Terminology:

• Absorbents (ASTM F716) - a material that picks up and retains a liquid distributed troughout its molecular structure causing the solid to swell (50% or more). The aBsorbent is at least 70% insoluble in excess fluid. Once the liquid is aBsorbed, it cannot be released.
• Adsorbents (ASTM F726) - an insoluble material that is coated by a liquid on its surface surface (like a sponge) including pores and capillaries without the solid swelling more than 50% in excess liquid.

Typical adsorbent
	Release fluid under pressure. Often they can be fringed, when picking up they might leak leading to extra danger to man and environment.
Typical absorbent
	IMBIBER BEADS® (demo packet) take up fluids in its body structure and doesn't release it . Therefor it's a true absorbent !

Definition:

"Absorbtion should be distinguished from Adsorbtion, in that the latter is a surface phenomenon, i.e. the material taken up is distributed over the surface of the adsorbing material. In absorbtion, the material taken up is distributed through the body of the absorbent ".

Adsorbents:

Polyethylene fibres, Polypropylene fibres, Polyurethane foams, Spun fibre mats, Felted vegatable fibres, Various mineral products, Ground corn cob, Peat moss, Other cellulosic material.

Characteristics:

• Material taken up is distributed over the surface.
• Will release liquid by compression or gravitational pull.
• Works BAD with liquids with low molecule weight such as gasoline, jet fuels etc.
• Enchange the rate of vapour release.
• Hazardous chemical vapours can kill or cause severe internal damage.
• Vapours support combustion (such as gasoline).
• Max. 1: 1 by volume !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Absorbents:

Imbiber Beads products, see our web-site for all the needed information.

Characteristics:

• Material taken up is distributed through the body of the absorbent " - capture and contain !.
• Will NOT release liquid by compression or gravitational pull.
• Works BEST with liquids with low molecule weight such as gasoline, jet fuels etc.
• Vapour reduced 5-6 times that of aDsorbents.
• Secondary contamination of personnel and the environment is virtually eliminated.
• Further chemical spill contamination is restricted.
• Organics are effectively separated from water.
• Large volume capacity of Imbiber Beads means less is required.
• Max. 1: 27 by volume !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Imbibes a broad range of organic liquids - see list of compatible liquids.

Spills:

Oil- & Chemical spills are now harvestable, transportable and recoverable.

Absorbtion proces continues in :

• Blinding rainstorm.
• Turbulent water.
• In currents above 2mph.
• Onshore together with sand.
• Prevents the spill to penetrate into the ground.
• Seal ditches.
• Block access to ground drainage, sumps and manholes.