3M Industrial Absorbents
The 3M range of industrial absorbents offers practical solutions for controlling and collecting liquid spills in the workplace. Made from inert synthetic fibres, primarily polypropylene (and polyester in some ranges), they are lightweight, virtually dust-free and have a high absorption capacity that reduces the volume of waste. They are available in a range of formats to suit every situation, from routine spills to emergencies involving hazardous substances.
| Type of absorbent | Colour | Main use | Absorption ratio | Behaviour in water |
| Hydrocarbons | White | Non-polar oils, fuels and solvents | 10–15 (T series) / 15–20 (high-capacity series) | It repels water and floats |
| Chemicals | Yellow (high-visibility) | Most hazardous liquids (acids, bases, solvents, etc.) | 10-15 | Absorbe soluciones acuosas |
| Mantenimiento | Light grey/red (darkens when saturated) | Oils, lubricants, coolants and non-corrosive fluids | Variable según viscosidad y temperatura | Absorbs water-based and oil-based liquids |
3M Industrial Absorbents Categories
Hydrocarbon absorbents
They are used to contain and collect oils, diesel, fuels and non-polar organic solvents, both on land and in water. They are water-repellent and float, enabling the recovery of almost pure hydrocarbons.
T-151
- Sheets 43 × 48 cm, 200 per box, ≈165 litres.
- A versatile format for small spills, cleaning surfaces or as a ‘wipe’. Ideal for quickly placing over small stains or in work areas.
HP-156
- Sheets 48 × 43 cm × 0.5 cm, 100 sheets per box, ≈142 litres.
- High-capacity version with reinforcement on one side. More durable and with less fibre shedding. Better suited for reuse or for larger spills.
HP-255
- Thicker sheets, 50 per box, ≈125 litres.
- Similar to the previous one but thicker, so it absorbs more per sheet.
T-150
- Roll 48 cm × 40 m, 1 unit per box, ≈138 litres.
- For quickly covering large areas of water or land. Cut to the required length.
HP-100
- Wider roll: 97 cm × 44 m, ≈276 litres.
- High capacity and greater coverage. Ideal for large areas or when maximum absorbency is required.
T-4
- Mini oil boom, 7.5 cm in diameter × 1.2 m, 12 units per box, ≈46 litres.
- For containing and containing spills on land or around machinery.
T-30
- Pads 18 × 38 cm, 16 per box, ≈32 litres.
- High absorption capacity, useful for drains or areas of concentrated spillage.
T-F2001
- Multi-format 12 cm × 15 m, 3 units per box, ≈120 litres.
- A single product that can be used as a cord, pad, sheet or roll, depending on your needs.
T-270 / T-280 / T-270GA
- Ropes with a larger diameter and greater length.
- Barriers to contain spills in water (rivers, harbours, ponds). They are joined together.
Chemical absorbents
Designed for most hazardous liquids (acids, bases, solvents, coolants, etc.). They are not recommended for very strong oxidising agents or certain concentrated acids without prior compatibility testing.
P-110
- Sheets 28 × 33 cm, 200 sheets per box, ≈64 litres.
- The most commonly used size. Ideal for wiping up spills, covering work surfaces or dealing with small spills.
C-PD914DD
- High-capacity sheets, 24 × 37 cm, 150 sheets per box, ≈89 litres.
- Greater absorbency per sheet and increased strength. Best for larger spills.
P-200
- Mini booms, 7.5 cm in diameter × 1.2 m, 12 units per box, ≈45 litres.
- To contain the spill and prevent it from spreading.
P-208 / P-212
- Longer mini-cables: 2.4 m and 3.7 m respectively.
- Same function as the P-200, but for larger perimeters.
P-300
- Pads 18 × 38 cm, 16 per box, ≈32 litres.
- They absorb the bulk of the spill or are placed in drains to act as interceptors.
P-F2001 / C-FL550DD
- Multi-purpose, 12 cm × 15.2 m, 3 units per box, ≈119 litres.
- Can be used as a cord, pad, sheet or roll. Very handy for emergency kits.
P-130 / P-190
- Rolls of various widths.
- For covering large areas quickly.
SRP-CHEM (kit de respuesta)
- Contains 3 P-200 mini-strips + 10 P-110 sheets + a waste bag.
- Approximate absorption capacity of 15 litres per kit.
- Compact for use in lorries or laboratories.
Maintenance absorbents
For routine leaks, drips and spills of oils, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, coolants and non-corrosive liquids.
M-A2002
- Sheets 40 × 52 cm, 100 sheets per box, ≈142 litres.
- Standard size for placing under machinery, around equipment or for mopping up spills.
M-F2001 / M-FL550DD
- Multi-format 12 cm × 15.2 m, 3 units per box, ≈119 litres.
- Same concept as in the other ranges: suitable for use as a strip, pad, sheet or roll.
M-B2002
- Roll 96 cm × 46 m, ≈288 litres.
- For covering large work surfaces or corridors.
M-M1001 / M-M1002 / M-M1003
- Mini-booms measuring 1.2 m / 2.4 m / 3.7 m.
- They are positioned around the base of the machines to contain spills.
M-G1001 / M-G13
- Alfombra sin revestimiento 91 cm × 91 m) / alfombra con revestimiento 91 cm × 30 m.
- Para suelos transitados; absorben aceite y grasa del calzado y de vehículos. La versión con revestimiento es más resistente al tráfico intenso.
Detailed applications of 3M Industrial Absorbents
- Hydrocarbon absorbents are used both on land and in water. They are ideal for containing spills of diesel, engine oil or fuels in lakes, rivers, refuelling areas or around machinery. As they repel water, they allow the hydrocarbon to be recovered in an almost pure state (up to 90 per cent through mechanical draining under suitable conditions). They are placed around the spill using mini-booms to prevent it from spreading, large areas are covered with rolls, or residual spillage is cleaned up using sheets.
- Chemical absorbents are designed for laboratories, hazardous goods storage facilities or transfer areas. They absorb acids (acetic, diluted sulphuric, etc.), alkalis, ketones, chlorinated solvents and many other compounds. Their yellow colour provides an immediate warning. Mini-cords are used to cordon off the spill, pads capture the bulk of the spill, and sheets or multi-format pads are used to finish the job. Compact rapid-response kits are available, including various formats and temporary containment bags.
- Maintenance products are designed for day-to-day industrial use: drips from machinery, leaks of hydraulic fluids, coolants or cutting oils. They are placed under equipment, in aisles or laid out like mats to collect grease from footwear and vehicles. The grey colour, which darkens as the product becomes saturated, indicates the degree of saturation, making it easier to replace them in good time and keeping the floor clean and safe.
Other interesting publications: