation; the breakdown of Hydrocarbons to their natural
compound state…
Carbon / Hydrogen / Oxygen / Water / etc.
✢ In order for Bio-Remediation/Bio-Degradation to occur in an effective manner, the following
elements must be present:–
Soil
Enzymes (Produced from Microbes/Bacteria)
Oxygen (Air)
Water
Heat (Light)
Nitrogen (Urea/Fertilizer Food)
Spill-Sorb® (The host)
is used for four reasons. It is plentiful, it is environmentally friendly, it
SOIL . . . . . . . . . contains the microbes and bacteria that aids the bio-remediation process, and
soil is the most useful tool we have on hand for bio-remediation/degradation
“farming.”
ENZYMES . . . . . . are produced during the reproductory stages of the bacterium/microbe cell
where they release/secrete enzymes which act like acids that attack and break
down the long hydrocarbon chain.
BACTERIA/MICROBES are always in soils, however adding additional
quantities into the “farming” process will speed up the bio-remediation
process considerably. To achieve effective reproduction of these cells to
produce the necessary enzymes, the five essential elements of oxygen, water,
heat, nitrogen, and Spill-Sorb, must all be present.
O in the air is vital for the micro-organisms to become active. In sealed
XYGEN . . . . . . . . containers, or in hard-packed earth, metabolism will not occur until oxygen is
introduced. This is done by opening the container or tilling the soil.
WATER . . . . . . . is necessary for the reproduction of the microorganisms
Spill-Sorb Page 11
SPILL-SORB
BIO-REMEDIATION/DEGRADATION
HEAT . . . . . . . . . from the sun is a prime requisite for bacterial and microbial
reproduction.
The enzymatic performance, reproduction, and working of
the bacteria and microbes is directly related to the temperature; the hotter the
better.
NITROGEN . . . . . in the form of a commercial fertilizer or urea must be present, or added.
Bacteria is autotrophic, and in conjunction with the nitrogen, metabolic
synthesis occurs, where the carbon in the oils is food for the bacterial enzyme
and is converted back to its original structure, that of the tetravalent element,
carbon.
SPILL-SORB®. . . . . Is nature’s host, carrying agent, or medium, used to:
➢ ENCAPSULATE
the free flowing, floating, in-ground, or previously
spilled, hydrocarbons,
➢ CONTAIN the spill to a specific area,
➢ ARREST further leeching of the hydrocarbons into the soil, or groundwater below,
➢ USED AS the medium for conveying a hydrocarbon spill from any location to the “land-farm” site.
➢ ACTS as a bed for the soil, bacteria/microbes, oxygen, water, heat, and
nitrogen while the reproduction of enzyme takes place, and…
➢ NURTURES
the soil so as to leave it. more serviceable after
bioremediation than it was prior to “land farming” the spill.
PLEASE NOTE –
Bio-remediation is combining the above so that the enzymes produced break
down the long hydrocarbon chain into its original, and environmentally
safe, elements.
Spill-Sorb Page 12
SPILL-SORB
BIO-REMEDIATION/DEGRADATION
LAND FARMING THE SPILL
The time span and the quantities of ingredients needed for the bio-remediation process to once again
leave the soil arable is dependent upon:–
➢ The spill size,
➢ Contaminates & concentration of hydrocarbons present,
➢ The soil condition,
➢ Temperatures, and
➢ The frequency of farming (tilling) the soil.
GENERAL METHODOLOGY:–
1. DETERMINE the contaminated area and its outer limits.
2. SPREAD Spill-Sorb over the contaminated area starting with the outer area first. This will stop
any migration and leeching of the pollutants.
3. START by using 1 3 of a cubic metre of Spill-Sorb to each square metre of contaminated area.
4. ADD 112 cubic metre of nitrogen fertilizer to each square metre of contaminated area (1– 4 ratio to
Spill-Sorb).
5. BACTERIA/MICROBES may be added at this time – or – you may pre-mix them with the
Spill-Sorb in advance.
6. TILL this bio-remediation combination into the contaminated soil.
7. MONITOR the area to insure that all the hydrocarbon liquids have been encapsulated thoroughly
by the Spill-Sorb. If the mixture is still dark, add sufficient Spill-Sorb (with proportions of
nitrogen and bacteria/microbes) until the colour, turned or tilled, becomes light brown.
8. TOP-DRESS the area with a few centimetres of Spill-Sorb to take advantage of any “wicking”
action that may occur. The capillary attraction of Spill-Sorb to any un-encapsulated hydrocarbons
will now ensure that they become completely absorbed.
9. AFTER a few days add water to soak, and till again.
10. MONITOR the area for the next 3 to 6 months.
11. TILLING exposes the buried hydrocarbon/peat
mixture to the heat, and will save
time in completing the Spill-Sorb
BIO-REMEDIATION/DEGRADATION
PROCESS, leaving the previously
contaminated area ready for cultivation.
