environmental intelligence - spill-sorb · · 2009-10-19we call it “environmental intelligence....

ENVIRONMENTALINTELLIGENCE

SPHAGNUM peat moss is only found north of the 49th parallel and has thehighest moisture absorbency characteristics of all the known peat mosses. Inits 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 rawresource to a +/- 60% content through bog preparation and aeration. It is then carefullyharvested, screened, and brought to our Entwistle plant where our specialized heattreatment and air drying process reduces the moisture content to +/- 10%. At this levelthe peat fibre’s water retention features change so that its cellular structure nowbecomes singularly hydrophobic (resistant to water) and has a natural affinity toabsorbing and encapsulating hydrocarbons. This activated peat is then doublecompressed into 4 cubic foot/200 litre and 2 cubic foot/100 litre bags for shipmentto 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 iseconomical, efficient, non-abrasive, non-toxic, non-leaching and in its natural state is alreadybiodegraded. The inherent capillary action of the activated peat provides a powerful wicking action andencapsulates oils, solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and all other organic chemicals oncontact.

Spill-Sorb suppresses vapours and absorbs hydrocarbons on land or water,in dry or wet conditions, and does not require specially trained techniciansor high tech equipment for handling or disposing of the spent peat.

Spill-Sorb weighs little and affords users the ability to carry more, cleanup more, and save on transportation and disposal costs.

Spill-Sorb that is used will notleech or discharge used pollut-ants, making it clean and easy tohandle.

Spill-Sorb that is used can beincinerated or disposed of in land-fills or land farmed with no detri-mental effects to theenvironment.

Spill-Sorb as an energy source, contributes 8,000 B.T.U.s perpound, excluding absorbed hydrocarbons, and burns to aresidue of less than 2% of it’s original volume.

Spill-Sorb is available in compressed and loose-filled bags, inbooms, socks, cushions and pads, in various combinations ofspill kits, and in customized filtration and bioremediationtreatment packages. Some examples are shown on page 4.

Spill-Sorb Page 1

INTRODUCING SPILL-SORBTHE HYDROCARBON ABSORBENT PEAT

The Sphagnum Peat Plant

Spill-Sorb Canada Inc.

Head Office:Suite 301, 12204 - 106 AvenueEdmonton, AlbertaCanada T5N 3Z1Phone: (403) 488-8881Fax: (403) [email protected]

Plant:Entwistle, Parkland CountyAlberta, Canada T0E 0S0

International:152 Sir Lowry Road, Cape TownP.O. Box 855, Greenpoint 8051Republic of South AfricaPhone: (21) 461-8449Fax: (21) [email protected]

www.spillsorb.com

PORE WATERSTORAGE

Peat Fibre — magnified

Designed and printed in Canada ©1998 Spillsorb Canada Inc.

Spill-Sorb is used for environmental spillcleanup and remediation purposes by firedepartments, industries, airports, railways,transportation companies, garages and service stations, oilrefineries and distribution facilities, oil wells and drillingrigs, and from marine vessels to harbours; the list is endless!

Spill-Sorb is used to filter industrial wastes, untreatedeffluents, heavy metals, algae, and polluted industry andmining remnant wastes.

For industr ial and home use,Spill-Sorb absorbs PCB’s, oil basedpaints, inks and dyes, animal fats,vegetable oils and blood.

Due to its high vapour suppression capacity, Spill-Sorb is able to greatly reducecombustible vapours eliminating the chance of an explosion. In the case ofgasoline, 90% vapour suppression is commonly achieved.

Spill-Sorb Page 2

SPILL-SORBTHE USES

Animal FatsBloodBunker C OilCrude OilsCutting OilsCyanide WashDiesel FuelsDyesGasoline/PetrolHeavy MetalsHerbicidesInksJet FuelsKerosene/ParaffinsMotor OilsOil Base PaintsPCBsPesticidesStyreneSolventsVarsolVegetable Oils

AcetoneAcetone CyanohydrinAcroleinAlcoholsAllylchlorideAcetonitrileAmyl AcetateAvgas 100/130BenzeneButanolButyl AcetateButyric Acid2-ButanoneBromodichloromethaneBromoformCanola OilCarbon DisulphideCarbon TetrachlorideChloroformChloromethaneChlorobenzeneCorn Oil

CyclohexaneDichlorobenzeneDichloromethane1,2-DichloroethaneEthanolEthyl BenzeneEthyl EtherEthylene GlycolHeptaneHexaneHexachlorobenzeneHexachlorobutadeneHexachloroethaneHexane (97%)IsobutanolIsopreneIsopropanolJP/7MethanolMethylene ChlorideMethyl Ethyl KeytoneMethylphenol

Methyl MethacrylateNapthalene2-NitroanilineNitrobenzenePentanePentachlophenolPhenolPhenol (48% in acetone)Petroleum EtherPropanolScintillation LiquidSilicon Oil (100 CS)TetrachloroethaneTetrachloroethyleneTetrahydrofuranTolueneTriethylamineTrichloroethyleneTrichlorophenolVinyl AcetateVinyl ChlorideXylenes

Some of the substances Spill-Sorb can safely encapsulate:

The remediation of oil damage on landSpill-Sorb is spread over the affected area as quickly and evenly as possible to asufficient depth to allow for immediate absorption. After use the absorbent/spill mix should be sweptup 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 waterSpill-Sorb should be scattered across the surface of the water to a sufficient depth so as to ensure thatfull absorption will take place. Typically absorption times will increase by 15% over land use applica-tions. After use the absorbent will have a tendency to form a mat windborne to the downside of thewater surface, from where it can be recovered.

DisposalSpill-Sorbwill burn to a residue of less than 2% of its original volume. Spill-Sorb can also be land filledor land farmed into a usable compost. Spill-Sorb may be the only oil absorbent containing humic acidwhich aids in the biodegradation of hydrocarbons through microbial activity. As a result of its naturalcapillary capacity Spill-Sorb on contact absorbs hydrocarbons or other pollutants such as PCBs veryquickly and encapsulates the pollutants indefinitely. Used Spill-Sorb will not leech or discharge usedpollutants, making it clean and easy to handle, and has passed the Toxicity Characteristics LeachingProcedures (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 WarrantyThe 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 LiabilityThe liability of the company’s products is limited to the replacement of the defective product or arefund of the purchase price, at the option of the company. Under no circumstances shall the companybe responsible for any incidental or consequential damage.

