Sorbent Kit Selection Guide

Having an emergency spill response procedure is an important part of a company’s safety program. In the event of a spill, having the appropriate clean-up supplies on hand is very important. This guide will provide the basic information to help you identify which spill clean-up kits are best for your workplace.

Whether you are neutralizing acids or bases, knowledge is the key to a safe and effective spill clean up.

• Acids typically have a sour taste and a pH of less than seven.  To neutralize acids, you need to use a weak base.
• Bases have a bitter or astringent taste and a pH greater than seven.  To neutralize bases, you need to use a weak acid.

When neutralization occurs, the acid and base react, forming water and salt.  If the acid and base are both very strong (such as concentrated hydrochloric acid and concentrated sodium hydroxide), a violent reaction will occur.  This is why most neutralizers are very weak – to keep the reaction at a slower pace.

Some neutralizers have a built-in indicator (such as color change) to let you know when the spill is neutral.  Others require you to check the pH.

Sorbent Kit Definitions

If you have any additional questions regarding sorbents or spill clean up in general please call a customer service associate at 1-888-316-2223.  If you would like to view our entire selection of spill clean up kits, click here.