Spill-Sorb Page 13
SPILL-SORB® TECHNICAL MANUAL
ENCAPSULATED OILS SAFE FOR LANDFILLS
Problem
Inorganic adsorbents such as clays/mineral grains, and all the “polys” and various
silica combinations leach the adsorbed product and in most states and countries are
prohibited by law to be land filled and must be incinerated as hazardous waste. The reason – leaching
will contaminate both the land filled site itself, and the ground waters, aquifers and rivers in the region.
Furthermore, the plastics and polys leave a toxic residue and release dioxins and furans into the atmosphere when incinerated, and the clays/mineral grains discharge toxic dust when poured, and inhalation
is poisonous.
Solution
Hydrocarbon absorbents produced from sphagnum peat moss do not leach oil that has been encapsulated within its capillaric pore structure. Laboratory tests by accredited facilities were needed to verify
this.
From 1989 to 1991, Mr. Donald P. Noland, “the Guru of heat treated sphagnum peat absorbents had
product harvested from the “Fisons” bogs of Parkland County, Alberta, laboratory tested to verify that
after encapsulating hydrocarbons, the peat absorbent does not leach. Spill-Sorb Canada Inc. the only
producer of absorbents from these bogs, has received permission from Mr. Noland to publish these
reports, and concludes
“…that you may safely confirm that the Spill-Sorb peat absorbent produced from the ‘Fisons’
bogs in Parkland County will, when tested, correspond with those reports I received from
1990 to 1992.”
Test Procedures
Tests were conducted in conformance with the exacting standards of the U.S.A. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Hydrocarbons, pesticides, herbicides and metals in
suspension were encapsulated within the peat absorbent. The test materials were
subjected to forces simulating landfill pressures and conditions. The Toxicity Characteristic Leachate Procedure (TCLP) tests proved the safety and non-leaching properties of the contaminated peat absorbent.
Testing Laboratories
Laboratory
Zenon Environmental Inc.
Burlington, Ontario
Canada
Medium
Procedure/
Methods
0.5N Acetic Acid
Ontario Ministry of
Environment
Regulation 309-Schedule 4
Projects/
Sample #
Date
PO#90-02
AN908968
May 11, 1990
Analytical Services Inc.
Atlanta, Georgia
U.S.A.
Wadsworth/Alert
Laboratories Inc.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
Gasoline
Cutting Oil BPEC-1-15-C
TCLP Method 1311
TCLP and Hazardous
Promulgated as
Characteristics as per
Appendix II,
40CFR part 268 USA
FR11862, March 29, 1990 testing procedure,
methods SW846
26149-2
43790-W/O 210
108003
March 21, 1991
January 17, 1992
Microbiological and
Biochemical (M.B.)
Assay Laboratories
Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
SE-30
US Environmental
Protection Agency test
methods for Evaluating
Solid Waste Method
SW-846
J-44262-1
July 23, 1991
The summary of the laboratory findings are listed on the page following.
Spill-Sorb Page 14
TOXICITY CHARACTERISTIC LEACHATE
PROCEDURE TEST RESULTS
<:
BDL:
ND:
NF:
EPA Nr
.
Less than Minimum Detection Level
ZENON
Below Detection Lmit
ENVIRONMENTAL
None Detected
INC.
Not Found
CONSTITUENT
REGULATORY
LIMIT
(mg/l)
D018
D019
D021
D022
D028
D029
D035
D038
D039
D040
D043
Benzene
Carbon Tetrachloride
Chlorobenzene
Chloroform
1,2,-Dichloroethane
1,1,-Dichloroethane
Methyl Ethol Keytone
Pyridine
Tetrachloroethylene
Trichloroethylene
Vinyl Chloride
0.500
0.500
100.000
6.000
0.500
0.700
200.000
5.000
0.700
0.500
0.200
D026
D027
D030
D032
D033
D034
D036
D037
D041
D042
Total Cresol
1,4,-Dichlrobenzene
2,4,-Dinitrotoluene
Hexachlorobenzene
Hexachloro Butadiene
Hexachloroethane
Nitrobenzene
Pentachlorophnol
2,4,5,-Trichlorophenol
2,4,6,-Trichlorophenol
200.000
7.500
0.130
0.130
0.500
3.000
2.000
100.000
400.000
2.000
D013
D031
–
D012
D020
D014
D015
Lindane
Heptachlor
Heptachlor Expoxide
Endrin
Chlordane
Methoxychlor
Toxaphene
D016 2,4,-D
D017 2,4,5,-TP (Silvex)
D011
D004
D005
D006
D007
D009
D008
D010
Silver
Arsenic
Barium
Cadmium
Chromium
Mercury
Lead
Selenium
0.400
0.008
0.020
0.030
10.000
0.500
10.000
1.000
5.000
5.000
100.000
1.000
5.000
0.200
5.000
1.000
DETECT
LIMIT
(mg/l)
RESULT
(mg/l)
ANALYTICAL
SERVICES INC.