Spill-Sorb Page 3

SPILL-SORBAPPLICATION

For use on land and water, standard and customized booms, socks, pads and spill kitsare available in a variety of sizes. Illustrations are typical packages to make cleanupseasy, safe and effective.

Spill-Sorb Page 4

SPILL-SORBBOOMS, SOCKS, PADS & SPILL KITS

Pads with loopand tie tapes and5 pocket quiltedmats 500 by500 mm / 20" by20" – 2.5 to10 litre / 5 pintsto 3 gallon ab-sorbency rating.

Portable and mobile spillcleanup kits in carry bagsand wheeled containersinclude brooms, shovels,pads, booms and bags ofSpill-Sorb

Typical boom, shown cut open,5 minutes after being removedfrom an oil soaked area of theo c e a n . N o t e t h e r e i s n oleaching of oil.

Booms with ropes andtie tapes. 2000 & 4000by 125 & 180 mm /6'7"& 13'2" by 5" &7½" – 25 to 75 litre /12½ to 37½ gallonabsorbency rating.

The World is benefiting from interest in pollution, now, at a time when it is possiblefor our comparatively young industries to improve operations and reverse the trend ofpolluting our environment. This can be done at a reasonable cost, and without jeopar-dizing the financial stability or the health of our present and future generations.

Industrial wastes, untreated effluent from textile dye houses, metal plating, or battery manufacturingplants are high in colourants and heavy metal pollutants. Although colourants are generally biodegrad-

able, special treatments are necessary to restore significant amounts of oxygen that areused up. Nature can also eliminate the heavy metals that are dumped into the envi-

ronment during manufacturing processes, but it takes a long time for these tobreak 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 arevery difficult to safely dispose of. Tests show that after just two passesof effluent through a mat of peat and water, the concentration ofcommon transition metals was lowered to well below acceptable envi-ronmental limits for these toxic substances. Even though this peat wouldnow be considered “polluted” it is completely safe to handle or store,and disposal presents no problem.

Spill-Sorb can be used as a cleansing agent. It can absorb 8–12 times itsown weight and is able to remove or neutralize 95% to 100% of contami-nants present in water without any specialized training, and won’tcomplicate the problem further by being hazardous to handle or difficult

to dispose of.

Its unique cellular structure allows Spill-Sorb to absorb dyes and other colour compounds. Because ofits chemical composition, Spill-Sorb can stabilize or neutralize these elements. With its ability toabsorb through its porous exterior it can encapsulate, surround, and lock liquids and soluble solids intoits gelatinous interior; thus virtually eliminating any chance of leaching when disposed of in landfillsites.

Accepted current processes of purifying water using Spill-Sorb as the filter satisfies the stringent pollu-tion control requirements of many well known governmental agencies including the United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agency. The federal government of Canada and affected provincial govern-ments 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 intowater filtration using peat have found that the spent peat can continue to be used for horticulturalpurposes with excellent results. There is no danger of anything leaching out of the peat and contami-nating ground waters.

Costs involved would depend on the degree of pollution, daily capacity, and other factors unique toeach individual situation. The cost of Spill-Sorb as a natural resource is minimal. The technology ispriced much lower than filtration processes now in place. Spill-Sorb has secured raw peat resourcesavailable for all current and anticipated uses to carry this company and its customers for well over ahundred years.

Spill-Sorb Page 5

SPILL-SORB USED WITHWATER FILTRATION & PURIFICATION

EffluentFiltration

Test Results of Removal of Heavy Metal Pollutantsusing the Husson/Couplan Water Treatment System

METAL EFFLUENT LIMIT BEFORE AFTER

Cyanide 0.03 36.00 0.03Fluoride 18.00Aulminum 0.20 40.00 0.30Barium 1.00Cadmium 0.10 25.00 0.10Chromium +6 0.05 300.00 0.04Chromium +3 0.25 300.00 0.25Copper 0.20 250.00 0.20Iron 0.50 31.50 0.25Lead 0.05 8.40 0.03Manganese 1.00Nickel 1.00 67.50 0.05Silver 0.05 0.05Zinc 0.05 7.50 0.08Antimony 30.00 0.05Mercury 15.00 0.01

Test Results of Removal of Pollutants (in addition to heavy metals) from a Sample of a TypicalDyehouse Effluent using the Husson/Couplan Water Treatment System

CHARACTERISTIC BEFORE TREATMENT AFTER TREATMENTColour Sample “A” 1250 APHA 65 APHAColour Sample “B” 2700 PT/CO 10 PT/COTurbidity Sample “A” 21.5 APHA 3 APHATurbidity Sample “B” 530 PPM SIO2 1.1 PPM SIO2Turbidity Sample “C” 660 JTU 0 JTUC.O.D. 1200 PPM 85 PPMB.O.D. 150 PPM 8 PPMT.O.D. 1200 PPM 156 PPMPhosphates 33.6 PPM 0.76 PPMSuspended Solids 216 PPM 4 PPM

Spill-Sorb Page 6

SPILL-SORB USED WITHWATER FILTRATION & PURIFICATION

For small communities, resorts, and campgrounds, an opportunity to save thousandsof dollars in installation and updating of sewage treatment facilities now exists. Byutilizing research done by the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilita-tion in conjunction with the Soil Science Department of the University of Minnesota, the United StatesForest Service has turned to a peat-over-sand filtration process to eliminate some of the sewage treat-ment problems at various sites throughout the U.S.

The filter consists of an area of ground varyingfrom 70–90 feet in diameter with a 24–30 inchsand base covered with 8–12 inches of peat.Each filtering system is equipped with irriga-tion sprinklers to spray effluents over thefiltering medium. Federal standards are metwith 99+% of phosphates being removed andalmost 100% of biochemical oxygen demand(B.O.D.) and coliform bacteria being removed.Nitrogen removed meets or exceeds all guide-lines, with the potential of greater nitrogenremoval when the peat is implanted withnatural gasses.

