Inkas-Sorb® MPU-S

The Inkas-Sorb®MPU while spread on floating oil creates a semi-solid cake so that some refer to Inkas-Sorb®MPU as a “solidifier”. In the strict sense of the word the classic Inkas-Sorb®MPU is not a solidifier but the polymer sorbent with strong affinity to hydrocarbons, where van der Waals forces holding the oil between polymer particles.

“Classic” solidifiers consist of cross-linking chemicals that couple two molecules or more, or polymerization catalyst that causes molecules to link to each other.

Examples of sources of spills where solidifiers might be used include: small spills to water in marinas, ports, harbors, and industrial areas; small spills on land where example facilities include fueling and loading stations, rail yards and fuel storage sites.

The advantages of cross-linking agents are that the final product is truly solidified. If fully solidified, the product leaches little oil and forms a durable mat which is easy to recover. The disadvantages of this technology as that it is difficult to get complete solidification, especially of a thicker slick as the product is reactive and reacts with the first hydrocarbon it comes into contact with. Cross-linking agents also have the disadvantage of linking with other hydrocarbons such as in containment booms, docks, organic matter, etc.

To overcome the disadvantages of the “classic” solidifiers and preserve their advantages, INKAS® Environmental Protection Ltd developed solidifying Inkas-Sorb® MPU-S polymeric sorbent with a cross-linking agent. The new Inkas-Sorb® MPU-S compound combines advantages of strong polymer oil sorbent and solidifying agent, and may be used in loose granular form or as filler for sorbent devices: booms, pads, mats, etc.