3M 28991 Petroleum Absorbent Pad 17 x 19 in 100-Pack | Absorbs Oil & Petroleum, Repels Water | Scrim-Backed for Strength & Lint Reduction | Bilge, Spill & Work Surface Use | Not Eligible for Free Shipping

3M 28991 Petroleum Absorbent Pad 17 × 19 in 100-Pack — High-Capacity Hydrophobic Sorbent | Absorbs Oil & Petroleum-Based Fluids, Repels Water | Scrim-Backed for Strength & Lint Reduction | Bilge Oil Extraction, Spill Response & Work Surface Protection | Not Eligible for Free Shipping

3M Petroleum Absorbent Pad 28991 is a high-capacity, hydrophobic petroleum sorbent pad that absorbs oil and petroleum-based fluids while repelling water. Designed for marine bilge oil extraction, spill response, and work surface protection. 17 × 19 in. Scrim on one side increases pad strength and reduces linting during handling and use. 100-pack. Also available individually as P/N 28991-1. Not eligible for free shipping.

Part Specifications

• Part Number: 3M-28991
• Product Line: 3M Petroleum Absorbent Pads
• Pad Size: 17 in. × 19 in.
• Pack Quantity: 100 pads
• Sorbent Type: Petroleum/oil-based fluids only — hydrophobic (repels water)
• Scrim: One side — increases pad strength, reduces linting
• Primary Applications: Marine bilge oil extraction, spill response, work surface protection
• Also Available: Individually as P/N 28991-1
• Shipping: Not eligible for free shipping

Hydrophobic — Absorbs Oil, Repels Water

The defining characteristic of a petroleum sorbent pad — and the reason it is specified for marine bilge use rather than a general-purpose absorbent pad — is its hydrophobic construction:

• Absorbs petroleum-based fluids: Engine oil, gear oil, hydraulic fluid, fuel, and other petroleum-based fluids are absorbed into the pad material on contact
• Repels water: The pad material is hydrophobic — it does not absorb water. When placed in a bilge or on a wet surface, the pad floats and selectively absorbs the petroleum layer floating on the bilge water without becoming saturated with water, maintaining its oil-absorption capacity
• Why this matters in the bilge: A standard general-purpose absorbent pad placed in a bilge will absorb the bilge water first, becoming fully saturated before contacting the oil layer. A hydrophobic petroleum sorbent pad bypasses the water and goes directly to work on the oil layer, maximizing oil absorption per pad and reducing how frequently pads must be replaced
• What the 28991 does not absorb: Water-based fluids, coolant (verify — ethylene glycol-based coolants may have limited absorption on petroleum sorbent pads depending on coolant type), and cleaning products. For mixed-fluid spills including water-based liquids, a universal sorbent pad is more appropriate

Scrim Backing — Strength & Lint Reduction

• One-sided scrim: A woven scrim layer on one side of the pad reinforces the pad structure, increasing tear resistance during handling, placement, and removal from the bilge or work surface
• Lint reduction: The scrim helps contain the sorbent material and reduces fiber shedding (linting) when handling and disposing of used pads — important for keeping loose sorbent fibers out of the bilge and engine area
• Orientation: The scrim side provides structural reinforcement; either face can contact the spill or fluid source

Marine Bilge Use

• Bilge oil extraction: Place pads in the bilge to absorb oil and petroleum residue from engine leaks, shaft seal weeping, and fuel system condensation before it accumulates and is pumped overboard. Petroleum sorbent pads help prevent oil-contaminated bilge water from being discharged overboard by the bilge pump.
• Regulatory context: U.S. Coast Guard regulations (33 CFR Part 151) prohibit the discharge of oil in harmful quantities into U.S. navigable waters. Maintaining oil-absorbing pads in the bilge is a common practice for managing minor oil leaks and reducing the risk of regulatory violations from oil-contaminated bilge water discharge. Consult the applicable regulations and your vessel’s documentation for your specific compliance requirements.
• Placement: Place pads directly in the bilge under or near the engine, transmission, and fuel system components where oil leaks or drips are likely to accumulate. Replace when saturated.
• Disposal: Used petroleum sorbent pads are oil-contaminated waste — dispose of in accordance with your local hazardous waste regulations. Do not dispose of in standard trash where oil-soaked materials are prohibited, and do not discharge overboard.

Work Surface & Spill Response Use

• Engine work surface: Place pads under engines, drives, or fuel system components during maintenance and service to catch drips, drain fluids, and protect the work surface from petroleum contamination
• Spill response: The 17 × 19 in. pad size covers enough area to quickly deploy over a spill path or spreading oil slick on a hard surface. Place in the path of a spreading spill to contain and absorb before it reaches drains or waterways
• 100-pack volume: The 100-pack is suited for marina maintenance operations, boat yards, engine service shops, and vessels that perform frequent oil changes or carry spare pads for spill response kits

Application Notes

• Place pad with either side facing the fluid source — both sides absorb petroleum fluids; the scrim side provides additional structural support during removal of a saturated pad
• Replace pads before they reach full saturation — an overfull pad can release fluid when compressed or disturbed, defeating its purpose
• In bilge applications, inspect and replace pads on a regular schedule (weekly or at each outing) and after any known oil leak event
• Wear gloves when handling used pads — oil-saturated pads contain petroleum compounds; avoid skin contact with absorbed fluids
• Store unused pads in a dry location away from petroleum sources; pads stored near open fuel or oil containers may absorb vapor over time
• Dispose of used pads per local hazardous waste or used oil regulations — do not dispose of in the bilge, overboard, or in standard trash where oil-contaminated material is prohibited

Additional Information

• Vendor: 3M
• SKU: 3M-28991
• Product Type: Boat & Engine Maintenance / Oil Absorbent Pads
• Pad Size: 17 in. × 19 in.
• Pack Quantity: 100 pads
• Individual Pack: P/N 28991-1
• Country of Origin: USA
• Shipping: Not eligible for free shipping
• HS Code: 5603.94 (nonwovens, whether or not impregnated — verify for your import classification)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the 28991 absorb water as well as oil?
A: No — the 28991 is a petroleum-only hydrophobic sorbent pad. It absorbs oil and petroleum-based fluids and repels water. This is the critical feature for bilge use: the pad floats on bilge water and selectively absorbs the petroleum layer without becoming saturated with water first.

Q: How does the 28991 help with bilge pump discharge compliance?
A: Placing petroleum sorbent pads in the bilge captures oil and petroleum residue from minor engine and seal leaks before it accumulates in the bilge water. This reduces the petroleum content of bilge water that may be pumped overboard by the automatic bilge pump. U.S. Coast Guard regulations prohibit discharge of oil in harmful quantities into navigable waters — consult applicable regulations for your compliance requirements.

Q: Can I buy individual pads instead of the 100-pack?
A: Yes — the same pad is available individually under P/N 28991-1. The 100-pack (this listing) is suited for high-volume maintenance operations, service shops, and spill response kits requiring a standing supply of pads.

Q: What is the scrim side for?
A: The scrim (woven backing layer) on one side of the pad increases tear resistance and reduces linting during handling and removal of used pads. Either side can face the fluid source — the scrim side provides structural support when lifting a fully saturated pad from the bilge without tearing.

Q: How do I dispose of used petroleum absorbent pads?
A: Used pads are oil-contaminated waste. Dispose of in accordance with your local hazardous waste or used oil regulations. Do not discharge overboard, place in the bilge, or dispose of in standard trash where oil-soaked materials are prohibited. Many marina pump-out stations and recycling centers accept oil-contaminated absorbent materials.