In relation to present waste treatment methods,the peat-over-sand filtering method, using Spill-Sorb, has very low installation, operation and mainte-nance costs. With over 500 years of known peat resource in existence, any future need to modify, oradapt to other methods of filtration are almost non-existent. Spill-Sorb has a guaranteed peat supply forall 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 be15–20 years before the peat would have to bereplaced. Even then the peat has not beendestroyed, only enriched with nutrients, making itan excellent soil conditioner. This system isentirely natural. It doesn’t use any costly, orpotentially dangerous chemicals that in them-selves cause pollution problems. Everything isrecyclable. Spill-Sorb is 100% natural. There areno processing additives.

Experiments with various peat types and differentsands have shown that this type of system workswell under carefully controlled conditions usingautomatic overhead sprinklers. Evaluations arebeing made to research findings to enable thistype of filtration process to be applied to largerscale city disposal systems covering severalacres. The potential for using Spill-Sorb forsewage treatment is tremendous.

Spill-Sorb

SPILL-SORB USED AS APEAT-OVER-SAND SEWAGE FILTER

COARSESAND

SPILL-SORB

DISTRIBUTINGPLATE

Basic Constriction of a Peat Over Sand Sewage Filter.

The 1989 grounding of the Exxon Valdez resulted in the release of 35,000 Tons ofToxic petroleum into an environmentally sensitive region in Alaska. Missteps thatcaused and then followed the spill outraged much of the American public againstExxon in particular and against environmental pollution in general. The story stayed alive in 1990 asthe 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 ofpeat as an absorbent. Peat was first spread on a patch of oil of approximately 20 square feet which wasslowly drifting to the shore. Using a ¼" wire mesh screen, two persons brought the slick to the shore bydragging 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 approxi-mately one square inch in size. Peat was spread on the beach, mixed with the Bunker C and picked upwith 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 theSt. Lawrence River. The spill was 1,500 feet by 200 feet and twenty men worked during three days atlow tide. They spread peat at a rate of 4 cubic feet per 100 square feet of beach, On rocky shorelines, thesame 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 requiredto 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-SPARKINGHAND SCOOPS, SHOVELS, AND BUCKETS; CONTAINERS SUITABLE FOR HOLDINGRECOVERED WASTES; EMULSIFIERS FOR DECK CLEANING; PROTECTIVECLOTHING; AND NON-SPARKING PORTABLE PUMPS AND HOSES.

Parts 155.205 through 155.220 outline the on-deck cargo spill response equipment requirements forvarious types of vessels. Vessels under 400 feet in length require enough containment and removalequipment for at least 7 barrels of oil. Vessels over 400 feet in length require enough containment andremoval equipment for at least 12 barrels of oil.

In addition, inland tank barges would require material for at least onebarrel of oil during cargo transfers. Vessels carrying oil as a secondarycargo would require equipment for at least a half barrel of oil. All of therequired equipment is designed for on-deck oil spills. At present, thereare 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 ofocean pollution were elsewhere. In fact, although ship accidents and

oil-well blowouts command the public’s main attention, most oil pollutionin the ocean comes from municipal and industrial runoff, cleaning of ship’s

bilges or tanks, and other routine events

Spill-Sorb

SPILL-SORB® ON VESSELS—PROTECTING WATERWAYS & OCEANS

“In 1990, 749,000 metric tonnes, or about 20,000,000 bales of peat were sold by Cana-dian producers. This volume of peat harvested each year is small in comparison to theestimated 50 million (50,000,000) tonnes or more of peat that accumulate naturallyeach year in Canada. On a volume basis, there are an estimated three trillion (3,000,000,000,000) cubicmetres of peat deposits in Canada.

“Canada’s vast wetland and peatland resources are gradually beingsubjected to increased development pressure. Wetland conservationdue to urbanisation, industrial development, and agricultural practiceshas been substantial , exceeding 20 million hectares since the early1800’s.

“The need to protectnatural resources and to ensure wise, sustainable us ofthe environment is greater today than perhaps at anypoint in our history. Like natural resource sectors, theharvesting of peat moss around the world has attractedthe interest of concerned environmental groups ingovernment and the public.

“At present less than 16,000 hectares of Canada’s 111million hectares of peatlands are being used for peat orpeat moss harvesting. The majority of companiesinvolved in this industry, through their association withCSPMA (Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Associa-tion), has articulated a policy for environmen-tally-sensitive peatland use and for site restoration orreclamation after use. The industry, in association withgovernment and non-government interests ,environmental groups, and universities is developing anational peatland research strategy to promote aware-ness of peatland restoration technology and restoration.On-going research indicates than new and manyexisting sites will revert to functioning peatlands withproper site management during and after use. Other older sites can also be reclaimed to valued agricul-

tural, forestry, or wildlife habitat uses.”Extracts from a report prepared by David Keys of Maritime GroundwaterInc. for the Secretariat to the North American Wetlands ConservationCouncil (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 2001750 Courtwood Crescent,Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2C 2B5

-or-

Canadian Peat Moss Association,4 Wycliff Place,St. Albert, Alberta, Canada T8N 3Y8.

Spill-Sorb

CANADIAN PEAT HARVESTING& THE ENVIRONMENT

Healthier Growth, Naturally

CanadianSphagnumPeat Moss

Sphagnum peat bog in the Boreal Zone

Peat Harvesting (0.02%)

Ports/Harbours (3.00%)

Reservoir flooding (5.00%)Urban Expansion (6.00%)

Forestry (0.02%)Other (0.96%)

Agricultural Impacts (85.00%)

“Land Use Impacts on Canadian Wetlandssince settlement.”

Adapted from “Canadian Peat Harvesting and theEnvironment”, North American Wetlands Conservation

Council (Canada)

THE PROBLEM: . . Hydrocarbons in/on soil; from the level of a fresh spill tosaturation over years of exposure.

✢ The hydrocarbons (oils) render the soil contaminated and unfit for any form ofagricultural production.