WADSWORTH/ALERT
LABORATORIES INC.
1:1 MIXTURE
DETECT
LIMIT
(mg/l)
RESULT
(mg/l)
DETECT
LIMIT
(mg/l)
VOLATILE ORGANICS
–
–
0.200
0.010
0.250
–
–
0.200
BDL
0.250
–
–
0.200
BDL
0.250
2.500
<
0.200
BDL
0.250
–
–
0.200
BDL
0.250
–
–
0.200
BDL
0.250
–
–
0.200
BDL
0.250
–
–
0.200
BDL
1.000
–
–
0.200
BDL
0.250
–
–
0.200
BDL
0.250
–
–
0.200
BDL
0.500
SEMI-VOLATILE EXTRACTABLE ORGANICS
–
–
0.010
BDL
1.000
–
–
0.010
BDL
1.000
–
–
0.010
BDL
1.000
–
–
0.010
BDL
1.000
–
–
0.010
BDL
1.000
–
–
0.010
BDL
1.000
–
–
0.010
BDL
1.000
–
–
0.010
BDL
5.000
–
–
0.010
BDL
5.000
–
–
0.010
BDL
1.000
CHLORINATED PESTICIDES
0.020
<
–
–
0.001
0.020
<
–
–
0.001
0.020
<
–
–
0.001
0.020
<
–
–
0.002
0.020
<
–
–
0.010
0.050
<
–
–
0.010
0.050
<
–
–
0.020
HERBICIDES
0.200
<
–
–
0.100
0.100
<
–
–
0.010
METALS
0.010
<
–
–
0.010
5.000
<
–
–
0.300
0.001
0.340 0.100
1.940
0.200
0.002
<
0.010
0.020
0.005
0.004
<
0.010
BDL
0.010
0.200
<
–
–
0.001
0.020
0.040
0.025
0.050
0.050
5.000
<
–
–
0.300
RESULT
(mg/l)
M.B. ASSAY
LABORATORIES
3:1 MIXTURE
DETECT
LIMIT
(mg/l)
RESULT
RESULT
(mg/l)
DETECT
LIMIT
(mg/l)
(mg/l)
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.250
0.250
0.250
0.250
0.250
0.250
0.250
4.000
0.025
0.025
0.050
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.020
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
4.000
4.000
4.000
4.000
4.000
4.000
4.000
20.000
20.000
4.000
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.022
0.020
0.020
0.020
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.010
0.050
0.050
0.100
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.020
0.004
–
0.010
0.015
0.020
0.250
NF
NF
–
NF
NF
NF
NF
ND
ND
0.100
0.010
ND
ND
0.020
0.020
NF
NF
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.010
0.300
0.200
0.005
0.010
0.001
0.050
0.300
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.100
0.100
0.100
0.100
0.100
0.010
0.100
0.100
NF
NF
0.870
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
Spill-Sorb Page 15
SPILL-SORB® TECHNICAL MANUAL
ENCAPSULATED OILS SAFE FOR LANDFILLS
New Jersey, Environmental Protection – ID 27 Non-hazardous Waste
Classification
One of the strictest Environmental Protection Agencies in the U.S. is the Department
of Environmental Protection, Division of Waste Management, State of New Jersey. Air dried peat
absorbent from the Spill-Sorb “Fisons” bogs were tested by HWS Technologies, Inc., U.S.A. Their
reports, submitted to the New Jersey DEP allowed the absorbent to be classified as non-hazardous
waste (ID27) for motor vehicle accident fluids absorbed when it is applied at a ratio of 1:1 by weight.
The applicable regulation, N.J.A.C. 7:26-8.13(b)5 lists oil spill cleanup residue which is contaminated
beyond saturation as hazardous waste. For spills into soil, or where sand is used as the adsorbent, a
concentration of 3% or more is considered saturation. The State of New Jersey absorption capacities are
regulated as follows:–
A–
B–
C–
9 Pounds of peat absorbent must be used for each gallon of diesel fuel, crankcase oil, or transmission fluid spilled.
63 Pounds of clay must be used when it is the adsorbent.
275 Pounds of sand must be used when it is the adsorbent!
A–
B–
C–
8 Pounds of peat absorbent must be used for each gallon of gasoline spilled.
56 Pounds of clay must be used when it is the adsorbent.
225 Pounds of sand must be used when it is the adsorbent!
A–
When peat absorbent is used at the above rate the spill cleanup residue would not be considered to
be contaminated beyond saturation and would not be classified as hazardous waste due to the
presence of non-listed motor vehicle accident fluids.
As of May 8, 1990 land filling of spills using clay as the adsorbent is prohibited and must be incinerated as hazardous waste.
B–
A–
B–
Air dried peat absorbent has no related health issues.
Many clay adsorbents contain silica sand which is of concern as a health issue (i.e. Silicosis).
