New oil absorbent set to revolutionise clean ups in the rain

Stratex releases innovative absorbent to Australian market; material selectively absorbs oil and filters clean water

Hazardous spill control provider, Stratex has launched Spilltration, a new absorbent that carefully absorbs oil and fuel in the rain while allowing clean, clear water to filter through it. This new material has been developed to help outdoor work and mobile forces clean up oil in rainy conditions.

Designed and manufactured in the USA, the technology behind Spilltration combines engineering expertise with a proprietary blend of post-consumer fibres to trap and lock in oil while filtering clean water. Its applications include emergency response, construction and utilities for oil spill containment, capturing drips and soaking up spills.

Oil spills spread up to 100 times faster in water, and when it rains, traditional white polypropylene pads don’t absorb the oil as effectively.  This is because as rainwater beads on the surface of the pad, it creates a barrier that prevents the oil from being absorbed effectively.

Shannon Harris, director at Stratex, said “White polypropylene pads are excellent at absorbing oil on water, but in the rain they become 30% less absorbent.  This lower absorbency means more pads are needed for spills, costing businesses more in materials and disposal. Spilltration is being used with exceptional results in the USA and we are confident it will prove to be a gamechanger in the Australian market.”

The Spilltration range of absorbents includes shammy towels, pads, rolls and rugs.