✢ Hydrocarbon exposure for extended periods of time in the soil may see the product leechingdown to the water table causing further environmental problems.

THE SOLUTION: Bio-Remediation; the breakdown of Hydrocarbons to their naturalcompound state…

Carbon / Hydrogen / Oxygen / Water / etc.

✢ In order for Bio-Remediation/Bio-Degradation to occur in an effective manner, the followingelements must be present:–

SoilEnzymes (Produced from Microbes/Bacteria)Oxygen (Air)WaterHeat (Light)Nitrogen (Urea/Fertilizer Food)Spill-Sorb® (The host)

SOIL . . . . . . . . .is used for four reasons. It is plentiful, it is environmentally friendly, itcontains the microbes and bacteria that aids the bio-remediation process, andsoil 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 cellwhere they release/secrete enzymes which act like acids that attack and breakdown the long hydrocarbon chain.

BACTERIA/MICROBES are always in soils, however adding additionalquantities into the “farming” process will speed up the bio-remediationprocess considerably. To achieve effective reproduction of these cells toproduce the necessary enzymes, the five essential elements of oxygen, water,heat, nitrogen, and Spill-Sorb, must all be present.

OXYGEN . . . . . . . .

in the air is vital for the micro-organisms to become active. In sealedcontainers, or in hard-packed earth, metabolism will not occur until oxygen isintroduced. This is done by opening the container or tilling the soil.

WATER . . . . . . . is necessary for the reproduction of the microorganisms

Spill-Sorb

SPILL-SORBBIO-REMEDIATION/DEGRADATION

HEAT . . . . . . . . . from the sun is a prime requisite for bacterial and microbialreproduction.

The enzymatic performance, reproduction, and working ofthe bacteria and microbes is directly related to the temperature; the hotter thebetter.

NITROGEN . . . . . in the form of a commercial fertilizer or urea must be present, or added.Bacteria is autotrophic, and in conjunction with the nitrogen, metabolicsynthesis occurs, where the carbon in the oils is food for the bacterial enzymeand 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 previouslyspilled, hydrocarbons,

➢ CONTAIN the spill to a specific area,

➢ ARREST further leeching of the hydrocarbons into the soil, or ground-water below,

➢ USED AS the medium for conveying a hydrocarbon spill from any loca-tion to the “land-farm” site.

➢ ACTS as a bed for the soil, bacteria/microbes, oxygen, water, heat, andnitrogen while the reproduction of enzyme takes place, and…

➢ NURTURES the soil so as to leave it. more serviceable afterbioremediation than it was prior to “land farming” the spill.

PLEASE NOTE – Bio-remediation is combining the above so that the enzymes produced breakdown the long hydrocarbon chain into its original, and environmentallysafe, elements.

Spill-Sorb


LAND FARMING THE SPILLThe time span and the quantities of ingredients needed for the bio-remediation process to once againleave 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 stopany migration and leeching of the pollutants.

3. START by using 13 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 theSpill-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 thoroughlyby the Spill-Sorb. If the mixture is still dark, add sufficient Spill-Sorb (with proportions ofnitrogen 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 hydrocarbonswill 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/peatmixture to the heat, and will savetime in completing the Spill-SorbBIO-REMEDIATION/DEGRADATIONPROCESS, leaving the previouslycontaminated area ready for cultiva-tion.

Spill-Sorb


Problem

Inorganic adsorbents such as clays/mineral grains, and all the “polys” and varioussilica combinations leach the adsorbed product and in most states and countries areprohibited by law to be land filled and must be incinerated as hazardous waste. The reason – leachingwill 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 atmo-sphere when incinerated, and the clays/mineral grains discharge toxic dust when poured, and inhalationis poisonous.

Solution

Hydrocarbon absorbents produced from sphagnum peat moss do not leach oil that has been encapsu-lated within its capillaric pore structure. Laboratory tests by accredited facilities were needed to verifythis.

From 1989 to 1991, Mr. Donald P. Noland, “the Guru of heat treated sphagnum peat absorbents hadproduct harvested from the “Fisons” bogs of Parkland County, Alberta, laboratory tested to verify thatafter encapsulating hydrocarbons, the peat absorbent does not leach. Spill-Sorb Canada Inc. the onlyproducer of absorbents from these bogs, has received permission from Mr. Noland to publish thesereports, 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 from1990 to 1992.”

Test Procedures

Tests were conducted in conformance with the exacting standards of the U.S.A. Environ-mental Protection Agency (EPA). Hydrocarbons, pesticides, herbicides and metals insuspension were encapsulated within the peat absorbent. The test materials weresubjected to forces simulating landfill pressures and conditions. The Toxicity Charac-teristic Leachate Procedure (TCLP) tests proved the safety and non-leaching properties of the contami-nated peat absorbent.

Testing Laboratories

Laboratory Zenon Environmental Inc.Burlington, OntarioCanada

Analytical Services Inc.Atlanta, GeorgiaU.S.A.

Wadsworth/AlertLaboratories Inc.Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,U.S.A.

Microbiological andBiochemical (M.B.)Assay LaboratoriesHouston, Texas, U.S.A.

Medium 0.5N Acetic Acid Gasoline Cutting Oil BPEC-1-15-C SE-30Procedure/Methods

Ontario Ministry ofEnvironmentRegulation 309-Schedule 4

TCLP Method 1311Promulgated asAppendix II,FR11862, March 29, 1990

TCLP and HazardousCharacteristics as per40CFR part 268 USAtesting procedure,methods SW846

US EnvironmentalProtection Agency testmethods for EvaluatingSolid Waste MethodSW-846

Projects/Sample #

PO#90-02AN908968

26149-2 43790-W/O 210108003

J-44262-1

Date May 11, 1990 March 21, 1991 January 17, 1992 July 23, 1991

The summary of the laboratory findings are listed on the page following.

Spill-Sorb

SPILL-SORB® TECHNICAL MANUALENCAPSULATED OILS SAFE FOR LANDFILLS

Spill-Sorb

TOXICITY CHARACTERISTIC LEACHATEPROCEDURE TEST RESULTS

<: Less than Minimum Detection LevelBDL: Below Detection LmitND: None DetectedNF: Not Found

ZENONENVIRONMENTAL

INC.

