The Gulf Gusher

Here we are, well into July and the BP Macondo well is still flowing oil into the Gulf of Mexico. I'm not one to vilify BP, as I use a good amount of gas, oil, diesel, etc. Whatever mistakes leading up to this disaster happened, and now the well needs to be capped and the oil cleaned up. We are shipping as much absorbent boom to the Gulf region as the factory can produce. The good news is that production capacity is increasing, and it's all being made here in the USA. An excellent example of American ingenuity in action. As in past disasters, this will get cleaned up, the oil industry will learn some lessons, and we will move forward. The folks in the Gulf are amazingly resilient. They have overcome hurricanes, floods, oil spills, and a variety of other problems. They will get through this as well.

Sorbents: Adsorption versus Absorption

Absorption is the process in which atoms or molecules enter some bulk phase; gas, liquid or solid. Absorption is basically where something takes in another substance.

Adsorption is the accumulation of atoms or molecules on the surface of a material. The process creates a film of the adsorbate (the molecules / atoms being accumulated) on the adsorbent's surface. Adsorbtion is the collection of a substance onto the surface of adsorbent solids.

Adsorption is often confused with Absorption, where the substance being collected or removed actually penetrates into the other substance.


In our field, absorbents are generally along the lines of things that soak up a liquid. A piece of cotton rag will absorb a drop of oil. Adsorbents are found in our poms for example. They attract the oil to cling to their surface. In theory, you could simply wipe the oil off an adsorbent and reuse it.


OK, we realize that's probably more than you wanted to know. It should help your decision process on which sorbent is right for your application. Pacific Environmental Inc. has both Absorbents & Adsorbents. By the case, or by the pallet load our prices are unbeatable. We mean it, compare us to any other supplier and see. If you're currently using shop towels for absorbents, expect a dramatic cost savings switching to out absorbent pads & rolls.


Pacific environmental Inc. WILL save you money. Order now and let us prove it!

Environmentality

Welcome, and thanks for joining us. Pacific Environmental is a young, growing company. We hope to offer you some insights on keeping clean & green. Our goal is to be your top choice when it comes to environmentally oriented products. We'll share as much info as possible, but try not to bore you with minutiae. Whether you're involved in public works, construction, facilities, or another field, we hope you will rely on us for solid information, quality products, and great prices.

Check in often, we'll be updating frequently.

Thanks again for taking a look, please don't hesitate to call us with any questions.

Stephen Walsh & Ed Dunn
Founders