The swellable polymer that is the main igredient of the drain systems, is a dry white granular powder. One of the reasons this polymer works so well is because it is hydrophobic or will not absorb water. When an organic liquid comes in contact with the polymer it reacts by "microencapsulation" and swells to form a non-leachable solid. The polymer is non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-carcinogenic and non-hazardous.

I.E.T. markets the polymer for spill clean-up in the following forms: Bulk, shaker kits or pillows.

These products will immobilize petroleum and related petrochemical spills on land or water and rapidly transforms the liquid into a recoverable solid, with minimal overall volumetric increase. Because of the nature of the polymer it prevents additional contamination while disposing of the material. The polymer stays dry in water and will stay afloat in its original state or in the encapsulated state for an indefinite period.

To take advantage of these properties I.E.T. sells 6 in. x 6 in. pillows filled with 1 ounce of this polymer. These pillows have many uses since water will not hinder its ability to absorb the organic liquids.

These pillows will absorb small amounts of organics and keep them from penetrating the main polymer compartment of the drain. The number of drains needed is based on the size of the area and the amount of rainfall that might occur at the location. The flow rate of the 2 ft. diameter drain is 1080 gallons per hour based on a 6" pressure head. Another factor involved is the amount of time that the water is expected to be drained from the containment area. A typical 50 ft. x 50 ft. controlled drainage area that is required to drain a 100 year flood condition of 4.25 in./hr. in two hours would require three drains to meet these conditions.