ANALYTICALSERVICES INC.

WADSWORTH/ALERTLABORATORIES INC.

1:1 MIXTURE 3:1 MIXTURE

M.B. ASSAYLABORATORIES

EPA Nr

.

CONSTITUENT REGULATORYLIMIT(mg/l)

DETECTLIMIT(mg/l)

RESULT

(mg/l)

DETECTLIMIT(mg/l)

RESULT

(mg/l)

DETECTLIMIT(mg/l)

RESULT

(mg/l)

DETECTLIMIT(mg/l)

RESULT

(mg/l)

DETECTLIMIT(mg/l)

RESULT

(mg/l)

VOLATILE ORGANICSD018 Benzene 0.500 – – 0.200 0.010 0.250 ND 0.250 ND 0.020 NFD019 Carbon Tetrachloride 0.500 – – 0.200 BDL 0.250 ND 0.250 ND 0.020 NFD021 Chlorobenzene 100.000 – – 0.200 BDL 0.250 ND 0.250 ND 0.020 NFD022 Chloroform 6.000 2.500 < 0.200 BDL 0.250 ND 0.250 ND 0.020 NFD028 1,2,-Dichloroethane 0.500 – – 0.200 BDL 0.250 ND 0.250 ND 0.020 NFD029 1,1,-Dichloroethane 0.700 – – 0.200 BDL 0.250 ND 0.250 ND 0.020 NFD035 Methyl Ethol Keytone 200.000 – – 0.200 BDL 0.250 ND 0.250 ND 0.020 NFD038 Pyridine 5.000 – – 0.200 BDL 1.000 ND 4.000 ND 0.020 NFD039 Tetrachloroethylene 0.700 – – 0.200 BDL 0.250 ND 0.025 ND 0.020 NFD040 Trichloroethylene 0.500 – – 0.200 BDL 0.250 ND 0.025 ND 0.020 NFD043 Vinyl Chloride 0.200 – – 0.200 BDL 0.500 ND 0.050 ND 0.020 NF

SEMI-VOLATILE EXTRACTABLE ORGANICSD026 Total Cresol 200.000 – – 0.010 BDL 1.000 ND 4.000 ND 0.020 NFD027 1,4,-Dichlrobenzene 7.500 – – 0.010 BDL 1.000 ND 4.000 ND 0.020 NFD030 2,4,-Dinitrotoluene 0.130 – – 0.010 BDL 1.000 ND 4.000 ND 0.020 NFD032 Hexachlorobenzene 0.130 – – 0.010 BDL 1.000 ND 4.000 ND 0.020 NFD033 Hexachloro Butadiene 0.500 – – 0.010 BDL 1.000 ND 4.000 ND 0.020 NFD034 Hexachloroethane 3.000 – – 0.010 BDL 1.000 ND 4.000 ND 0.020 NFD036 Nitrobenzene 2.000 – – 0.010 BDL 1.000 ND 4.000 ND 0.022 NFD037 Pentachlorophnol 100.000 – – 0.010 BDL 5.000 ND 20.000 ND 0.020 NFD041 2,4,5,-Trichlorophenol 400.000 – – 0.010 BDL 5.000 ND 20.000 ND 0.020 NFD042 2,4,6,-Trichlorophenol 2.000 – – 0.010 BDL 1.000 ND 4.000 ND 0.020 NF

CHLORINATED PESTICIDESD013 Lindane 0.400 0.020 < – – 0.001 ND 0.005 ND 0.020 NFD031 Heptachlor 0.008 0.020 < – – 0.001 ND 0.005 ND 0.004 NF– Heptachlor Expoxide 0.020 < – – 0.001 ND 0.005 ND – –D012 Endrin 0.020 0.020 < – – 0.002 ND 0.010 ND 0.010 NFD020 Chlordane 0.030 0.020 < – – 0.010 ND 0.050 ND 0.015 NFD014 Methoxychlor 10.000 0.050 < – – 0.010 ND 0.050 ND 0.020 NFD015 Toxaphene 0.500 0.050 < – – 0.020 ND 0.100 ND 0.250 NF

HERBICIDESD016 2,4,-D 10.000 0.200 < – – 0.100 ND 0.100 ND 0.020 NFD017 2,4,5,-TP (Silvex) 1.000 0.100 < – – 0.010 ND 0.010 ND 0.020 NF

METALSD011 Silver 5.000 0.010 < – – 0.010 ND 0.010 ND 0.100 NFD004 Arsenic 5.000 5.000 < – – 0.300 ND 0.300 ND 0.100 NFD005 Barium 100.000 0.001 0.340 0.100 1.940 0.200 ND 0.200 ND 0.100 0.870D006 Cadmium 1.000 0.002 < 0.010 0.020 0.005 ND 0.005 ND 0.100 NFD007 Chromium 5.000 0.004 < 0.010 BDL 0.010 ND 0.010 ND 0.100 NFD009 Mercury 0.200 0.200 < – – 0.001 ND 0.001 ND 0.010 NFD008 Lead 5.000 0.020 0.040 0.025 0.050 0.050 ND 0.050 ND 0.100 NFD010 Selenium 1.000 5.000 < – – 0.300 ND 0.300 ND 0.100 NF

New Jersey, Environmental Protection – ID 27 Non-hazardous WasteClassification

One of the strictest Environmental Protection Agencies in the U.S. is the Departmentof Environmental Protection, Division of Waste Management, State of New Jersey. Air dried peatabsorbent from the Spill-Sorb “Fisons” bogs were tested by HWS Technologies, Inc., U.S.A. Theirreports, submitted to the New Jersey DEP allowed the absorbent to be classified as non-hazardouswaste (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 contaminatedbeyond saturation as hazardous waste. For spills into soil, or where sand is used as the adsorbent, aconcentration of 3% or more is considered saturation. The State of New Jersey absorption capacities areregulated as follows:–

A– 9 Pounds of peat absorbent must be used for each gallon of diesel fuel, crankcase oil, or transmis-sion fluid spilled.

