Often asked questions about Sphag Sorb

1. What sets SPHAG SORB apart from other absorbents?

• Proven Product (On market since 1990)
• Quality control (Consistent product)
• Availability (Reliable product source)
• Passes TCLP testing (Doesn’t leach)
• Solidifies liquid waste (Not labor intensive)
• Less hazardous (Employees can handle the spill)
• Waste absorption capacity (Permanently encapsulates waste 4x’s its weight)
• Passes EPA Requirements (Landfill friendly)
• 5.5K to 7K BTU’s - Per pound in natural state (5 % ash after incineration)

2. How long does the waste stay encapsulated in the SPHAG SORB?

• The waste will decompose before the SPHAG SORB decomposes.

3. How long will SPHAG SORB float?

• Loose SPHAG will float for approximately 48 hours.
  Pads and socks will float for approximately 60 hours.
  (This is after SPHAG SORB has absorbed the waste)

4. Does SPHAG SORB take on water?

• Yes, eventually SPHAG SORB will take on water.
  Float time depends on?
• 1. Water temperature
• 2. Presence of wave action
• 3. Whether or not SPHAG SORB has absorbed the waste

(We recommend application of SPHAG SORB directly to the waste since it will, generally take on the float characteristics of the absorbed waste)

5. What does landfill friendly mean?

• In it’s natural state SPHAG SORB is 100% natural and biodegradable.
  Passes the EPA requirements for land filling of Hazardous Waste & Non-Hazardous Waste.

6. What do you do with the SPHAG once it takes on a waste product?

• The waste that SPHAG SORB absorbs will determine the manner in which it must be disposed.
  SPHAG SORB does not change the characteristics of the waste.
  You must follow the regulations of the Area in which disposal is taking place.
  In its natural state SPHAG SORB has a BTU value of 5,500 to 7,000 per pound reflecting an efficient incineration capability per pound.

7. Will SPHAG SORB lift stains out of concrete?

• SPHAG SORB, immediately applied to a spill, will absorb the waste and will draw some of the free liquid out of the concrete.
  Stains can be removed by applying a degreaser in conjunction with the SPHAG SORB.

8. Will SPHAG SORB absorb blood and urine?

• In-house laboratory test using SPHAG SORB to absorb blood and urine has proven effective.
  Note: Johnson & Johnson has developed a feminine napkin and baby diaper with peat as the absorbent material.

9. Does SPHAG SORB absorb animal fat?

• Yes.

10. What market does SPHAG SORB target?

• Anywhere hydrocarbons are found
  Agricultural
  Airline
  Automotive
  Chemical
  Electrical/Power Plants
  Transportation
  Fire Department
  Food Industry
  Industrial
  Maritime Industries
  Military
  Municipalities
  Spill Response
  Hospitals

11. Can SPHAG SORB be reused or recycled?

• No. We encourage the use of SPHAG SORB to absorb waste and then dispose of the encapsulated waste according to the regulations of your particular Area.
  In recycling an absorbent, one must consider the labor cost involved, the expense for the necessary equipment to be used in recycling, and the liability associated with employees handling the waste.

12. Does humidity affect SPHAG SORB?

• Humidity does not affect the sealed bags of SPHAG SORB.
  If a bag is open or torn we suggest you tape it shut or repair the bag with tape. If you open a bag and only use part of it, we suggest you put the remainder of the product in a sealed container.

13. How quick does SPHAG SORB absorb the waste?

• Absorption speed depends on the density of the waste being absorbed.
  The more viscous (thick) the waste, the slower the absorption.
  Agitation of SPHAG SORB in the waste will speed up the absorption by exposing more surface area to the waste.

14. Can you use SPHAG SORB to clean animals that have been contaminated by oil?

• Applying SPHAG SORB to an oil-contaminated animal will remove the oil from the animal to some degree.
  There is no developed protocol for this application.
  In-house experiments with feathers have proven effective in such applications.

15. What is the history of peat used as an absorbent?

• In general, peat has been used as a heat source in Europe and Canada since the 1700’s.
  Peat used as an absorbent was successfully introduced to the environmental market in 1989.
  SPHAG SORB Inc. has been in business since July 1991.