In New Jersey peat absorbents may be disposed of as I.D. 27 when used to absorb certain virgin products. The generator of the waste is responsible for determining whether the absorbed spill meets the
definition of hazardous wastes (N.J.A.C 7:26-8.1), and manage the waste accordingly.
Ontario Ministry Of The Environment – Regulation 309 - Schedule 4.
Samples of air dried peat absorbent harvested from the Spill-Sorb “Fisons” bogs of Alberta were sent to
Zenon Environmental Inc. of Burlington, Ontario, Canada for testing (note TCLP tests, previous page).
The sample was first extracted using 0.5N Acetic Acid according to the Ministry of the Environment,
Ontario, Canada extraction procedure 43 FR58956. The resulting extract was analysed for the parameters presented in Schedule 4 with all the parameters analysed being below the Leachate Quality
Criteria.
The peat absorbent met all the criteria required for being safe for disposal in a landfill site, however
disposal of specific contaminants, such as PCBs in Canada for example, may not be land filled.
Governing regulations for disposal of wastes should always be verified prior to land filling, land
farming, or incinerating Spill-Sorb encapsulated with any contaminate.
Spill-Sorb Page 16
RECOMMENDED DISPOSAL &
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Spills can
be safely…
RECOMMENDED
DISPOSAL
DISPOSE ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS IN FORCE AT
T H E S P I L L L O C AT I O N . C O N TA C T L O C A L
AUTHORITIES FOR ADVICE AND INSTRUCTIONS. Due
to the variety of liquids (hydrocarbon, chemical, and other)
involved in spills, Spill-Sorb® Canada Inc. cannot recommend
disposal procedures or guarantee the performance of SpillSorb® other than to replace such quantity of product proved to
be defective.
APPLICATION
The word “oil” is used here in place of “hydrocarbon, chemical,
blood, paint, effluent, etc.”
…Contained
ON LAND: Spread sufficient Spill-Sorb® on the spill and rake
the aggregate until all of the oil has been absorbed. In windy
conditions spread upwind and move across the spill downwind.
So as to avoid dispersion of the absorbent pour Spill-Sorb® on
to the spill from a height of about 6inches/15cm. Gather the oil
saturated Spill-Sorb® by sweeping, raking, shovelling, or
bulldozing the mix, and safely load or containerize the mix
suitably for transportation to the disposal site.
ON WATER: Spill-Sorb® is hydrophobic and will float on
water for many hours absorbing spills. Spread manually or
mechanically from the upwind side of the spill. On flowing
water spread upstream of pre-positioned and floating
SpillSorb® absorbent booms so as to absorb the trapped oil.
Use screened forks or suction devices to remove the oil
saturated SpillSorb®.
…Transported
Usage:
Spill-Sorb
Sphagnum peat moss
+/- 90%
Water/moisture, H2O
+/- 10%
Hydrocarbon & Chemical absorbent.
2. HAZARD DATA
N/A
3. PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Physical state:
Colour & appearance:
Odour: None
Specific gravity: 60 – 90 g/l
Melting point: N/A
Vapour density: N/A
Solubility in water:
Solid
Brown; fibrous particles
Boiling point: N/A
pH: 4 – 6
Vapour pressure: N/A
Evaporation rate: N/A
Not Soluble
4. FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA
Flash point
N/A
Flammability:
Low when dry and ignited.
Auto ignition temp:
260°C; 500°F
Extinguishing media:
Standard fire fighting agents
Special fire fighting procedures: Standard fire protection equipment.
Unusual fire & explosion data: Will wick petroleum based products.
5. REACTIVITY DATA
Stability:
Stable
Incompatibility:
Strong acids, pH 2 – 3
Hazardous decomposition or by-products: None known
Hazardous polymerization:
Does not occur
6. HEALTH HAZARD DATA
(Applies to unused, non-encapsulated Spill-Sorb®)
HOT VAT TANK MAINTENANCE: To remove floating oils
and greases from a hot vat allow vat solution to cool overnight
or to 100°F/38°C. Sprinkle a sufficient amount of Spill-Sorb®
onto the solution to absorb the floating oils. Remove absorbed
mix by skimming.
6. (A) CHRONIC AND ACUTE EFFECTS OF
OVEREXPOSURE
STORAGE: Unlimited shelf life if kept dry. Keep away from
sources of combustion.
Rating average taken from field tests using 904
Bow River Alberta crude oil at temperatures of
from 57° to 64°F/14° to 17°C. Minimal
absorption ratios were 66:525 (1:7.955) and
maximized at 110:890 (1:8.091) by weight.
Absorption ratings will vary dependent upon
uniformity, composition, and the specific
gravities of liquids to be absorbed. Outside
temperatures and response intervals will also
vary the absorption ratios. Averages indicate
that liquids with specific gravities closer to 1.0
record the highest absorption ratings. Those in
the lower ranges (less than 0.80) record less
except when delayed response time has the
lighter hydrocarbon components dissipate.
These ratios then increase accordingly.