B– 63 Pounds of clay must be used when it is the adsorbent.C– 275 Pounds of sand must be used when it is the adsorbent!

A– 8 Pounds of peat absorbent must be used for each gallon of gasoline spilled.B– 56 Pounds of clay must be used when it is the adsorbent.C– 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 tobe contaminated beyond saturation and would not be classified as hazardous waste due to thepresence of non-listed motor vehicle accident fluids.

B– As of May 8, 1990 land filling of spills using clay as the adsorbent is prohibited and must be incin-erated as hazardous waste.

A– Air dried peat absorbent has no related health issues.B– 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 prod-ucts. The generator of the waste is responsible for determining whether the absorbed spill meets thedefinition 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 toZenon 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 parame-ters presented in Schedule 4 with all the parameters analysed being below the Leachate QualityCriteria.

The peat absorbent met all the criteria required for being safe for disposal in a landfill site, howeverdisposal 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, landfarming, or incinerating Spill-Sorb encapsulated with any contaminate.

Spill-Sorb

SPILL-SORB® TECHNICAL MANUALENCAPSULATED OILS SAFE FOR LANDFILLS

Spill-Sorb

RECOMMENDED DISPOSAL &MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

301, 12204 - 106 Ave.

Edmonton, Alberta

Canada T5N 3Z1

Phone: (403) 488-8881

Fax: (403) 482-2320

E-mail:[email protected]

152 SirLowry Road, Capetown

P.O. Box 855, Greenpoint 8051

Republic of South Africa

Phone: (21) 461-8449

Fax: (21) 461-8459

E-mail:[email protected]

RECOMMENDEDDISPOSAL

APPLICATION

ABSORPTION RATING

DISPOSEACCORDING TO REGULATIONS IN FORCEATTHE SPI LL LOCATI ON. CONTACT LOCALAUTHORITIES FOR ADVICE AND INSTRUCTIONS. Dueto the variety of liquids (hydrocarbon, chemical, and other)involved in spills, Spill-Sorb® Canada Inc. cannot recommenddisposal procedures or guarantee the performance of Spill-Sorb® other than to replace such quantity of product proved tobe defective.

The word “oil” is used here in place of “hydrocarbon, chemical,blood, paint, effluent, etc.”

Spread sufficient Spill-Sorb® on the spill and rakethe aggregate until all of the oil has been absorbed. In windyconditions spread upwind and move across the spill downwind.So as to avoid dispersion of the absorbent pour Spill-Sorb® onto the spill from a height of about 6inches/15cm. Gather the oilsaturated Spill-Sorb® by sweeping, raking, shovelling, orbulldozing the mix, and safely load or containerize the mixsuitably for transportation to the disposal site.

Spill-Sorb® is hydrophobic and will float onwater for many hours absorbing spills. Spread manually ormechanically from the upwind side of the spill. On flowingwater spread upstream of pre-positioned and floatingSpillSorb® absorbent booms so as to absorb the trapped oil.Use screened forks or suction devices to remove the oilsaturated SpillSorb®.

To safely transport used oil inhydrocarbon drums, mix the Spill-Sorb® with the oil untilsolidified; then seal the drums closed.Also use SpillSorb® as asafety precaution by spreading around and over containers thatmay overflow, seep or leak while in transit or in storage.

To remove floating oilsand greases from a hot vat allow vat solution to cool overnightor to 100°F/38°C. Sprinkle a sufficient amount of Spill-Sorb®onto the solution to absorb the floating oils. Remove absorbedmix by skimming.

STORAGE: Unlimited shelf life if kept dry. Keep away fromsources of combustion.

ON LAND:

ON WATER:

WITH CONTAINERS:

HOT VAT TANK MAINTENANCE:

Rating average taken from field tests using 904Bow River Alberta crude oil at temperatures offrom 57° to 64°F/14° to 17°C. Minimalabsorption ratios were 66:525 (1:7.955) andmaximized at 110:890 (1:8.091) by weight.

Absorption ratings will vary dependent uponuniformity, composition, and the specificgravities of liquids to be absorbed. Outsidetemperatures and response intervals will alsovary the absorption ratios. Averages indicatethat liquids with specific gravities closer to 1.0record the highest absorption ratings. Those inthe lower ranges (less than 0.80) record lessexcept when delayed response time has thelighter hydrocarbon components dissipate.These ratios then increase accordingly.

Produced and packaged in Canada by

Spill-Sorb Canada Inc.

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

2. HAZARD DATA

3. PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

4. FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA

5. REACTIVITY DATA

6. HEALTH HAZARD DATA

6. (A) CHRONIC AND ACUTE EFFECTS OFOVEREXPOSURE

6. (B) EMERGENCY & FIRST-AID PROCEDURES

7. TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

8. CONTROL & PROTECTIVE MEASURES

9. SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

10. STORAGE & TRANSPORTATION DATA.

Product name: Spill-SorbComposition: Sphagnum peat moss +/- 90%

Water/moisture, H2O +/- 10%Usage: Hydrocarbon &Chemical absorbent.

N/A

Physical state: SolidColour &appearance: Brown; fibrous particlesOdour: None Boiling point: N/ASpecific gravity: 60 – 90 g/l pH: 4 – 6Melting point: N/A Vapour pressure: N/AVapour density: N/A Evaporation rate: N/ASolubility in water: Not Soluble

Flash point N/AFlammability: Lowwhen dry and ignited.Auto ignition temp: 260°C; 500°FExtinguishing media: Standard fire fighting agentsSpecial fire fighting procedures: Standard fire protection equipment.Unusual fire &explosion data: Will wick petroleumbased products.

Stability: StableIncompatibility: Strong acids, pH2 – 3Hazardous decomposition or by-products: None knownHazardous polymerization: Does not occur

Routes of entry: Inhalation; ingestionHealth hazards: None known

Inhalation: Slight irritation with high concentrationsIngestion: No known hazardEyes: Dust particles may cause minor eye irritationSkin: No known hazard

Inhalation: Remove to fresh airIngestion: Do induce vomitingEyes: Apply water to flush particlesSkin: Wash with mild soap and waterAdditional: Visit a physician if discomfort continues

Exposure limit: TWA10 mg/m³Skin contact: No known hazardIngestion: No known hazard

Inhalation: An approved respirator should be worn withvery high dust concentrations.

