Organoclay^® F Organic Adsorbent Media - Common Questions

What is Organoclay^® F?
Organoclay F is an organically modified adsorbing media, utilized as a primary, pre- and post- treatment for various waste streams. The surface of the product is chemically changed from a hydrophilic (water absorbing) to organophilic (organic absorbing) state, giving it a strong affinity to organic matter.

How does Organoclay F Work?
Organoclay F adsorbs organic molecules through a series of platelets, which are a natural structure of the base clay and are capable of organic absorption ratios of up to 60% by weight.

What will Organoclay F Remove?
Organoclay F is designed to remove low soluble organics including but not limited to: oils, grease, other petroleum products, including PCBs and PCPs. Waste streams void of organic material will simply pass through without consuming media.

How is Organoclay F used?
Organoclay F is primarily used as a fixed bed media in a column filtration design, making it easily adaptable to conventional filtration systems. This product can be used as a post-treatment step to polish a treated effluent or as a pre-treatment step for treatment with Granular Activated Carbon (GAC). CETCO® also offers this product in a replaceable cartridge for more efficient change out and loading.

How is Organoclay F more efficient than GAC?
Activated carbon will adsorb organics through a surface mechanism. This process is subject to blinding, when a high concentration of organics are present. This condition consumes pore structures, thus lowering the available surface area required for adsorption. The unique platelet structure found in Organoclay F allows organics to be absorbed by the clay surface. This increased surface area allows for consistent organic absorption at ratios of up to 60% by weight.

How is spent media disposed of?
Waste classification of spent Organoclay F is determined by the matter removed and retained in the spent media. This material will typically pass TCLP standards and, if classified as non-hazardous, can be disposed of in an appropriate landfill. Organoclay F also has a high BTU value and is often desirable for fuel blending facilities and kiln operations.