Sorbent Boom

SpillBuster Sorbent Boom is a floating absorbent boom that combines both containment and absorption for oil, petroleum-derived and chemical spills. Sections connect with carabiners and rings to form any required length; it is used for small-to-medium scale spill response in ports, marinas, shipyards, industrial facilities and storage areas. This product, offered under EPS Marine’s SpillBuster brand, is manufactured to meet official technical specification standards.

What is SpillBuster Sorbent Boom?

Sorbent Boom is a tube-shaped absorbent boom made of polypropylene absorbent material that floats on the water surface. It is manufactured with a diameter of at least 13 cm, in a cylindrical structure, in 3-meter sections; each section weighs no more than 3 kg. Sections connect and disconnect easily without leaking using seawater-resistant stainless connectors. Even when it reaches maximum absorption capacity, the product continues to float without sinking and blocks the spread of the absorbed substance (oil, diesel, gasoline, etc.) like a conventional boom.

Technical Specifications

SpillBuster Sorbent Boom is manufactured to meet the technical criteria required in official tender specifications: made of organic/absorbent polypropylene, non-toxic, non-flammable material that contains no hazardous/toxic substances; thanks to its hydrophobic structure it does not absorb water, only oil and petroleum-derived substances. The product is fitted with a protective mesh net and has an absorption capacity of at least 10-15 times its own weight. Shelf life is at least 10 years and it is delivered in packs of at least 4.

Product Family by Color Code

SpillBuster absorbent products are distinguished by three color codes:

• White (Oil-Only): Absorbs only petroleum-derived substances, remains floating on water.
• Yellow (Chemical Absorbent): Used for chemical and unknown-source spills, resistant to acids and bases.
• Grey (Universal): Absorbs all types of liquids including both water and oil, suitable for general-purpose use.

Small Sock Models

In addition to the large-diameter boom, SpillBuster offers small sock/sausage models (8 cm diameter, 1.2 m and 3 m lengths) made from the same absorbent material. These products are preferred for spot response in confined spaces and as complementary absorbent material used alongside the large-diameter boom. Absorbent pillow and pad models are covered as a separate product family on the Sorbent Pad page.

Areas of Use

Port and Marina Operations
Used for rapid response to small spills that may occur at berths and during fuel bunkering.

Shipyard and Vessel Maintenance Areas
Used to contain oil and chemical drips arising during maintenance and repair work.

Industrial Facilities and Storage Areas
Deployed as a protective absorbent line around storage tanks and at loading/unloading points.

Oil / Chemical Transfer Points
Used as a precaution against drips and spills that may occur during transfer operations.

Emergency Response Teams (Spill Kit Component)
Kept on site as a standard component of spill response bags and kits.

Sorbent Boom vs Other Boom Types

SpillBuster Sorbent Boom (Absorbent Sausage) is an absorbent boom manufactured by EPS Marine under its SpillBuster brand that floats on the water surface and absorbs the liquid it contacts. It is produced in 13cm and 20cm diameters, in 3-meter sections, connected together with carabiners. It is offered in white (oil-only), yellow (chemical absorbent) and grey (universal) color codes. It is used for small-to-medium scale spill response in ports, marinas, shipyards and industrial facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sorbent Boom and how does it work?
Sorbent Boom is a tube-shaped boom made of polypropylene absorbent material that floats on the water surface. It both contains the spill and physically limits its spread by absorbing the liquid it contacts.

What diameters and lengths is Sorbent Boom available in?
SpillBuster Sorbent Boom is manufactured in 13 cm and 20 cm diameters, in 3-meter sections; sections can be connected with carabiners and rings to form a line of any required length.

What is the difference between white, yellow and grey SpillBuster products?
White products absorb only petroleum-derived substances (Oil-Only). Yellow products are used for chemical and unknown-source spills. Grey products are the universal type that absorb all liquids, including both water and oil.

What is the difference between Sorbent Boom and a classic (non-absorbent) boom?
Classic booms (fence boom, inflatable boom) are designed only to contain and float the spill. Sorbent Boom, being made of absorbent material itself, offers both containment and absorption together; it is generally preferred for small-to-medium scale and spot response.

When should the small sock (sausage) model be preferred?
Small sock models (8cm diameter) are preferred for spot response in confined spaces and as complementary absorbent material used alongside the large-diameter boom. Absorbent pillow and pad models are offered as a separate product family on the Sorbent Pad page.

Is Sorbent Boom reusable?
Sorbent Boom is a consumable (single-use) product that must be replaced once it reaches its absorption capacity; used products must be disposed of in accordance with relevant waste regulations.

What is the pack content of Sorbent Boom?
The standard boom (BB13300) and large boom (BB20300) are delivered in packs of at least 4 units, while the sock models are delivered in packs of 10 units.

What is the absorption capacity of Sorbent Boom?
SpillBuster Sorbent Boom has an absorption capacity of at least 10-15 times its own weight according to technical specifications.

What is the shelf life of Sorbent Boom?
The product’s shelf life is at least 10 years per technical specifications; no performance loss occurs during this period when stored in its packaging under suitable conditions.