Produced and packaged in Canada by
Spill-Sorb Canada Inc.
301, 12204 - 106 Ave.
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T5N 3Z1
Phone: (403) 488-8881
Fax: (403) 482-2320
E-mail:spilsorb@compusmart.ab.ca
Spill-Sorb International
…Land Filled
Product name:
Composition:
WITH CONTAINERS: To safely transport used oil in
hydrocarbon drums, mix the Spill-Sorb® with the oil until
solidified; then seal the drums closed. Also use SpillSorb® as a
safety precaution by spreading around and over containers that
may overflow, seep or leak while in transit or in storage.
ABSORPTION RATING
…Incinerated
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
152 SirLowry Road, Capetown
P.O. Box 855, Greenpoint 8051
Republic of South Africa
Phone: (21) 461-8449
Fax: (21) 461-8459
E-mail:spillsorb@kingsley.co.za
…Land Farmed
Routes of entry:
Health hazards:
Inhalation:
Ingestion:
Eyes:
Skin:
Inhalation; ingestion
None known
Slight irritation with high concentrations
No known hazard
Dust particles may cause minor eye irritation
No known hazard
6. (B) EMERGENCY & FIRST-AID PROCEDURES
Inhalation:
Ingestion:
Eyes:
Skin:
Additional:
Remove to fresh air
Do not induce vomiting
Apply water to flush particles
Wash with mild soap and water
Visit a physician if discomfort continues
7. TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Exposure limit:
Skin contact:
Ingestion:
TWA10 mg/m³
No known hazard
No known hazard
8. CONTROL & PROTECTIVE MEASURES
Inhalation:
Protective gloves:
Ventilation:
Eye protection:
Skin protection:
Washing facilities:
An approved respirator should be worn with
very high dust concentrations.
Not required
Adequate local or mechanical exhaust should
be available to keep dust concentrations below
exposure limits
Safety glasses with side shields are
recommended
Protective clothing is not necessary for SpillSorb®. but may be required to handle absorbed
hydrocarbons and/or chemicals
Should be available for hygienic work and
emergency procedures
9. SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
Emergency action:
Waster disposal:
Sweep up & containerize if unused
Unused Spill-Sorb® is not hazardous. Dispose
of used and saturated Spill-Sorb according to
local regulations governing the material
absorbed.
10. STORAGE & TRANSPORTATION DATA.
Storage precautions:
Store in a dry place to prevent unwanted
encapsulation of moisture.
Keep away from sources of combustion.
Spill-Sorb Page 17
MINING AND OIL GIANTS
CHANGE TO SPILL-SORB
Ray Long, the International Director of Spill-Sorb, very simply demonstrated the
effectiveness of Spill-Sorb to a number of key Mining and Environmental Officers of
De Beers Consolidated Mines (the world’s largest producers of diamonds).
One of the many field tests and demonstrations included pouring white oil paint onto a concrete slab,
coating it with Spill-Sorb, then sweeping it up with a dust-pan brush. The delegates confirmed that the
brush bristles were bone dry to the touch, no marks were left on the
concrete, and the paint was entirely encapsulated within the Spill-Sorb.
A second demonstration had him pouring old oil onto white sand,
covering the mess with Spill-Sorb, mixing the mixture around with a
trowel, then sieving the excess sand back on to the pile. With amazement
the delegates checked that all the oil had been encapsulated while the
sand was now dry and free of oil.
Ray’s final field test was carried out at one of the many grease/oil traps on
the mine that separates and filters water from the pollutants. Ray was to
clean the visible oil ring around, and on top of, the final holding tank that
was meant to contain only water. He placed a 10 litre (2 US gallon)
Spill-Sorb cushion into the tank; the oil film was drawn into the
Spill-Sorb cushion like “pins to a magnet.” The De Beers officials then
tried to squeeze some of the encapsulated oil out of the cushion; even the
strongest could not make it leech.
The Chief Environmental Officer of Anglo American Corporation (the corporation has many mega
mining projects including the largest deep gold mines in the world) was visiting the De Beers site in
Namaqualand, and the staff demonstrated the effectiveness of Spill-Sorb to him.
Spill-Sorb is now “specified” by Anglo American Corporation for spills, water filtration, and is
included in their progressive environmental “green” program. Anglo’s suppliers of oils and petrochemicals must now also have sufficient Spill-Sorb at each site to deal with emergency spills that may occur
whilst delivering their products.
One of the leading oil exploration companies in the world was having
a drilling rig refitted and upgraded nearby the naval dockyards
at Simonstown. Ray Long demonstrated Spill-Sorb and
the product is now specified under the company’s
“Contingency Emergency Green Program.”
The order for each operating rig was for
400 × 4 cubic foot/200 litre absorbency bags plus 200 × l2' / 4 metre
(12 US gallon/50 litre, capacity)
booms.