Protective gloves: Not requiredVentilation: Adequate local or mechanical exhaust should

be available to keep dust concentrations belowexposure limits

Eye protection: Safety glasses with side shields arerecommended

Skin protection: Protective clothing is not necessary for Spill-Sorb®. but may be required to handle absorbedhydrocarbons and/or chemicals

Washing facilities: Should be available for hygienic work andemergency procedures

Emergency action: Sweep up &containerize if unusedWaster disposal: Unused Spill-Sorb® is not hazardous. Dispose

of used and saturated Spill-Sorb according tolocal regulations governing the materialabsorbed.

Storage precautions: Store in a dry place to prevent unwantedencapsulation of moisture.Keep away fromsources of combustion.

(Applies to unused, non-encapsulated Spill-Sorb®)

not

Spill-Sorb International

…Contained

Spills canbe safely…

…Transported

…Incinerated

…Land Filled …Land Farmed

Ray Long, the International Director of Spill-Sorb, very simply demonstrated theeffectiveness of Spill-Sorb to a number of key Mining and Environmental Officers ofDe 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 thebrush bristles were bone dry to the touch, no marks were left on theconcrete, 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 atrowel, then sieving the excess sand back on to the pile. With amazementthe delegates checked that all the oil had been encapsulated while thesand was now dry and free of oil.

Ray’s final field test was carried out at one of the many grease/oil traps onthe mine that separates and filters water from the pollutants. Ray was toclean the visible oil ring around, and on top of, the final holding tank thatwas 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 theSpill-Sorb cushion like “pins to a magnet.” The De Beers officials thentried to squeeze some of the encapsulated oil out of the cushion; even thestrongest could not make it leech.

The Chief Environmental Officer of Anglo American Corporation (the corporation has many megamining projects including the largest deep gold mines in the world) was visiting the De Beers site inNamaqualand, 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 isincluded in their progressive environmental “green” program. Anglo’s suppliers of oils and petrochem-icals must now also have sufficient Spill-Sorb at each site to deal with emergency spills that may occurwhilst delivering their products.

One of the leading oil exploration companies in the world was havinga drilling rig refitted and upgraded nearby the naval dockyards

at Simonstown. Ray Long demonstrated Spill-Sorb andthe 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 absor-bency bags plus 200 × l2' / 4 metre

(12 US gallon/50 litre, capacity)booms.

Spill-Sorb

MINING AND OIL GIANTSCHANGE TO SPILL-SORB

Construction Surprise at the Southern Sun Hotel, Cape Town

In January of 1996, routine construction of the new Southern Sun Hotel in CapeTown, South Africa unexpectedly became a proving ground of the effectiveness ofSpill-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 along-forgotten pipeline fracture.

As the tide rose, the mixture had to be pumped out to enable concrete production to continue.Spill-Sorbwas used as the filtration media; only clean water. as shown on the next page, reached the harbour.

Spill-Sorb

SPILL-SORB®Case Histories

The photograph on the left showsone of the 1 × 30 metre deep pilesthat are sunk as foundations forthe new hotel. Notice the thick,black floating oil.

To clean the mixture of Bunker Oil and seawater, three tanks were coupled together with amanifold. A six inch pump moved the pollutedwater to the manifold. When the Spill-Sorb in atank became saturated, the flow was diverted tothe next tank. The spent Spill-Sorb was thenremoved for disposal and fresh Spill-Sorb wasadded, thus allowing continuous cleanupoperations.

Only Clean Water Now Spills into the Cape Town Foreshore

Spill-Sorb


Spill-Sorb completely removed all the Bunker Oil from the sea-water and oil mix encounteredduring the construction of the Southern Sun Hotel. Here water, cleaned by being filtered and thehydrocarbons being totally encapsulated by the Spill-Sorb, runs over the harbour wall in CapeTown. The 4000 mm Spill-Sorb filled boom around the filters, as seen in the photograph, acts as abarrier 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 ableto allow the now cleaned sea water to run back into the ocean. The oil-filledSpill-Sorb was economically removed to a landfill nearby, with no threat of it everleaching the encapsulated Bunker Oil.

Spill-Sorb Cleans Messat Power Station

The back site at a SouthernAfrica power station. It is mid-summer, hot,humid and the air is filled with the rank odour ofevaporating hydrocarbon fumes.

What a mess! Discarded barrels with residues ofdiesel, hydraulic, lubricating and engine oils,paraffin and other hydrocarbons litter the backlot. A horrid oil and wax scum is on the waterwhich has col lected in this depression.

The regional Spill-Sorb distributor is called in tosolve the problem.

First, the leaking barrels are removed. Photo 2

Then Spill-Sorb is scattered loosely over theentire oil, solvent and water mix. Spill-Sorbimmediately starts encapsulating the hydrocar-bons. Photo 3

Photo 4 shows that within 30 seconds there is avisibly noticeable difference compared tophoto 3.

Spill-Sorb


1

2

3

4

The area is now totally covered with Spill-Sorb.Photo 5.

Skimmers are then used to insure our productcomes into contact with all the spilled materials inthe pond. In Photo 6 , the cleanup crew then skimsthe encapsulated mixture, ready for collection.

Once skimmed and collected, only clean waterremains. Photos 7&8. This is then pumped out ofthe holding pond.

Spill-Sorb is then tilled into the earth, ensuringencapsulation of all the hydrocarbons that remainburied in the soil.

Spill-Sorb


5

The result — a totally soundenvironmental Spill-Sorb Answer

6

7 8

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.

We do not print the 2 and 4 cubic foot measurement on the bagbecause the Ministry of Consumer and Corporate AffairsCanada stipulates that, if printed, it has to be an exact measure-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!!

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 persquare inch) the Verville Bagging Press will more than compress the loose peat to at least ½ the “loose”measurement.

