Universal gelling agent for the control of hazardous liquid spills

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials 1975-01, Vol.1 (1), p.21-33
• Main Authors: Baier, R.E., Michalovic, J.G., Depalma, V.A., Pilié, R.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/0304-3894(75)85010-2

Under contract to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Calspan Corporation developed methods to treat, control and monitor spilled hazardous materials. One of the most successful spill countermeasures applied was a dry, finely-granulated blend which would, within seconds after contact with spilled liquids, begin their transformation into tough, immobile gels which could be easily controlled and removed. This blend is a “universal gelling agent” in the sense that it can immobilize essentially all hazardous liquid spills without foreknowledge of the liquid composition. The blend contains powdered polymeric components optimized separately for interaction with aqueous liquids, chlorinated organics, alcohols, and nonpolar hydrocarbons. It also contains a fumed silica fluidizer, which provides ease of field application and imparts longer term stiffening of all gels formed. The “universal gelling agent” has been demonstrated to be effective on a variety of medium scale (55-gallon drum) spills on both land and water. For special uses, such as organophosphorus pesticide spill control, the blend can be reformulated to include de-toxifying (oxidizing, hydrolytic) ingredients as well.