March 2015

Typical Liquids Adsorbed

3M™ Petroleum Sorbents are suitable for adsorbing hydrocarbons and non-polar organic solvents, eg., oil, paraffin, diesel,

benzene, alcohols, toluene, trichloroethane, esters and ethers.

Limitations of Use

3M recommends that a compatibility test with the liquid of interest be carried out prior to using the sorbent. For use in

temperature over 60°C it is essential that such a compatibility test is made prior to use. Do not use on aqueous liquids or

aggressive liquids, strong acids, caustic oxidizers or reactive chemicals. In particular there is a risk of degradation with the

following: oleum, chlorosulfonic acid, liquid bromine, fuming nitric acid, chromic acid, sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide.

Precautions

3M™ Petroleum Sorbents may be used to adsorb hazardous materials. Adequate precautions should be taken when

handling or storing hazardous / flammable materials and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn. Users

should be informed of the risks incurred in use, storage and disposal of sorbents containing hazardous materials.

Disposal

Dispose of used sorbents only in accordance with local and national regulations for the materials adsorbed.

Waste Minimization

3M recommends that waste streams should be minimized wherever possible. 3M sorbents promote minimization by only

being a small part of the total waste. In addition where laws allow, 3M™ Petroleum Sorbents can be disposed of by

incineration yielding less than 0.2% ash (ASTM D-482). The high energy value of the sorbents is also favorable for

incineration and waste-to-fuel systems.

Sustainability

High Capacity sorbents contain at least 25% recycled content by weight. Medium Capacity sorbents contain at least 50%

recycled content by weight.

Adsorption / Sorbency

The sorbent capacity quoted in the table below is based on testing per ASTM F 726 “Standard Test Method for Sorbent

Performance of Adsorbents.” In brief, the sorbent samples were immersed in a “medium” density oil, drained and weighed.

In the 1981 version of the standard, samples are immersed for a variable period of time in an attempt to make sure the

sorbent is saturated. The sorbent is then drained horizontally. In the 2006 version of the standard, samples are immersed

for 15 minutes and then most types are drained vertically. Capacity according to both versions of the standard is presented.

Data presented are nominal; there will be variability in sorbent performance. Capacity and speed of adsorption will

differ depending on the liquid’s polarity, surface tension and viscosity. Ambient temperature may also affect results.

Therefore, results will vary by application.