Please note: When we compact the peat we aresimply taking “air” out of the loose peat volume, notvolume out of the peat!

We also stipulate that the “Hydrocarbon Capacity perBag” is “25” and “50 US Gallons”, and “100 and 200Litres”, 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 thatoutside temperatures and the viscosities of the hydrocarbons and chemicals to be absorbed will vary theamount of Spill-Sorb that will be necessary to fully absorb each spill. If it is lighter than 904 Bow RiverAlberta Crude (Specific Gravity of 0.904) you will generally need to use more Spill-Sorb; if heavieryou 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 previouslybeen drained and cultivated. Our selected bogs contain only Von Post scale 1, 2, & 3 quality sphagnumpeat moss. The Von Post scale goes up to 10 at which point the peat is quite dirty and not acceptablyfibrous. Our peat absorbent is ±97% pure organic sphagnum with a minimal content of mineralsholding 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 contentof 10% or less. It is then screened again and air-pumped into an overhead silo. From there it is measuredinto an 8 cubic foot/0.227 cubic metre (227 litre) container and this measurement is fed into the emptypeat bag. The peat absorbent is then compressed at 2,200 pounds per square inch into the4 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, eachpeat fibre will not be of the same length, width, weight, and size. Mix-blending the peat after harvestingaffords us the greatest ongoing consistency.

Spill-Sorb

SPILL-SORB® WEIGHTS & MEASURES– DEALER INFORMATION

PRODUCT #: 4CF-200L

DOUBLE COMPRESSED AND COMPACTEDFROM 8 CUBIC FEET/0.227 CUBIC METRES

LOOSE PACKED DRY SPILL-SORB®

Labelling–Top flap of 4 cubic foot bag.

50 200 800%HYDROCARBON CAPACITY PER BAG¤

U.S. Gallons Litres By Weight

4 cubic foot bag capactiy notation

3 WEIGHT & ABSORBENCY MEASUREMENTS USED.

Although the recognised absorbency, and therefor weight rating, is about 9 lbs./kilosof water for every 1 lb./kilo of peat, some of the better sphagnum mosses can absorbup to 14 lbs./kilos of water per lb./kilo of 100% pure dry peat. The Spill-Sorb sphagnum is harvestedfrom the “Fison” bogs in Parkland County, northern Alberta; noted to be home to the finest and purestof sphagnum peat mosses in the world. All the weights and absorbency measurements we have used inthis report, excepting for those tests that we have physically performed, use the lesser of the 1:9 absor-bency 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. At10% 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 lbsbeing 1 lb., or 1

9 of 9 kilos being l kilo, as you may suspect). This therefor shows that the moisturecontent in our peat absorbent will increase by approximately 21 times when saturated. However at5% moisture content it will absorb over 36 times its moisture weight and conversely at 16% moisturecontent it will only increase by about 13 times the weight of the moisture held in the peat. Don’t getmisdirected here; the above refers only to the amount by which the moisture content itself is increasedand 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 willcontain 0.110 kilos of peat absorbent per litre volume measure of Spill-Sorb (ie. 0.077 kilos pure driedpeat holding 0.033 kilos of moisture = 0.11 kilos or the equivalent of 0.11 litre measurement ofSpill-Sorb). This multiplied by the original loose content fill of 227 litres of absorbent loaded into thebag will total 25 kilos ((0.077 + 0.033)×227=24.97 kilos) of weight per compressed 4 cu. ft./0.1135cu. metre (ll3.5 litre) bag. The imperial weights comparison looks too complex; suffice it to say that the4 cubic foot bag should weigh 55 lbs when 8 cubic feet of loose Spill-Sorb has been double compressedand 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% mois-ture content the bag weight will drop accordingly. Remember all sizes, weights, and the bulk density ofeach peat fibre is variable, we do not, nor can we, guarantee a weight to less than a nominal percentageper 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 moisturecontent the percentage of dry peat available for external use is 94.1% (of interest the factorialpercentage 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 (or210 litres) of water when saturated (0.110 kilos/litres × 227 × 9 × 94.l% = 211.47 kilos or liquid litres ofmeasurement). Tests have proven that one 4 cubic foot compacted bag of Spill-Sorb will regularlyabsorb 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 USgallon/204 litre drum.

Spill-Sorb


Specific gravity, and similarly kg per M³, bbl per Mg(1,000 kg.= 1 tonne), kg perdrum (204 litres), lb. per gal. (Imperial), and lb. per gal. (US), are all directly relatedto the absorption capabilities of dried peat with hydrocarbons. The higher the SG andweight per litre the better the Spill-Sorb absorption rate. The lesser the SG or weight per litre of thehydrocarbon, the lesser the absorption factor of the peat absorbent. Residual fuel oils, greases, andpaints will require less than a 4 cubic foot bag of compacted Spill-Sorb to absorb 50 USgallons/200 litres of spill while more than one bag will be required to absorb an equal amount, yet oflesser 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 thepeat absorbent prior to being compacted. When 8 cubic feet/0.227 cubic metres (227 litres) of loosedried 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 willusually 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, notvolume out of the peat! If you placed the contents into a roller-tub clothes dryer for several minutes thenit will “spring” and “surge” back to 8 cu. ft. or 0.227 cu. metres. (227 litres) of cubic measurement. i.e. Itwill “aerate” and fill the fibrous pores with air. The absorbency capabilities ofSpill-Sorb does not dete-riorate from being compacted unless the fibres have been permanently and irreversibly crushed in theprocess. The only time this happens is when the peat has been charred in the drying process, and or, hasbeen 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 becomesan ADsorbent, not an ABsorbent. In the case of Spill-Sorb the integrity of the peat fibres are main-tained 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 andmonitored 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. Thissaving, or not paying for loose product to be shipped, is easily calculated; it is 50%!

Spill-Sorb




4 cubic foot bag notation

PRODUCT #: 4CF-200L



Labelling, top flap of 4 cubic foot bag



2 cubic foot bag capacity notation

PRODUCT #: 2CF-100L



Labelling–top flap og 2 cubic foot bag

environmental intelligence - spill-sorb · · 2009-10-19we call it “environmental intelligence....

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