Preventative and routine maintenance schedules are essential for keeping pipes, hoses and hydraulic lines in good working order – just like every tool and piece of machinery in a facility. But, even the most stringent maintenance routines won’t guarantee that leaks will never happen.
When these leaks appear, they can be anything from a nuisance weep to a catastrophic failure that interrupts work processes and demands attention right now. On a good day, tightening a coupler or turning a screw fixes the problem. The mess on the floor is another issue.
Good technicians and mechanics have tool kits filled with the tools of their trade. Whether it’s wrenches and pliers or hammers and duct tape – or all of the above and more – each item in that kit serves a specific purpose and saves time. Having the right types of absorbents on hand to clean up leaks and drips left behind by leaky pipes, hoses and hydraulic lines also saves time and improves safety.
After you’ve stopped the source of the leak, the following absorbent tools will help get the area back to normal.
Absorbent mats are good for small leaks and drips that have stopped spreading over the floor. Mats cover a large surface area and quickly soak in liquids, whether you need a mat to soak up water or oil. They can also be used to wipe down machinery, tools or other areas after the leak or drip has been cleaned up. Technicians and mechanics also like to use them as a floor covering when they have to crawl under machinery or equipment to make repairs.
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Absorbent socks stop spills from spreading any farther. They’re best for leaks or spills of five or more gallons and for preventing spills from getting into aisles or sensitive areas. Just place them around the perimeter of the spilled fluids. They’ll soak up whatever comes in contact with them. After the area has been corralled with socks, slowly push each one toward the center of the puddle to soak in more liquids and limit the number of absorbent mats that you’ll need. Or, once the area is surrounded, you can also choose to vacuum or pump out the liquids for recovery, recycling or reusing instead of absorbing them.
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When you can’t stop the source of the leak right now, absorbents can still lend a hand. Absorbent mats or drip pans can be placed under a leak or drip to absorb it and keep it off the floor until repairs can be made or replacement parts arrive.
Pipe and hose failures are sometimes unpredictable and can create chaos in busy facilities. Providing absorbents to contain and absorb leaks and drips will help to minimize the amount of time spent cleaning up after repairs are made so that you can get back to business.
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