Spill-Sorb Page 18
SPILL-SORB®
Case Histories
Construction Surprise at the Southern Sun Hotel, Cape Town
In January of 1996, routine construction of the new Southern Sun Hotel in Cape
Town, South Africa unexpectedly became a proving ground of the effectiveness of
Spill-Sorb. While drilling for 30 metre deep concrete piles, a major pocket of Bunker Oil was struck,
flooding the area. The site had previously been a tank farm, and the oil likely came from a
long-forgotten pipeline fracture.
As the tide rose, the mixture had to be pumped out to enable concrete production to continue. Spill-Sorb
was used as the filtration media; only clean water. as shown on the next page, reached the harbour.
The photograph on the left shows
one of the 1 × 30 metre deep piles
that are sunk as foundations for
the new hotel. Notice the thick,
black floating oil.
To clean the mixture of Bunker Oil and sea
water, three tanks were coupled together with a
manifold. A six inch pump moved the polluted
water to the manifold. When the Spill-Sorb in a
tank became saturated, the flow was diverted to
the next tank. The spent Spill-Sorb was then
removed for disposal and fresh Spill-Sorb was
added, thus allowing continuous cleanup
operations.
Spill-Sorb Page 19
SPILL-SORB®
Case Histories
Only Clean Water Now Spills into the Cape Town Foreshore
Spill-Sorb completely removed all the Bunker Oil from the sea-water and oil mix encountered
during the construction of the Southern Sun Hotel. Here water, cleaned by being filtered and the
hydrocarbons being totally encapsulated by the Spill-Sorb, runs over the harbour wall in Cape
Town. The 4000 mm Spill-Sorb filled boom around the filters, as seen in the photograph, acts as a
barrier in the event that any oil escaped while a tank was being recharged with Spill-Sorb.
The Result:
For a nominal cost, the contracting engineers managed to clean the oil waste “on site”
using Spill-Sorb as the encapsulating medium. An outstanding saving was being able
to allow the now cleaned sea water to run back into the ocean. The oil-filled
Spill-Sorb was economically removed to a landfill nearby, with no threat of it ever
leaching the encapsulated Bunker Oil.
Spill-Sorb Page 20
SPILL-SORB®
Case Histories
Spill-Sorb Cleans Mess
at Power Station
The back site at a Southern
Africa power station. It is mid-summer, hot,
humid and the air is filled with the rank odour of
evaporating hydrocarbon fumes.
1
What a mess! Discarded barrels with residues of
diesel, hydraulic, lubricating and engine oils,
paraffin and other hydrocarbons litter the back
lot. A horrid oil and wax scum is on the wa te r
w h i c h h a s collected in this depre ssion.
2
The regional Spill-Sorb distributor is called in to
solve the problem.
First, the leaking barrels are removed. Photo 2
3
Then Spill-Sorb is scattered loosely over the
entire oil, solvent and water mix. Spill-Sorb
immediately starts encapsulating the hydrocarbons. Photo 3
Photo 4 shows that within 30 seconds there is a
visibly noticeable difference compared to
photo 3.
4
Spill-Sorb Page 21
SPILL-SORB®
Case Histories
The area is now totally covered with Spill-Sorb.
Photo 5.
Skimmers are then used to insure our product
comes into contact with all the spilled materials in
the pond. In Photo 6 , the cleanup crew then skims
the encapsulated mixture, ready for collection.
5
Once skimmed and collected, only clean water
remains. Photos 7&8. This is then pumped out of
the holding pond.
Spill-Sorb is then tilled into the earth, ensuring
encapsulation of all the hydrocarbons that remain
buried in the soil.
6
The result — a totally sound
environmental Spill-Sorb Answer
7
8
Spill-Sorb Page 22
SPILL-SORB® WEIGHTS & MEASURES
– DEALER INFORMATION
1 MODEL IDENTIFICATION & “LOOSE PACKED” TERMINOLOGY.
#2CF-100L relates to our 2 Cubic Foot – 100 Litre absorbency capacity bag.
#4CF-200L relates to our 4 Cubic Foot – 200 Litre absorbency capacity bag.
PRODUCT #: 4CF-200L
We do not print the 2 and 4 cubic foot measurement on the bag
because the Ministry of Consumer and Corporate Affairs
Canada stipulates that, if printed, it has to be an exact measureLabelling–Top flap of 4 cubic foot bag.
ment of the contents. Not one company in today’s peat moss
industry can guarantee that their 2 and 4 cubic foot bags hold that exact amount; not those that sell
“Compressed and Compacted” peat moss or hydrocarbon peat absorbent!!
DOUBLE COMPRESSED AND COMPACTED
FROM 8 CUBIC FEET/0.227 CUBIC METRES
LOOSE PACKED DRY SPILL-SORB®
We can guarantee, and indicate on our bags, that 4 and 8 cubic feet of “Loose packed Spill-Sorb” is
“Double Compressed and Compacted” into the (2 and 4 cubic foot) bags. Why? Because, very simply,
the 4 and 8 cubic feet of “Loose Packed Spill-Sorb” is a measured amount, and at 2,200 PSI (pounds per
square inch) the Verville Bagging Press will more than compress the loose peat to at least ½ the “loose”
measurement.
