3M 28991-1 Petroleum Sorbent Pad 17x19 in Each | Absorbs Oil & Petroleum, Repels Water | Scrim-Backed for Strength & Low Lint | Bilge, Spill & Work Surface Use

3M 28991-1 Petroleum Sorbent Pad 17 × 19 in — Sold Individually | High-Capacity Petroleum & Oil Absorption | Water-Repellent | Scrim-Backed for Strength & Low Lint | Marine Bilge, Spill Response & Work Surface Protection

3M Petroleum Sorbent Pad (28991-1) is a high-capacity petroleum-selective sorbent pad that absorbs oil and petroleum-based fluids while repelling water. The polypropylene construction selectively wicks and retains petroleum-based liquids — oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid, and similar hydrocarbon-based fluids — without absorbing water. A reinforcing scrim on one side increases pad strength and reduces linting during use. 17 in. × 19 in. Sold individually. Also available as a 100-pack under 3M-28991.

Part Specifications

• Part Number: 3M-28991-1
• Product Line: 3M Petroleum Sorbent Pad
• Pad Size: 17 in. × 19 in.
• Quantity: Sold individually (1 pad)
• Sorbent Type: Petroleum-selective — absorbs oil and petroleum-based fluids; repels water
• Construction: Polypropylene sorbent with reinforcing scrim on one side
• Scrim: One side — increases pad strength, reduces linting
• Fluids Absorbed: Oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid, and other petroleum/hydrocarbon-based liquids
• Fluids Repelled: Water
• Typical Applications: Marine bilge oil absorption, spill response, work surface protection during maintenance
• Also Available: 3M 28991 Petroleum Sorbent Pad 100-Pack

Petroleum-Selective Absorption — Absorbs Oil, Repels Water

The defining characteristic of the 3M Petroleum Sorbent Pad is its selectivity: it absorbs petroleum-based fluids while repelling water. This is critical for marine bilge and spill applications where oil and water are present together:

• Petroleum-selective polypropylene construction: Polypropylene fibers are naturally hydrophobic (water-repelling) and oleophilic (oil-attracting). The pad wicks and retains petroleum-based fluids on contact while water beads off and drains away — the pad does not become saturated with bilge water, preserving its oil-absorption capacity
• Marine bilge use: Place in the bilge to capture fuel leaks, engine oil seepage, hydraulic fluid drips, and similar petroleum contamination before it accumulates or is pumped overboard. Petroleum sorbent pads in the bilge help prevent oil-contaminated water discharge, which is regulated under federal and state environmental laws
• Spill response: Deploy quickly over and in front of a petroleum spill to contain and absorb before it spreads. The 17 × 19 in. size covers a useful area for spot spills and work area protection
• Work surface protection: Place under engines, outdrives, fuel lines, or hydraulic components during maintenance to catch drips and prevent petroleum contamination of the work surface or bilge

Scrim Backing — Strength & Low Lint

• The reinforcing scrim on one side of the pad increases tear resistance during handling and removal, particularly when the pad is saturated and heavier
• Reduces linting — loose fibers shedding from the pad surface into the bilge or work area are minimized compared to unscrimmed pads
• Orient the scrim side away from the fluid source (scrim out) for easier handling and removal; the sorbent face contacts the fluid

Single Pad vs 100-Pack — Quantity Selection

• 3M-28991-1 (this product — 1 pad, $1.95): Suited for onboard emergency spill response, single-use evaluation, or supplementing an existing supply. Low unit cost for individual purchase.
• 3M-28991 (100-pack): Best value for marina operations, service shops, charter fleets, and boat owners who use pads regularly for routine bilge maintenance, scheduled maintenance work surface protection, or spill preparedness stock. Lower cost-per-pad at volume.

Application Notes

• Place pad in bilge with the sorbent face down against the bilge floor or water surface — the pad floats on bilge water and selectively absorbs the petroleum layer on top
• Replace pads when saturated — a saturated pad loses additional absorption capacity; do not attempt to wring and reuse
• Dispose of used petroleum sorbent pads in accordance with local hazardous waste regulations — oil-saturated pads are typically classified as hazardous waste and must not be disposed of in regular trash or overboard
• Keep a supply onboard for spill preparedness — petroleum spills in the bilge that reach the bilge pump can result in illegal overboard discharge of oily water
• Store unused pads in a dry location away from petroleum products to preserve absorption capacity

Additional Information

• Vendor: 3M
• SKU: 3M-28991-1
• Product Type: Marine Maintenance / Oil Absorbent Pads
• Pad Size: 17 in. × 19 in.
• Quantity: 1 pad
• Country of Origin: USA
• HS Code: 5603.94 (nonwovens of man-made filaments, weighing more than 150 g/m² — verify; petroleum sorbent pads may alternatively classify under 6805 or environmental/safety product categories — verify for your import classification)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this pad absorb water as well as oil?
A: No — the 3M Petroleum Sorbent Pad is petroleum-selective. It absorbs oil and petroleum-based fluids while repelling water. This makes it ideal for bilge use where oil and water are mixed — the pad absorbs the petroleum without becoming saturated with bilge water, preserving its oil-absorption capacity.

Q: What fluids does this pad absorb?
A: Oil, fuel (gasoline, diesel), hydraulic fluid, and other petroleum or hydrocarbon-based liquids. It will not effectively absorb water-based fluids, coolants, or non-petroleum chemicals.

Q: What is the pad size?
A: 17 in. × 19 in. Sold individually (1 pad). For higher-volume use, the 3M-28991 100-pack offers better cost-per-pad value.

Q: How do I dispose of a used petroleum sorbent pad?
A: Oil-saturated sorbent pads are typically classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal hazardous waste regulations. Do not dispose of in regular trash, overboard, or in marina dumpsters without confirming local requirements. Many marinas have used oil absorbent pad collection points.

Q: Can I reuse the pad after it is saturated?
A: No — once saturated, the pad has exhausted its absorption capacity. Attempting to wring and reuse risks petroleum contact and does not meaningfully restore capacity. Replace with a fresh pad.