The applied DEKRA test method was carried out following the writing LTwS No. 27 [LTwS (Lager und Transport wassergefährdender Stoffe ) = Advisory Board of the German Federal Ministry of Environment for “Storage and Transport of Water Pollutants”] for oil binders of the type III SF (Special Form) and the European Standard prEN 15366 (2005). But the crucial difference is the testing of the different groups of substances in terms of compatibility and absorbing action. These tests orient themselves to the LTwS No. 31 as regards the choice of the groups of substances.  

Please note that the results of the DEKRA evaluations are given in kilograms of absorbed fluid per kilograms of absorbent material.   

Following test method is adopted: The fleece pads are put in the liquid for one hour and then they are hung up in a closed container in order to drip off for three hours. The pads are squeezed by using a load of 2 kg afterwards. The fluid retention capacity so obtained is examined, because the mixture of binder and liquid may be exposed to pressure when it is recovered, temporarily stored and transported. The mixture of binder and liquid is therefore treated by subjecting it to a pressure of up to 0,1 bar (approx. 1 m water column) and by carrying out a subsequent examination.  

As most of the fleece manufacturers, we also carry out our own RAW Test Methods for fleece products made of polypropylene. These test methods are documented under the corresponding RAW Factory Standards.

The absorption rates indicated by many suppliers of fleece products until now  – also by RAW – do not meet the values which can be reached in the daily practical application. The data hitherto reported takes as a basis theoretical maximum values and they don’t consider, among other things, the fluid retention capacity of the fleece material.

Thus RAW has decided to provide, in addition to the results of the DEKRA Test Reports, the practical absorption rates for pads and pad rolls achieved in the RAW Factory Standards. The results of the RAW Factory Standards
are an appropriate basis for a realistic estimate of the fleece quantity needed.  

The data is given both in kilograms of absorbed liquid per kg of absorbent material and in litres of absorbed liquid per kilogram of absorbent material.     

In this context, a peculiarity must be pointed out regarding the absorbing behaviour of socks, pillows and oil booms – filled with PP flakes. For these special forms one has to consider the fact that the capillary action is lower and the absorbed fluid doesn’t always penetrate completely deep into the product. In practice the values given for socks, pillows and oil booms are in part much lower, depending on task and application.    

Ask the competition to deliver you certified test reports and factory standards which guarantee the compatibility, the absorbing power and the fluid retention capacity of polypropylene fleece products. This is the only way you can objectively compare the information of the competition with our statements.  

Three fleece colours facilitate the right decision for the different applications:

white = hydrophobic, Oil-Only binding fleece (water-repellent, floatable). For absorbing oils and other hydrocarbon-based liquids in the industry, in outdoor locations and on the surface of the water

brown = hydrophobic, Oil-Only binding fleece (water-repellent, floatable). For absorbing oils and other
hydrocarbon-based liquids in grimy work environments

grey = hydrophilic, Universal binding fleece (soaks up water). For absorbing oils, coolants, lubricants, solvents and other non-aggressive chemicals

Not all binding fleece is the same
Nevertheless low-priced binding fleece can also have excellent absorbing qualities.
Just RAW quality.

Here the most important points for your product comparison:
Construction of the absorbent fleece, see Overview of Fleece Material. For different applications always the right product.
Thickness: SingleWeight for light-volume liquid spills; MediumWeight for medium-volume liquid spills; HeavyWeight for high-volume liquid spills.
Absorbing capacity. Unfortunately there are still different test methods for determining the absorbing capacity, and consequently it is difficult to compare data. The values go from 12 times up to 25 times of the fleece dead weight. A high absorbing power is not to equate with a high liquid retention.
Retention of the absorbed liquid. Longer use with corresponding cost reduction.
Uniform absorbency on the whole surface area of the fleece material. Optimal utilization of the fleece capacity.
Tear strength by multilayer construction.
The fleece only tears where intended – at the perforation.
Perforation structure (vertical and horizontal perforation).You only use the pad you need.
Therefore, best absorbing qualities consist of several factors. All positive product attributes are combined in one name: RAW absorb&clean.

Quality type
PP = PolyPropylene; UBFF = UltraBondFineFiber; FF = FineFiber; SB = SonicBonded; MB = MeltBlown; NF = NeedleFelting; LB = LiquidBarrier

Fleece weight
HW = HeavyWeight; MW = MediumWeight; SW = SingleWeight; SHW = SuperHeavyWeight