HYDROCARBON CAPACITY PER BAG¤
Please note: When we compact the peat we are
50
simply taking “air” out of the loose peat volume, not
U.S. Gallons
volume out of the peat!
200
Litres
800%
By Weight
We also stipulate that the “Hydrocarbon Capacity per
4 cubic foot bag capactiy notation
Bag” is “25” and “50 US Gallons”, and “100 and 200
Litres”, and “800% By Weight.” This also stipulates that this refers to the “‘Note Absorption Rating’
section on back cover.” These are factual test representations but, please know and understand that
outside temperatures and the viscosities of the hydrocarbons and chemicals to be absorbed will vary the
amount of Spill-Sorb that will be necessary to fully absorb each spill. If it is lighter than 904 Bow River
Alberta Crude (Specific Gravity of 0.904) you will generally need to use more Spill-Sorb; if heavier
you will need less absorbent.
Of note: Pure water has an SG of 1.0 (one).
2 FILLING THE SPILL-SORB BAGS (Example used is 4 cubic foot).
The Spill-Sorb sphagnum peat moss is harvested by vacuum from selected bogs which have previously
been drained and cultivated. Our selected bogs contain only Von Post scale 1, 2, & 3 quality sphagnum
peat moss. The Von Post scale goes up to 10 at which point the peat is quite dirty and not acceptably
fibrous. Our peat absorbent is ±97% pure organic sphagnum with a minimal content of minerals
holding the balance. The Ph factor is from 4.5 to 5.
The harvested peat is then mix blended, screened, heat sterilised, then hot air dried to a moisture content
of 10% or less. It is then screened again and air-pumped into an overhead silo. From there it is measured
into an 8 cubic foot/0.227 cubic metre (227 litre) container and this measurement is fed into the empty
peat bag. The peat absorbent is then compressed at 2,200 pounds per square inch into the
4 cu. ft./0.1135 cu. metre. (113.5 cu. litre) bag, which is then sealed.
Being organic, 30,000+ years old, and having been cultivated, harvested, processed, and dried, each
peat fibre will not be of the same length, width, weight, and size. Mix-blending the peat after harvesting
affords us the greatest ongoing consistency.
Spill-Sorb Page 23
SPILL-SORB® WEIGHTS & MEASURES
– DEALER INFORMATION
3 WEIGHT & ABSORBENCY MEASUREMENTS USED.
Although the recognised absorbency, and therefor weight rating, is about 9 lbs./kilos
of water for every 1 lb./kilo of peat, some of the better sphagnum mosses can absorb
up to 14 lbs./kilos of water per lb./kilo of 100% pure dry peat. The Spill-Sorb sphagnum is harvested
from the “Fison” bogs in Parkland County, northern Alberta; noted to be home to the finest and purest
of sphagnum peat mosses in the world. All the weights and absorbency measurements we have used in
this report, excepting for those tests that we have physically performed, use the lesser of the 1:9 absorbency ratio rather than the l:14 ratio.
4 BAG WEIGHTS PER CUBIC FOOT.
In the bog 1 lb., or 1 kilo, of 100% dry peat will hold 9 lbs., or 9 kilos, of water in its capillaric fibres. At
10% moisture content 1 lb., or l kilo, of peat will hold 0.43 1bs, or 0.43 kilos of moisture (not 1 9 of 9 lbs
being 1 lb., or 1 9 of 9 kilos being l kilo, as you may suspect). This therefor shows that the moisture
content in our peat absorbent will increase by approximately 21 times when saturated. However at
5% moisture content it will absorb over 36 times its moisture weight and conversely at 16% moisture
content it will only increase by about 13 times the weight of the moisture held in the peat. Don’t get
misdirected here; the above refers only to the amount by which the moisture content itself is increased
and multiplied by when 100% saturation of the peat is realised.
Ideally 10% moisture content of our 4 cubic foot/0.1135 cubic metre (l13.5 litre) compressed bag will
contain 0.110 kilos of peat absorbent per litre volume measure of Spill-Sorb (ie. 0.077 kilos pure dried
peat holding 0.033 kilos of moisture = 0.11 kilos or the equivalent of 0.11 litre measurement of
Spill-Sorb). This multiplied by the original loose content fill of 227 litres of absorbent loaded into the
bag will total 25 kilos ((0.077 + 0.033)×227=24.97 kilos) of weight per compressed 4 cu. ft./0.1135
cu. metre (ll3.5 litre) bag. The imperial weights comparison looks too complex; suffice it to say that the
4 cubic foot bag should weigh 55 lbs when 8 cubic feet of loose Spill-Sorb has been double compressed
and compacted into it.
If the moisture content is higher, it will weigh more than 55 lbs. or 25 kilos. If it has less than 10% moisture content the bag weight will drop accordingly. Remember all sizes, weights, and the bulk density of
each peat fibre is variable, we do not, nor can we, guarantee a weight to less than a nominal percentage
per bag.
5 ABSORPTION CAPACITY PER BAG.
At a ratio of 0.035 lbs., or 0.077 kilos, of l00% dry peat with 0.015 lbs., or 0.033 kilos, of moisture
content the percentage of dry peat available for external use is 94.1% (of interest the factorial
percentage of moisture removed from the saturated peat is 95.2%!).
We know that one bag of Spill-Sorb will minimally absorb 465 lbs. or 55 US Gallons, or 210 kilos (or
210 litres) of water when saturated (0.110 kilos/litres × 227 × 9 × 94.l% = 211.47 kilos or liquid litres of
measurement). Tests have proven that one 4 cubic foot compacted bag of Spill-Sorb will regularly
absorb 50 US gallons, or 200 litres, of Bow River Alberta crude oil at temperatures of from 57 to 64°F,
or 14 to 17°C. Spill-Sorb Canada Inc. has set this measurement as their “foundation” absorption rate.
Bow River crude has a specific gravity of 0.904 and weighs 392 lbs./178 kilos per 54 US
gallon/204 litre drum.
Spill-Sorb Page 24
SPILL-SORB® WEIGHTS & MEASURES
– DEALER INFORMATION
Specific gravity, and similarly kg per M³, bbl per Mg(1,000 kg.= 1 tonne), kg per
drum (204 litres), lb. per gal. (Imperial), and lb. per gal. (US), are all directly related
to the absorption capabilities of dried peat with hydrocarbons. The higher the SG and
weight per litre the better the Spill-Sorb absorption rate. The lesser the SG or weight per litre of the
hydrocarbon, the lesser the absorption factor of the peat absorbent. Residual fuel oils, greases, and
paints will require less than a 4 cubic foot bag of compacted Spill-Sorb to absorb 50 US
gallons/200 litres of spill while more than one bag will be required to absorb an equal amount, yet of
lesser weight and SG, when aviation, auto, or diesel fuels are to be absorbed.
6 COMPACTED SPILL-SORB MEASURE.
Gallons or litres of hydrocarbons absorbed are directly related to the loose packed capacity fill of the
peat absorbent prior to being compacted. When 8 cubic feet/0.227 cubic metres (227 litres) of loose
dried peat absorbent is compacted to 4 cubic feet/113.5 cubic metres (227 litres) and then reopened,
whether it is hours or months later, the peat will not “spring” or “surge” back to its original 8 cu.
ft./0.227 cu. metres. (227 litre) measurement. When loosened prior to being distributed on spills it will
usually measure 5.3 to 5.6 cu. ft. or 0.150 to 0.160 cu. metres. (150 to 160 litres).
Remember, when we compact the peat we are simply taking “air” out of the loose peat volume, not
volume out of the peat! If you placed the contents into a roller-tub clothes dryer for several minutes then
it will “spring” and “surge” back to 8 cu. ft. or 0.227 cu. metres. (227 litres) of cubic measurement. i.e. It
will “aerate” and fill the fibrous pores with air. The absorbency capabilities ofSpill-Sorb does not deteriorate from being compacted unless the fibres have been permanently and irreversibly crushed in the
process. The only time this happens is when the peat has been charred in the drying process, and or, has
been dried to too low a moisture content level. The peat would then turn to a fine black powder.
When the pores are sealed, or the peat turns to ash, then it is like our competitors products; it becomes
an ADsorbent, not an ABsorbent. In the case of Spill-Sorb the integrity of the peat fibres are maintained throughout the air drying and “Goodwin” patented “Cyclonic Vacuum Heat Treatment Process”
where the drying fibres “residence time” throughout the drying chambers is exactly controlled and
monitored until such time as the correct moisture content is attained.
And finally, the only reason we compact Spill-Sorb is to save us all monies on freight costs. This
saving, or not paying for loose product to be shipped, is easily calculated; it is 50%!
PRODUCT #: 2CF-100L
PRODUCT #: 4CF-200L
DOUBLE COMPRESSED AND COMPACTED
FROM 4 CUBIC FEET/0.114 CUBIC METRES
LOOSE PACKED DRY SPILL-SORB®
DOUBLE COMPRESSED AND COMPACTED
FROM 8 CUBIC FEET/0.227 CUBIC METRES
LOOSE PACKED DRY SPILL-SORB®
Labelling–top flap og 2 cubic foot bag
Labelling, top flap of 4 cubic foot bag
HYDROCARBON CAPACITY PER BAG¤
25
U.S. Gallons
100
Litres
800%
By Weight
2 cubic foot bag capacity notation
HYDROCARBON CAPACITY PER BAG¤
50
U.S. Gallons
200
Litres
800%
By Weight
4 cubic foot bag notation
Spill-Sorb Page 25